The Black & Decker JS660 Jig Saw with Smart Select is a corded offering aimed at the home market. Black & Decker are hoping that its integrated SmartSelect technology will help differentiate it in a crowded market.
You can always rely on Black & Decker when you’re looking for budget power tools. The Black and Decker JS660 jig saw won’t disappoint. At a price that will keep you smiling (around $30 online) and under budget this saw will get that home improvement sorted out in no time.
The JS660 accepts both U and T shank blade types and like most decent jog saws can cut through wood, metal, and plastic with both straight and curved cuts. Vibration wasn’t excessive and the powerful motor cut through 1/2″ pine wood no problem.
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Specifications:
Let’s start with the basics and see how it stacks up.
- Size: 13.1 x 4.9 x 9.7 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Blade speed: 800 – 3,000 spm
- Blade stroke length: 3/4-inch stroke length
- Motor: 5 Amp
Features:
- SmartSelect technology automatically sets the jigsaw to optimize any cutting application
- Powerful 5 Amp motor
- Tool-free blade changes
- Integrated saw dust blower
- Variable speed dial provides seven speed settings (800 to 3,000 rpm)
- Accu-Bevel lever delivers quicker, more accurate bevel angle adjustments 0, 15, 30, 45 degrees
- Onboard blade storage
Like most modern jig saws, unless you’re buying from the bottom end of the scale, you can change out the cutting blade quickly without the need for extra tools using the front locking mechanism.
If you need to make bevel cuts then you can adjust the angle with ease and again without any tools. A release lever on the left side of the jigsaw allows you to rotate the bottom guide plate to common angles between 0 and 45 degrees easily.
This is a variable speed unit but you can use the SmartSelect dial to select an appropriate setting with ease.
There is even a place to store your spare blades. Just pull down the plastic compartment with the Black & Decker sticker on it (on the left hand side of the machine) and you’ll find a storage compartment.
What is Smart Select?
For those not familiar with using a jig saw SmartSelect aims to take some of the guesswork out of choosing the correct speed for cutting any particular surface. The seven settings are represented by graphics that show different products that you are likely to want to cut such as wooden planks, laminate flooring, PVC piping and steel plate. Selecting the correct substance will change the speed that the jigsaw operates at making cutting easier and more controllable.
Most of the pictures are self explanatory, but if you haven’t done much woodworking before then a few of them may be a little confusing,
Of course you’ll need to have the correct blade installed first.
Who’s this Jigsaw for?
Aimed at the home market, the JS660 is more than capable of helping out on small jobs around the home. It is from a reliable brand and the Smart Select function is aimed to make setting up the jig saw quick and simple for those who rarely use this type of device.
The Good:
- Powerful 5 amp motor
- Cheap and reliable.
- Smart Select can help in choosing the correct speed for the particular job
- Has a handy compartment for storing blades
- Comfortable grip
The Bad:
- Some people may find the Smart Select images a little confusing
- Only comes with a single blade
- No built-in light
- The “accu-bevel” is not the most accurate
What will you find in the box?
As this is a corded jigsaw you won’t find much. Just the Black & Decker JS660 jig saw and a single blade. It always pays to carry a few spare blades around so you might want to pick up a set of assorted blades such as the Black & Decker 75-626 24-Pack which features metal and wood blades ready to tackle most jobs.
No case is provided but the blades can be stored in a small compartment on the side of the jig saw.
Although this jigsaw comes with a T shank blade (for cutting wood) it is also able to accept the U shanks as well.
The Bottom Line:
A mid-low priced jigsaw that’s great for small projects. The auto select function takes some of the guess work out of setting up the jigsaw but some may find it a little gimmiky. If you’re looking to do some heavy duty cutting then you may need to look for a more robust professional model.
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Our Verdict
A versatile budget jig saw for the home enthusiast. Great on small jobs around the home but it sometimes seems that the smart sense function has little impact on the saws cutting ability.
