Black&Decker KS801SE

Good jigsaw from a reputable company

The Black&Decker KS801SE is a solid, well-made, and decently spec electric jigsaw from the DIY segment. The power of its engine is 550 W, and the frequency of sawing strokes reaches 3000 strokes / min. According to the data specified in the instruction manual, the jigsaw can cut wood blanks up to 80 mm thick (when working on aluminium, the cutting depth is limited to 15 mm, when sawing steel - 5 mm). The case is molded from high-quality, pleasant to the touch plastic and is abundantly covered with soft rubber pads, which partially absorb vibrations that affect the hands.

The sole, although stamped, is made of fairly thick steel. Therefore, it does not bend or deform during operation. The base can tilt left and right at fixed angles of 22.5° and 45°. A plastic liner is built into the front of the sole. It has two functions. Firstly, due to the fact that this part is made of transparent plastic, you can clearly see the cut line through it and guide the saw exactly along the intended path. Secondly, it performs the function of an anti-splinter insert - it does not allow the toothed blade, when it moves up, to “raise the wool” - that is, to make chips and scuffs (this is especially important when sawing laminate, chipboard or other materials with a thin delicate coating).

Easier to work

The main "feature" of the Black & Decker KS801SE jigsaw is the Auto Select switch - an original system for selecting the speed of the saw blade and the intensity of the pendulum stroke. On the regulator disk, images are applied that indicate certain materials (metal, plastic and wood). The user only needs to turn the disk to a certain position - and the jigsaw itself will choose the optimal speed mode and the most appropriate "aggressiveness" of the pendulum. Another important detail in terms of ease of operation is the quick clamping mechanism for fastening saw blades. It allows you to install and remove files without keys, using only a small lever. Moreover, the design of the fixing unit makes it possible to use files with different types of shanks (T-shaped and U-shaped). Next to the saw unit there is also a button for switching the sawdust blowing modes: forward (for blowing chips from the cutting line) or backward (through a pipe built into the body, to which the vacuum cleaner is connected).

A great candidate for your first jigsaw

The Black&Decker KS801SE jigsaw is the best solution for those who occasionally work with plywood, furniture boards and thin boards as a hobby. Thanks to the Auto Select system, both beginners who have not previously had experience using electric jigsaws and housewives who help children with crafts for labor lessons will cope with it. However, for experienced craftsmen, this system is rather a disadvantage, because it does not make it possible to adjust the frequency of strokes and the settings of the pendulum stroke separately. But it is quite possible to close your eyes to this if you need a jigsaw for the home, and not for a professional carpentry workshop.