Worx WX550 review: when a jigsaw meets a saber saw

Out of the box, the Worx WX550 comes in the form of a jigsaw with a yoke handle. It benefits from very satisfactory finishes. No play is apparent between the various elements, even at the level of the hinge which allows to pass from the jigsaw position to the saber position. The handle offers good grip thanks to the presence of a grip. On the other hand, the design of the tool does not allow a very practical place for the second hand. This can be a problem when high precision is desired, especially for curved cutting.

To activate the movement of the blade, you have to press a first switch, then the trigger. This provides security by preventing unwanted pressure on the latter. However, it is still recommended to remove the battery each time you want to handle the blade, knowing that the protections around it are brief. A simple piece of metal protects the front of the blade and a plastic cover, like other machines offer, would have been welcome. Doubtless the dual use of the WX550 has made the implementation of this device more complex.

It is necessary to keep the trigger pressed to operate the saw. The variator it contains offers a correct precision, although we appreciate more the speed control systems apart. Long cutting sessions or cuts that require not to go too fast will be more difficult. The design of the grip suggests that a left-hander will be able to use the WX550 as well as a right-hander. However, when the left hand activates the trigger, the position of the right hand is hazardous and often obstructs the engine ventilation outlet.

Like most jigsaws on the market, the Worx WX550 offers tool-less blade attachment. Nonetheless, the machine sets itself apart by accommodating T-shank jigsaw blades, as well as saber saw blades. This peculiarity slightly complicates the insertion of the former, which often has to be well positioned in the clip so that they remain in the axis. Once properly placed, the blades are perfectly maintained. Another special feature is that the WX550 does not have a guide wheel that keeps the blade in position. This results in a loss of precision during some demanding cuts and in hardwoods.

Always in the jigsaw position, the Worx machine benefits from a blower which clears the debris around the blade and always leaves a possible cut line perfectly visible. In addition, there is an LED which illuminates the cutting area effectively. Too bad, on the other hand, that the WX550 does not offer a more precise splinter guard or cutting guide. The evacuation of dust by suction is not on the program either.

The metal sole of the WX550 is logically separated into two parts to leave free the front when switching to saber mode. It is then advisable to use the plastic sole (supplied) to unify the whole and to prevent an element coming to disturb the sliding of the tool. This plastic sole is rudimentary, because it does not provide support for any parallel guide and its maintenance, already limited to new condition, leaves something to be feared for the following months because of wear. Note that the WX550 does not allow cutting by changing the angle of the blade.

To switch from the jigsaw position to the saber saw position, simply remove the plastic sole, then press the large red button releasing the hinge. It is then necessary to raise the anterior part until it locks. Switching the other way around is just as easy.

In saber mode, the tool approaches classic models. The hand that holds the handle and actuates the trigger remains perfectly fine, whether it is the right or the left. On the other hand, the second hand is still very badly received. The WX550 does not provide enough surface to hold it properly, especially if you are left-handed. Again, the right hand is inexorably found on the ventilation outlet. This insecure grip hardly makes you want to embark on too heavy work.

Still in the saber saw position, we regret that the sole remains fixed and cannot adapt to the material being cut. Sometimes the support will be good, sometimes it will be less. The stress is generally discovered at the fateful moment of cutting.

However, we appreciate being able to switch from one mode to another so easily. The WX550 opens the doors to a certain versatility. The position of the motor and the width it occupies, however, make the tool less manoeuvrable. It will be less convenient to go through some tight spaces than with a conventional reciprocating saw.

Despite its apparent bulk, the Worx WX550 is among the lightest in our comparison of jigsaws. It was weighed at 1.6 kg without battery and 1.98 kg with a 2 Ah battery. The lightness is an advantage especially in saber mode since the jigsaw position often leads us to work flat, the tool resting on the material to be cut.

The Worx WX550.1 comes with two 2 Ah Li-ion batteries. These are not exactly the same as those found with the WX354.1 drill driver. Indeed, those which accompany the saw do not have led indicating their level of charge. There is then no way to easily know the latter.

In the jigsaw position, Worx advances 3000 strokes / min for a blade stroke of 20 mm. This allows the WX550 to promise to cut in 50mm of wood, which is not enough compared to a competition which sometimes claims more than double.

For cutting melamine and plywood panels, the WX550 does honest work without being a queen of precision. The unique pendulum position saves speed, by imitating the movement of a hand saw. However, the quality of the cut drops and the chips are more numerous. The lack of a blade guide wheel makes curved cuts with a suitable blade rather imprecise. You will have to go slowly in hardwoods, all the force being reflected only at the attachment of the blade. The pendulum movement is welcome for slicing oak to 27mm thickness. As stated above, it is impossible to make angular cuts in the absence of adjustment of the orientation of the sole.

If Worx promises up to 50mm cutting in wood, we have managed to cut oak to a thickness of 54mm. The use of the pendulum function is here almost essential to maintain a good cutting rhythm. It would be better not to rub too much at too great thicknesses, unless you have the possibility of sawing from the back of the surface to avoid splinters.

In the saber saw position, the WX550 boasts cuts in 100mm thick wood. A difference which is partly due to the way the blade attacks the wood in saber mode, as well as the size and the gripping system of the blade. However, these 10 cms are not impressive for a saber saw. A model such as the WX508 from the same brand promises 170mm, for example.

The saber position offers a better ability to cut rafters or battens. It would be better to settle for soft wood such as fir. Oak rafters can also be cut, but it takes a little more patience and energy. The sizes of green wood are also possible as long as the sections do not exceed 7 or 8 cm in diameter.