CRAFTSMAN 6A Corded Variable-Speed Jig Saw (CMES612) review

The CRAFTSMAN CMES612 is a 6A corded jigsaw with a variable-speed trigger listed from 0 to 3,200 SPM, four cutting-action settings and a shoe that bevels up to 45 degrees. The exact US page lists one wood blade and one Allen key in the package. Its model manual documents a separate seven-position maximum-speed dial alongside the trigger. This assessment uses those primary sources; it does not claim hands-on use, measured cuts or ownership.

A different corded saw from the CMES610

CMES612 and CMES610 appear as separate models in CRAFTSMAN's current jigsaw category. The CMES612 page names a 6A model, while the CMES610 page names a 5A model. Their speed controls also differ. CMES612 has a trigger and a dial that sets the maximum stroke rate at one of seven positions. CRAFTSMAN's page gives the saw's overall trigger range, but the manual does not publish an exact SPM number for each dial position. CMES610's manual instead says speed follows trigger travel and does not identify a separate speed ceiling dial.

That distinction is more useful than treating an amp or top-speed number as a performance score. The source pages do not establish which saw cuts faster, stays straighter, vibrates less or lasts longer. They also do not establish interchangeable blade clamps. CMES610's exact page explicitly names T- and U-shank support; the CMES612 page and its linked manual do not name either blade family. That is an important unknown for someone with a fixed blade inventory.

Understand the trigger, dial and orbital selector

CRAFTSMAN lists a 0–3,200 SPM trigger range. In the manual, trigger pressure controls speed while the separate maximum-speed dial has positions 1 through 7. The documentation does not map those seven settings to numeric SPM values, so the advertised maximum should not be read as the speed available at each dial position. Set the dial according to the manual and use a suitable blade for the stock; the sources do not give a tested cut-rate comparison.

The other selector has four cutting positions: 0 is straight action and positions 1–3 add progressively stronger orbital motion. The manual describes orbital action as more aggressive and intended for softer material such as wood or plastic, with a potentially less smooth cut. It also says hardwood and metal should not be cut in orbital mode. For hardwood or metal, the evidence-backed plan is straight action. This matters when interpreting the four-position feature: the extra settings are not universal choices for every workpiece.

The manual's metal instructions call for an appropriate metal blade and careful setup, including additional precautions for thin stock and aluminum. Those instructions support a narrow soft-metal tag in straight mode; they do not make this a hard-metal, cast-iron or ceramic recommendation. The product page does not specify a maximum cut depth, and the model manual does not state a numeric cutting-capacity table. Thickness limits should not be guessed from the 6A rating or borrowed from the CMES610.

Bevel shoe and package checks

The CMES612 manual says its shoe can bevel left or right up to 45 degrees. Its adjustment procedure uses a hex wrench at the clamping screw. The exact package page includes an Allen key, but does not state its size or explicitly connect that included key to the shoe adjustment. Check that it fits before relying on it. The manual does not publish a bevel detent schedule, so the maximum angle alone does not prove particular intermediate stops.

CRAFTSMAN lists the saw, one wood blade and an Allen key; it also states a three-year limited warranty. The page's assembled-weight field is 6.0 pounds, which is a manufacturer-published figure, not an independent measurement. Neither the included blade's shank nor the saw's compatible blade families are stated in the checked primary sources. A picture of the saw or the blade-holder mechanism is not sufficient evidence to identify a T- or U-shank interface.

Dust and other unanswered fit details

The exact product-page specification marks dust collection as unavailable, and the linked manual does not document a cutline blower, vacuum adapter or supported external-extraction setup. The fact record therefore does not match a request for either a built-in blower or a vacuum connection. If a dust route is necessary, request model-specific confirmation rather than assuming a hose or accessory will fit.

The CMES612 sources also omit a numeric stroke length and a material-specific maximum depth. The manual's seven dial positions have no per-setting speed chart, and the exact blade shank is unresolved. Those gaps should be checked against the exact saw/manual and seller's included-items list before purchase. The page gives no evidence about battery needs because this is a corded tool, and it does not make the CMES612 a substitute for a cordless-platform saw.

Who should compare this model?

CMES612 merits a closer look if a corded 6A saw, top-handle grip, trigger-plus-dial speed control, four action settings and an up-to-45-degree shoe suit the work. It offers a more explicit speed ceiling control than the CMES610 sources document, but CRAFTSMAN's evidence does not support a claim of better cut quality or productivity. If you need T/U-shank confirmation, a material thickness limit, a numeric speed for each dial setting or dust extraction, the checked page/manual do not answer those questions.

Before comparing prices or offers, confirm the exact CMES612 model, that the listed wood blade and Allen key are in the seller's package, the blade shank you need, and that the manual's safety limits fit your material. No current price, inventory, rating, customer experience or test result is claimed here.

Primary-source notes

• CRAFTSMAN CMES612 exact US product page
• CRAFTSMAN CMES612 N646795 instruction manual
• CRAFTSMAN CMES610 exact US product page for the control/interface comparison