Variable speed important on a jig saw?

[marlinspike]

Is variable speed an important feature to look for when buying a jig saw? Two mostly identical tools, variable speed is the primary difference (that and pistol grip) adds about $80, doesn't seem worth it to me, but maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Gasgt1]

I always want variable speed in jig saws.
Different materials, thickness and straight vs curves all will call for different speeds.

 

[bcradio]

I always want variable speed in jig saws.
Different materials, thickness and straight vs curves all will call for different speeds.

Exactly this.

it is important if you want a general use jigsaw.

 

[jakemac]

+3
If you're only rough cutting wood products, then variable speed won't matter. But if you're making fine detail cuts in a variety of materials and thicknesses, then you will need variable speeds to get clean cuts on the line.

 

[Zeke]

You'd be surprised about what you can do at very slow speeds. Very slow, like your were hand sawing. You can sneak up to a line in small fractions. Plus, metals like slow speeds. Just fast enough to keep the blade from hanging up.

 

[CoogarXR]

Yep. I can't imagine a jig saw that runs full-throttle all the time. It's generally a precision tool, so you want as much control as possible.

Another option you might not think you'd need is the knob on top that rotates the blade. I have used this on several occasions where the saw body is up against an obstruction, and you need to make a turn but there's no room to turn the whole saw. Just turn the knob! Handy'r n'hell.

 

[dodge610]

+4 just what the other gentlemen said vriable speed is a must on different materials and the pistol grip helps with the control of the cut.

 

[dodge610]

Yep. I can't imagine a jug saw that runs full-throttle all the time. It's generally a precision tool, so you want as much control as possible.

Another option you might not think you'd need is the knob on top that rotates the blade. I have used this on several occasions where the saw body is up against an obstruction, and you need to make a turn but there's no room to turn the whole saw. Just turn the knob! Handy'r n'hell.

The old school craftsman had those knobs I still have my dads. His was craftsmans best back then still runs and works like new.

 

[jakemac]

+4 just what the other gentlemen said vriable speed is a must on different materials and the pistol grip helps with the control of the cut.

I still prefer the old barrel grip Bosch model for control.

 

[McFarmer]

Yes, you will do most of your work at a speed less than flat out fast.

 

[ssdave]

Variable speed is a necessity for any useful work out of a jigsaw. You can vary to match the material and thickness, you can vary to stop a harmonic that vibrates your workpiece, you can adjust so the blade doesn't get too hot, etc. Without variable speed, you won't find the saw to be very useful, as it will only work on those jobs that are suited for the single speed your saw runs at.

 

[dodge610]

I still prefer the old barrel grip Bosch model for control.

Clue me in Jake barrel grip?

 

[Off-Street Parking]

for variable speed.

 

[jakemac]

clue me in jake barrel grip?

 

[rlitman]

I still prefer the old barrel grip Bosch model for control.

+1 for barrel grip.

Variable speed is important, but it doesn't need to be a variable speed trigger. Barrel grip saws are just fine with a variable speed knob somewhere.

 

[marlinspike]

Amazed that such an important feature wasn't on a well reviewed tool, I looked again. The cheaper one is variable, just only in the trigger (i.e. you can't set the speed, you control the speed by the trigger). Still a big deal?

 

[CoogarXR]

Mine is variable by the trigger, and that works fine for me. I would think it would be better than setting a speed, pulling the trigger, "nah, too fast", setting the speed, "nah, too slow", etc. I would think the only benefit of a speed dial would be to set it and lock the trigger for long specific-speed jobs. Mine locks, but only at full speed. I rarely use the trigger lock function anyway.

 

[Off-Street Parking]

Mine is variable by the trigger, and that works fine for me. I would think it would be better than setting a speed, pulling the trigger, "nah, too fast", setting the speed, "nah, too slow", etc.

I'll second this.

Variable speed on the trigger is incredibly handy when you are sawing away and your work piece starts resonating. It's also great to be able to slow down at the end of a cut to keep the material from tearing out.

 

[bcradio]

Mine is variable by the trigger, and that works fine for me. I would think it would be better than setting a speed, pulling the trigger, "nah, too fast", setting the speed, "nah, too slow", etc. I would think the only benefit of a speed dial would be to set it and lock the trigger for long specific-speed jobs. Mine locks, but only at full speed. I rarely use the trigger lock function anyway.

Ideally you want both. Variable dial sets your maximum speed. You don't want to accidentally slip on the trigger when you are trying to hold it down 3/8ths of the way and ruin your $50 board you bought.