Inexpensive Jig Saw Recommendations

[mikeatrpi]

I have a limited budget and am looking for a jigsaw for household projects. Can someone recommend or comment on these two saws?

Lowes has this Black and Decker model with stellar reviews for $40:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_295343-79992-JS660++1_0__#BVRRWidgetID

Sears has Evolv for $30:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-1743...p-00917434000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

I need to cut some 3/4" oak boards, which is my immediate need. I'm not much of a wood worker - I tend to do more mechanical or metal work.

 

[signcrafter]

I don't have experience with either one of them but the craftsman power tools haven't been decent for years so I can just imaging the quality of the evolve power tools. Think I would take my chances with the b and d out of those two.

What kind of cuts are you wanting to do in oak? Jig saws are pretty much only good for curved or non straight cuts.

 

[cburnscrx]

I am interested to see what people say about this. I have been "looking", for one for my travel bag. By looking I mean...I should get one, but haven't actively looked in awhile. I've looked used, but some of them are too far gone, and the new ones haven't been in the price range I was looking at. I will say, whatever you do, make sure it's an orbital jig saw, as the non orbital saws are just too slow imo. You'll also be surprised how straight a cut you can get using a jig saw with a level and some clamps.

*I use a DeWalt corded and 18v at home, love them both.

 

[psychob0b1977]

I bought a skil brand one with a laser sight that takes all blades at Wal-Mart. It only cost 50 bucks and I can't say enough good things about it. The laser sight is very handy and accurate. It also does not use separate batteries like some other brands. I highly recommend it.

 

[mikeatrpi]

SignCrafter, I'm planning to do curved cuts. I was trying to do them on my Jet 5x6 metal cutting bandsaw, but the sawdust gunked up the bearings due to the cutting oils that were left. I also couldn't get the turn radius quite as tight.

Are either of these two orbital?

 

[cburnscrx]

What kind of cuts are you wanting to do in oak? Jig saws are pretty much only good for curved or non straight cuts.

While I would certainly use my table saw, or even my circular saw for cutting 4x8 sheets of plywood, it can certainly be done with a jig saw in a pinch. Just clamp a level (or true straight edge), and use that as the guide. I built an entire set of bookshelves using nothing but a jig saw.

If I were buying 1 saw, it would be the jig saw. You can cut a straight line with a jig saw, but it's awful tough to cut a circle the size of your fist with a circular saw.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Check out your locla pawn shops.

Mine always has at least one nice Made in USA Porter Cable pro or a good Milwaukee or Bosch.

Check out your local flea mkts too.

I picked up a Black and Decker Professional VS jig saw for $10 that is 6Amp 3100rpms.

They tend to be a tool that is not overly abused and reatively lightly used.

If new, I;d buy one of the Bosch units at the lower $100 price point or move up to the one going for $160 or so.

The good ones tend to last a long long time including my 90's purchased Bosch barrel and top grip units.
Built like tanks.

 

[mikeatrpi]

bob, here's a $50 Skil brand with laser. Is this the one you have?
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

 

[cburnscrx]

SignCrafter, I'm planning to do curved cuts. I was trying to do them on my Jet 5x6 metal cutting bandsaw, but the sawdust gunked up the bearings due to the cutting oils that were left. I also couldn't get the turn radius quite as tight.

Are either of these two orbital?

They're both orbital.

 

[psychob0b1977]

bob, here's a $50 Skil brand with laser. Is this the one you have?
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

Yup, that's the one! I have used it to cut out "characters" for my son's bed room walls out of plywood. As well as cutting out a hole for an old work box in osb. As well as countless other tasks. I find that this unit has done everything I asked of it so far. With the laser guide I was able to square cut a few 2x4s with no straight edge, just a couple pencil marks!

I got mine at Wal-Mart because I had a gift card to use up. And needed a jig saw for a project.

 

[mikeatrpi]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll check out a few of these in person tonight after work.

 

[kmacht]

I bought that black and decker one for my dad when his old one broke last year. It works pretty well for the price point. I love the Bosch one I have but it cost me about 3x as much.

Keith

 

[liliysdad]

I have a Hitachi that I bought from Big Sky Tool as a reconditioned unit, for less than a hundred bucks. Its a very nice saw, and cant really see spending less, or needing to spend more.

 

[2mJps]

I would find a high end used one. I have had several cheaper one over the years and one day got a used dewalt at a pawn shop. It is night and day diffrents from the cheap ones.

 

[ilovevocs]

I have an older model of the black and decker. I want to say that mine was about $25.00 and it doesn't have that odd space ship looking feature on the side. It has a cheap feel but works just fine in my home shop. I'm only do wood work when I have to or to supplement my metal work. I have built several bucks with it and before i acquired more purpose driven tools, I have been known to trim sheet aluminum with it from time to time.

 

[92GreenYJ]

I had the black and decker, or rather my Mom did. Too damn light. It vibrated like crazy when cutting. Recently bought a Dewalt at HD on last years Black Friday sale and the difference is night and day. The Dewalt has some good weight to it and really soaks up the vibes from cutting.