Jig saw recommendations?

[964haus]

Looking for a jig saw to cut 3/4" ply and stuff like that. I'm not a heavy woodworker but I'd like to get something to last a while - AND be not expensive.....
Any preferred brands? Things to look for? Stay away from?

Thanks all,
Matthew.

 

[GrantCee]

For corded jig saws, Bosch used to be the standard by which all others were judged. Don't know how they are today, but that's where I'd suggest starting.

Personally, I went cordless (Makita) and haven't looked back. Not having a cord get in the way on a complex cut is a godsend.

Regardless of the power source, I'm a huge fan of the barrel-grip models. They're much easier to handle when doing precise work.

 

[LOW1]

I have a corded bosch and a corded makita and like them both but the bosch is slightly smoother to operate.

 

[MoonRise]

Look here on GJ for previous discussions/questions about jigsaws. Use the search, or use a google search and have it only look here at GJ.

Or just use google or whatever search engine you want.

Short answer: Bosch.

Longer answer: Bosch. 1590/1591 if you can find one of those older (best?) jigsaws. New, look at the JS470E or 470EB, or the JS572EK or 572EBK.

 

[Paul_The_Builder]

Whatever you go with, try to get one that has an available dust collection setup with it. Once you use a jigsaw with a dust collector, you'll never want to use one without. Not only does it **** up most of the sawdust for a less-dusty shop, it also keeps sawdust out of the front of the blade so you can actually see where you're cutting.

I also prefer cordless jigsaws if you're already invested in a good battery ecosystem.

I second the Bosch barrel-grip recommendation for a corded jigsaw.

 

[lardy1]

Bosch.

 

[Qualitytools]

Bosch!

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Or, go with Bosch!

 

[loganb]

another vote for the bosch, i have the barrel grip one

Sent from The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[pelletman]

Love my Bosch

 

[acer66]

Did I hear Bosch?

 

[NoahG]

But really, get a Bosch, and buy Bosch blades. you won't regret it.

 

[M6erfan]

Thanks to recommendations here on GJ, I bought a Bosch JS572EK about 3 1/2 years ago. It's a very good saw and although I don't use it a ton, it has done everything I've asked of it with no complaints. I've only used Bosch blades and they're high quality.

Bonus, it's on sale at a good price & less expensive now than when I bough mine...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D4R1LRG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Jack Olsen]

I've got a Bosch. I like it a lot.

 

[KnurledNut]

IME...
Corded: Bosch
Cordless: Makita

 

[Trapps]

#opinions ahead

Another Bosch Jigsaw fan. I have 2, with and without tail. More here:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=416481&highlight=jigsaw,+bosch

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have an 18V DeWalt and it's what I use most of the time. My corded one is a _____ but I've had it for a long time, just don't use it much.

 

[964haus]

Hard to tell, but I'm getting a vibe that a Bosch jig saw is the way to go....

Thanks all for your advice - I really do rely on it as I'm getting my garage in order. I see a few Bosch on craigslist locally, so may give that a try.

I'll post pics of what I want it for once the project is done

Thanks!!

Matthew

 

[engineer2]

Careful of the newer Makita cordless jigsaws. They have a power button you have to press to turn it on before you can use it. Users find it to be annoying because it shuts down soon after you release the trigger. The older ones, just pull the trigger and go. Looks like they have safety lawyers helping with product design.

 

[motoretro]

I have the new JS572EBK barrel handle Bosch, decent although the last gen 1590 series was considerably better. Thing is, if you can't find a 1590 series used for good price, the JS572 is pricey. I think the Makita 6.3 Amp Barrel is worth looking at, Reviews say great tool for the price.

*I used my Bosch yesterday for a unique out of position trim job, Pros, smooth and accurate, good working light, Cons, having the on/off switch on just one side proved to be real pain and dust blower is useless. I feel a finger actuated trigger would allow true variable speed, easy access wherever your hand is placed on the tool.

While the barrel handled Makita has less power at 6.3 amps., my experience with Makita is they make a very solid tool, worth anyone's consideration.

 

[jshillin]

Yeah, Bosch makes some great jigsaws. I mostly used Milwaukee and Dewalt, but when I used my uncles Bosch it was a much nicer tool. If I used one more often, I'd definitely upgrade.

 

[Gummi Bear]

I go in halves with my dad on a lot of tools. Neither of us uses them often enough to justify owning duplicates, plus, we can upgrade to better stuff. We’ve bought several things: miter saw, jigsaw, nailgun, etc.

I have a DeWalt jigsaw. It is pretty classic. Looks like the 331 (it’s over at pop’s house right now, or I’d get the part number). We bought it when remodeling my house back in 01. It’s still going strong. Cuts accurately, variable speed, easy to swap blades.

I really like the Bosch JS470E after playing with it at a tool demo day. If I ever upgrade, that’s the one I really like.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[Kscardsfan]

Bosch. Your choice on a top handle or a barrel grip. Spend the money. You won’t be disappointed.

 

[afazz]

I will add to the Bosch recommendations. I previously had a DeWalt corded and the Bosch corded is better in every way.

 

[Hytekrednek]

Get a Festool! Just kidding. I have 2 bosch, one corder and one cordless. LOVE them!

 

[Hytekrednek]

Festool = Fe stool Fe for iron, stool for ****/dung = IRON SH*T

I have one of their tools. It is ok, but way overpriced.

BOSCH is huge bang for buck

 

[Den69rs96]

Years back when I bought my jig saw, I wanted a Bosch but ended up getting a DeWalt because it was in stock and at a price I was willing to pay. I don't use one that often, but I wanted decent saw. The DeWalt is a good tool, but in my opinion the Bosch is a better tool.

 

[cmandp]

Thanks to recommendations here on GJ, I bought a Bosch JS572EK about 3 1/2 years ago. It's a very good saw and although I don't use it a ton, it has done everything I've asked of it with no complaints. I've only used Bosch blades and they're high quality.

Bonus, it's on sale at a good price & less expensive now than when I bough mine...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D4R1LRG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The Bosch M6erfan linked to is about the ultimate jigsaw. The gold lower blade guide is the secret.

I got the cheaper JS470E that doesn't have the lower blade guide but it's still a good jigsaw.

 

[exmaxima1]

The Bosch M6erfan linked to is about the ultimate jigsaw. The gold lower blade guide is the secret.

$200 is alot for a new corded jigsaw. I think I'll be keeping my 1590 for a long time...

 

[RTM]

I have a newer Bosch, and bought an older one used which is a bit of a PITA to change the blade, but both cut great. Both are corded.

 

[kailor]

Bosch

 

[jonshonda]

The Bosch M6erfan linked to is about the ultimate jigsaw. The gold lower blade guide is the secret.

I got the cheaper JS470E that doesn't have the lower blade guide but it's still a good jigsaw.

I had found a like new JS470 on FB for peanuts. Then Amazon was having a fire sale on the JS572 so I just had to compare the two. I can vouche for the fact that the DUAL blade guides on the 572 (which is what the older highly praised bosch jigsaws all came with) improves contour cuts a lot on thicker material.

I now own the 572, and although I don't use it often, I cannot blame the tool for f#cked up cuts!

 

[neophyte]

Bosch makes different quality level jigsaws.
If you want “The Bosch”, you want the higher end version, or one of the older Swiss or USA made versions.

 

[M6erfan]

$200 is alot for a new corded jigsaw. I think I'll be keeping my 1590 for a long time...

$169 shipped (currently, on sale).

I looked for good used 1590's but they go for almost the same money (avg. around $130 usually) and who knows what gremlins one might be inheriting going used. I didn't have a lot of time to wait for a NOS deal.

At $169 that 572 is a damn good value, IMO.

 

[Monte]

There are a couple of companies who produce good jig saws: for example Bosch, as well as Bosch and Bosch.

 

[964haus]

Bosch JS572EK.

$431.00 CDN.

Yikes!

 

[GrantCee]

IME...
Corded: Bosch
Cordless: Makita

I'll agree with that assessment. Having owned and used both, the Makita cordless is surprisingly good even compared next to the Bosch.

My only gripe is that their barrel-grip version came out just after I bought the top-handle model (isn't that the way it always happens?) Having the Bosch barrel-grip and the Makita top-handle taught me I much prefer the former.

(And never, ever, even think about a Ryobi cordless jigsaw. Just don't. Trust me on this. )

 

[exmaxima1]

I looked for good used 1590's but they go for almost the same money (avg. around $130 usually) and who knows what gremlins one might be inheriting going used. I didn't have a lot of time to wait for a NOS deal.

Don't know where you reside, but in the Chicago area you can get a Bosch 1590 pretty routinely for $50 or less. This one has been posted for 4 months, so it would very likely sell for $40-50:

https://offerup.com/item/detail/892571363/

 

[cmandp]

$200 is alot for a new corded jigsaw. I think I'll be keeping my 1590 for a long time...

You're right, it is. I couldn't justify the money for a new JS572 and I wasn't finding a 1590 used for much less quickly. So I bought the 470.

And if your 1590 has a lower blade guide I would put it in the category of ultimate jig saw.

 

[Lodi781]

I have a Bosch corded and love the thing. My old man had a craftsman that was the cats *** until it died 30 years after he bought it. So that’s really the only thing I can compare it to but I love the Bosch. How its balanced, the handle, the power. I don’t think you’ll go wrong with it, but if you could try out some of your friends Jigsaws that may help you with the decision.