Jig saws - cordless versus cordless?

[garandman]

Gotta buy a new jig saw. I see cordless models of up to 20V are available and popular - and kinda pricy.

Seems like the corded ones would be more powerful and not a big inconvenience. But they are priced $35 to $150. I want a solid homeowner model.

 

[hangfirew8]

I somehow make do with a 5 year old corded Bosch while others can't wait to replace theirs with a battery powered saw. The jig saw is one of the most used power tools in my shop, if I needed it to be cordless it would have happened by now.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I got a 7 year old $30 black and decker jig saw and it works fine, they were making the same one for a solid 7 years until just recently to update them to the more recent black and Decker styling.

 

[acer66]

Bosch corded would have my vote.

 

[neophyte]

Most cordless jigsaws aren't made to the same standards as the corded models from the same brand.

Out of the current models available I think the Festool Carvex may be the only current jigsaw were the cordless version uses the same gear housing and "front end" as on their cordless version. I think for the European market Milwaukee may as well on a couple jigsaw models.

Most brands use a lighter weight construction for their cordless jigsaw models.

The current top of the line Bosch jigsaws are the JS572 models. They run about $250.
If this is more than you want to spend, try looking for a "lightly used" Bosch jigsaw on Ebay or Craigslist. The former top models from Bosch were the 1590 and 1591. Both were highly regarded, the difference being top handle or barrel grip. The better Bosch models before these were the 1587 and 1582. You can probably find these for close to your low price range.

 

[TomB19]

I really like the convenience of the Milwaukee M18 jigsaw. The cordless jig saw and cordless circular saw make job site carpentry pretty nice.

It's too bad the Milwaukee M18 jigsaw has a terrible blade holder that doesn't hold the blade properly. They're all like that, it's not just a bad copy of the saw. That would have been a deal killer, had I known about it. The rest of the saw seems to be built pretty well, though.

Not having a headlight is a bigger problem than I thought it would be. The way the blade is tucked under the body of the saw, it's tough to see in all but the best light.

The light would be more necessary if the saw would cut straight and you could follow a line. With the crooked blade holder, accuracy is a problem. Perhaps that's why Milwaukee don't feel a light is necessary. lol!

So... I don't recommend the Milwaukee M18 jigsaw but the idea is great, if you use the tool much, particularly if you use it on a job site.

 

[Stuey]

Corded.

A good corded jigsaw will last you years and years. A cordless one will eventually need a new battery.

For daily or regular use, you might benefit from cordless. But for DIY/homeowner use, corded will stand test of time better.

 

[Wamsutta]

Get the corded Bosch barrel grip model; the one made in Switzerland.

 

[txvwnut]

I bought a Dewalt corded jigsaw at a pawnshop ten years ago and it's been trouble free and cut everything I put under it. I think this was brand new when I got as it didn't have any wear marks on it. I too have thought about a cordless one but really can't justify it as the corded is just too good.

 

[DonPowers]

I have the Bosch barrel grip corded, great saw.

My thinking regarding whether or not to go with a cord or cordless depends on your intended use and frequency of use. Mine is used primarily in the shop or sometimes in the house where outlets are plentiful. I have yet to need the saw in an area where power is a problem.

Then there is the question of batteries, obsolescence and replacement cost. I currently have three cordless drills with three different battery types. Each successive one bought because it was more economical to buy the new tool than purchase two replacement batteries for the older tool. The corded tools can sit in a cabinet for months or even years and are always ready to go when needed.

 

[Kracin]

Been doing a lot of laminate flooring in the house. And running between the inside and outside making cuts and adjustment cuts with my circular saw, and jig saw using various jigs to hold the boards. After running in and out a ton I bet you can guess that I was using all cordless, milwaukee m18, I have a nice corded jigsaw, but the cord was getting in the way and getting annoying with all the moving and cutting I had to do.

I wont use the corded unless I really have to, did two whole rooms and never needed to charge

 

[goodysgotacuda]

I almost go out of my way to own as many corded tools as possible. There are very few things that I need cordless to use effectively. To me, it's one more thing I have to worry about.

Batteries freeze in the garage during the Winter, 120° in the Summer, get run down and left for days...I rather just plug it in and go. Even the "good" cordless tools I've owned have a great life of 1-2 years..after that, their usefulness plummets. Whereas the corded tools have been around for years, and will be around.

 

[vjlobel]

In various theatre scenery shops I've come across a fair cross-section of jigsaws. Expensive ones, cheap ones, and all over. I too am a big fan of the corded ones.

I second the old bosch's being the best. I anxiously await the day I can find one of my own to replace the one I accidentally left at a shop in Miami (The model I like is discontinued.)

HOWEVER...

The best ones for your money right now are the Grizzly brand Jigsaws. I bought three of them for the university shop. A copy of the old bosch design that requires a screwdriver to change, these things are not quite as nice as the old Bosch ones were, but a hell of a deal for 65 bucks. Just make sure to throw out the blades that come with it.

 

[Wizzard]

Get the corded Bosch barrel grip model; the one made in Switzerland.

That is what I would go with. I have a 10 year old corded Makita, works fine, only bought it because I needed a replacement ASAP and it was pretty much the only one the local mom & pop store had on hand. First choice would be the Bosch mentioned above.

 

[garandman]

Bought a Bosch JS470E at Lowes. Works great!

 

[NoahG]

In various theatre scenery shops I've come across a fair cross-section of jigsaws. Expensive ones, cheap ones, and all over. I too am a big fan of the corded ones.

I second the old bosch's being the best. I anxiously await the day I can find one of my own to replace the one I accidentally left at a shop in Miami (The model I like is discontinued.)

HOWEVER...

The best ones for your money right now are the Grizzly brand Jigsaws. I bought three of them for the university shop. A copy of the old bosch design that requires a screwdriver to change, these things are not quite as nice as the old Bosch ones were, but a hell of a deal for 65 bucks. Just make sure to throw out the blades that come with it.

We've got one of those Bosch screwdriver required models in my scene shop. Man I love that thing. I have a personal DeWalt corded jig, but if I ever get another jig for myself, it'll be a Bosch. Some companies do some things REALLY well, and for Bosch, its jig saws.

I own several cordless drills and impact drivers, but not a single cordless saw. When it comes to a saw I just want that power.