Jigsaw PorterCable or Bosch

[AldeanFan]

I got a $100 bill on a Christmas card and I need a new jigsaw.

PORTER-CABLE PCE345 6-Amp Orbital Jig Saw is $100 on Amazon.

Bosch JS260 6-amp Top Handle jigsaw is on sale at Canadian Tire for $99.

It’s just for homeowner level work but I want one that will last.

Anyone have a recommendation?


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[shawhite]

I would go Bosch hands down but I would spend the extra $ and get the barrel grip. Once you use one you will never go back to the old top handle

 

[RTM]

Bosch would get my money, they already have once.

 

[MJK]

Bosch makes a very good jigsaw.

 

[ForrestT]

Definitely barrel grip. So much easier to use for accurate cuts.


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[exmaxima1]

Bosch would get my money, they already have once.

Four times for me. Bosch practically invented professional jigsaws.

 

[lardy1]

Bosch. No question.

 

[neophyte]

I got a $100 bill on a Christmas card and I need a new jigsaw.

PORTER-CABLE PCE345 6-Amp Orbital Jig Saw is $100 on Amazon.

Bosch JS260 6-amp Top Handle jigsaw is on sale at Canadian Tire for $99.

It’s just for homeowner level work but I want one that will last.

Anyone have a recommendation?


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Porter Cable is now owned by Black&Decker/Dewalt/Stanley, and the jigsaws will now likely Be based on or a rebranded version of a Dewalt or more likely B&D Jigsaw, or at least the internals will.
I don’t think Dewalt or B&D were ever known for making a top quality Jigsaw.
Porter Cable, back when the tools were made in the USA had some jigsaw designs that were liked, but I believe those models have all been discontinued, and the model you mention looks nothing like the older designs.

Bosch on the other hand basically purchased the company that invented the jigsaw, and has routinely bern considered one of the top contenders for best jigsaw.
The main caveat to this, is that the model you mention is not the flagship Bosch model, that would be one of the js470 jigsaw models.
Personally, I would think about adding the extra to get the better Bosch model, although between the two you mention, the Bosch would still likely be better.

 

[metaldad]

older design p/c jigsaws were very good. the sbd 'new' style id stay away from.
and as mentioned, bosch is #1.
and, great idea to add to the kitty to get the better bosch. one time purchase, might as well spend a few more $

 

[AldeanFan]

Thanks for the great advice as always.
The JS470 is more than twice as much $$$ and I wouldn’t get the use out of it to justify spending that much.


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[toolmiser]

It might be worth checking ebay for a good used one. Tools with cords have really dropped in value.

 

[The Cobbler]

I have both a bosch & dewalt ( both older models) , oh, and I have an old Ryobi too . all corded., Oh geez, I have a 1960's B&D , A Christmas present from when I was about 8 or 9 yrs old I think.
The Bosch is by far the best of the bunch

 

[plout99]

X8 or whatever for the Bosch, I have the normal grip style my brother has the barrel style I personally don’t care much for the barrel style he likes it a lot.

 

[anndel]

Bosch +100

 

[Renegade1LI]

I just picked up a pc usa made for 35$ of Craig’s list, it was like new, just throwing that out there.

 

[Wamsutta]

I would get the upscale Bosch model (not the JS260) that has the better support of the blade so that the blade doesn't wiggle around. Common complaint of the lower end Chinese made Bosch models is that the blade is not supported good enough.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I have both a bosch & dewalt ( both older models) , oh, and I have an old Ryobi too . all corded., Oh geez, I have a 1960's B&D , A Christmas present from when I was about 8 or 9 yrs old I think.
The Bosch is by far the best of the bunch

I have a B&D from over 50 years ago myself. Mom got it for me at the S&G Green Stamps redemption center.
I am planning to pass it down to our grandson. It will be quite an oldschool conversation piece by then.
Also have an eggbeater “cordless” drill.

 

[Qualitytools]

Bosch hands down. As mentioned have a look on eBay for an older used one made in Switzerland

 

[AldeanFan]

Sorry I’m not interested in used,

Shipping to Canada averages $50.

This purchase is to replace the Craftsman Commercial saw that I bought for $35 at a garage sale. I don’t have a problem with used tools as long as I can handle them before purchase and I’m not paying a premium for a truck to take it across a bridge.


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[CTyankee]

X8 or whatever for the Bosch, I have the normal grip style my brother has the barrel style I personally don’t care much for the barrel style he likes it a lot.

Same here, don't think the barrel grip is necessarily going to be the best for everyone. It's certainly not my personal preference. YMMV.

 

[Higgins]

Bosch

As PC isn't what it use to be !!

 

[tacomabob]

Bosch!

 

[dnschmidt]

PC at one time (prior to SBD) made fantastic jigsaws. Now they make ****. Bosch is the way to go.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I've had a barrel grip Bosch for about 35 years. Never a failure, and it works like new. That would be my choice

 

[Qualitytools]

If you find a Bosch 1590EVS, you will not regret it. One of the Best ever made, no exaggeration.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

A barrel grip Bosch is better deal, even if it costs $150 more. It's that much better.

 

[engineer2]

What battery platform do you have? A battery powered jigsaw is very convenient and most manufacturers have them.

 

[PugetDude]

Surprised no one else has recommended Bosch?

If you do consider cordless, stay away from the M12 jigsaw. It's the only disappointment in the M12 line I've encountered so far.

I have a top handle Bosch that I bought in a Spokane pawn shop 30 years ago- It's still going strong, never had an issue with it, cutting sheet metal, aluminum plate, wood, fiberglass, plexiglass, hardiboard, wonder board, OSB, etc.....
just buy the proper T-shank blades- Cripe is hard to beat for jigsaw blades.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Bosch. I myself don’t have a preference regarding barrel handle vs top handle, but Bosch is far and away the best in the game. And I’m a huge dyed in the red Milwaukee fan boi saying that lol.

 

[jonshonda]

I typically find if I am using a jigsaw, I really care about the quality of the cut. With that being said, the cut quality on the JS572 is worth its' weight in gold.

 

[lolaetype]

I found a Bosch top handle under the tree this year. I haven't used it yet, but I've handled it and ran it. It feels and sounds like a quality tool. I expect it will work quite nicely.

 

[Dozerhand]

Beware that Bosch JS260. It has a funky blade retention setup that will break if you move it without a blade in it. I just replaced the blade lifting arm in mine at a cost of about $40.00. If you buy it read carefully how the blade retention works. Its very delicate.

 

[exmaxima1]

Beware that Bosch JS260. It has a funky blade retention setup that will break if you move it without a blade in it. I just replaced the blade lifting arm in mine at a cost of about $40.00. If you buy it read carefully how the blade retention works. Its very delicate.

I thought that was pricey until I looked up the same "lifting rod" part for my 1590EVS---it's $63. Yikes! At that point I would buy another used saw.

 

[AldeanFan]

Follow up time

I tried to buy the Bosch js260 online from HomeDepot, their website said it was on sale, in stock and had free shipping. After 3 weeks they cancelled my order and customer service told me it was not in stock, even thought the website still said it was.

So I ordered the js365 from Lowe’s with a price match to HomeDepot and free shipping it ended up being about $25 more and arrived the next day.

I finally used the saw and I’m super happy and impressed with it.
Lots of power, very smooth and easy to use.
It also came in a nice plastic case.

The one difference I’ll have to get used to is that the power comes in gradually when you pull the trigger. My old craftsman just went to full power/speed as soon as you touch the trigger. I think long term I’ll like that about the bosh but it was a surprise when I first pulled the trigger.


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