Jigsaws

[Captain Spaulding]

My old reliable jigsaw still does a good job, but the U-Shank blades are not available locally anymore. I’m inclined to go with something newer so breaking a blade doesn’t shut me down for a couple of days.

Many questions arose from my searching:

How much do power and stroke length matter? My current saw is 3.5A with a 3/8” stroke. Seems like the current top end corded saws are 6.5 or 7A with a 1” stroke. Seems like it would be helpful, but with something used for fairly precise work, maybe more power isn’t always better.

And a related follow up: Corded or cordless? Drill, recip and circular saw use I’ve gone 90% cordless. Are cordless jigsaws to the point they replace corded saws yet?

Usage will be a little of everything. Just in the last couple of weeks I’ve used mine to shorten the steel legs on some bar stools, cut some circles in 1” boards and cut out a 4’ table top for my grandson’s college apartment.

Thanks for any input!

 

[bob15]

I went the cordless route a couple years ago when I bought my jigsaw. Because most on my cordless are Metabo tools, I bought their STA18LTX100 jig saw. It is very nice jig saw, battery life is excellent when using it, even for steel. The length of stroke is 100mm.

 

[engineer2]

I switched to a Makita cordless jigsaw. Very convenient to just grab it and go.
Haven't used my corded Bosch jigsaw since and it's up for sale.

I've got a pack of those old-style jigsaw blades around here somewhere.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have the M12 Milwaukee jig and an old classic craftsman corded. I have a large assortment of both U and T shanks.

If I had to have only one... the M12.

 

[LeeG]

I have the Bosch 1590 which is the best I have ever used. They have replaced it since with the JS572 which is not as good, but still pretty good from what I have heard. I have tried the Festool jigsaws, but I didn't see any improvement with them over my Bosch. I'm considering one of the Milwaukee cordless, but have no direct experience with them.

 

[dalehsc]

Had old corded Black & Decker that my Dad had years ago. Two years ago I had enough points to get a "free" DeWalt 18v. I love the portability

 

[BMack37]

Cordless is definitely the way to go. Even the 12V can go against most 20-year old jigsaws. I'm a big Milwaukee guy but Bosch and Dewalt make the best (Of the big brands) jigsaws. I have the new-ish Dewalt Brushless jigsaw and it's incredible...pricey but I can't see it ever being antiquated, it's wayyy more power than you'll ever need in a jigsaw. I think I could say that about any higher-end brushless 18/20/24V jigsaw.

BTW, two things you probably don't have that are worth the upgrade in themselves, LED light and orbital mode.

 

[Robinson1]

I've got 2 corded Bosch saws and a cordless brushed Dewalt 20v. The dewalt will out cut them if all you're going for is speed. The Bosch are slightly more accurate but it's a non issue for 95% of jigsaw work.

I still use the corded saw in the shop but all my field work in the last 3 years has been done by the Dewalt.

Battery life, isnt great but isnt awful either. I can usually do what I need in the field with a single 5 A/H battery. On the other hand I wouldnt replace my shop jig saw with a cordless

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I have an old B&D jigsaw that my mom got me with some trading stamps about 50 years ago. It has a shiny metal body, a good quality original power cord, and I have used it for many things over the years.
Need to figure out which grandchild will get it.

 

[acer66]

I like my little Bosch 12V jigsaw.

 

[e36jon]

At the risk of being voted off the Festool island, I can't really recommend their jigsaw. It's built well, and all of the adjustments are tailored for precision, but, it's finicky to use (Making adjustments requires an allen wrench(stored on board), for instance.). I really wish I had the LED light so I could see my guide lines, and a built-in puffer to clear the sawdust.

 

[speed bump]

I can't think of a reason why I would ever buy a corded jigsaw again. I have the DeWalt pistol grip and use the snot out of it. My only gripe is I wish mine has the option for dust collection

 

[exmaxima1]

I have the Bosch 1590 which is the best I have ever used.

+1
I've owned 4 different Bosch jigsaws over the years, and the 1590 is arguably the best jigsaw you can get (used).

 

[lardy1]

I've had a Bosch 1590 for a few years. I see no reason to get anything else. It set the standard.

 

[rlitman]

I've had a Bosch 1590 for a few years. I see no reason to get anything else. It set the standard.

The only reason to get anything other than the 1591 (I prefer the barrel grip) is that these are long discontinued.

 

[Coach James]

Another 1590 user here. I bought it years ago after a B&D gave up the ghost with only 12 months on it. The Bosch is A+. No idea what I would replace it with if I ever needed to.

Coach

 

[lardy1]

The only reason to get anything other than the 1591 (I prefer the barrel grip) is that these are long discontinued.

I agree on the barrel grip. I wish I had went that way but I'm still in love with the Bosch jigsaws.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Thanks for the input folks. It’s been more than 30 years since I shopped for them, so I’m just a bit out of the loop. All of my tools are getting pushed a little harder these days since I retired.

 

[MANelson85]

Never got to use a 1590 but my bosch js572 works great

 

[PhysicsDude]

Cordless 100%. Unless you're cutting thick stuff, the smaller 12v jigsaws are more than capable for home use type stuff. I have a Milwaukee M12 jigsaw and it has plenty of power to cut 3/4" wood and the type of stuff that a typically home user would use it for.

 

[Den69rs96]

I have a corded Dewalt. I don’t mind the cord. It’s awesome, tons of power. I just used it to cut 3/4 plywood yesterday. I bought it over 10 years ago. However, if it dies, I’d replace it with cordless one now that I have a few 20v batteries.

 

[strutaeng]

I have a corded Bosch barrel grip, don't know the model #, but got it about 5 years ago, so I think it's the newer style. I really like it.

I had a cheap Makita that had bought at a pawn shop but sold it because it was too inaccurate.

The only time the Bosch got a bit of a workout was cutting double lamination of 3/4" shop grade maple plywood at maximum speed. It got almost too hot to the touch. Otherwise it just purrs. BTW, the adjustable speed is nice. I usually have mine on medium range. And those Bosch blades are great.

Cordless would be nice, but I use mine in the shop or for DIY projects, so there's always outlets nearby.

 

[AZ Pete]

I went the cordless route a couple years ago when I bought my jigsaw. Because most on my cordless are Metabo tools, I bought their STA18LTX100 jig saw. It is very nice jig saw, battery life is excellent when using it, even for steel. The length of stroke is 100mm.

100 mm is the cutting depth in wood, I expect the stroke is much less than that, but cannot find a listing for that. But Metabo makes first class tools, and they would be my choice if price was not a factor.

 

[BFBOB]

I have two old-ish Craftsman 120V with the "auto scroll" feature. I've never used it for its intended purpose, but it really comes in handy for changing the blade direction in close quarters - like under a sink.
I use one of my saws, and if/when it conks out, the other is still brand new in the box.

 

[acer66]

Cordless 100%. Unless you're cutting thick stuff, the smaller 12v jigsaws are more than capable for home use type stuff. I have a Milwaukee M12 jigsaw and it has plenty of power to cut 3/4" wood and the type of stuff that a typically home user would use it for.

Yeah, it is amazing how far they came.
I had to read a lot of good reviews before I bought the Bosch 12V router
and I really enjoy it.
So light and the way it handles with that first weird looking shape
but once I used it I was sold.

 

[egdede]

OP: One thing to consider is the longer stroke of newer jigsaws to cause jackhammering when there is not enough clearance underneath. With that said, my 3 year old cordless bosch is so nice I hardly ever grab my 1591.

 

[Toolfool]

Bosch 1590. Gave away a perfectly good Makita after using a 1590 once.

 

[ItsNemo]

Another cordless vote, have the original 20v Dewalt one...works very well, super fast, even on metal.

Oscillating is a must have feature, easily doubles the cut speed.

 

[exmaxima1]

100 mm is the cutting depth in wood, I expect the stroke is much less than that, but cannot find a listing for that. But Metabo makes first class tools, and they would be my choice if price was not a factor.

The Zoro site says the stroke is 1" on that Metabo:

"Description
Voltage 18.0, Blade Type T-Shank, Handle Type Barrel Grip, Cutting Action Orbital, Straight, Series 18V LTX, Bevels To 45 Degrees , No, Length of Stroke 1 In., Strokes per Minute 800 to 3000, Bare Tool, Speed Control Variable Speed Trigger, Cordless Tool Battery Type Li-Ion, Battery Included No, Cordless, Battery Pack Replacement 45KC03, Battery Capacity 5.5Ah, Tool Length 9 In., Tool Weight 4.1 lb."

 

[jgromada]

I love the Bosch barrel handle jigsaw JS572EBK

But for a cordless model I have the Ridgid R8831B non-Octane

for fine detail cutting I prefer the Bosch by far

 

[bob15]

100 mm is the cutting depth in wood, I expect the stroke is much less than that, but cannot find a listing for that. But Metabo makes first class tools, and they would be my choice if price was not a factor.

100mm is the stroke. Not sure why you wouldn't think so

 

[rlitman]

100mm is the stroke. Not sure why you wouldn't think so

1" is 25mm. 100mm would be a 4" stroke, which even a sawzall doesn't do.

 

[bob15]

1" is 25mm. 100mm would be a 4" stroke, which even a sawzall doesn't do.

It does if I'm not wearing my $5 cheater glasses

 

[AZ Pete]

100mm is the stroke. Not sure why you wouldn't think so

that 1" stroke is 25.4mm, not 100mm. The cut depth that I quoted is from Metabo.

 

[Trapps]

For more than a decade I lauded my 1587AVS as the cream of the crop. It still is an amazing saw, powerful and accurate. But since I added the 18V JSH180 to the stable, I rarely reach for the cord. Cordless is just so convenient. With a fully charged 6.3Ah Core battery it has plenty of power to make a ton of cuts in 2x, 23/32 plytanium, and host of other materials. I admit I have limited use in metals (a few closet rods). If you don't need lots of metal capability, I'd go with cordless in whatever flavor you deem best.

Most importantly, use a fresh quality blade in whatever saw you end up with. It really does make a significant difference.

Cheers!

 

[MushCreek]

I love my old corded Bosch. I've had it for many years. I'd really like to get a cordless, but I only have M18 tools, and the reviews aren't that great on the Milwaukee offering.

 

[tarbellb]

100mm is the stroke. Not sure why you wouldn't think so

From your photos that stroke is from .5" to 1.5" = 1" = ~25mm


Total depth of stroke (of that blade) is 1.5" = ~75mm

 

[Noworries]

I have 3, well, 2 and 1 AllSaw. The skil my old man had when I was a kid.... The Ryobi has been a GREAT freaking saw!! I bought the DeWalt 18v jig saw when it first came out. First use the blade stripped out of the quick release clamp...DeWalt service center said that version was bad and they had a new one... 2 weeks later I got it back...same thing returned the saw and bought the ryobi for 35 bucks...200 less than that DeWalt. I am a lock smith by trade...that ryobi has cut hundresd of hollow metal doors and frames...hundreds of aluminum store front doors and frames and countless pieces of steel, wood ZERO issues...love that thing. The AllSaw I picked up for 10 bucks because I had never seen anything like it...a cross between a circular saw and a jig saw... I had to own it.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Thanks to everyone for the advice.

I found a Dewalt DW331 for $60, so I went with that. I’d still like to have a cordless saw, but just found no bargains there. Yet. For $60, I don’t have to use it often for it to be worth the money.

 

[Qualitytools]

Another vote for the Bosch 1590.