Need a jigsaw recommendation

[aka Larry]

I have an older Bosch model (don't recall the model no.) but I've been perfectly happy with it. The only issue (in the past) I've had is the foot won't stay tight for a 90 degree cut. No big deal on thinner materials, but on something like 3/4" MDF, I ended up with a bevel, which was a no-go. I don't really use it all that often on thicker stuff, so I've just been dealing with the 'floppy foot'.

About two years ago I asked my sister for a new jigsaw for X-mas. I sent her a link to a B&D one from Amazon and she got it for me. The very first cut resulted in a worse bevel than my old Bosch with the 'floppy foot'. I put it in a drawer and never used it again.

Fast forward to this weekend and I needed to cut some notches out of some 1" Trex decking. I needed a new blade for the composite material so I went to Lowes only to find they had NONE of the older U-style blades, only the newer T-style. I bought a T-style since I knew that's the one the B&D used. I hated having to use the B&D, and it did the job, but the bevel sh*t was back. Fortunately on this job a trim ring will cover the ******-looking cuts, but it just bugs me, and I have a bunch more notches to cut.

The POS B&B has got to go unless someone can school me on why it makes beveled cuts? It *seems* to me the guide roller is too nigh on the blade, but my Bosch guide roller looks about the same. Can I fix or do I need to trash it and buy a new Bosch? If so, which one. My price range is $150ish. I know the barrel grip is all the rage, but I've no comparison since I've never used one with it.

 

[ForrestT]

Bosch Barrel Grip. Your hand is low toward work piece resulting in better cuts.

 

[rlitman]

Which Bosch do you have? The foot on my 1590 and 1591 has two adjustments. A lever for quick release, and a nut/knob for fine adjustment. You should be able to make it stupidly tight.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Most all need to be set up correctly before use & I always check blade adjustment before use. Bosch & older Porter Cable (USA) were great jig saws. I have a dewalt & milwaukee cordless that are both pretty good, it's a good tool for going cordless. Right now I am going to order the dewalt xr barrel grip jigsaw DCS335B, which has great reviews, just looks like it will feel good in hand. The top grip model cuts great but I always liked a barrel grip, gives a little better control.

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[redragoon]

I have an older Black and Decker jigsaw from my grandfather that works, but does not have a lot of power.
The replacement I went with was a top-handle Bosch. I don't remember if it was 7.0 or 7.2 A. I would have to check at home. I remember buying the slightly more expensive version based on country of origin.

I used it to cut both bevels and perpendicular cuts in 1.25" solid cherry boards. With a new wood blade, it produced cuts near to my table saw in finish and accuracy. Never slowed or seemed to have issues with cutting.

For your B/D, I would check your work mounting. Even if the saw is setup correctly, having the work with too much movement/vibration will also produce poor results. I clamped my pieces into a solid wood vise while cutting.

 

[aka Larry]

Which Bosch do you have? The foot on my 1590 and 1591 has two adjustments. A lever for quick release, and a nut/knob for fine adjustment. You should be able to make it stupidly tight.

The saw is probably 15 years old so I don't know the model number, but I'll check and report back.

Mine has the older U-type blade holder that uses a pair of screws to hold it in place. Kind of a PITA to change blades, and as I said, that style is getting pretty hard to find. On the foot, IIRC, mine has two screws on the bottom to adjust the angle. I've tightened them both as much as I can and it still moves.

Any insight on what causes the blade deflection during a straight cut on my B&D saw?

FWIW, I'm OK with buying a new Bosch, but wanted to know WHICH one. I'm reading the JS572EBK is a good choice, assuming I want to spend that much, which I really don't, but might have to if that what it takes to get a damn straight cut!

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[ForrestT]

The saw is probably 15 years old so I don't know the model number, but I'll check and report back.

Mine has the older U-type blade holder that uses a pair of screws to hold it in place. Kind of a PITA to change blades, and as I said, that style is getting pretty hard to find. On the foot, IIRC, mine has two screws on the bottom to adjust the angle. I've tightened them both as much as I can and it still moves.

Any insight on what causes the blade deflection during a straight cut on my B&D saw?

FWIW, I'm OK with buying a new Bosch, but wanted to know WHICH one. I'm reading the JS572EBK is a good choice, assuming I want to spend that much, which I really don't, but might have to if that what it takes to get a damn straight cut!

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That is the one I have. I got it after using my buddies barrel grip jigsaw. It’s a good tool and I’m my mind one of those buy once cry once tool.

 

[Vwpower]

Get a cordless one from Whatever brand you are invested in.

 

[Trapps]

Corded Barrel Grip Bosch

Cordless Barrel Grip

I have the Bosch 18V 'D' and a barrel; I have not touched the 'D' since I got the barrel grip. I ran a Bosch 1587AVS for nearly 20 years - it remains an excellent saw but I've succumbed to the convenience of cordless.


EDIT: Link to saw in budget range

 

[jonshonda]

The JS4720has a single blade support, the JS572 has two supports, which helps a lot in thicker material.

 

[dutchgray]

Bosch Barrel Grip. Your hand is low toward work piece resulting in better cuts.

Better jigsaws exist but not for anywhere near the same money.
Barrel grips can be used on the underside of work as well, such that the good surface of the material doesn't get tear out using normal blades.

 

[Brian Puccio]

Bosch barrel grip 18v — unless you really use it a lot for woodworking in which case Mafell though a cordless model is still a rumor at this point.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I like the Dewalt corded 6.5 amp or Makita 6.3 amp from HD, less than $200.

 

[ez-duzit]

Bosch corded is the best of the bunch.

 

[The Cobbler]

my Bosch corded barrel grip circa mid 90's is a fine tool

 

[HenryAZ]

Bosch, with the double roller blade control system, for excellent blade stability. Model JS572EBK if you prefer the barrel handle, or JS572EK if, like me, you prefer the top handle. If I were starting from scratch, never having used a jig saw before, I would probably get the barrel handle, but I spent 25 years working in a millwork shop using a top handle model, so that's what I am most comfortable with.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I’m partial to Bosch myself. Since I almost always use it next to the mitre saw I stick to corded for these tools.

 

[lardy1]

I have the top handled Bosch and have no complaints but I do agree the barrel grip is better.

 

[shawhite]

Bosch barrel grip is what I have but honestly I never use it know that I have a trim router. Make a template throw in a pattern bit and away you go. Much better cut quality and quicker

 

[Dave455]

I’ve got an older Bosch as well. No issues. If I was buying again, on a fixed budget, I’d have another Bosch.

Alternative (and probably the “entry level - I don’t like going cheap on saws) would probably be Makita. I don’t own one of these, but I have friends who do, and they seem to be fine.

I would echo the advice above and go for the type where you grip the body. The “D” grip might be better if you’re cutting really intricate curves, but most times you’re not.

Not sure about cordless for jigsaws. For some tools (drills and drivers) that get used in short bursts, cordless is the way to go. For tools that get used for longer periods, less so. Not having a lead when cutting is a big plus though.

I find that jigsaws need to be made to a certain standard to work well. It’s not the case with some tools (e.g. drills) but is with saws, and especially jigsaws. You can’t go cheap on these.

If I was buying again I’d probably pay the extra and go Festool. Expensive, but not as bad as Mafell..!

I’ve just been cutting some 3/4” plywood myself. Been using my 12V Bosch GKS saw. Should probably use something heftier but it’s just so handy. I’ve been butting sawn boards together and the edges are perfect.

Here’s an offcut showing the quality of the cut with the Bosch. That‘s the original blade too.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Jigsaw is definitely a tool that can be cordless, you get a lot of cut time with a 5amp battery. Just picked up a barrel handle dewalt to go with the d handle, both hammer their uses.

 

[midorix]

I like my corded Makita. I bought it so long ago, it’s actually made in Japan. I assume today’s Makita is still decent quality.

 

[tarbellb]

Looks like a double decker bus

 

[PugetDude]

I own three jigsaws- in order of my preference
1. Bosch
2. Makita
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. Milwaukee M12

 

[dr_clyde]

I have a D handle Bosch, and I have never had a single issue with it. I don't use it every day, but when you need it, it works great.

If I had to buy again, I'd take a serious look at the barrel grip ones, but I honestly have never had an issue with the D handle one I have.

Then again, I'm trying to shift my wood tools over to Festool, so I probably would go that route when/if I need to replace my Bosch. Which may be never.

 

[rlitman]

I have a D handle Bosch, and I have never had a single issue with it. I don't use it every day, but when you need it, it works great.

If I had to buy again, I'd take a serious look at the barrel grip ones, but I honestly have never had an issue with the D handle one I have.

Then again, I'm trying to shift my wood tools over to Festool, so I probably would go that route when/if I need to replace my Bosch. Which may be never.

I bought my D handle Bosch 1590 at a pawn shop years ago, and I was happy with it. I then found a barrel grip 1591 and immediately bought it. I can't say I've used the D handle ever since, though I'm not planning on selling it as it makes a good backup saw.

Then again, I grew up with a barrel grip Porter Cable (back when they were actually metal and not ****), so I have an innate preference for barrel grip.

 

[ez-duzit]

The D-handle machines are a bit handier in the field because they are more compact when working around obstructions.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Honestly, there really aren't any bad jig saws, even ryobi is pretty good, it really comes down to what you want/like.