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recommend a barrel-grip jigsaw

malibu101

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Jul 1, 2005
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Location
Walnutport PA
I need a new corded jigsaw. I was getting by with an old B&D that my dad has. He needed it back. It's now time for a new/my own saw.
I simply love the barrel grip like the old one I was using. I have used top handles and for some reason I don't like them as much.
I am a Milwaukee power tool man. ALL my power tools corded and cordless are Milwaukee and I am more than happy with them. Other than them now being made out of the USA.
So, I'm leaning very heavily toward a Milwaukee 6276-21 (link below).
I'm not against any "good" brand. As well, I'm not trying to start any arguments about manufacturers or handle styles.
I'm just looking for any suggestions you guys might have on an alternate manufacturer of a barrel grip jigsaw that you have used and would reccomend. I am willing to open my horizions to something other than Milwaukee if there are valid reasons.
Any opinions?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JKXI/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
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toymn6366

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Dec 19, 2007
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georgia
i have used milwaukee its a good saw i like my bosch mainly because of price bought at pawn shop for 30 bucks
 
Joined
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Wood County, WV, USA, NA
I second the Bosch.

bosch_1591evsk_01_2_1.jpg
 
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malibu101

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I think I like the switch location on the Bosch better than the Milwaukee. Plus the Bosch does not have the awkward looking lever that the Milwaukee has for adjusting the shoe angle.
Hmmm, I am really going to look closely at the Bosch. Plus the Bosch is at the same price point. Although price is way less important than a quality tool I will use and hope to have for my son to use just like I was using my fathers.

Another question- about orbital blade action. When does a guy need orbital action? The old standy I was using did not have that option and I don't think I ever needed it.
Again; When does orbital action help me?
 
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rlitman

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Oct 18, 2010
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Long Island
I've got the Bosch 1590 top handle (bought it because of the price). I really wanted the 1591 barrel grip, in part because of how much I liked my old barrel grip Porter Cable (which is in NO way in the class of the Bosch).
It runs as smooth as glass, and has more power than my old sawzall.

Orbital action helps keep the teeth in the cut, and still removes chips well.
It can leave the cut a little rougher, but cuts much faster. Good on wood, bad on metal.
 

chris fresh

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Jan 10, 2011
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savannah ga
bosch barrel grip all the way,i had one a few years back and it got stolen,when i went to get another,no one had them,so i bought two with the handles from a pawn shop for 30 apiece.they are great,but i will own another bosch barrel grip someday.
 

chris fresh

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savannah ga
i have used milwaukee its a good saw i like my bosch mainly because of price bought at pawn shop for 30 bucks

are you in brunswick by any chance? and how long have you owned it? just wondering if it was mine from about 6 years ago.it would be crazy if it was.
 

boiler7904

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Apr 4, 2006
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Location
NW IN
I bought the Bosch 1590 top handle jig saw 5 or 6 years ago. Only complaint is that I didn't get the 1591 barrel grip style instead. Seems like it would be more comfortable for long periods of use. As small and odd-shaped as the optional dust collection accessory is for those saws, it does a good job of keeping the chips away from the blade.
 

tpierce

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Jun 23, 2011
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177
Bosch!!! I'm on my 2nd one in 30 years. Full time finish carpenter.
 
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malibu101

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Jul 1, 2005
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Walnutport PA
Well I sure am glad I asked about this. The opinions on a Bosch unit are overwhelming. Thank you all for your thoughts.
Just looking at pictures I see many things I like about the Bosch better. Physical grip design and especially with the rubber grip cover. Mainly the switch location but all the fuction levers/buttons are nice and compact. Plus a 1/2 amp more power.
Without even trying I'm liking the Bosch better. The 1591EVSL.
I just talked to a fastening/drilling/tool supply house near me that we deal with at work and they have 1 on display to touch and feel. I have touched the Milwaukee already and that's actually why I started this thread because it just seemed to feel a bit odd and slippery in the hand and in particular that shoe angle lever under the handle just seemed like a big nusience for how little I use it.

That old Craftsman pic that Hofferwood posted above is very similar to the old, small, all metal lump that I have been limping along with.
I'm going to look at it after work tomorrow. I have a feeling there may be a blue wave in my Milwaukee red sea.
 

rlitman

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Oct 18, 2010
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Long Island
One nice feature of the Bosch (can't speak for others), is that when you push the blade release, the blade springs out. Its very nice to have it eject a hot blade, so you don't even have to touch it when changing blades.
 

Monte

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Dec 23, 2008
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Germany
brand new Bosch jig saw with upgraded precision control, the successor of the Bosch 1591EVSL

82146.jpg
 
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malibu101

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Jul 1, 2005
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Location
Walnutport PA
Just wanted to stop back and say that the Bosch 1591EVSL came home with me a few days ago. I only played around a bit with it as I have no real projects for it at the moment. I guess I have to change that. :) The case is real cool too.
I am impressed with it! I am very glad I asked and followed some good advice.
I got it for $205 plus tax at the supply house where my work does alot of business. The salesman was very good as he cut me a good break from its marked price. I simply asked if he could compare with some online prices or, since it was a personal item for me, I would just go that route. It did cost a few bucks more than online but I'm more than happy.
Thanks again for the great advice! :thumbup:
 
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