Recommend a jig saw please

[John Timmins]

I'm done with the used garage sale jig saws and want to buy a good one. I don't have to the have the world's best, but want sometihing that is of the BETTER quality. Most important to me is the grabber that holds the blades on. I would also like variable speed. I also want to be able to use the BEST blades in it.

I don't care if the base is adjustible to make bevels of not...not making any. I won't buy anything Black and Decker or Sears.

Are the DeWalts at Lowe's recommended ? I live near one and that would be convenient. I am open to ideas.

Thanks, John

 

[Monte]

Bosch

 

[jar944]

Bosch

+1

either the 470 or 572

 

[uncletater]

Bosch

I just returned the 7.0 Amp Bosch yesterday (bought it on friday). My Skil can cut a better curve. I have had good luck with Dewalt in the past but have never used their Jig. I think you may get better answers if you throw a $$$$ max out.

 

[dodge610]

Master force if you have a Menards close to you. Just got a belt sander from them impressed with the quality and warranty on them. 3 years on master force also got 1 of there cordless screwdrivers impressed on that too. just an idea for you to check into.

 

[John Timmins]

Dodge610...thanks. We don't have menards around here.

I will check out the Bosch line surfing the net.

Since I don't know how much they jig saws cost, I'l say I'll spend $200. that's a good round number I won't be buying another.

Let me see if I can get quality for $200

 

[stonesfan68]

I have a Bosch JS470E and it is awesome.

 

[John Timmins]

I should be able to get the 470 for about $200.

Should I get the top grip or barrel grip ? Should I care ?

 

[LordPsychon]

The Bosch and Milwaukee jigsaws have a lot of power, good air movement, and adjustable shoes with little blade tracking/drift. Festool makes the best jigsaws with stroboscopic lights to "halt" the blade (the strobe effect makes the blade seem as if it were standing still so you can see a cut clearly) and have excellent dust removal abilities but these are generally out of the price range of DIYers and part-time woodworkers (about $700 new if memory serves).

 

[John Timmins]

Stonesfan68, do you have the top grip or barrel ?

 

[Alchymist]

Porter Cable PC600 - really like mine.

 

[John Timmins]

I knew that Festool had a high dollar professional model froma magazine article I read years ago. It is way beyond my needs for my projects.

Meanwhile I might as well ask about blades too. I want the blades to to the work and I and I am a slow pace guy when I'm cutting.

I plan on cutting some 1/4 inch project plywood that I bought at Lowe's...2foot X 4 foot sheet. It is maple I think. I want to cut out a sillouette from the plywood.

 

[LordPsychon]

Porter Cable PC600 - really like mine.

The problem I had with that one was the limited orbital positions and more blade drift - got the right amount of power and dust control though.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Bosch with T-shank blades. I have an older version of the JS572EL. It gave me a whole new respect for what a jig saw can do.

 

[John Timmins]

I saw that Porter Cable new on eBay for $80 with free shipping. alchemist, I will keep your recommendation in mind since my father was a Command Navigator in SAC !

 

[rice rocket]

The Bosch and Milwaukee jigsaws have a lot of power, good air movement, and adjustable shoes with little blade tracking/drift. Festool makes the best jigsaws with stroboscopic lights to "halt" the blade (the strobe effect makes the blade seem as if it were standing still so you can see a cut clearly) and have excellent dust removal abilities but these are generally out of the price range of DIYers and part-time woodworkers (about $700 new if memory serves).

Don't get the Festool (the Carvex, judging by your description), it is the most hated tool on the Festool Owners Group by a mile. The strobe function is gimmicky, and the blade wanders more than your $50 jigsaw. Dust extraction is mediocre, as with all jigsaws, don't expect any miracles there. If you really want to spend the money for a Festool, get the Trion, NOT the Carvex.

Bosch JS572E(B)L is better in every way, dust extraction included (as it should be, Bosch did invent the jigsaw afterall).

 

[John Timmins]

When it comes to the blades, I want the best I can get. If I need to buy a Bosch to get them I will.

I'm still confused about that barrel grip though compared to the top grip.

 

[rice rocket]

Barrel grip vs top grip is a regional preference, almost like worm drive vs sidewinder. Seems like the Europeans only use barrel grip, and top grip is more common here.

The idea behind the barrel grip is your hand is closer to the work surface, so the axis the blade is pivoting on is closer to your hand.

If you grew up on top handles though, switching might be more effort than it's worth.

 

[firworks]

The barrel grip is in some ways nicer to hold for certiain cuts. You can use it two handed with one hand on the top round handle and one holding the barrel. I've got the JS260 (6-amp Little brother of the JS470E) and I have been happy with it. I don't think you'd go wrong with either the 7-amp top-handle or the barrel handle. They even make really long blades that will mount on these Boschs. I used mine like a sawzall to tear down a big wood swingset one time! Worked just fine. I can only imagine the 7-amp would do better than my 6-amp.

 

[Greyhorse]

Bosch 572, love mine. I believe it's made in Switzerland as well as the Bosch blades.

 

[cgv69]

Bosch (and their T-shank blades) have been the gold standard in Jigsaws for a long time now. I've had the 1584AVSK for over a decade and love it. IIRC, the new ones are supposed to be even better?

Some might argue that the Festool brand jigsaws are even better but I have a hard time believing that they are significantly better enough to justify the much higher price tag (unless you catch the Festool at a really good price)?

This is somewhat personal preference but I highly recommend the barrel grip versions over the more common top handle versions. Much better control IMO. You owe it to yourself to at least hold (if not use) both before buying.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I have a Bosch but don't recall the number. It is VERY nice to use, due to its heavy weight, which keeps it from bouncing. Their T-blades are great, and they are held firmly, but the method of inserting them is a little funky. It works, but there's too much plastic and turning of the top thing. Bleh!

Overall I like it though.

 

[BikerDad]

One advantage that the barrel grip has is the center of gravity is lower AND the tool is less affected by user squirrelyness due to the fact that you have less leverage for upsetting the tool versus the top handle. One possible drawback to the barrel grip is the barrel grip. It's more of a handful. If you have small hands, it's less comfortable.

 

[dutchgray]

We have Bosch and Makita at work, the Bosch is the better saw but the Makita is body grip which I find much more comfortable so prefer it, I find top handles put my wrist at a bad angle unless the working height is way low, and then its hard to see the cut line.

 

[Fender1325]

I dont know which model I have specifically but I bought the dewalt from lowes and am very pleased. Not the top dollar one, the next one down (with a cord)

 

[tarbellb]

Also check out Metabo.

One thing I always look at and try first is the blade switch out mechanism, I swear they have butchered that design on so many jigs its scary.

A simple lever is always my preferred method, no twisting handles, knobs, pushing buttons, etc...

 

[Zeke]

I have a Bosch and it's old and been used a lot. Works good. It was bought before Bosch brought out the quick change model. However, since I didn't see anything about DeWalt, they too make a pretty good unit.

 

[kctyphoon]

i have a corded bosch.. im going to buy a cordless m18 Milwaukee at some point.. Honestly - ANY premium brand will be good - no one brand will change your life or have a "night and day" difference over the others.. just buy what you like.

 

[ahab]

I have yet to find another jig saw that has the blade guide as far away as my Milwaukee M18 jig saw. That makes blade deflection a real problem, even in straight cuts. If I have to cut something curved I use my cheapo Craftsman.

 

[Parrothead]

I am very happy with my DeWalt and would recommend it. It's got good power, very minimal deflection even with tight cuts and curves, and plenty powerful if you want to cut something fast. Big fan.

 

[75CrewDeutz]

I have had a bosch for quite a few years. I really like it. The label is partially covered by the table mount so Im not totally sure on the model, ends in 587AVS. The label also says made in USA. I was surprised to see that.

I use the T101B and T101BR (R is for reverse tooth) blades for wood. Work great.

 

[marctheprop]

Bosch-I'm waiting for my top handle to die so I can get the barrel grip. I used a barrel grip on a jobsite a while back and its awesome. But my old saw just keeps chugging along (given to me by my father who passed away in 2001-and I use it a lot). The only thing I can add is try to find someone locally w/a barrel grip. I found it much more comfortable and easier to use than a traditional top handle-but I have big hands.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have yet to find another jig saw that has the blade guide as far away as my Milwaukee M18 jig saw. That makes blade deflection a real problem, even in straight cuts. If I have to cut something curved I use my cheapo Craftsman.

i dont own this myself - but with reviews left on the m18 jigsaw, alot of people complain about the tool not cutting straight, or having alignment issues, but alot of other people say its due to the blade not being seated correctly in the tool.. not sure if this is part of your issue, or if its something else entriely.

 

[carbon]

I have what was the top of the line Bosch barrel grip. I think barrel grip has a better feel but in the Bosch lineup you lose the variable speed trigger that only the top d-grip had. I would buy the d-grip for that feature because in a jigsaw it's real nice to start slow for a more accurate and less "jiggy" cut, especially on cuts that don't start perpendicular like on a curve.

I should note the barrel grip saws still have variable speed but you can't adjust it via the trigger. The d-grip have a variable top-speed setting AND a variable speed trigger.

 

[rice rocket]

I have what was the top of the line Bosch barrel grip. I think barrel grip has a better feel but in the Bosch lineup you lose the variable speed trigger that only the top d-grip had. I would buy the d-grip for that feature because in a jigsaw it's real nice to start slow for a more accurate and less "jiggy" cut, especially on cuts that don't start perpendicular like on a curve.

I should note the barrel grip saws still have variable speed but you can't adjust it via the trigger. The d-grip have a variable top-speed setting AND a variable speed trigger.

My Metabo barrel grip will slow the blade to a crawl until it senses load.

 

[BFBOB]

Saber saw. You're looking for a saber saw. A jigsaw is a stationary machine with the blade supported at top and bottom.

***sigh***

Yet another language battle lost. I know, I know, even the manufacturers call them jigsaws these days.

But, to answer your question, the first thing I would do is just handle it some. Most important to me, does it turn on when you pick it up? I had a B&D that was a decent saw for the price, but the power switch was so easy and convenient it was nearly impossible to pick the thing up without having it turn on - nearly took a chunk out of my leg that way. Variable speed is a must in my book. Does it work with variable trigger pull, or by setting a dial? I've had both and both have their good points. On balance, I prefer the dial-setting type.
My favorite is the '70s Craftsman Auto-Scrolling saw. I had mine nearly worn out when it was stolen, but was lucky enough to find two brand new ones at two different garage sales pretty quickly!
The scrolling feature lets the blade rotate 360 degrees, either freely or by holding onto a knob on top. It also locks in 4 positions. This lets it cut sideways and backwards, very handy in tight places. Metal gearbox. I don't know if any current saw will do this, but then I'm happy with the Crafties, so haven't been looking.

 

[Alchymist]

Saber saw. You're looking for a saber saw. A jigsaw is a stationary machine with the blade supported at top and bottom.

***sigh***

Yet another language battle lost. I know, I know, even the manufacturers call them jigsaws these days.

But, to answer your question, the first thing I would do is just handle it some. Most important to me, does it turn on when you pick it up? I had a B&D that was a decent saw for the price, but the power switch was so easy and convenient it was nearly impossible to pick the thing up without having it turn on - nearly took a chunk out of my leg that way. Variable speed is a must in my book. Does it work with variable trigger pull, or by setting a dial? I've had both and both have their good points. On balance, I prefer the dial-setting type.
My favorite is the '70s Craftsman Auto-Scrolling saw. I had mine nearly worn out when it was stolen, but was lucky enough to find two brand new ones at two different garage sales pretty quickly!
The scrolling feature lets the blade rotate 360 degrees, either freely or by holding onto a knob on top. It also locks in 4 positions. This lets it cut sideways and backwards, very handy in tight places. Metal gearbox. I don't know if any current saw will do this, but then I'm happy with the Crafties, so haven't been looking.

Actually a stationary machine with the blade supported at top and bottom is a scroll saw.

As to the Craftsman scroll saw, BTDT, wore it out. In all fairness, took me 30 years to do it. Bought a $29 (IIRC) Skil, took it back in a week, it sucked. Bought the Porter Cable,

 

[metaldad]

handle grips............ i have both a bosch AND a porter cable.
Both are USA made (they're old). both work very well.
bosch is the better of the 2.

 

[PJNJ]

Saber saw. You're looking for a saber saw. A jigsaw is a stationary machine with the blade supported at top and bottom.

***sigh***

Yet another language battle lost. I know, I know, even the manufacturers call them jigsaws these days.

But, to answer your question, the first thing I would do is just handle it some. Most important to me, does it turn on when you pick it up? I had a B&D that was a decent saw for the price, but the power switch was so easy and convenient it was nearly impossible to pick the thing up without having it turn on - nearly took a chunk out of my leg that way. Variable speed is a must in my book. Does it work with variable trigger pull, or by setting a dial? I've had both and both have their good points. On balance, I prefer the dial-setting type.
My favorite is the '70s Craftsman Auto-Scrolling saw. I had mine nearly worn out when it was stolen, but was lucky enough to find two brand new ones at two different garage sales pretty quickly!
The scrolling feature lets the blade rotate 360 degrees, either freely or by holding onto a knob on top. It also locks in 4 positions. This lets it cut sideways and backwards, very handy in tight places. Metal gearbox. I don't know if any current saw will do this, but then I'm happy with the Crafties, so haven't been looking.

Actually a stationary machine with the blade supported at top and bottom is a scroll saw.

As to the Craftsman scroll saw, BTDT, wore it out. In all fairness, took me 30 years to do it. Bought a $29 (IIRC) Skil, took it back in a week, it sucked. Bought the Porter Cable,

And actually isn't a sabre or saber saw a reciprocating saw or "sawzall"?

 

[stonesfan68]

Stonesfan68, do you have the top grip or barrel ?

I have the top grip. I don't have large hands so the top grip felt more comfortable to me. You should try to handle both styles if you can.