Recommend a jigsaw - Printable Version +- Woodnet Forums (https://www.forums.woodnet.net) +-- Thread: Recommend a jigsaw (/showthread.php?tid=7348543) |
Recommend a jigsaw - Ricky - 06-01-2019 Seems like a handy tool to have. Been youtubing for recommended jigsaws but would appreciate advice here from experienced users. Looks like a simple tool, is there a wide range in quality? I'd rather pay more for a decent one than have regrets. Any advice appreciated. Local Home depot had 2 brands in stock, Ryobi and dewalt. RE: Recommend a jigsaw - R Clark - 06-01-2019 I can't talk to the Dewalt or Ryobi. Yes, in my opinion, there can be a huge difference. I had a Craftsman; LOML gave it to me for my birthday years ago. I hated that jigsaw. Not only was the bevel a royal PITA to set, even when cutting a straight line in plywood it bucked and fought me every inch along the way. Required a screwdriver to change blades. Didn't seem to cut very well, even in soft woods with a fresh blade. During a project building a pergola for the patio four years ago, I was using it with the usual poor result. LOML saw that and asked, "Why is that saw doing that?" I told her it always had. She said, "Replace it, then." Next day I went and bought a Bosch JS470E. Think I paid $130-140 for it. What a joy to use in comparison. Plenty of power, tool-less blade change, smooth-running, nice quality cuts (for a jigsaw). I ended giving the Craftsman to my daughter to sell in a school class garage sale. I think they got $10 for it or something like that. Sometimes I feel bad that somebody paid $10 for that POS. I like my Bosch tools; I have several. The jigsaw I'm talking about, a finish sander, and a reciprocating saw that's perfect for my needs. RE: Recommend a jigsaw - Mr Eddie - 06-01-2019 Bosch - I have a slightly older model, I think it's a 1590. It has been worth every penny. Cuts straight as an arrow and is a joy to use. Wouldn't even consider another brand. Lonnie RE: Recommend a jigsaw - Murray M - 06-01-2019 (06-01-2019, 11:38 AM)Ricky Wrote: Seems like a handy tool to have. Been youtubing for recommended jigsaws but would appreciate advice here from experienced users. Jig saws are a great basic tool that everyone needs. First Choice: Top Handle or Barrel Grip. Top handle is better for vertical and upside down applications, however, this is very seldom needed. In most cases a barrel grip gives more control and is more comfortable. I personally find top handles a bit too clumsy and swear by barrel grips, but it's really a personal choice. Second Choice: regular quality or super quality. For most folks, a Bosch--the best regular quality jigsaw--is perfect. Bosch does jigsaws particularly well. If you use a jigsaw professionally then consider moving up to the Festool. Most people won't appreciate the small differences but for someone who uses a jigsaw all day the differences are worth it. I use a jigsaw A LOT and have used the barrel grip Festool for about a decade. Love it. But if you're just taking a cut every now and then get the Bosch. And if you only need a jigsaw a couple times a year then really anything will work and even the Bosch might be overkill. Last consideration: battery or plug in. I recommend plug in since these things use a lot of energy. If you have infinite wealth then having both is fine but if you're just choosing one get the plug in. I've got a plug in and a battery reciprocating saw [which is Kinda apples to oranges...] and it's nice to have the battery version when I don't want to drag an extension cord out to whatever I'm hacking at---but it's always underpowered and runs through about 3 batteries for every small job I attempt with it. Jigsaws and reciprocating saws are just better hardwired in to power. RE: Recommend a jigsaw - Ricky - 06-01-2019 Thanks! Yeah seems Bosch gets top reviews from what I've been seeing. Time to check Amazon prime. Thank you gentlemen! RE: Recommend a jigsaw - Philip1231 - 06-01-2019 Bosch barrel grip. RE: Recommend a jigsaw - Ricky - 06-01-2019 (06-01-2019, 05:12 PM)Philip1231 Wrote: Bosch barrel grip. Yep, I pulled the trigger and ordered the JS470EB (barrell grip) to be delivered. Monday. RE: Recommend a jigsaw - Bill Holt - 06-01-2019 Smart choice, you wont be sorry. RE: Recommend a jigsaw - Reverb - 06-02-2019 (06-01-2019, 05:12 PM)Philip1231 Wrote: Bosch barrel grip. +1 When I bought mine, I found that a lot of boat builders (who use jigsaws a lot) swore by the barrel-grip Bosch 1591EVS, which is what I bought and have been pleased with. RE: Recommend a jigsaw - Bill Lyman - 06-02-2019 Mine is an older model Bosch Bosch 1590 EVS. I'd buy it or its successor in a heartbeat. |