Recommend a jigsaw
#11
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.
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#12
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.
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#13
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
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#14
(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.
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.

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.
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#15
Thanks! Yeah seems Bosch gets top reviews from what I've been seeing. Time to check Amazon prime. Thank you gentlemen!
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#16
Bosch barrel grip.
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#17
(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.
Yes
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#18
Smart choice, you wont be sorry.
"I tried being reasonable..........I didn't like it." Clint Eastwood
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#19
(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.
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#20
Mine is an older model Bosch Bosch 1590 EVS. I'd buy it or its successor in a heartbeat.
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