Yesterday my Black & Decker jigsaw gave me some internal trouble and for what it’s worth I started looking for a new jigsaw, in my tool catalogues. I saw in the September 2006 issue of FHB a jigsaw tool review. I had to wonder why tool companies make several of each tool such as a corded jigsaw. The Dewalt jigsaw for instance mentioned in the tool review, is a different model from the model on display in my local hardware store.
My question is – have any of you folks had any good luck with other jigsaw models by the same companies (Dewalt, Bosch, etc.) that were mentioned in the tool review? I’d love to hear any and all criticism on the particular model(s) you folks have used.
I really want a better quality jigsaw this time, espicially one with a good dust collection port on it whereby I can hook up my 1-1/4″ shopvac.
Thanks kindly & waiting to hear from you all
Paul C. in Canada
Replies
I had a Sears Industrial that I liked. I replaced it with a P-C that I do not like very much.
If you're talking dust collection, then you need to look at the Festool model.
Either this one, or the version with a handle:
http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=3&prodid=561097
At the high end, your other alternative is the Bosch 1591; most seem to feel it is the equal of the Festool, and almost $100 less money. I don't know, though, if they can be set up for dc.
Frankly, I wouldn't waste money on anything other than these two. Blade wander is a big deal in saber saws, and these are the two that seem to have licked the problem.
I have the Festool and could recommend it to you without qualification. But I have not tried the Bosch.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I've got the Bosch 1590 (top handle version of the barrel grip 1591). No complaints in the year and a half or so that I've had it. I bought the add-on dust collection tube and adapter for my saw and want to say that it works on the 1591 too.
So Bosch does have a DC set up........... does it work well?How would you rate it as far as blade wander is concerned?the Festool dc works ok, but I never use it. With the plastic shroud, it is just too hard for these old eyes to see the cut line.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
The dust collection on my Bosch is be pretty good. Blade wander doesn't seem to be a problem.
I'll try to post a pic later tonight of the saw with the dust collection attachment hooked up.
As far as blade wander is concerned, the real acid test is to try a curved cut in 2X stock. Have you tried that?FYI, others around here have raved about the Festool blades (which will work in the Bosch), particularly for cutting curves. Apparently, they are stiffer and they are priced about the same as the Bosch blades.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I know some store like Lowes will have the same jigsaw as Home depot but there will be one number different on model numbers, so they can be the cheapest in town guartee but that just because thats a lowes model number only. Circuit city big on this.
we have one of the new dewalt saws at work. it's smooth running but the flat blade shaft wandersall over the place.
i have used the AEG brand (barrel type) for 8 years now with no problems at all ,good dust port removable base etc... copperjohn
Paul
If your looking for the best jig saw that you can get then stop looking and go out and buy the Festool!
I have both the Bosch and Festool and the Festool is so much better, everything about it.
Doug
Metabo!!!
the Mercedes of jigsaws
Peace
I've got the Bosch GST100 jigsaw, which I bought to replace a few other jigsaws I had. Honestly speaking, I really haven't experienced any problems with it, and it's performed well in all the tasks I've set it to.... I build a lot of log houses, and it gets used a lot, no complaints at all. Its worth the money..!!
Scott from Canada, in Japan
The Festool saw is awesome and the blade guides are adjustable so that there is equal distance on both sides of the blade in relation to the guides. If I were buying anything other than the Festool, I would look seriously at the new Milwaukee or Makita.
get the newer bosch. it has a guide on the left and right side of the blade which prevents the blade from bending (milwaukee, makita, dewalt dont have this)....Festool may have this... heck i would hope so for that much money...
I have the top handled Bosch 1590 and have used the barrel grip one as well. Both are very nice saws. I got mine reconditioned from CPO Bosch for about $130.
last summer, i read a BT post about a website called CPOBosch. I bought a reconditioned Bosch 1587 jig saw for less than $100. It has been one of the best purchases for the price I've ever made. can't speak highly enough about it. Since then, I bot the 4000 tablesaw and a rotozip. All have been great with big savings. you might want to take a look!!
"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
Edited 1/4/2007 1:47 pm ET by unTreatedwood
Thanks kindly for the help, it's a great website. The only problem is that they don't ship up here to Canada.
Paul
I'm sorry, I didn't realize that."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
The only problem is that they don't ship up here to Canada.
make a US contact to help out...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I've got the 1587 and it is a wonderful saw. The blade change is a little funky and because of that I wish I had gotten the 1590. I think if I ever manage to kill the 1587 (I'm not sure this is possible... time will tell) I will get another bosch. I am hooked.
I bot it specifically to use the collins foot on it. It liked it so much, I haven't gotten around to attaching the foot! I will probably have to get another one to put the foot on! I'll include that in the price of the next crown job I do!"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
The funny thing about the 1587 is that the craftsman branded version rated the worse on the jigsaw tool test in FHB.http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages/?msg=83743.1
Sears, no doubt, spec'd different innerds. Anything showing that badly has been altered. Only way to explain that, don't you think???"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
i like my bosch, though now i wish i had gotten the "barrel" grip one. better for coping miters, etc
so get one and have both...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
howdy,....got the plumbing done. thanks again
you do it???
where's the pic???
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Bosch 1587 (?) barrel grip model is so good that I haven't seen any finish carps with anything better. The new model of Bosch with the blade stabilizer won't work with a collins coping foot so I wouldn't buy one as the only saw, but would be a nice second jig saw.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
dON'T WASTE YOUR TIME LOOKING. hEAD RIGHT OUT AND BUY THE bOSCH 1590. yOU'LL LOVE IT AND WONDER HOW YOUR OLD TOOL CUT ANYTHING AT ALL.
Another vote for Bosch.
The more I use it, the more I realize that I went many years basically without a jigsaw.
The thing is sweet.
Never used a Festool, bet it is sweet also.
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I wonder where my get up and go went
sounds like yur becoming a Bosch convert..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
DwWalt jigsaws...Biggest piece of garbage on the face of the earth!!
I had one that died recently TWICE and all I got from from the DW rep was a run-a-round and I even posted their responses to me here in Breaktime not long ago (see the archives if you so desire).
NEVER AGAIN!! DeWalt jig saws blow!! Tinker toy!
January 20, 2009 Duhhhbya's last day in office : )
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM