Hi all, I am your basic carpenter and I install a lot of kitchen cabinets and laminate counter tops. My old Jigsaw just died and the reason why I liked it was I could cut the back of a sink cut out.
If you’ve never done one of these, you need to be able to cut within an inch or less of the backsplash.
All the new jigsaw bases are too wide to make this cut.
I remember for a while they were selling a model jigsaw that the head pivoted so you could make cuts pretty close to the edge of the tool.
I’ve been looking for either this kind or just any kind to just be able to make cuts like this.
I’ve looked around and so far have had no luck.
Anybody have any advice?
I’ve been cutting the back by turning the countertop over, but with some of the bigger counter tops it’s not easy or convenient.
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Look at a Dewalt Model # DW317K. It's billed as a compact jigsaw. Available at Home Depot if you want to handle one before buying. I don't buy Dewalt, just thought it might be good for what you're doing. It looks pretty narrow in the pics.
EDIT: I read some reviews and it sounds like it could be a turd.
other ideas
I usually use either of my PC trim saws, either the 4.5" or 6" cuts to 1.25" of the blade. Ditto for the makita cordless.
Some people swear by the collins coping foot which will cut to about 1" pretty easy.
I have seen others do a good job with a recip saw and a long blade. For the latter you hold the saw body well above the c top but I never had the stones to try that one.
and....
One other way I've heard of is by removing the base from your jigsaw. Never tried it myself.
One could use a MultiMaster to make the back cut. Slower than the jigsaw, but can cut flush.
I have a barrel grip Bosch and love it since it allows easy cutting from the bottom of work. For what you're talking about a collins coping foot would work on many different jigsaws, but not all of them.
Go to a real tool store and try each one for 'fit' in your hand.
Personally, I like the Makita version. Soft start, vibration absorbing ... and a very smooth, very controllable cut. Bosh is my second choice. Tool-free blade change is essential.
If you're not paying $140 or so, you're not getting the saw you deserve.