Jig Saw FYI

[Peter Malquest]

I just wanted to pass this on to yawl. Recently purchased a Bosch Top Handle Orbital Jig Saw and have been thrilled! I have always made due with an old Skil Sabor Saw. When it finally died fare beyond it's years I got by with a cheap import. I really can't believe the difference this new saw makes.

Anyone have any strong feelings about similar saws?

[NormMessinger]

Yup, same deal. I didn't use my skil version much. Can't remember what excuse I used to justify the Bosch but the results were the same as yours.

[Bayboat]

When my 40-year-old Craftsman jig saw finally gave up, I got a Bosch "barrel handle" type. It's great.

[David N.]

porter / cable , I have cut miles of aluminum with this saw , the blade design , is the strongest on the market . It use's a special blade with a L shaped hook , in 15 yr's of cutting I have never broke one blade . At $200 buck's , it was a cheap investment , still going strong , would not even consider anything else . I have even loaned it out , no broken blade's , not a one !! .
And yes I have owned a bosch , sold it , got tired of digging out the busted blade's .

[steve sparhawk]

I'm with Norm. Love the Bosch. Only break blades when I push it over the limit.

[Todd Bradshaw]

I've used two P.C. high-end models over the years. I don't remember ever breaking a blade either, though I've worn the teeth completely off of a couple while cutting fiberglass. The first saw was fairly simple and worked like a charm. Unfortunately, I had to leave it at the place where I was working when I left, since they actually owned it. I soon bought my own and went up the ladder a couple rungs to get a really good one. It started falling apart almost immediately and finally crapped-out altogether. At about the same time, the gears inside my Porter Cable $200 circular saw stripped or something and it now won't even cut a 2x4 without the blade stopping. I've had a lot of Porter Cable tools and have been quite happy with them, but I'm about ready to try somebody else's saws.

[Ron Williamson]

The difference between a good jigsaw and a crappy one is usually the stroke length.The good ones have a 1" stroke,the others,about 1/2".
R

[newf]

I've got a b&d jigsaw thats total crap!it's only got about a 1/4" stroke.I can hardley cut 1/4" ply with it .sadly,it was a gift from my wife,and she would start asking questions if it was to say,"go missing"

[john welsford]

Among the four jigsaws that I have is a Makita BV4200. It is head and shoulders above any of the others ( which includes a Bosch, a B&D and a Ryobi) . I use it a lot, Its now 15 years old, has built ( runs out of fingers, takes shoes off and continues counting) 17 boats, is due for a set of bearings soon but still cuts 2inch hardwoods ok, and is still available from Makita.
I am sure that there are other models and brands that are good , but I know of others who have had similar experiences with this particular machine.
John W

[ShalloWater]

I don't need anything fancy. Don't use it often enough to warrant it. But I just bought a new Skil with the red casing. Think it was $69 at Lowes. I have really gotten to like it. Very fast, smooth, long stroke, orbiting option.