JigSaw Questions and Recomendations???

[Travis Gauger]

So I know that the jigsaw isn't as glamourous as a saw stop or sliding compound mitre saw, but it is a valuable tool in the hobbyist workshop. I am often finding myself turning to it for many different opperations. So my question to everyone is...

What do you have for a jigsaw?
What would you rather have for a jigsaw?
Barrel grip or top handle?
Brand prefference, and Why?

Currently I have a 3.2Amp B&D cheapo. It's time to hand that one off to my boy for his birdhouses and get a nicer one. Your answers are going to determine my purchase and subsequent review. Thanks in advance.

[Randal Stevenson]

The Grip is all personal preference, and according to a friend of mine "how you use it".
What I traditionally see, is those that do a lot of scrollwork, prefer the Barrel grip. Those that use it otherwise, tend to go with the D handle.

The one that I see most people recommending, is the Bosch. The friend of mine who made the above statement, uses his with metalwork more (modifying car frames in a hot rod shop, and such). I bought the D handle, because I found it new for $85. (1587 model). The current D handle model is a 1590 and 1591 for the barrel grip. (which I may get when it goes on sale)

The other recommendations I have seen are: Festool's (more $$$), DeWalt, and Freud.

[Michael McCoy]

I have and really enjoy using the Bosch. I have the barrel grip and but like already posted, the grip depends on your preference.

[Greg Hines, MD]

My jigsaw is a Craftsman Professional, that I can use as a barrel grip or D-handle grip, and I am quite pleased with it. It uses Bosch-style blades, which seem to hold better than the alternative. I also particularly like the blower feature for clearing dust from the line.

Doc

[Homer Faucett]

So I know that the jigsaw isn't as glamourous as a saw stop or sliding compound mitre saw, but it is a valuable tool in the hobbyist workshop. I am often finding myself turning to it for many different opperations. So my question to everyone is...

What do you have for a jigsaw?
What would you rather have for a jigsaw?
Barrel grip or top handle?
Brand prefference, and Why?

Currently I have a 3.2Amp B&D cheapo. It's time to hand that one off to my boy for his birdhouses and get a nicer one. Your answers are going to determine my purchase and subsequent review. Thanks in advance.

I traded in my B&D jigsaw for a used Bosch 1587 D-handle with variable speed. You won't believe the difference. I like the D-handle, because you can vary the speed with the trigger. I don't think you can do that with the barrel grip.

[Jim Mims]

So I know that the jigsaw isn't as glamourous as a saw stop or sliding compound mitre saw, but it is a valuable tool in the hobbyist workshop. I am often finding myself turning to it for many different opperations. So my question to everyone is...

What do you have for a jigsaw?
What would you rather have for a jigsaw?
Barrel grip or top handle?
Brand prefference, and Why?

Currently I have a 3.2Amp B&D cheapo. It's time to hand that one off to my boy for his birdhouses and get a nicer one. Your answers are going to determine my purchase and subsequent review. Thanks in advance.

I'm taking notes too for future reference. I've seen some pretty good posts on jigsaws in recent weeks.

Here's one:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=769222#poststop

Looks like you missed this deal on a Bosch, it's back at $115:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=74356&highlight=bosch+jigsaw

It pays to check in frequently. ;)
- Jim

[Peter Quinn]

I have a bosch, got it discounted as a close out when they introduced a new model. Standard grip. Nicely balanced, plenty of power, most adjustments are accurate and straight forward, bit change is a pain in rear! The new ones have a much better quick release system, wish I hadn't been so cheap.

It has several settings to control how aggressive the cutting orbit is which gives a lot of control. It has a blower to clear the cut line that I never use as I don't like the tornado effect it creates. It came with a free palm sander that I do like very much, and that sweetened the deal. The bosch blades are also very good, and it came with a large sample pack (they have a blade for almost any situation).

I don't use a jig saw much so I wasn't willing to spend any more than I had to to get a good professional entry level tool. When I do need it I'm sure glad its there. Played with a barrel grip festool at local woodcraft, and that is a wonderful tool for a regular user. Nearly perfect like all their equipment, only problem is too many digits in the price for me! I have used the PC jigsaw when working for a friend and that is also a very capable tool.

[Travis Gauger]

I'm taking notes too for future reference. I've seen some pretty good posts on jigsaws in recent weeks.

Here's one:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=769222#poststop

Looks like you missed this deal on a Bosch, it's back at $115:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=74356&highlight=bosch+jigsaw

It pays to check in frequently. ;)
- Jim


That's funny, cause I'm on SMC almost everyday and often throughout the day. Even searched for jigsaw and jig saw to no avail. I wonder why it didn't pop up for me. Any way, great advice. Looks to be the Basch with blade gaurd as the one to get.

[J. Z. Guest]

1) What do you have for a jigsaw?
2) What would you rather have for a jigsaw?
3) Barrel grip or top handle?
4) Brand prefference, and Why?

They're not glamorous, but they're dead useful and can replace a circ saw in most instances. They're also quite necessary for those of us who don't have room for a bandsaw.

1) Black & Decker Professional. The newest version of this is DeWalt's "compact" model. The only differences are colors and that the DeWalt has a quick blade change feature that people don't like. I got mine off of ebay for $35.

2) I'd rather have the new Bosch 1591EVSK (http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1591EVSK-6-4-Barrel-Grip/dp/B00067J3WS/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1204054180&sr=8-2) but it is not quite in the same price range, and the old B&D Pro won't quit.

3) Barrel. Most of the work we woodworkers are going to do with it will be horizontal, and the barrel grip gives better control & ergonomics for this kind of work. Folks who will be using it vertically or upside down will probably prefer the D handle style, as they're easier not to drop.

4) Bosch, Makita, or Milwaukee. DeWalt is starting to cut corners these days, IMO. Read the Amazon user reviews and you'll see what I mean. Lots of folks have problems with the quick release blade mechanism, but DeWalt doesn't seem to have addressed the issue. That, or there are a lot of idiots out there who aren't putting the blades in right. Of the barrel grip models, Bosch & Makita are the highest rated barrel grips by amazon users.

I also have the 18V Ryobi cordless jigsaw, which is nice, but compliments, rather than replaces, the corded B&D Pro. For scrolling cuts, it is very nice to not have the cord to contend with. But even on a jigsaw, the power difference between corded and cordless is quite noticeable. The corded operates at 50% higher SPM of the cordless, and hardly bogs down at all when aggressive orbital mode is used. The orbital settings on the cordless are all but useless, as the saw doesn't have the guts to make the cut. The laser makes it VERY easy to make freehand straight cuts rivaling a circ saw's, but doesn't help at all with scroll cuts. The dust blower, if it has one, doesn't work at all. I reach for this when I need to make a quick & dirty crosscut to get a workpiece to a manageable size for the table saw.

Speaking of which, my B&D Pro either doesn't have a dust blower or it doesn't work.

Orbital action is nice for straight cuts when you don't mind a lot of splintering at the edges.

So from my experience, the most important features are:

- Dust blower should WORK. It gets old, having to always blow off the cut line with my mouth.
- Anything over 4 A is going to have plenty of power. No need to make them bulky & long while chasing the higher current ratings.
- Good lateral blade support, so you don't wind up making bevel cuts when you're only trying to scroll or cut thick material.

Phew, that was quite the little novella. I hope it was a bit helpful though.

[Travis Gauger]

Very Helpful Jeremy. Thanks so much. I too have noticed the degradation of dewalts quality. I think I am going to go for the Bosch 1591.

[Homer Faucett]

FYI, I bought my Bosch 1587 evsk on ebay for $35. It did not look clean, but was in the box and worked. My dad and I put it head to head with the two Black and Decker jigsaws (one a 1960's model, and one a 1980's model) that have been in the family for years. We put new blades on the B&D's and used the beat-up blades that were in the box from the pawn shop on the Bosch.

The Bosch literally made the cut twice as fast, and was much easier to control when doing scrolling cuts. Others have recommended the Milwaukee, and I understand that there is a DeWalt that some have had good luck with. Porter Cable is often mentioned. However, Bosch is generally considered THE jigsaw, and there are plenty of those running around on the used market if you want to get in on the cheap. I would, however, check the quick blade change mechanism if you are picking up a 1587. They are a bit cheesy, and are the only weak point on this jigsaw, IMHO. A 1590 or 1591 would be nice, but I was happy to have saved enough money to go back and find another similarly priced 1587 in a pawn shop to give to my dad and still be at less than half what a 1590 would have cost me.

[Chris Padilla]

Hmmm, no Festool jigsaw recommendations?? ;) I have the Festool barrel-grip but the Bosch gets high remarks always and it is a heckuva lot cheaper.

[Dave Falkenstein]

I used to have the old Bosch, before blade guides. I replaced it with a Festool several years ago, and have been happy with that purchase, regardless of the price. Today, I'd take a hard look at the Bosch with blade guides or the Festool again.

[J. Z. Guest]

I thought I read somewhere that the Festools need only Festool blades?

That's the kind of trick that almost caused Apple Computer to go under. But those Germans, so competetive, hehehe.

[Deuce Lee]

I'm thinking about this one:

http://www.toolbarn.com/product/makita/4351FCT/

Makita 4351FCT, on sale for $157.50 shipped...great deal...great reviews on amazon on the prior version 4341FCT, same thing with some change in cosmetics...

[Danny Thompson]

Last summer I replaced my cheapo B&D jigsaw with the 6.4 amp Bosch 1590EVSK ($159 at Lowes). It was like going from stomping my Fred Flintstone feet to racing a Ferrari. I seriously had no idea a jigsaw could cut so efficiently!!

Later, I saw a Bosch 1587/Bosch Colt Palm-grip Router Combo Kit for $149 that I wish I had bought instead (http://www.internationaltool.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ITC&Product_Code=BOSWWCK2&affiliate=pgc). The Colt alone sells for over $100 and would be very handy around the shop.

[Chris Padilla]

Danny, the Bosch Colt palm-grip/mini/trim/"laminate" router RULZ! :) I love that thing. You know, sometimes SMALLER is better! :D :D

Jeremy, I believe the Festool can use other blades...for example Bosch blades.

[Prashun Patel]

IMHO, the most important thing about a jigsaw is its ability to avoid deflection when cutting thicker material. The Bosch has a lower bearing guide which mitigates this.

I'd use my jigsaw a lot more if I had invested in the Bosch instead of the elcheapo Skil jsaw. It BLOWS - and I don't mean just dust.

D handle or barrel grip doesn't make much difference, IMHO; you'll get used to either.

Another nice feature is the ability to blow forward or backwards and connection to a dc.

[Lee Schierer]

I have Bosch barrel grip and love it. It cuts exceptionally well with next to zero vibration. The Bosch Progressor blades are very good. I've had cuts that were as smooth as those coming off a 60 tooth TS blade.

[Randal Stevenson]

Jeremy, I believe the Festool can use other blades...for example Bosch blades.

Chris, maybe you can tell me if you remember reading it here as well. I thought I remembered a comment about some people with Bosch saws, just prefering the Festool blades (their opinion was they worked better).

[Chris Padilla]

Chris, maybe you can tell me if you remember reading it here as well. I thought I remembered a comment about some people with Bosch saws, just prefering the Festool blades (their opinion was they worked better).

Randal, I seem to recall that as well but I think getting the Festool blades is probably tougher than the Bosch but it is nice to know they are interchangeable.

[James Williams 007]

I like my bosch compared to my old B&D hand me down it's a dream. It has a chip blower feature and you can adjust how agressive the cut is cant go wrong with this one I like the D handle more control for me.

[Tim Allaire]

Bosch 1590esvk will change the way you think about jigsaws. Quick release is very convienent. I cannot live without mine. I almost prefer it over my 14" Jet Bandsaw. I would not change-EVER. Price is worth it!

[J. Z. Guest]

I'm thinking about this one:

http://www.toolbarn.com/product/makita/4351FCT/

Makita 4351FCT, on sale for $157.50 shipped...great deal...great reviews on amazon on the prior version 4341FCT, same thing with some change in cosmetics...

Deuce, that one looks AWESOME. The amazon reviews, from what I recall, talk more about how well the dust blower on the Bosches work and how well the LED works on the Makita. They both seem to say that the dust blowers work only at the higher speeds. (which stands to reason)

To those with the Bosch 1590 series, has this been your experience as well?

[Scott Kilroy]

Every time I use my Bosh Barrel grip I'm impressed with it.

[John Thompson]

I've been wood-working for 36 years, but until 6 years ago when my company bought me a Bosch barrel grip for a special 100' show-room counter they wanted built.. I considered all the various jig-saws as worthless. I didn't know what a jig-saw was until I got my hands on the Bosch.

I do a lot of templates out of MDF to use with an overhead bearing bit for final cut on stock. What was considered worthless.. is now one of my valuable tools I have in my bag of shop tricks since the Bosch arrived on the scene.

I have a Bosch drill I will give you.. but the Bosch barrel grip.. you'll have to fight before you get that one. ;)

Sarge..

[Ed Falis]

I have the Festool barrel grip. It's amazingly good. Haven't tried the Bosch. Although I haven't tried them yet, I understand you can use the Bosch blades with it.

[Deuce Lee]

Deuce, that one looks AWESOME. The amazon reviews, from what I recall, talk more about how well the dust blower on the Bosches work and how well the LED works on the Makita. They both seem to say that the dust blowers work only at the higher speeds. (which stands to reason)

To those with the Bosch 1590 series, has this been your experience as well?

Yeah I’m looking at the Makita to be different for one and for that LED light, I’m thinking that might be one of those things that once you have it, you’d be impressed with it every time it’s a little darker and it helps you a bunch by being able to see it better…

It definitely doesn’t have as many people vouching for it, but I’m also not seeing ANYONE dogging it either…so I’m thinking it’s as good of a winner as the bosch, but just not enough people owning one to vouch for it yet…

Its too new…and the prior one, the 4341FCT doesn’t have the rubber on the handle for better feel and control and grip…

[Travis Gauger]

All right everyone, I pulled the trigger yesterday on a 1590evsk Bosch. Had a coupon for L***s that landed me out the door for under $130. Not too bad. Nice unit though, plugged it in and played with it through some scrap 3/4" ply, Wow. Beats the heck out of my old B&D. After a little more use I will update again.

[Danny Thompson]

You won't regret it.

[Peter Quinn]

Checked my saw, I got the 1587 AVSP, 5A model. Seems they still sell it. I paid $87 dollars bundled with a free palm sander when they had just released the 1590. 1587 is a nice tool if still available, its a little cheaper and lighter than the 1590 but handles most tasks well. I have even used it on scaffolding freehand to trim cedar shakes, and in that case lighter is definetly better.

I remember using the 1590 at work to rough out some inside and outside radius corners on a set of 3" thick L-shaped mahogony counter tops that couldn't really go through the bandsaw. That thing has some real power. Its like a mini-sawzall! And IMHO bosch got the quick blade change right, as did PC.

I stopped buying Dewalt when they stopped making RAS! (except the 735 planer, IMHO they got that right too.)

[glenn bradley]

That's funny, cause I'm on SMC almost everyday and often throughout the day. Even searched for jigsaw and jig saw to no avail. I wonder why it didn't pop up for me. Any way, great advice. Looks to be the Basch with blade gaurd as the one to get.

The search failure is not your fault Travis. vBulletin should just remove their search engine, it is that poor. Use the Google search option on the forum.

Now to your question . . . save yourself the struggle of decision making and opinion rendering to find that holy grail. Get a Bosch 1590VS or 1591VS depending on whether you like barrel or top grip and be happy forever. Do not get an 'almost 159X' get the real thing. The blade guide mechanism makes all the difference in your cuts in thick material.

I have a barrel and prefer it, my dad prefers a top handle. The only decision you are left with is which you prefer. Except for a stronger chip blower, I cannot think of anything more you could want out of a jigsaw that the Bosch does not provide.

JMHO of course ;-)

[Peter Quinn]

Glen...If by 'almost 1590' you mean the 1587 then I'd say your almost wrong. Having used both I feel they are both ligitamate quality tools of the same breed. Which one you buy depends on what your using it for. The 1587 has the blade guide and every other feature of the 1590 except the quick blade change. The 1587 uses a toolless system that works but is somewhat annoying. The price difference is now close enough to be negligable.

Where they differ is weight an power...1587 weighs 5#at 5A, the 1590 weighs 11.7# at 6.4A...almost twice as heavy! In cases where you actually use and need that power and weight it is critical, other wise its just a virtual barbell.

I guess in a bandsawless environment where the jig saw is top dog or if curves in very thick heavy work pieces are needed the choice is obvious. I actually prefer the lighter model for most of the work I do in my own shop, and when working outside the shop making verticle cuts, that extra 5# gets heavy quick.

Come to think of it I really wish I had them both!

[glenn bradley]

Glen...If by 'almost 1590' you mean the 1587 then I'd say your almost wrong. Having used both I feel they are both ligitamate quality tools of the same breed. Which one you buy depends on what your using it for. The 1587 has the blade guide and every other feature of the 1590 except the quick blade change. The 1587 uses a toolless system that works but is somewhat annoying. The price difference is now close enough to be negligable.

Where they differ is weight an power...1587 weighs 5#at 5A, the 1590 weighs 11.7# at 6.4A...almost twice as heavy! In cases where you actually use and need that power and weight it is critical, other wise its just a virtual barbell.

I guess in a bandsawless environment where the jig saw is top dog or if curves in very thick heavy work pieces are needed the choice is obvious. I actually prefer the lighter model for most of the work I do in my own shop, and when working outside the shop making verticle cuts, that extra 5# gets heavy quick.

Come to think of it I really wish I had them both!

Sorry Peter. Didn't mean to come off so strong. My dad has the 1587 and we both have problems with it tracking in thick stock but, it is a lighter machine and rightly so. The weight and guide on the 159X surely helps with stability but I should have asked Travis how he mostly planned to use the saw.

I would not want to lay on my back under a counter and work with the 159X or guide it up a vertical surface for any length of time. When gravity is working with you, as in flat cuts, they are a joy to use. I enjoy being able to run the saw really slow and just sneak my way through a complex cut in thick stock.

I am in agreement about lightest tool for the job. All my cordless drills are 9.6v for just that reason. Sorry if I was over the top Travis. Think about how you will use the saw and judge from there.