Jig Saw

[PAW]

I'm in the market for a jig saw. I looking to spend max $70. I've researched a few web sites (sears, lowes, homedepot, northertool, harbortool, coastaltools, amazon). A found the following features:

Orbital - cuts faster but maybe less smooth of a cut

Variable orbital action or switchable blade action (orbital vs straight) - Seems like the best of both worlds

Scrolling action - A knob on top to turn the blade instead of the entire saw.

Variable speed - Most saws had this

Speed range (strokes per minute) - We're talking saw here guys!

Dust blower - Seems like a really nice feature. I always hated blowing the saw dust manually.

Toolless blade change - Seems nice also but is it sturdy?

Amps - Like Tim the Tool Guy: More power!

Bevel capability - You can tilt the base for angle cuts

Stroke length (5/8" - 1") - Not sure why this is important

Anti splinter - A plastic insert on higher end saws that's suppose to reduce splinter of the wood

Built in Light

Style of blade shank (T (consumer grade) and U (high end) shank)



With my price limit, I'm limited to models by Skil, Black & Decker, Craftsman, etc. I can't see spending a $100 - $200 for something I'll use a couple of times a year. I'd love something by DeWalt, Porter Cable, Makita, Milwaukee,Bosch but not for the price.

My questions are which of these features have you found more useful? Which brands have you found more reliable? Recommendations?

I found a couple of saws that looked interesting. This one from B&D. It's a convertable model. A powered hand saw and jig saw.

[PAW]

This one from Skil. A model 4580. It's loaded with features

blower, scrolling, light, variable blade action (6 setting from straight to fast orbitial), variable speed, dust port to a vac attachment, 5+ amps, toolless blade change, on tool blade storage, take T and U shank blades, bevel capability.

All this for $70. I checked the reviews on Amazon. There were 4 reviews, 2 1/2 stars out of 5. Some people loved it and some hated it. There seemed to be some build or reliability issues.

I've got a Skil circular saw that works great. I've used it a dozen times.

Any thoughts or opinions?

[PAW]

Thanks for recommendation. I looked at sears.com, amazon and epinions. There seem to be durability issues with the Rotozip. The fan is glued on the shaft. If you use the tool for too long, the glue melts and the fan slips off. Then the tool over heats, ... There was also a LOT of bit breakage. The bits are $6 - $12. The tool was originally designed to cut dry wall. That appears what it does best. Darn! It looked really neat.

[bmwtinut]

I would take a look on ebay for some of the models from bosch and Dewalt, Porter Cable ect. I have picked up many tools on ebay for a steal, I purchased a Porter Cable Circular saw with case for $45. It was used but will last a long time. I also picked up a dewalt 14.4v drill set for about half that it sells in home depot. It was used but looked like it wasn't even opened.

[PAW]

Oh yeah! eBay. I don't think of it for tools. Maybe the local pawn shops too?!?!

[Guess My Name]

EBAY...DEWALT or BOSCH......you can get em cheap.....they have adjustable orbital settings....good quality and feel good in your hands when working so as you do not get tired....

I suggest going to home depot or lowes or whatever is local and grabbing some and feel them in your hand....as some can feel awkward and well that stinks when making scroll cuts...

Good luck

[PAW]

Yep! How the tool feels is important. I've got a Lowes and HD close by and across the street from each other. Sears is only few miles from there and ToolKing opened not far from me. I need to do a tool demo road trip.

[SteveL]

I just got a Makita barrel grip model for $129.00 that is as good or better than the industry standard best Bosch. Supper easy blade change, very smooth and quiet, lots of power, dust blower, light, etc. etc.

Don't skimp on a tool like this, You will have a good one like the Makita or Bosch for the rest of your life. If you really want some opinions from guys that use them mall the time, go to http://www.woodnet.net They have a forum on tools that covers allmost everything.

[PAW]

Thanks SteveL! I'll check out the forum. I'm a tinker with tools. I'd probably use it a few times a year. It's that price vs value vs usage question.

I stopped by Sears yesterday. They had halogen worklights on sale. I looked at Black & Decker, Skil, Craftsman, DeWalt, Porter Cable. The B&D Navigator looked and felt cheap. The is the jig saw that can be converted to a power hand saw. The Skil looked OK. Craftsman had a version of the Skil 4580 that I liked. It had more metal in the housing. Plus, it was $60 instead of $70 for the Skil. The DeWalt and Porter Cable were HEAVY puppies. I'm still leaning towards the Skil/Craftsman.

[maxshine]

What type of projects do you plan to use it for ? I do a far amount of woodworking and I use a Bosch ~$150. Dewalt, Makita, and other premium brands are worth the cost if plan to use it often.

[PAW]

Just average home owner stuff. I've got a couple or three Rubbermaid tool storage racks I want to mount on plywood and casters. I also want to make a plywood dolly for my extra set of wheels. After that, I don't know. What ever comes up. Probably Pine wood derby car for my 9 year old.

I've been reading www.forums.woodnetnet.net. I found a TON of info there. Bosch is the most popular. Milwankee is good also. DeWalt seems to be poor. PC wasn't really mentioned?!?! A couple of lesser known brands seem pretty good. Freud. Especially the FJ85. It's around $110. Grizzly. The Griz is a knock off of an earlier Bosch model. It sells for $67 including shipping. I'm HEAVILY leaning that direction. However, no quick blade change mechcanism. I can live without that. Just toss the blades that come with it and get Bosch. Especially the Bosch Progressor blade. I did find a deal on Bosch. $142 including shipping, 9 Bosch blades and two Wolfcraft clamps. The url for that is: http://hottoolprices.com/topthis7.htm#1587avsp The price is good through 10/20. HD had the same for $149 plus tax.

[PATHFNDR]

PAW,

There is a reason Bosch is popular. I use to use one almost every day for twenty plus years. They are quite. They are smooth running, but more importantly, they are smooth cutting. A very important feature when you are trying to split the line and you can actually "see" the line. Blade change is a snap, or "clic". The assortment of blades is vast and you can get them anywhere. Graingers is a good source. Variable blower, speed and orbital action. I perfered the barrel model, it puts your hand closer to the work with a lower center of gravity, thus giving you more control. The variable speed adjustment is at the end of the saw, so it isn't in the way and can't be bumped while cutting. You might want to check to see if ToolKing has any refurbished ones. I bought a new one a couple of years ago and am convinced it will last me the rest of my life and then some. If you want to do nice work, I don't think it's overkill. You get what you pay for.