Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
New Jig Saw
Stuart Johnson
It's time to retire my 45 year old J.C.Penny Penncraft Saber Saw. I need to cut out a stove top and the old one isn't accurate enough in tight areas. It still works for hogging out rough cuts if you don't mind your arm shaking from the wrist to elbow.
What do you recommend? If possible list the brand and model number. Bosch for example must have a dozen models, some the only difference is the type of carrying case.
Re: New Jig Saw
Johanna Johanson
I like my Makita jig saw. That said, some big men prefer other brands with larger handles. My Makita is at least 20 years old and going strong.
Re: New Jig Saw
Dick Coers
All the major brands are good. You have to decide if you want a barrel grip, handle grip, tool free blade change, then cord or cordless. Many other options like lights, zero clearance blade insert, etc....
Re: New Jig Saw
Jim DeLaney, Austintown, Ohio
Bosch 1584 (if they still make it).
I have a Milwaukee 18 volt cordless that's very good, too.
Re: One warning
Larry Clinton At Frankfort, (Central) Indiana
Investigate the type of blades your prospective saw will take. Most new saws will not clamp the older style saber saw blades!
The last time I purchased one I had a large supply (probably about $100 worth) of top quality old style blades and could not find a new saw that would use them even though Lowes had one that they said would.
I can't remember now but I think it was a Porter Cable. I bought one, tried it and the blade kept coming out so I returned it. I think some are even require their own brand of blades.
I ended up purchasing a like new old PC saw that works well.
Re: One warning
Pete in Holland MI
Look for the little roller blade guide, and adjustable oscillation to the blade stroke. Set at 0 for fine cutting, set at higher numbers for coarser, but very fast cutting in heavy materials.
Mine's a Dewalt. Pleased with it.