Recommendation for Jig Saw

How things work, what's hot and what's not
Post Reply
BlowingOldBoots

Recommendation for Jig Saw

Post by BlowingOldBoots »

I am looking for a new jigsaw, mains voltage preferred but battery would also be considered. Accurate cutting, straight, true, is essential. So many low cost ones do not track true or cut at right angles. Any recommendations?

Alastair
Burst Boiler
Old Salt
Posts: 385
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2018 12:57 pm
Boat Type: Bavaria

Re: Recommendation for Jig Saw

Post by Burst Boiler »

I suggest a two piece one.

Apologies, I have been drinking post-Calcutta Cup.
BlowingOldBoots

Re: Recommendation for Jig Saw

Post by BlowingOldBoots »

Jig saw jigsaw whisky whiskey, no need to apologise. Do you mean 2 piece as in a battery type :wink: Many of this type don't come with batteries, they are extra, making them quite expensive.

My quandary is this, it is possible to spend anything from £25 to £300 on a jig saw. Hence I am wondering if anyone has got experience of good tool at a reasonable price. My old jig saw is a Makita 4324 which has worked well, but the blade clamp has now failed; the Makita was a low cost DIY model, now decades old.
Gardenshed
Old Salt
Posts: 711
Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2009 3:59 pm
Boat Type: Grand Soleil 39 & Hobie Tiger
Location: 13:44:00N 100:32:00E

Re: Recommendation for Jig Saw

Post by Gardenshed »

jig saw & straight line? are you kidding?
you only get that by clamping a straight edge to the job and using that as the guide
not much in it between the usual DeWalt, Bosch, Makita etc. more critical is the operator
my old black and decker works fine just now, but if/when it fails, I'll go with Bosch re-chargeable as the batteries are interchangeable between
BlowingOldBoots

Re: Recommendation for Jig Saw

Post by BlowingOldBoots »

Gardenshed wrote: Sun Feb 06, 2022 9:31 pm jig saw & straight line? are you kidding?
you only get that by clamping a straight edge to the job and using that as the guide
not much in it between the usual DeWalt, Bosch, Makita etc. more critical is the operator
my old black and decker works fine just now, but if/when it fails, I'll go with Bosch re-chargeable as the batteries are interchangeable between
I use a straight edge for very straight line cutting, but the blade now tilts to the side and will eventually jam, plus the edge is at an angle. I can also cut a straight edge down a line free hand for later planing flat. My query is really about buying a new one, as I have had the Makita for an age. I suspect that the the guide is either bent or worn as it happens with new blades as well.

I'll look at Bosch for the interchangeable battery, that would be a useful feature. To be honest, the only battery tool I have is a B&D Drill, everything else has mains flex, which is not that inconvenient for me.
User avatar
wully
Yellow Admiral
Posts: 1585
Joined: Tue Sep 22, 2009 6:29 pm
Boat Type: sailie boatie
Location: Argyll - where else?

Re: Recommendation for Jig Saw

Post by wully »

I’ve got Erbuer drills and plunge saw. Decent home quality for sensible money and if buying any more power tools I’ll stick with them for the battery interchangeability.
Gardenshed
Old Salt
Posts: 711
Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2009 3:59 pm
Boat Type: Grand Soleil 39 & Hobie Tiger
Location: 13:44:00N 100:32:00E

Re: Recommendation for Jig Saw

Post by Gardenshed »

I was pleasantly surprised that when I bought a circular saw last year, the new battery fitted my 6yo Bosch drill. As they are all Li, they keep their charge so whenever you pick it up, it works. As tools die I'll go cordless as there are very few times when I run them continuously and run out of charge. With interchangeable batteries, you can just swap them and continue. Its also much less hassle when you want to do a job, no messing around with cables and plugs.
As for straight lines.....
User avatar
wully
Yellow Admiral
Posts: 1585
Joined: Tue Sep 22, 2009 6:29 pm
Boat Type: sailie boatie
Location: Argyll - where else?

Re: Recommendation for Jig Saw

Post by wully »

I cannot cut anything resembling a straight line with any jig saw I’ve ever used. It’s a ‘bit’ easier with the Plunge (circular) saw.

It’s easier and cheaper if I get someone else do make the cuts though :mrgreen:
BlowingOldBoots

Re: Recommendation for Jig Saw

Post by BlowingOldBoots »

I bought replacement bits from Power Tool Spares https://www.powertoolspares.com. The shoe plate is upgraded from pressed steel to a thicker and I assume more rigid die cast plate. New blade clamp and shoe plate, £7.40. Cheap as chips!
Gardenshed
Old Salt
Posts: 711
Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2009 3:59 pm
Boat Type: Grand Soleil 39 & Hobie Tiger
Location: 13:44:00N 100:32:00E

Re: Recommendation for Jig Saw

Post by Gardenshed »

BlowingOldBoots wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 10:48 am I bought replacement bits from Power Tool Spares https://www.powertoolspares.com. The shoe plate is upgraded from pressed steel to a thicker and I assume more rigid die cast plate. New blade clamp and shoe plate, £7.40. Cheap as chips!
:tiphat:
Post Reply