+- Woodnet Forums (https://forums.woodnet.net)
+-- Thread: Cheap or Expensive Jigsaw - does it matter? (/showthread.php?tid=7377813)
RE: Cheap or Expensive Jigsaw - does it matter? - Stwood_ - 02-09-2025
(02-02-2025, 11:43 PM)Bencuri Wrote: Thanks for the suggestions!
The other problem I have with these saws is the difficulty to observe the blade and the cut. I have to lean over quite much to be able to osberve what's happening. This is definately much easier when I use the technique I mentioned: sit in front of the saw and pulling it towards me (that may be an incorrect approach but does work). So how do you do it? Some of these saws have a base plate that makes only limited visibility to the blade, some, especially cheaper ones have much more space at the bottom to look though. How can you observe the blade effectively?
Could you also recommend (maybe link) a blade that is suitable for hardwood? I need to cut black locust planks 3/4" thick. I found some better performing blades, but I'd be interested in your suggestions. The guy in the video I linked in the first post is cutting hardwood boards with similar dimensions. In some other videos they cut rosewood instead, they seem to be able to maintain a straight cut, so I guess it is possible to replicate the process on black locust as well as it is less denser than rosewood. Where I live the shopkeepers are not very familiar with different type of saw blades.
I view the cut with my head down and forward, looking at the LF of the saw, as I'm right handed.
I use mainly the T234X blades> I have others to use when I have a junk cut to make.
(02-04-2025, 10:40 AM)ajkoontz Wrote: As others have said, the saw make a big difference. I started with the Bosch barrel grip. It's a great saw, but I wasn't 100% thrilled with the results (most likely user error). Then I got a bandsaw and hardly use my jigsaw after that. Mostly for carpentry/ DIY type projects. Then I got the DeWalt 20V top handle jigsaw as part of a package deal and I think I like it more than the Bosch. Point I'm trying to make since there are so many Bosch replies that your mileage may vary. I'm not the only one who prefers a top handle and there are other good brands besides the Bosch. Although again, Bosch makes great saw. Also, almost any bandsaw would be a huge upgrade over any jigsaw if budget/ space allows it.
Bosch does make a top handle, which is what I have. The older 1587AVS. No idea what the newer version number is.
RE: Cheap or Expensive Jigsaw - does it matter? - Bencuri - 02-12-2025
Another aspect, I am interested in your opinion about this:
I checked a few videos online, and some videos speculate about that ONE of the reasons that the blade might wander is because the roller that supports the blade in the front or the frame that holds the roller is rocking. They show various solutions to solve this.
Today I started checking jigsaws in shops. In the store where they available in multitude, I could try almost a dozen: Bosch, Black & Decker, Hunday and a budget brand that is available here: Einnhell. Unfortunately not the whole spectrum of jigsaw types were covered. Only ones ranging from 30$ to 150$ was available, no barell grip or heavy duty series. In connection with that rocking I found strange results during tests: the budget Einhell had the most solid frame and roller (Einhell TE-JS 18). It was hardly rocking. Next one, that had a similarly solid roller was the Bosch PST 650. It is a green DIY series Bosch. Interestingly the blue, PRO series Bosch jigsaws that were closer to the 150$ price range had a rocker mechanism much loose. The Hunday, that is a budget brand here, had the worst roller mechanism, it was massively rocking. Black & Decker was rocking quite much, too.
So it seems in connection with the solidity of the roller mechanism the price tag is not a good reference point. I wonder however if it matters at all, I mean how solid that mechanism is? Because if it is, I will need to check these saws in person before choosing.