Replies

1. 
   Terence | Nov 28, 2005 04:33pm | #1

   I have not tried their new one.  But assuming it's based on their old one I would run, very fast, in the opposite direction.  I bought their "heavy duty" top handle model about two years ago (darn rebates!).  The thing couldn't cut a straight line even with many of the better blades on the market.  Go for the barrel-handled Bosch and sleep well.  If you have the money look at the Festool.  A bit over-priced but with their thick blade it cuts through thick stock cleaner than anything short of a table or bandsaw.

1. 
   JonG | Nov 29, 2005 02:43am | #2

   Thanks for the reply.  This new one was supposed to be better than the last couple (I know, that's what they all say!), but I was just wondering about it.

   Regards,

   Graham

2. 
   forestgirl | Nov 29, 2005 08:58pm | #3

   I have a theory about DeWalt that leads me to never buy a tool they've just released.  They seem to use the market to test the new tools, rather than testing them thoroughly before they introduce them.  Theory is based on the problems seen with the fence on their 746 table saw, and the bearing/socket problem found on the new 13.5" planer after it was released.  Both of these problems should have been spotted with thorough testing prior to mass manufacture and they caused no end of heachaches for the consumers who bought the early units.

    

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   paulc1 | Nov 30, 2005 01:41pm | #4

   I agree with forest but apply that to any "new and improved" tool or piece of equipment, I found after many years of owning and using tools that I don't want to be the pioneer in these matters. Let someone else buy it and help the company work the kinks out.

3. 
   muleboy | Dec 01, 2005 04:57am | #5

   I don't know if you are only looking at those two but this is the saw I use day in and day out in my job as a locksmith/installer.

   http://portercable.cpoworkshop.com/entire_selection/9543_spec.html

    

   The Porter-Cable 9543!   very little vibration, clean cuts, powerful, versatile.  I have had mine for over ten years.  I cut steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, and fiberglass.  With the right blade I have cut 1/4" plate steel.

   It's a beast, and an elegant one at that.

   Good luck.

   Muleboy.

    

1. 
   jc21 | Dec 01, 2005 11:57pm | #6

   Regretted selling mine- the PC is a great saw, better imho than the Bosch I bought to replace it- I wanted an adjustable shoe. The Bosch vibrated more, didn't cut as well and blade changes were a pain. Currently have a Milwaukee 6266-21. Smooth, plenty of power, cuts well, and really slick blade changes. 

1. 
   JonG | Dec 02, 2005 03:57am | #7

   Thanks for all the great thoughts.  I had not researched the PC idea at all.  Thanks for the tips. 

   Regards,

   Graham

1. 
   muleboy | Dec 02, 2005 05:06am | #8

   The PC takes about 5 seconds to change a blade, and no tools needed.   the only issue with that is you can grab it too fast.   i can't tell you how many times I have burned the tips of my fingers by being hasty.  Hasty in my choice of blade speed and then melting the blade and burning my fingers trying to replace it TOO fast.

   The only time you need any tools is to remover the base all together or to slide it back and forth.   The Base comes with two different shoes.  One is steel and the other is plastic.   I covered the plastic one with felt.  I use this when I have a delicate finish to protect.

   The speed control in the trigger is awesome.   You can adjust the dial to set a max speed and it is also variable by pulling the trigger.   you can set the trigger lock and then adjust the speed with the dial.   this really helps on long cuts because it allows you to have consistent blade speed.  Which is really important in cutting different metals.  Also it help to free up your hands to really control the track of the saw well.

   The guys in the shop are always asking to borrow my PC.   I keep telling them to buy their own.

    

   Muleboy.

2. 
   John_D | Dec 02, 2005 07:07am | #9

   You might mention which unsatisfactory Bosch you had.  I know they have two models.  One, the 1587, goes for about $140, and my understanding is that it requires tools to change blades.  The other, the more powerful 1590, goes for almost $170, but adds more adjustability, no-tool blade changes, and other features.

   I've seen people complain about the 1587, but people I know with the 1590 seem to like it.  What do I know... I own a serviceable but unremarkable Black & Decker. :)

1. 
   jc21 | Dec 02, 2005 05:19pm | #10

   It was a 1581 which used a long thin screwdriver to change blades........ basically the same saw as the 1587 except for the blade change mechanism and the shoe. Spent some time with a coworker's 1587 and and prefered the the old screwdriver on the 1581 to the tooless Clic setup on the 1587. The blade change on the the Milwaukee is far easier than either of the Bosch tools. The new 1590 looks like a winner- it has a similar blade change setup to the Milwaukee, more power, and better blade support. Milwaukee has just released a new jigsaw, the 6268-21 ........ will be curious to see how it stacks up against the 1590. For me the 1581 was a bit of a disappontment, I expected it to be better than the PC it replaced but it wasn't.

1. 
   John_D | Dec 03, 2005 01:56am | #11

   Fair enough.  My Black & Decker is terrible, but I almost never use it for anything important anyway... mostly just for roughing jigs in hardboard etc.  I tried it for drywall, that was a mistake.  Back to the RotoZip. :)

4. 
   qtsam2 | Dec 10, 2005 09:05am | #12

   I just used the cordless Dewalt and Iam definatley a fan. It worked great! Surprisingly accurate!