Replies

1. 
   Elcoholic | Jul 15, 2002 07:16pm | #1

   I never used my old Skill except for cutouts and such and never tilt the shoe but it was an el cheapo with out any blade guide so it was pretty worthless on anything thicker than paneling.  I bought a reconditioned PC industrial model with the fixed base, 3 orbit settings, variable speed and it has the guide blocks similar to a band saw as well as the roller guide behind the blade.  Cut's nice and straight, even through 1 1/2" material going around curves.  That does it for me.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

2. 
   Andrew | Jul 16, 2002 12:11am | #2

   The best jig saw i ever used was a bosch.

1. 
   brucebww | Jul 16, 2002 12:15am | #4

   i agree with the bosch response.  it is a fine tool.  the choice of a quality blade is also quite important.

   bruce.

3. 
   TERRE5 | Jul 16, 2002 12:13am | #3

   The Porter Cable and Bosch are about equal.

4. 
   floman47 | Jul 16, 2002 01:34am | #5

   Bosch is the best!  On my 3rd.  I get about 10 years out of each one. 

   Jeff in so cal

5. 
   KCori | Jul 16, 2002 03:25am | #6

   Jake,

   You said you won't use a jig saw all that much which is exactly my situation.  I looked at and tested the top handle Bosch which retails for around $150. It is clearly a great machine but I didn't want to spend that much on something I don't use very often. 

   Then I came accross the Grizzly President's Day Special jig saw.  It is a clone of the previous Bosch design.  The major difference that I can find is that the blade changing mechanism needs a screw driver ( a special on provided with the saw) instead of quick change mechanism.  As near as I can tell, the quick change mechanism saves less than a minute for each instance.  Since I seldom need to change a blade once I am working, I didn't see this as a significant advantage.

   In addition to the Griz jig saw, you get a "free" imitation Xacto knife set.  Believe it or not, it is pretty nice.  You also get 10 so-so blades.  I haven't used these.

   One other thing, I use the Bosch Progressor blades in it.  IMHO, the Griz then performs about as well as the Bosch.  I spent the $90 saved on wood!

1. 
   mbiker1999 | Jul 18, 2002 08:13pm | #17

   I got that Grizzly jigsaw too and am very happy with it.  The blades that come with it I just use for rough cutting.  I got some Bosch blades and that saw cuts like crazy.  It seems pretty well built.  It's worth a look if you don't want to pay $150 for a Bosch. 

6. 
   denwdwrkr | Jul 16, 2002 05:46am | #7

   With out a doubt - Bosch is the best jig saw out there.  You won't be disappointed if you buy one.  If like you said, you don't use it too much it will last forever.

   John

7. 
   pinsntails | Jul 16, 2002 10:32pm | #8

   I got a Bosch jigsaw about 2 years ago and love it. I didn't realize the power and accuracy a good jigsaw provides. I also opted for the barrel-handled version instead of the top handle and much prefer it to top handle versions I've used. The center of gravity is lower and your hand is right on the tool body where it dampens vibration and gives a more controlled cut.

   You'll have no regrets you spent $50 bucks more on a premium tool. Buy it right - buy it once.

   Sam

8. 
   sschefer | Jul 16, 2002 10:47pm | #9

   Stay away from the newer el cheapo Skill's. They are junk. They have no guides, the blade wanders and the foot never stays where you set it. It has some goofy knob on the top with a lock switch that when unlocked allows you to turn the blade 360 degrees. Its hard enough to keep it straight with the blade locked let alone trying to hold it and turn the knob at the same time. The base plate does not withstand shock very well either nor does the outer case.

   The second time I threw it accross the shop I found that Duct tape doesn't seem to stick to the plastic very well either. However, with enough tape it does begin to feel like one of the heavier better built brands, you just cant get your hand around it anymore. Go with a Bosch or PC and save yourself the frustration of trying to work with junk tools.

   Steve - in Northern California

1. 
   DelDollens | Jul 17, 2002 04:58am | #10

   "The second time I threw it accross the shop..."

   Interesting, but none the less you are correct, Steve.  They are junk even before the toss.

   -Del

2. 
   uncommontree | Jul 17, 2002 05:59am | #12

   Hi Steve

   How's things going for you.................... My Vote is for the Bosch. There is nothing about it that I do not like. It is a very fine tool and with limited use will last a lifetime. I have a co-worker that bought the Grizzly Bosch look a like, it seems to be a nice tool but it doesn't have the balance or the feel that the Bosch has. Any one who has held them both knows what I am talking about. You can save a few bucks now but in a few years you will be reaching for your wallet rather than a trusted old friend.

          Be good all and safe.......Rick...........

9. 
   ReneBorg | Jul 17, 2002 05:10am | #11

   Jake:

   Do yourself a favor and buy the best jigsaw that you can afford. I've wanted a Bosch (or other high quality brand) jigsaw for about 15 years. I had an old clunker that still worked, so I never felt justified in going out and buying a new one -- after all, I figured, the old one still ran. Well, recently my clunker died and a bought a new Bosch. I immediately loved it and then felt stupid that I had waited so long to get a tool that works so well.

   Yeah, the old clunker still worked, but with that one I couldn't do anywhere near what I can do with the Bosch. I can cut straight lines freehand & beautiful curves in all sorts of materials with almost no vibration; fitted with the right blade, I can use it like a sawzall in cramped quarters! Maybe you'll settle on a different brand, but by all means if you buy a quality tool you may well be able to do more with it than you may realize now.

   René

10. 
    user-135888 | Jul 17, 2002 09:18am | #13

    I have a bosch

    And I can't argue with the fact that I have yet to see or ude a more rugged, and enjoyable tool to use. 

    john g

1. 
   BG | Jul 17, 2002 01:04pm | #14

   Recently I bought the Hitachi barrel shaped jig saw.  To be frank, I did little research but liked the power, price and the fact that it is made in Ireland (only slightly prejudiced...lol).  I'm impressed with the tool but have no idea how it compares with the Bosch.  From Steve's comments, apparently some can fly..don't suspect mine has that capability, however, maybe that tape jig he made for his jig helps.  Either way it makes sense to me that if your looking for a good jig you ned to consider the source of the jig...the Irish....lol.

11. 
    jcurrier | Jul 17, 2002 04:28pm | #15

    Thanks for all your input- I ended up purchasing a Skil (I know....everyone said to by the Bosch. But Bosch is skil's parent company, and like I stated I am not going to be using it all that often. I paid $60- and spent a few more dollars on some high quality Bosch blades. I figure if I dont ever use the Bosch I wont know what I am missing! Thanks again for all your input.

1. 
   sschefer | Jul 17, 2002 06:50pm | #16

   Jake if it works for you then that's great. Steve - in Northern California

12. 
    ecomma | Jul 18, 2002 09:25pm | #18

    Bosch

13. 
    TJinFL | Jul 18, 2002 11:51pm | #19

    I bought the Bosch barrell handle a year ago and have been very pleased....

14. 
    badoyn | Jul 18, 2002 11:55pm | #20

    I have the Milwaukee jig saw. I love it.

    Michael

15. 
    timburnisher | Jul 19, 2002 03:48am | #21

    Since you've already made your decision, I guess it doesn't matter, but my vote would be for the Bosch also.  I've used one to cut the curved edge of a large tabletop made from 8/4 cherry and it worked beautifully.  Good luck with the Skil.

    Tim

16. 
    blackstone10 | Jul 19, 2002 05:53am | #22

    Jake,

    The Bosch barrel grip jig saw is unbeatable!  I've used mine for 8 yeare and its still the best I've ever used!  You won't be sorry you bought it!  Jay