Replies

1. 
   user-3395150 | May 19, 2022 03:39pm | #1

   Bosch saw and Bosch extra clean wood blades.

   Also get a corded model. Cordless is all the rage now, but then you're married to that battery type.

2. 
   mikefm101 | May 19, 2022 04:53pm | #2

   I’ve had a corded Bosch for decades. Bosch routinely gets top grade reviews.

   I’m generally buying Makita 18 v and Bosch 12 v tools lately, but unless you will be consistently more than 10 feet from an outlet, or using it off and on all day, corded may work fine for you.

   Mike

3. 
   john_c2 | May 19, 2022 05:10pm | #3

   Bosch T308BO or T308B Extra Clean blades for sure. It matters less what saw you put them in. I use my cordless jig saw mostly, but have an old Bosch corded that's great.

4. 
   user-7627473 | May 19, 2022 06:59pm | #4

   I have a 25 yr old Bosch barrel handle (158X?) that I really love - although it's loud and vibrates a lot...like a small Sherman tank. I tried out the latest Bosch barrels and while they are a bit quieter- they get really hot! As well the blade sits back further than mine which makes it difficult to see the cut unless you stick your head right in front. Not comfortable for scroll work. I returned both. I saw the Triton barrel jigsaw recently and noticed that the blade sits more forward and am interested in trying it out at some point.

5. 
   lat_axe | May 20, 2022 02:47am | #5

   When the bandsaw had to go because of space shrinkage, I went daft and bought a Mafell P1CC with some of the dosh I got from selling the bandsaw.

   https://www.timberwolftools.com/mafell-p1cc-jigsaw

   This Mafell jigsaw has precision and power, cutting up to a depth of over 100mm (4"+) without bogging down. It's expensive but will (I hope) last a lifetime and beyond (mine, at least).

   There are various accessories, by both Mafell and third parties, that make it a very versatile jigsaw. Standard-fitting jigsaw blades from various manufacturers, especially Bosch, have improved in the last decade, with all sorts that cut a wide variety of materials.

   Whilst a jigsaw, even one as good as the Mafell, can't replace the power and capacity of a big bandsaw, it's a lot easier to bring the tool to the work, in many operations.

   Lataxe

1. 
   rob_ss | May 20, 2022 06:07am | #6

   Seconded.
   I've just plumped for the Mafell circular saw with the track and this jigsaw is definitely on the list to replace my venerable Bosch.
   Mafell certainly seem to offer better spec per $$ than Festool.

6. 
   rob_ss | May 20, 2022 06:22am | #7

   As always it depends on the application and likely case-use.
   I have a Bosch that is at least 20 years old. It has been used for many projects and has always done a good job WHEN USED PROPERLY.
   You can get better blades which cut very cleanly if you don't push the tool too hard.
   If I was going to buy one today though, I'd buy one compatible with a track system - I've plumped for Mafell as I need a circular saw with a 3" depth of cut for slabs and farm timbers so would probably also buy the Mafell jigsaw if I needed a replacement. I like the idea of getting more reliably straight lines on shorter cuts.
   I would also buy a corded option unless working away from power was going to be necessary - way cheaper and much more powerful per $$. The cord has been an annoyance to be fair, but not enough to make me change to cordless. I've never used a cordless jigsaw but find 18V is barely enough for a circ saw with a super-thin blade so suspect that it would be pushing it with the fatter blade and less efficient action of a jigsaw. Fat blades really help with clean cuts.

7. 
   johnpendery | May 20, 2022 08:22am | #8

   I’ve had good experience with Bosch and festool. The main point I would add is my preference for a barrel grip jigsaw vs the D handle style. You might not feel the same so perhaps go out your hands on a couple, but I would never go back to the D grip over barrel grip.

8. 
   jkljh | May 20, 2022 09:53am | #9

   I have a new Bosch cordless jigsaw after years of using the Bosch barrel shaped corded jigsaw. I found the cord got in the way and didn't like having to run an extension cord all the time. I have Bosch drills and power drivers as well and love them all. The batteries last a long time between charges and should last a lifetime. Definitely get Bosch blades! Try the variety pack to experiment with what you need, but the clean and extra clean blades work great.

9. 
   stantheman | May 20, 2022 10:43am | #10

   You need big hands to handle the barrel version.