Seeking jigsaw recommendations
April 7, 2014 6:33 AM   Subscribe

My week-old $30 Black and Decker jigsaw crapped out over the weekend and I'm in need of recommendations for a reliable homeowner-grade jigsaw that can cut straight lines. Most reviews I've found online recommend the now-discontinued Bosch 1590. Looking for anyone who's been happy with something currently available for around or less than $150.

For the foreseeable future, the main job of the jigsaw will be to cut notches out of 2" thick decking boards. I'm most interested in models that are easily ordered new, online. Thanks!
posted by ndg to Home & Garden (7 answers total) 3 users marked this as a favorite
 
I have a refurb Dewalt that I have been very happy with. I've had it about 5 years. It's not this model but it is similar.
posted by jmsta at 7:15 AM on April 7, 2014


I have a low-end Craftsman that I hate. So, I can't tell you which one to buy, but do not buy the low-end Craftsman.
posted by bondcliff at 7:19 AM on April 7, 2014


I love my Bosch jigsaw and it's lasted for more than a decade. I just looked on the Lowe's website and they have some that look about like mine for under 150, I'm not at home so I can't check the model. And then there's this one on Amazon.

If you've never used one of these type jigsaws you will be amazed.
posted by mareli at 7:26 AM on April 7, 2014


I have the Festool PS 300 EQ. If I needed to do it again I would get one of the Bosch D handle jigsaws. I'd probably get a much higher end one than what you're looking at, just because a year later I've never thought "wow, I wish I'd bought the cheaper version of that tool" and far too often I've bought both the cheap and expensive versions of a tool.
posted by straw at 8:08 AM on April 7, 2014


According to my research, these are good: Bosch JS572, 1590/91, Dewalt DW331.

I test-drove the Festool 300. I returned it with prejudice. While I love their track saw and Domino tenon machines, their old jigsaw was one of the most frustrating tool experiences I’ve ever had. Impossible to see the blade from topside, too long and heavy to be easily used from the underside. (That said, Festool is really serious about the try-before-you-buy: they have a new jigsaw that claims to resolve a lot of these problems, so it might be worth trying it.)

What I found is that using the heavy-duty Bosch or Festool blades makes a much bigger difference than the motor unit. A good mid-tier Bosch with great Bosch blades will make you happy, I’m certain.
posted by davidpriest.ca at 9:16 AM on April 7, 2014 [1 favorite]


I actually have a low end DeWalt that I was unhappy at the time to buy at a pawn shop for $8. It is probably literally the best $8 I've spent in my life in time used vs value.

So what I'm saying is it's a jigsaw. The cut depends on the quality of your blade. So spend $20 at a pawn shop for a halfway decent one (mine is crap, but awesome) and go get a giant pack of new blades.
posted by cmoj at 11:35 AM on April 7, 2014


Bosch manages to fairly consistently make good power tools. I've found them to be more "focused" than most other brands, meaning that they tend to have fewer features but to be better in terms of build quality and core functionality. Of the brands available at your average big box store, they're usually my first choice. I would tend to just get whichever Bosch jigsaw was in my price range, were I you.
posted by Scientist at 12:49 PM on April 7, 2014


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