Looking for a jig saw

loninappleton

I have few tools. One thing and another I pushed my Marvel 3 in 1 knock off brand pretty hard and dropped it more than once. The plunge base broke and I have contacted MLCS to see if the part is available from them because the tool is identical.

I had been cutting with a saber spiral bit on an extreme angle. But the accessory broke when the device hit the floor. The plastic knob on the attachment and white metal housing are not repairable.

A jig saw is a purchase I put off for-- well forever until now. But I guess they have gotten a lot better. There is a Freud model FV85 that has all the features at about $65. Blades that trim smooth can be gotten from Starret.

What are some recommendations here? I have a Craftsman router which performs well for my needs and is inexpensive. The Sears comapny supports thier tools unline a purchase at a big boc lumber store. If someone could point to a Fine Woodworking magazine review with date, I can likely find that in the library if it is not too old. Many reviews like that of the Freud go back a number of years.

No need to mention Festool or Bosch. Something in the reasonable price range is adequate for my hobby usage.

loninappleton

'Found this so far:

Evaluating Eight Professional-Grade Jigsaws - Fine Woodworking PDF Cover Page

No subscription though so I'll see if I can find at the library.

kp91

G8994Z VS Jigsaw - President's Special!

This is the one I've had for a while now, no complaints. $69, feels like a tank.

__________________
Doug
1 John 1:9
Fredericksburg, VA



http://www.usmm.org/postertalk2a.html

http://www.starspangledbannerchallenge.com/

papawd

I have a Dewalt that is about 8 years old and just now the angle screw for the base is starting to slip a little but the saw is strong and still cutting well.. Remember this was purchased before the Black n Decker buyout of Dewalt Since these 2 companies have so called merged I have had bab reports from dewalt owners

__________________
K.I.S.S.- Keep It Super Simple
For I Am Confussion at its Best
Don't fix it if it Ain't broken
Makin sawdust now in South Louisiana

walowan

I have a Bosch 1587VS that I've had ...... and used for 10-15 years with no problems. It's a nice tool

loninappleton

Well the Freud is looking better and better if I can get it on sale.

It features keyless blade replacement, an adjustable foot pad with plastic cover to keep scratches off the work, a variable speed electronic motor that won't stall in a knot and a dust port fitting. I don't know what the local price is yet.

I mentioned I'd want to get those Starrett blades which were shown in BHG Wood mag.

Also I'm heading over to the pawn shop Mr Money where I saw one of the Marvel 3 in 1's. Maybe there's a jigsaw there-- but those jig saws like the Craftsman of that era would likely be the same the one my dad had. He didn't use it much and I couldn't cut anything with it. But that was when I was a kid. Since then I've learned how to use a straightedge, saw board and some jig making techniques.

The 3 in 1 still works of course-- just not the plunge base. From info I have learned here at Router Forums I have made a 6 in base adapter for the 3 in 1. That was to be for working with guide bearings. But now I'll see if I can use that as a replacement for the time being. Can't do angle work though. Angle work must stress all of those small thin blades more than simple cross cuts.

winm70

Bosch is the way to go IMHO. I've had several in the past and the smoothest I own is the Bosch.

Ralph Barker

[This space intentionally left blank after not typing a glowing recommendation for the Festool Trion.]

__________________
- Ralph