Jig Saw Preferences

[Christian Aufreiter]

No matter which saw you're going to buy be sure to go to a store in order to find out which saw fits your hands best. The Bosch 1591EVSK offers several nice features but it just doesn't feel "right" in my hands.
If I hadn't bought a Festool I would have opted for the Makita 4341FCT.

Hope this helps,

Christian

[Todd Davidson]

Have had my Bosch barrel grip for years. Recently Kim and I needed a second jigsaw at work. Looked hard at the Metabo made Ridgid 'cause of the dust collection and price, but decided that a hose hanging off a jigsaw would be a PITA for our uses and the the Bosch isn't that much more, so I bought another Bosch (D handle this time - Kim's preference). If DC and price are important, check out the Ridgid - if not I'd go Bosch.

In peace, Todd

[Frankie Hunt]

I vote Bosch. I've had mine over 7 years, no regrets.

[Wes Bischel]

OK, so I'm a conformist - Bosch barrel grip.

Wes

[Pete Harbin]

I've got the Ridgid, and the dust collection does work well. Can't argue with an overwhelming Bosch support though...and that's not a new thing either. Whenever the subject of jigsaws comes up, Bosch always rises to the top.

I like the Ridgid, it's a good solid machine, feels good in the hand (maybe a little heavy, but I haven't compared), runs smoothly, and the dust collection is pretty good. I don't use the jigsaw much, so it doesn't see a lot of action. If I were buying one today, I'd have to put Bosch at the top of my list, just due to the ongoing praises they've recieved for quite a few years.

Pete

[Gary Keedwell]

I have had my Bosch for 13 years and still runs great.

Gary K.

[Frank Chaffee]

Glenn,
I run a Bosch 1581VS that is >25 years old. When I got it for $229 from Seven Corners Ace Hardware in St. Paul it was the hot item in the carpentry world. Then, it stood head and shoulders above the two Milwaukee brand jig saws I had worn out. Today’s models are improved from that one and much less expensive to boot!!!

On the slim chance that I would outlive that saw, I have a Festool in reserve.

Regarding the type of handle, choose the one that fits your own cutting style. Top handle is my preference.

Frank

[Howard Rosenberg]

The barrel-grip jigsaw gives you more control and "feel".
My experience, FWIW.

I had the previous generation Bosch barrel-grip and liked it.
Unfortunately I accidentally killed it.
Repairing it wasn't cost-effective so I started my research tour.
(I HATE replacing tools!!)

That's what led me to be in the position to compare three different jigsaws -2 Bosch and the Makita.
I prefer Makita gear.
Everything with a small high-RPM motor that I own is Makita.

As for the Bosch - if you're looking at the previous generation Bosch, get the Makita.
The Makita's a little smoother.
And quieter.
The quick-eject feature is good.
And that LED strikes me as handy.

BUT --

If you're looking at the current generation Bosch, it's that much better than the Makita and the same price (at least here in Toronto it is...)

So --

the answer is - it depends.

On your budget.
Your hand size - the Bosch is definitely beefier.
Your ability to withstand the vibration.

My 2C.
Howard

[Ron Jones near Indy]

Bosch, no doubt in my mind.

[Jerry White]

Bosch barrel grip here, too!

[Frank Pellow]

First of all, get a barrel grip. It gives you a lot more control.

I have the older Festool PS2 jig saw and really really like it. I have also used my brother-in-laws Bosch barrel gip and it too is a great saw, not as great as my Festool, but great. You are going to be happy with either one of them.

[Jacob Larsen]

I have the German made Ridgid and like it very much. I got it mostly due to the price vs. quality (at the time it was $100.). Be warned though. It had been sold out at my local HD for quite a while. When I saw they had gotten some in, I picked it up and brought it home. After opening the case, I discovered it looked different than the one I had seen before. Upon further investigation, this was a new model, R3121 and made in China. I ended up ordering the Metabo-made R3120 through the website and took the other back. They are both available currently through the web.

[Corey Hallagan]

New Bosch Barrel Grip, best money I ever spent, I love it!

Corey

[glenn bradley]

You guys convinced me. The improved blade control on the 1590 looks great and I love the way the foot backs off to allow close work.

[glenn bradley]

You guys convinced me. The improved blade control on the 1590 looks great and I love the way the foot backs off to allow close work.