Jig Saw recommendations

[Bob Moyer]

Looking to add a jig saw to my newbie workshop; any recommendations on new or used, my current budget is under $100.00. I have been checking ebay and craigslist.

I read on another forum that you can buy a cheap jigsaw as long as you upgrade the blade to a Bosch. Not sure if that was good advice since I noticed he was selling a Craftmsan for $15.00.

Thank you for a great forum!

[Rob Diz]

If you spend a few more dollars, you should be able to get the Bosch on sale from Amazon. Rather than buying a "make do" tool that will not perform well and you will eventually replace, I would strongly urge you to get the tool that will perform better and will not need to be replaced.

IMO, the Bosch jigsaw is that tool.

[Grady Cowardin]

You can buy a $50 craftsman and it will vibrate out of your hand like a jackhammer. Something with a metal body will always run smoother. Due to the motion of the blade the more stability it has the cleaner your cut. I have a Crapsman and it makes pretty rough cuts even with good blades. It was cheap and I didn't know that quality mattered as I've always viewed Jigsaws as something for rough cutting etc. But now I know.

[Justin McCurdy]

I bought a Bosch 1590 and it ridiculously outperforms the Craftsman. The blades are thicker and do not bend while cutting wood.

[John Shuk]

This is a pretty nice saw and $99.00
http://bosch.cpotools.com/saws/jig_s...87avsk-46.html

[Rob Bodenschatz]

If I were you, I'd jump on the one in John's link.

[CPeter James]

Buy a Bosch. The difference between that and a cheap one is astounding. The most expensive tools are the cheap ones you buy...and buy...and buy!!! because they fail!!

CPeter

[Homer Faucett]

This is a pretty nice saw and $99.00
http://bosch.cpotools.com/saws/jig_s...87avsk-46.html

I used to have a Black and Decker 1970's jigsaw. I had read all about people raving over the Bosch, and I thought I might try a Bosch one day because it just took SOOOO long to cut anything with my old jigsaw, and you couldn't get a decent cut no matter what blade you used.

Well, I found a used 1587AVSK on ebay for $40 shipped, and the difference in performance between the old B&D and the Bosch was unbelievable. I bought another one at a pawn shop for my dad at about the same price. In my opinion, there is no other jigsaw besides a Bosch. Others may argue Festool, and it's probably a great tool, but the price difference doesn't justify it for my needs.

[Mark Hollingsworth]

Definately get the Bosch. You won't regret it.

[Randal Stevenson]

I'll second the 1587. I picked one up from a local "damaged freight" store, NIB for $80 after taxes. The price difference between that and the 1590 didn't make the easier blade changes worthwhile.

While better blades will make a difference in a cheaper tool, it won't make you happier to use it. I haven't tried the Festool (budget verses need/use), but what you MIGHT do, is post a wanted in the classifieds section. If someone gets a bunch of stuff from Bob, then they might sell you a Bosch.

[Craig D Peltier]

I have the Bosch 1590 its very smooth.Works for me.

[Grady Cowardin]

This is a pretty nice saw and $99.00
http://bosch.cpotools.com/saws/jig_s...87avsk-46.html

What has everyone's experiences been with reconditioned tools? Depending on the price gradient from a new model, I'm usually leery about them. 50% discount is hard to pass up but a few bucks here or there I always go with new.

[Hal Flynt]

Bosch, Bosch or the Bosch.

[Jim Bell]

Of the trhee I'd get the Bosch!

[Bob Childress]

Bosch, Bosch or the Bosch.

I would choose the second one.