Yesterday, my 12 year old Crapsman jigsaw (Sabre saw if you wish) died.  Motor runs but won’t oscillate.  I’m in the market for a new one even though I don’t use it often.  Black Friday is coming so tell me, “What’s your brand of choice?”

I have one of these Makitas.

 

I've had it forever and it has been a real workhorse. Some folks prefer the "barrel" type but this type is all I've ever used. Also have a Makita "skill saw", again a real workhorse!

Edited October 31, 20205 yr by lew

I have a older craftsman that still works well.  Recently someone gave me a newer Dewalt model, said it didn't work.  Found out the cord was broken at the handle.  Opened it up and repaired it.  Has the quick change blade feature, also nice but not a must have.  Tried it for both wood and metal cutting seems to do well.  Like you I don't use one much but when I do I have one ready to go.

 

Okay, okay so I have two ready to go.    

 

I'm lazy, rather have a blade for wood in one and a blade for metal in the other.  Why bother with this pesky blade swapping thingy.  

I have heard that the Bosch is the best.   I cheaped out with a Grizzly and usually regret it, but I only use it a few times a year.

Bosch. Went from a 1591 to the one I now (JS470) have after my daughter gave it to me for Christmas some years ago. My first one was a top handle and the current one is barrel grip....I really think I liked the top handle better in most cases. Regardless of brand you chose, the Bosch blades are (IMHO) the best deal going out there.

I upgraded my old B&D several years ago when I found a practically new Bosch at a pawn shop for a deal I couldn't pass up.  Not a top of the line model, but it has been a good one.  Kind of an odd (to me) way to change the blades but I have gotten used to it.  It is a top handle model, I have never used a barrel grip.  I do wish it would blow off the sawdust ahead of the blade, it would save me huffing and puffing...

 I oped for the Bosch barrel grip for it has a shorter profile and there are times over the years the taller models would not fit in the tight places I wanted. But not happy with having to buy Bosch blades but do like the locking of the blade and it the blades do stay in the tool.

Jesse, there are other brands of T shank blades....even that Walmart name (Hart) markets some.

Bosch or Makita, can't go wrong with either one.  Second Fred on the Bosch blades, they're the best!

Edited November 1, 20205 yr by sweensdv

I bought a Hitachi, don’t use a jigsaw a whole lot, it did everything i needed it to do. Went to use it about 3 years ago, and can’t find it. Dunno who I lent it to, but it didn’t come back. Bought a Bosch, VERY happy with it, and no, it doesn’t get lent out. 

I've had my Bosch for many years. Uses a long screwdriver thru the handle to replace blades, but it has performed very well for me.

...I've got five different brands of jig/sabre saws. Can't really say which one I prefer.

All of them were found "Curb Shopping" The smallest is a B&D it was brand new still in the box.

I broke down many years ago when Festool was promoting in the Us----Actually had a price break. This one of the best tools I have ever purchased. Top handle model---all the great features every one likes. Fun to use----Works for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My 45-year old Craftsman (Made in the U.S.A!) still works like a trooper, but if I had to replace it, I'd get a DeWalt 20 Volt cordless like my son has. I've never used one I liked better!

John

No, I don't work for DeWalt, nor do I have stock in the company!

Stick recommended the Bosh so I bought one to replace my Crapsman. Great tool.