Thread: Jigsaw recommendations

Lou,

From what I understand, a jigsaw is handheld and the blade is only attached to the saw at the butt end. You push the saw into the wood to use it. (It's close to a mechanized version of a regular hand saw.)

A scroll saw has a thin blade that's attached at both ends to a larger stand; it's a table saw. The blade moves up and down, and you push the wood into the blade. The thin blade and the fact that you're feeding the wood into a fixed blade allows you to rotate the wood around and cut all kinds of shapes with a lot of control.

Not sure on the Dremel thing; I'm inclined to say that if I want a saw, I might as well get a saw rather than trying to make my poor Dremel carry the load.

Josh

I'd also be inclined to get a scroll saw for this application.

This is a jig saw. Very different from a scroll saw.
Jig saws are for carpentry, fine detail copeing and such-(making the ends of the base board/crown molding meet seamlessly) quick cuts and more detailed than a circular saw.
Scroll saws are litterly for scroll work, which is intricate delicate patterns cut in wood.
Scroll would work better for finer things like scales but have very limited applications outside of craft use- they are of no use in home improvement situations.

Seriously, Bosch is the best. Dewalt is pretty good, but the blade clamp is iffy and the balence is off. Makita has a couple good ones at the top end.

Unfortunatly, unless you spend $100-ish you're in the homeowner tool bracket and you really don't get anywhere near the quality, features or design of the better tools.

I used to run a power tool retail store.....Bosch makes a top handle version and a barrel (body) grip version- the advantage is simply personal preference. They outsold everything else by 4 to 1.

Also- FWIW you can get refurbished tools from their outlets, usually as good as new and with a great warranty at a much better price.
Check their websites for service centers/factory outlets... might be one near you.


Oh, forget the Dremel scroll saw. I have the original version of it- it's too light weight for anything but real crafty stuff. Even scroll work. It's great for model making, balsa wood, etc.

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

... Not sure on the Dremel thing; I'm inclined to say that if I want a saw, I might as well get a saw rather than trying to make my poor Dremel carry the load.

Josh

Thanks for the response, Josh.

Regarding the Dremel Scroll Station, my understanding is that it is a stand alone unit - it doesn't require a Dremel Moto-tool (in fact, if I read the description correctly, it has a power take off for connecting a Dremel flex-shaft).

-whatever

-Lou