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A few months ago, due some changes around my shop I found myself needing to replace afew tools. I spent a day having an early Christmas at Home Depot, compliments of my credit card. (I figure I'll have it paid by Christmas)
I bought a few choice tools, and mulled over some others for purchasing down the road. (Gotta pace myself ya know!) During this process, I got to thinking about starting up a sort of "Tool Time" here on the BB to help get some input. Perhaps we could all benefit by it. So here I am introducing the idea and we'll just see how it flies.
I thought we could touch on topics like belt sanders, compressors, panel saws, and perhaps even venture into the scope of brushes, paints and so forth. Anyone, can start up a topic most pertainant to them at any given time I'm gonna start things off with the topic of jigsaws.
That day at Home Depot my choice was the Bosche Progressor Jigsaw. I hurried home and put it into action immediately. (Kid with a new toy) Well I must say that I am extremely happy with this one! Cuts like butter, lots of nice features. I was using the Dewalt before, and this one simply leaves it in the dust. This is an effortless tool, and I highly recommend it.
Any thoughts? Nettie
------------------ "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
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Hi Janette. I think this could be a very beneficial topic for all users of this BB. For ease of future reference, perhaps it could be sub-divided into categories...representative of the types of work that the various members specialize in. Carvers may be interested in chisels, sharpeners, honing stones, etc., while stripers may find new types of paints, reducers, ultra sonic cleaners, or specialized brushes, more to their interest. I think this topic has great potential to become a valuable reference tool in itself, most especially if others share and post some of their favoured tools that they use to accomplish the varried tasks that are performed daily. On the flip side of the coin, they could also post things they've purchased, and found to be sub-performers, or sadly lacking. Computer software programs come to mind immediately, but I'm sure that with the wealth of experience here, many more may come to light.
------------------ Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail kjmlhenry@home.com
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Nettie, This is a good idea. I am a tool freak and will read every post on this subject. I am especially interested in comments from persons who can compare two or more models. If someone has used more than one kind of sabre saw, their opinion can be very meaningful, because they can deal in specifics, with a real frame of reference.
Sabre (Jig) Saws The Bosch sabre saw is an excellent tool. I worked at a shop once that had one so old that it still sported what I call a 'suicide' switch, as opposed to the modern day 'dead man' switch. But it was strong and ran like a top.
Here's what I look for in a sabre saw: Amp rating If it says 4, 4.5 or 5 amps on the label, it's probably a strong motor. I know this is not always true. A motor may simply be inefficient. Tool weight A sabre saw that weighs five pounds is going to be more productive and will generally last longer than one weighing three pounds. The reason is mostly the motor. A bigger, stronger motor, with more windings, is going to be heavy. Other parts will be heavier, too. Like the linkage between the motor and the blade holder. The motor runs a little flywheel with a knob on it. The knob is gripped by a socket coupling on the end of the blade holder shaft. On cheaper sabre saws, this knob can shear off. At least that's what it did on my first sabre saw. It cost 19.95 at K Mart. It was safety orange. Other features The better sabre saws seem to have longer blade strokes. They will travel an inch or more as opposed to 3/4". Often, they will have an oscillating feature. This gives the blade an oval shaped flight pattern, instead of just up and down. The benefit of this design is that it allows the blade to unload waste much quicker, thus cutting much faster. I think the blade doesn't get as hot this way, too, which is often beneficial in cutting plastic.
Other things to keep in mind Does the saw use the standard design blade, or does it require a proprietary one (I'm thinking of either Makita or DeWalt. I can't remember). This may or may not be an issue for you. I don't like a sabre saw that takes forever to wind down after you release the trigger. Do Makitas still do this? It's bad enough that my table saw does this. When I'm finished with a cut, I want to be able to start the next cut on my next heartbeat. If I were ambidextrous it wouldn't be a problem. I would just have a Makita in each hand and play leap-saw. Does the Bosch still have the barrel design to the body? Talk about comfortable. And your hand is right down there closer to the action, instead of way up above the motor housing.
My sabre saw is actually a set of twins, both Craftsman, five years apart. I usually equate Craftsman with 'homeowner' quality. But their "Industrial Sabre Saw" is truly industrial. I first suspected it might be a good tool by its price tag. My wife says I'm drawn to the higher priced stuff whether I can afford it or not. Would I buy two the same again? Probably not. And Sears doesn't manufacture it anyway. I'd like to know who does. It looks kind of PorterCable-ish. Here's the problem with Crafstman in my area. They don't do repairs at the store. They send it off at a flat rate. I think it's 69 dollars or something like that, regardless of the repair. It takes a couple weeks. My usual repair shop doesn't like to work on them because Sears doesn't like to send them parts. But they will send me the parts and I can take them to the shop. Hassle.
Sabre Saw Blades One of the absolute best blades I have ever found is one I get from Sears. It's a 20 teeth per inch scrolling blade, and it looks like it's either hollow ground or flat ground. It leaves a cut in MDO that's practically as clean as a router cut. The blade does get hot and break quicker than courser blades, but if your after a super smooth cut, this is the best I've found. I have never seen it anywhere else but Sears. Of course, they don't make it, so it must also be sold under another label as well. This summer I cut, out of 1/4" thick aluminum, a 4'x8' oval, a 2'x2' shape of Arkansas, and four 10 inch letters, using ten of these blades. A regular metal-cutting blade didn't work well. It kept clogging up. But the cuts made by the scrolling blades were beautiful, although the oval required some edge finishing with the belt sander. Now there's an interesting tool...a belt sander.
i definately have some thoughts on tools, i always told my apprentices when they were struggling with a tool........
"you must be one with the tool"... hahahahhahahahahaha ya gotta say it in that Conac the amazing voice...
anyway.,... i have owned and operated Bosch tools........ (jigsaw like yours AND a palm sander) these are the best (electric) tools as far as i'm concerned...... balanced nicely so your wrist isn't beat up everyday...and plenty tough (will withstand falls off 6' ladders and out of trucks at 30 mph) Excellent choice..... and if you are interested, i highly recommend the small vibrating palm sander made by Bosch,.... no girl.. ahem... shop should be without one.
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I had one more thought on these saws. DeWalt has added a sabre saw to its line of 18 volt tools. If it's anything like their 18 volt reciprocating saw, it's a hoss. It drains a battery quick, though. I hope I can get one before Artee wins one, but the odds are obviously on his side.
Thanks so much for the lengthy and thourough response. I printed it out! I know that I'll be seeking out your responses for further "Tool Time" inquiries.
I am glad to be getting such good reactions to this idea from you folks, and think that we can all learn from each other's trials and triumphs with tools by sharing this kind of info. It's good also to know what to look for and what options are out there when buying tools.
Thanks for the positive feedback. Nettie
------------------ "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
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I have the big MAkita Jig Saw.. I really like it a lot.. It works way better than those $50 Black & Decker ones I borrowed from my dad.
The thing I liked about it was that it came with some blades that had 6 or 7 teeth pointing downward at the top and the rest of the teeth pointed up from the bottom. They cut through MDO with absolutely no chipping at all!!
The thing I don't like about it is that those blades are "Makita" brand blades and are very hard to come by.
This is a very informative series of posts!! Good one Janette!!
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I love my Mom and Dad... they gave me a Porter Cable Bayonet saw with extra blades for Christmas.
I really like it alot and if you read the instructions, you can use different types of blades... I guess some have 'hooks' and some don't.
My Dad always says, spend more at first, get the best you can afford and take good care of it. And your tools can last almost forever... come to think of it, that goes towards alot of other things, too!
------------------ Dana Aaron Sign-A-Saurus Nevis, MN ICQ# 37949659 It's a dog-eat-dog world... and I'm wearing milk bone underwear.
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Great Post. As far as scrolling saws, I have a ma`Key-ta. The one I have, has a few settings on the side, that adjusts how much it "bites", or cuts straight up and down. Also, having variable speed helps when cutting plex. Ya`know, I have bought nothing but Makita from the beginning. Saws, battery drill, saws`all, and even a staple gun. OH! and not to forget that palm sander. Anyway, the only one that went into the shop, was the palm sander, and that was only because it was getting old. Looks real kewl to go to a job site with a bunch of blue Makita tool cases.
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I'm bringing this post up to the top to explain (to those just starting their work week) the emergence of all this "Tool Time" action happening on the board all of a sudden.
Also to say, thanks, thanks, thanks, to all who are jumping in with new posts on it! I don't know about anyone else, but I'm lovin' it!
One more thing, Ken mentioned having this at hand as a good reference. I am sure Steve and Barb will be archiving these threads and that they will be easily assessable to us all for future reference.
I've got more tools to talk about too! Some of you have already opened up topics I was leaning towards! For example, Brad on Panel Saws, and Cam on Routers. (thanks guys) Dana, you may consider saving up for a panel saw, they are great for us "gal types". Helps keep those cuts straight. Pricey, but I love mine!
Hey Cheryl, how 'bout we get together for coffee sometime and talk tools! And then take in a day of shopping at say, ... Home Depot! hehehe!
Nettie
------------------ "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
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