Cordless Jigsaw Advice

cabinet runner

Having to many problems with the DeWalt DC330 jig .Need to replace it .
The metal arm that locks the shoe in place has failed 3 or 4 times . I don't think I can bend it anymore and each time I do it only lasts a week or 2 before the shoe starts flopping around when I make a cut . Quick blade change assembly is quirky as well.

I did a search on here (and other places) but didn't really find any solid comparisons from people who actually own the Dewalt , Bosch or the Hitachi .

I did read some negative things about Hitachi cordless tools but about 1 year ago I bought the Hitachi WH18DL 3.0 Lion Impact driver for $189 with a charger and 2 batteries and have worked it as hard as the Dewalt 056 and 825 I already had been using . In fact the batteries are way lighter and last longer than the Dewalt XRPs I use in my other stuff and I have had no problems with any of the impacts .

My needs are for a cordless Jigsaw strictly for daily jobsite use installing cabinets and laminate tops . I am ruling out another Dewalt since I feel the one I own just isn't up to the paces I have put it through .
Anyone have a good suggestion for a jobsite cordless jigsaw that can take a little abuse yet hold onto a blade and shoe setting ?

Sucks for me is there is no store nearby that stocks anything but Dewalt and homeowner grade cordless jigsaws so I will be ordering online . Appreciate any feedback .

Warren

I have a ridgid cordless jigsaw that works well. We use it mostly on framing site to finish cuts in rafters and stairs. I have other ridgid cordless tools but I hate them all except for the jigsaw.

Quiglag

The Makita jigs have good reviews on amazon, but they are not cheap. I have not used this version myself, but it is another option for you to consider.

Tool Only (for reviews) http://www.amazon.com/Bare-Tool-Maki.../dp/B000W105C0

18V Kit http://www.amazon.com/Makita-BJV180-.../dp/B000V2DR70

xelntchance

I have the makita and really like it. Used it to install cabinetry and millwork in 4 schools. Its accurate light and powerful. Dewalts just don't hold up well it seems. and they are such a purty colour.

Chris G

There is an adjustment screw on the bottom of the shoe. I had the same problem. Tighten it down and the locking lever will work properly.

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Chris G

Just to add,

The large hex screw is for adjusting the force need to slide the shoe back into locking position from bevel, (yours is slipping into bevel sounds like) the smaller screw will adjust the tension on the locking lever. If you are pushing the lever to full stop easily then this definitely needs adjusting. 1/4 turns on each will do it.

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WarriorWithWood

I've had both the dewalt and the Makita. I like the Makita better personally but this article says Bosch. Hmmmmm....

http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/indus...ticleID=501414

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WarnerConstInc.

I am advising to not get another cordless jig saw. Hell, I didnt even know they had them untill the other day.

I hate cordless saws (recip, circ, or jig) Not enough ass for my tastes!

WarriorWithWood

You'd be amazed how much power they have, I was.

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Warren

Warner I was skeptical too. Whether or not a cordless tool works well has a lot to do with torque I suspect. Most cordless circular saws drain the battery quickly because of torque and friction. The jigsaw on the other hand requires less torque. My ridgid has an orbital cut and cuts as fast as my bosch corded. Battery lasts a lot longer than you would think too. I bought 2 of them, on ebay, for about 60 bucks each brand new. Its nice to have a cordless jig on the rough crew because it saves from us from draggin out another cord for just a few simple cuts.

WarnerConstInc.

The new Makita and Milwakee have not impressed me (recip. saws) Actually the Makita was pathetic, the Milwakee was ok.

I dont have many cordless tools, it is almost a waste for me to go buy a set just for the seldom convience I would get from not having a cord.

Edit: I just grab for one of my Japanese pull saws, usually got one out. They are pretty darn quick.

WarriorWithWood

I completely agree with you on the makita, it is freakin pathetic! The Jig is not, I promise.

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Warren

I'm with ya on the recip saws. We only get them out for quick cuts on the roof or for punch out. My ridgid cordless recip is one big piece of junk. Heavy, bulky and poor batter life and no orbital action. I haven't used it in 2 years. I also have dewalt cordless and they are more compact,, have better power and work ok. Nothing like my nice corded Makita 15 amp orbital though.

WarnerConstInc.

Even if the cordless jig saws are nice, I dont have either of those sets, It is expensive to just buy one cordless tool with 2 batteries and the charger. I would rather spend that money on something else.

My Makita cordless drill/impact is an old 2.6 ah 12v nimh. I have a Bosch 18v nicad drill/impact. Neither of those tool sets see any action except for the battery in the radio. I only have one cordless tool that I use. Passlodes dont count.

Leo G

We know, we know......C12...C12

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WarnerConstInc.

Oh, I do use my Bosch compact driver some times.

Leo G

Liar

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WarnerConstInc.

No, I did not mention the 10.8 Bosch Compact driver. It is one of those little one's with the light.

Leo G

You've got to come out of the battery tool closet. What else you got hiding in there?

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Inner10

I have a love-hate relationship; I bought my 24V Hilti recip saw thinking it would be the cat's meow; yet the battery life is impractical for demo and I can do small cuts with my retractible drywall/plywood saw faster then hauling the bugger out!

Cordless drill/impact is my right hand and I can't live without them; and my cordless sidewinder gets a good workout (and has OK batrery life as long as you cut straight). Not having to jocky cords around when there are only 2 plugs a floor, or fight over the generator is nice.

I used my ex-coworker's dewalt XRP 18V jigsaw and I liked it so much I concidered buying one. I rarely work in my shop and anything jigsaw cut is always on the bumper of the truck or in an awkard position of a cabinet; not having a cord to get snagged on things (or cut like an idoit) is real swell.