A barrel grip is a lot easier to maneuver. Personally if I was going to spend any money on a new jigsaw it would be a barrel grip.

 

Well we're talking $60 with blades vs $200 without.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-4351FC...013E4AKI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455650747&sr=8-1&keywords=Makita+barrel+jigsaw

This is the one I have. I keep a coping foot on it.

Also, if you're using the coping foot, the right blade makes a difference. The recommended blade is the t244d


Gary

 

I use a older Bosch d handle for coping. The coping foot never comes off that saw. Took a little to learn but now it's second nature.

 

I've got a coping foot on an older Bosch 1587. If I were to get another, it would be a barrel grip Bosch.

 

Man, I wish Tipi wasn't on his month long hiatus. Would love to know which one he'd prefer.

 

I like the size of the Bosch 12v barrel grip for coping.

 

That's compact!:thumbsup:

 

A cordless barrel grip jigsaw with coping foot would be really handy. Very nice.

 

I bought the jigsaw. It was too good of a deal to not buy it and it was right by work. Was 15 minutes off course to grab it.

It honestly is exactly the same saw as the dewalt barrel grip model. I think it's a total scam they charge more for it. All the tools companies did was take their normal models, take the top handle off and move the switch...

I definitely see a true on off and not having the handle in the way to be much easier but just messing around holding the saw upsidedown isn't bad. I think it's a good buy just to try the coping foot out. Worst case I can sell it for what I paid or a couple bucks more easily.

 

So just cut the handle off and jurryrig the switch on the side

 

I run a Dewalt top handle jigsaw with a coping foot, the only PITA that I run into is locking the switch on. So far, I've never had a problem. Does get a little warm doing a lot of production copes though.

 

as long as you can lock the saw "on" you should be just fine. might even prefer it if you have smaller hands, I find my bosch 1591? barrel grip one is a little thick for my hands. My coping foot is on a regular bosch 1587 and it works perfectly. I use an 18v dewalt cordless for coping everything else (base, shoe, etc)

 

I don't know what I'm doing wrong or if I need to purchase a larger screw than is included with the coping foot.

It came with specific instructions for the DW331, and following them the screw to mount it is not long enough...

 

I use an old Bosch jigsaw for coping.It's the smoothest jigsaw I have ever used and VS.Never tried a coping foot and may buy one to try.After all these years of doing without one it would probably just screw me up.
Bosch SDS 1587AVS It is a D handle but I don't have any issue with it for coping or anything else.Been using it to long to know the difference I guess.

 

I use an old Bosch jigsaw for coping.It's the smoothest jigsaw I have ever used and VS.Never tried a coping foot and may buy one to try.After all these years of doing without one it would probably just screw me up.

What are you just free handing it?

 

Yep.Doesn't everyone? Seriously,i've been at it a long time and just started doing it this way one day years ago.It's worked out pretty well for me.
I just make the miter cut.Darken the edge with a pencil and have at it.The only trick is to hold the workpiece steady ,have a smooth saw and a good blade. You don't need a fine blade with a lot of teeth just a fresh sharp blade.I usually use 14 tpi or whatever is handy.It makes for a quicker cut and less dicking around which for me usually results in a better cut.Very little cleanup.

 

Here's what I use:

 

Bosch 244d are the blades to use. I also strongly recommend scrapping together the crown jig collin's recommends

 

I had mine on an old Bosch 1582 barrel grip for years. When that broke I used my festool for a short while before putting it on the newer Bosch barrel grip ( which I had to modify to make it work).
I prefer both Bosch (old and new) to how it worked on the festool - the blade sticks out farther on the Bosch allowing more back cut.

 

Had to change the 3/4" screw to a 1 1/4" screw. Would be nice if the directions were correct.