Happy New Year to all,
A couple of weeks ago I bought a DW321K jig saw, their top of the line, for $150 at HD. Out of the box I found the saw in the condition described in this email I sent to Dewalt.
I reciently bought your high end jig saw (321K) and found the blade chuck was twisted about 10 degrees. In order to cut a straight line I had to guide the tool at an angle to compensate. This meant that I was not able to use an edge guide. I took it back to Home Depot and the “tool expert” twisted the plunge shaft straight with a pair of pliers, which did not require much effort. However now the shaft was not solidly fixed, it was easy to rotate the shaft with a pair of pliers again. I believe that this condition would result in poor cutting as the blade would tend to follow the grain or not respond when the tool is guided around a curve. I called the support line and was told to return the unit and select another. However I found that all of the saws were identical, even at a diferent store. So I chose a Bosch instead. The chuck on the bosch is solid and can not be twisted with pliers. I originaly purchased the Dewalt because it was more expensive, more powerfull, and seemed to have a slight edge over the others on fit and finish. I am disapointed that such a crucial part of the mechanism apears to have been under engineered.
Michael Sanders
SSHS Contracting
I’m sure that some of you have the same unit and wonder if you have noticed this. Again, the chuck and shaft was basicly stuck twisted about 10 degrees. It took little effort to twist it straight, but then it was no longer “stuck” in place. It was easily twited around about a 20 degree range. I usually favor Bosch for this kind of tool, and certiantly the Bosch has a great reputation for this specific tool. But I was hooked by the thought of how another yellow tool would look in my box!
Mike
Replies
Bosch has a well deserved reputation in jigsaws but imho the Milwaukee is superior to both Bosch and the DeWalt.
I'm probably about to be shopping for one of these, so am keen to hear why the Milwaukee is better. I was leaning toward the Bosch, because I like their tools overall and their jigsaw has always had a good rep.
"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler." A. Einstein
http://www.albionworks.net
I have the older 5.7 amp 6266-21 top handle Milwaukee.The Milwaukee has really slick blade changes; pull a lever on the front of the saw and the blade comes out. More power, 5.7 amps versus 5amps of the Bosch (the current Milwaukee 6266-22 has even more power- 6.2 amps). I think the Milwaukee is the smoother saw and I think the blade is better supported; imho the 6266 cuts better. About my only complaint is the plastic case, the blade has to be removed for the saw to fit. Not too big a deal because the blade removal is so easy. The saw is made in Germany, basically an AEG dressed in Milwaukee red. Also available in a barrel handle (6276) and cordless (6267) versions. I've owned Craftsman, PC, and Bosch jigsaws and consider the Milwaukee best by far. It's worth at least a look. Here's a link to a comparision test. http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles/showarticle.asp?articleid=1638&qu=jigsaws&ct=TOTT
If you warm that Milwaukee up too much by pushing it too hard you can kiss the field goodbye.
They hate being "worked" in the cold too. Cooling fan looses small pieces of it's self and the moter balance goes out of wack and then the armature rubs on the field trashing one or both.
The Bosch is the better bet.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Lol .......how did I know you'd recommend the Bosch? You've got nothing but Bosch blue running through your veins. ;o) I still think the Milwaukee is the better saw; to me it just flat out works better. Mine has been fine so far and I've haven't heard of any of the problems you mention. Milwaukee's 5 year warranty eases any concern I have there. A happy and prosperous New Year to you.
Believe it or not I have more Milwaukee than any two other brands maybe even three.
My tools live in the truck. Play in the unknown. If they can't lead a dismal life for 10 or 15 years and still make me happy I'm not getting my money's worth. If I have to stop and fiddle with it or take it to the doctors it gets the criticale eye.
Every mfgr has their stars and their failures.
In this instansce I vote Bosch. There's only 5 or 6 tools I vote Bosch.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
I've not seen the Milwalkee. What colour is it ? I dont really like the red and grey thing. ;-)
MIke
Never saw the Milwaukee. Can tell you that I'd be surprised if it were better than the Bosch I've owned for 6 or 7 years. It has been flawless.
Bob
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/milw/6266-22.htm?E+coastest
Thanks for the pic. Unfortunately the color scheme is bad for me. He He. Seriously though, though I have no reason for thinking this, when I think of Milwalkee I think of heavy duty stuff like recip saws, circular saws, big nasty drills, etc. When I think of Bosch I think of percision tools like jigsaws, routers, planers, etc. Although I really like the Milwalkee body grip routers.
BTW, The Bosch works great.
Mike
if "has" to be yellow...they do make a yellow paint for plastics...buy the Bosch and 1 can of yellow paint...altho the symetrical contrast between the yellow and the blue would go great depending on what color your tool box is.....LOL
JC
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