Hi,
Just wondering if anybody can tell me what a tang shank blade is. I have been trying to decide on what brand of jigsaw to buy. I have 2 in mind. I found out that the Makita jigsaw takes only tang shank blades. I have no idea what these are. The other jigsaw I was interested in was the Dewalt model # 313 which is probably their lower end saw. It doesn’t have the orbital action. But it’s the only Dewalt I can afford to buy. $159.99 Canadian which comes out to be around 89.00 US.
How do the blades on the Dewalt jigsaw compare to those on the Bosch jigsaw? or do they use the same blades?
God! Sure wish I had a 14″ Delta bandsaw then I wouldn’t have to worry about which jigsaw to buy. I wouldn’t need one! But for now I need a saw so I can get started on my Adirondack chair.
Wanda
Replies
Wanda:
Bosch blades are shank blades. The Dewalt can use universal or t-shanks. Not familar with the makita but if t-shank only as you say, Bosch blades interchange. Universal blades are somewhat outdated. Stay with the Bosch as they are they have a wide selection.
Have you looked at the Skil orbital jigsaw. It is probaly the same amp as two you mentioned. IMO, I would not normally recommend Skil, but I have their jigsaw as I only use ocassionally. It it actually a very good tool at a super price. About $59.00 dollars American. You make the conversion. Do you have Skil Canada? If not keep in mind the customs tax if you have to order from U.S.
Where are you in Canada? Have a lot of good customers there. Guessing from late post western providences.
Good luck with your decision and chair..
Sarge..john
Check the customer reviews at Amazon.com to get a good idea of quality and service on tools, plus the manufacturer's info on them. I have other yellow tools i like, so i bought the jigsaw without checking the reviews--big mistake. I just returned a 321 piece o' garbage to get a Bosch that works like a dream. It's $70 more than you're talking about spending, but you won't have to replace it.
Come on, Wanda, go without microbrews for a month, pay your rent late, and get the good tool!
The Bosch-type t-shank blades are the only way to go. No-tool changes (the old type require a screwdriver), and the blades are thicker, so there's less deflection (curved cuts end up with properly perpendicular edges instead of the waney edges produced by the old type of saw).
There's a night-and-day difference between the old style of jigsaw (blades) and the Bosch type.
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Wanda,
You'll always need the jig saw even when you are rich and famous with two band saws. It's tough to horse around big pieces of stock on the band saw...of course there is still the coping saw option...but i think the devil made those things.
Whatever you buy there is a good chance it'll last you for the rest of your life. This is especially true if Splintie is correct about lifestyle of heavy drinking and song...lol (just teasing). Every one here seems to agree Bosch is the best today, however, Sarge is correct that cheaper may be more than adequate for your needs. I bought the Hitachi cause I wanted a barrel shaped jig..and it was made in Ireland..the home of the jig....okay, it was an impulse buy, on sale. It requires the allen wrench to change blades, but I don't change blades that much anyhow, so I'm happy with it. Good luck!
Wanda:
I agree with everyone that the Bosch is the way to go if you can wait. I love the barrel grip ( friends ), I also have a Bosch 4 x 24 1275DVS belt sander, 1594k 3 1/2 port planer and a 1012VSR 3/8 drill. All just feel like they were made in your hand. If you can wait, you won't regret a lifetime investment!
Good luck..
Sarge..john
Wanda,
The Bosch is a great tool. I also like the Metabo. I think it's better then the Bosch, but cost more also. You've read where someone returned the 321, the 13 and 18 are no better.
The best saw for the money though, IMNSHO is the Freud.
Don
Edited 8/25/2002 3:25:04 PM ET by Don C.
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