Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 10, 2005 05:44am | #1

   I have the old Bosch (1587?), but not the new model (1590?).

   I bought the Festool jig saw a few months back, and I think it is way better than the Bosch I have owned for years. Less vibration, and better blade guides (to prevent the cut from wandering).

   For me, it was a little like driving a Ford vs. a Ferrari. I can't afford the latter, but I could afford the Festool.

   Is it worth the extra $100? It is, if dust collection with a jig saw is important to you; otherwise, it would be worth it only if you have a lot of extra money laying around looking for a home.... and if you think you would apreciate having at least one really fine tool in your arsenal.

2. 
   PelhamPete | Mar 10, 2005 07:14pm | #2

   Hi DDay,

   I have the discontinued Festool Jigsaw- when "they" say that it is a finish tool, they really aren't kidding.

   To wit- just to access its limitations, I cut some MDF with the jigsaw (using a straight-edge and loaded with a brand-new Festool blade); you can not tell the difference between it and the same cut made with my cabinet saw (loaded with a Forrest WW2)!  There are NO blade marks whatsoever(!), even when viewed with a raking light. 

   Don't believe me?  This particular board, last I knew, is still on display in the Springfield, MA Woodcraft store in their Festool area (I used to work at the store and I brought it in to work one day to show the other sales staff what the saw was capable of)

   The Festool Jigsaw is one of the very few tools that I have/have seen that far exceeds even the most unreasonable expectations. Its almost unbelievable.

   -Peter T.

1. 
   wrudiger | Mar 11, 2005 07:31am | #4

   I have the new generation Bosch - more power, better blade guides than earlier models.  A lot depends on the blade.  The one I used (T101B) to cut a preformed laminate-on-particle board counter top gave me the same results as you experienced - as smooth as my WW II and not the slightest hint of any chipping on the laminate.  Of course - you have better dust collection, but $80 is a lot extra to pay for that...

3. 
   DDay | Mar 11, 2005 02:17am | #3

   bump

4. 
   BArnold | Mar 11, 2005 08:00am | #5

   The first thought that comes to mind when I see threads such as this is: If you've got tons of money to throw around to impress your 'friends', then go for it.  Otherwise, take this to heart: It's not the amount of money a craftsman throws at his tools that counts as much as the talent he puts into his creations.

   'Nuf sed.........

   Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
   Click Here if you're interested in a good,inexpensive website host.

   ---

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

   ---

1. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 11, 2005 09:37am | #6

   Given all the talk around here about the declining quality of old-line branded tools, I am curious why you are so dismissive of a new generation of tools, represented in this case by Festool, that are fighting the trend.

2. 
   DDay | Mar 11, 2005 06:11pm | #7

   I'm not about impressing people with tools.  I'll spend theextra $80 for the festool if its a better tool and worth the difference.  I have a handful of nail guns and saws that I got on Ebay for a 50% discount of new.  Some were used once and a Hitachi framer was rebuilt by a service center, that one was 75% a new one.  What I look for is value, the price vs. quality.  I don't want to get something that is not going to meet my needs and will need to be replaced next year.

    

1. 
   user-343246 | Mar 11, 2005 08:25pm | #8

   Go to a distributor that sells both Bosch and Festool and ask to cut some wood.  We have a local Festool distributor who lets you cut stuff in the store.  For $260, they've got to earn your business.   See if the difference is worth $100 to you.  I have the older bosch, and I love it.  The Festool track system is easily replicated by a six foot 1x2 with a flat edge and two  quick clamps.