[SML] jigsaws

[Dougherty, Jim]

I like the Bosch jigsaws, as well as Metabo.  My own personal is a DeWalt and is almost as good. None of the problems you mention, it was just cheaper than the Bosch at the time. DeWalt is good about spare parts, as is eReplacementparts.com - I'd spend the short $ and replace the switch. 

I don't like the blades with the holes in them or the J-shaped blades the old PC saws used; it weakens the blade at a point where it's stressed the most. 

Once you get beyond consumer-grade tools, blade selection is key to how well it will work for you; you can get blades that cut on the downstroke, if you need to cut good-side-up. There are blades for all kinds of materials and quality/speed/radius of cut. Just remember they're consumable items and change them out accordingly. 

Cutting on styrofoam and making router templates are both great suggestions. 

Finally, I worked in a shop with pneumatic Bosch saws and they're great if you have the compressor for them. Get cooler as you use them, adjustable speed, light. 

-  Jim Dougherty
ATD, Middlebury College