Budget jigsaw?

jwest

jwest

jwest

Associate
Joined
7 Sep 2009
Posts
464
Location
Manchester
Im after a cheapo jigsaw which I only need to use for a couple of days, then it will probably get tossed to the back of the cupboard....suggestions?
 
Cheap jigsaws are fine as long as you use decent blades. Blades are by far the most important factor in a decent jigsaw cut. I got a cheapo 'P' jobbie from B&Q years ago (can't remember the actual brand name) and with decent Bosch precision blades the cut is brilliant. All right it might break at any given moment, but so far I'm very happy.
 
It depends what you're cutting. If its something pretty thin, like laminate flooring, then a cheapo jiggly saw will be fine. Like Participant said, the blades are important, so get some Bosch, or re-braded equivalent blades.

If you're cutting something thicker then you'll want orbital action, but I wouldn't recommend buying a cheap one for anything too thick. You'll have to force the saw and it'll burn out in no time.

Second hand is worth a look, on ebay etc. People are always buying decent tools and selling them on after they get bored with DIY.
 
Black & Decker 400W Jigsaw model: KS500

can be had for £23 online

I have had the 520w version of (which can be had for <£30)this since xmas and have used it to cut a 40mm maple kitchen worktop, laminate, 2"x2" timber .....tip though don't use B&D blades...they're rubbish compared to better brands.

if you need a laser guide etc you'll need to pay a bit more.
 
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The blades thing is right, cheap ones heat up really quickly and snap unless you take it really steady. That was with 18mm mdf when I was building some speaker cabs a fair few years ago.

Can't comment on make though, I borrowed my neighbours jigsaw, can't remember the make.
 
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