Amazon.com

Here’s huge cutting capacity in a surprising size. This 8-1/2 inch single-bevel miter saw really does cut a 3-inch post in a single pass, just like DeWalt says. And it’s also the only saw its size we’ve seen that will trim 3-1/2-inch crown molding vertically, because of DeWalt’s taller fence. With its smooth slide action, you’ll choose this over your table saw when it comes to cross cutting—-even a 12-inch board. It’s got all the features of the bigger, high-end saws, and then some. Five preset bevel stops zero your blade in at 0, 33.9, 45, 48, and -2 degrees, and there are 11 dead-on accurate miter stops at the most common spots: 0, 15, 22-1/2, 31.6, 45, 50 (left), and 60 (right) degrees. What we like best about this saw is the awesome ergonomic details. Anyone who’s used comparable saws repeatedly will tell you that the vertical handle causes some fatigue, especially on saws with a safety button. But this saw’s got a horizontal handle, keeping your hand and arm in a more natural position, cut after cut. Most saws’ miter adjustment involve turning a knob a few revolutions to lock and then to unlock the miter setting, but this DeWalt has a really nice cam lever lock that eliminates all that twisting and is just as reliable. This saw does throw a lot of dust, but we’ve not seen a saw that doesn’t (even those with dustbags still make a mess). We’d recommend building a little jig to hold your extraction system hose close by. This is a fabulous saw for the contractor. It weighs only 43 pounds and is easy to tote because of the handle. But it’s also the perfect choice for the woodworker. An aside: DeWalt makes a great miter saw stand that fits this saw like a dream.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes saw, 30T carbide blade, and blade wrench
• Capacity to vertically cut 3-1/4" base molding and 3-1/2" crown molding nested vertically
• Bevel-stop system with manual override provides five pre-set bevel stops at 0, 33.9, 45, 48, and -2 degrees
• 11 positive miter stops including 0, 15, 22-1/2, 31.6, 45, 50 (left), and 60 (right) degrees
• Push-button miter cam lock for better ergonomics

Reviews (7)

Good but not great
Let me start off by saying that I have yet to find any miter saw that I would rate at five stars(although I do believe I rated the 12" Dewalt slide at 5 stars) because every manufacturer does put profit above product. However, I do like this saw very much. Slide is smooth, fence height good(when will Makita and Hitachi finally get the fence height right and even on both sides), lever action miter lock is awesome(knobs stink), blade deflection is good(it is only a 8-1/2 blade afterall), overall a really good saw. Dust collection complaints are irrelevant, as anyone expecting a slider miter saw to have good dust control lives in the world of clean radial arm saws too. I have yet to figure out what a "material hold down clamp"(or work clamp) is, but if I ever do, it means that I cut off on of my arms/hands and should not by using this saw anyway(we pros dont have time for clamping down wood prior to cutting it[short pieces should be cut from a long one, afterall]). I would buy another one in an instant.

Nice saw for cabinet/furniture makers
I've had this for about 6 months and it's never let me down. It takes a little getting used to if you've never used a sliding miter saw before, as the technique is somewhere between a radial arm saw and a normal fixed miter saw. As a couple of other reviewers pointed out, you have to make sure you slide the saw all the way home or you'll leave a little bit uncut.

One thing I've found is when I'm cutting narrow planks (4" or 6") I've gotten into the habit of pulling the blade toward me past the front edge of the piece, dropping it down, and then sliding it back through the piece - instead of just plunging the blade straight in, as you'd do with a fixed chop saw. This seems to significantly reduce bottom tearout.

It's undeniably a very pleasant tool to use; if you've only used saws that have a vertical handle you won't believe the difference the horizontal handle makes. The switch is well designed, it's not easy to trigger by accident but not fatiguing to hold. The action of the slides is smooth as silk, and setting the miter angles is quick, easy, and very positive. The motor has plenty of power for any kind of wood I've ever sent its way.

The 8 1/2 inch size has some advantages - the blade seems to be more stable, even without a stabilizer, than most 10" blades. Also in my experience 8 1/2" blades are a little cheaper than the equivalent 10" blade. But, it won't cut a 4x4 (or a 2x4 on edge) in one pass - a 10 incher will. Whether or not that matters depends on the kind of work you do.

You'll want to replace the blade that the saw comes with, it's fine for chopping up 2x4s (but if that's all you want to do you don't need this saw) but not good enough for finish work. There aren't a million blades available for this size of saw, but there's a decent selection - although not all the catalogs carry them. My favorite is a 60 tooth DeWalt finish blade that you can find most anywhere for about 50 bucks and does great work for me in all types of hardwood. Freud makes one that's pretty good as well. Forrest makes one of their chopmaster blades in this size, I'm sure it's great but it's $100+ and since I'm happy with my current blade I've never tried it.

Overall fit and finish is very nice - as you generally expect from contemporary Italian manufacture. After taking it out of the box, I went over it completely with my machinist square and couldn't find anything out of alignment. The only quality complaint I have is the crummy screws holding the blade guard on - blade changing is not exactly a snap with this saw and they really don't help.

There's no clamp included, unlike some other manufacturers - since I prefer to keep all 10 of my fingers I bought one - but they soak you on this item - $35!! Actually I bought two but you only need one - you hardly ever use both at once and it takes a second or two to swap it from one side of the saw to the other. Also, while it holds well, it's a screw type and I would prefer some type of cam action - I think that would be faster and easier to use.

But overall if you want a really sweet, pleasant to use saw and you don't normally need to cut large timber, I'd recommend this saw - I'm certainly very happy with it.

dewalt 8-1/2' miter saw
Overall I think this saw is an excellent saw,it cuts smooth and acurate and is lightweight.Ther are a couple of things I was dissapoionted with,first of all the if you are going to do any kind of finish work you need to replace the factory blade which is only good for cutting 2x's and a good blade is going to cost you and extra $100 or so.I was also dissapointed that the saw was not manufactured in the USA,the technical details provided in the review stated it was, and that played a large part in my descision to purchase this saw.Last of all the saw could of least came with dust bag which costs an additional $15.Whith the addition of a new blade and dust collection the performance of this saw is very good.

Nice saw
I picked up the Dewalt 712 to replace my 10" makita. Cuts smooth and was cutting square out of the box. The one thing I found was when you finish the cut, you have to make sure the saw head has been pushed all the way back or else it leaves a small amout of material uncut. They need to push the fence forward a 16th of an inch. Also for $400.00 they should include a dust bag! Overall a good quality saw.

A Really Nice Saw
I got my DeWalt saw a month or so ago for use on job sites. The first project I did with it was to build a 100 square foot sauna with three rows of benches.

The saw was dead on accurate right out of the box. I was immediatly impressed with its light weight and compact size. The saw cuts beautifully and slides nicely on the rails. It is also much quieter than other miter saws I have used. The cutting capacity rivals bigger saws, except you can't cut a 4X4 in one pass (something a trim carpenter/woodworker like myself never does). The horizontal handle is very comfortable to use, even after long days. The depth stop is perfect for jobsite dados.

Dust extraction was good. It does not come with a bag, but I noticed most of the dust escaping through the port. When I hooked the saw up to my Fein vacuum, the dust collection was very good.

The supplied blade is suitable for most carpentry, but is not sufficient for nice trim work. The nice thing about an 81/2 inch blade though is that a new one won't break your wallet like the 12 inch blades will.

Overall, a very nice, light, and compact saw, which exceeded my expectations for the $399.00 price. It is the first saw that I have seen designed for the woodworker or trim carpenter. If portability is important to you, this is an outstanding saw. If you are going to set it up relatively permanently in your shop, then I would suggest a 10 inch slider (Makita makes a nice one). I can't imagine a need for a 12 inch slider. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Torque, speed and great ergonomics: DeWalt pulled it all together in this 18-volt XRP 1/2-inch drill/driver. Even at its peak 500 inch-pounds of torque, you feel no twist. We're impressed, too, with the patented three-speed transmission (offering 0-450, 0-1,450 and 0-2,000) for whatever material you're drilling into. Its max speed of 2,000 rpm is 38 percent faster than high speed. We like the all-metal ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws because we've had a bit slip every now and then, and the jaws help keep a tight grip on the shank. It's well-balanced, comfortable to grip and a joy to use. The circular saw slices into 2x4s like butter, and you can always see your cut because the blade's on the left. Bevel cuts to 50 degrees are no sweat; the saw's easy to adjust and the scale's clear. The rip fence isn't the best we've seen, but that's a relatively small blemish on an otherwise great combo.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Cuts 2X4's at 45 degrees in a single pass
• DC987 has 500 in.-lbs. of maximum torque
• Exclusive 3 - speed all metal transmission
• DC390 with 6-1/2-inch 16 tooth carbide tipped blade

Features

• Average 1,200 cuts per blade, depending on application being cut
• 15-amp, 5.3-horsepower motor
• Will cut 5-inch black pipe
• Faster than traditional chop saws

Reviews (12)

Amazed
When my abrasive blade chop saw "died", I debated whether to replace it with a similar saw or to try the carbide blade one. I was very hesitant to purchase the DW872 in that it did not seem possible it would do the job. However, the abrasive blade saws are quite expensive to own in that the blades do not last very many cuts and nor do the saws themselves. However, with a 30 day satisifaction guarantee I had very little to lose.
Having used the saw for several projects now, I know that I have made the correct decision in buying the DW872. The saw is much faster than the abrasive saw, makes a cleaner burr free cut. There is very little heat generated in the making a cut with almost to sparks.
Ergonically the saw is very well set up, with the large D-handle being amnidextrious, the vise affording a positive lockup, miter cuts are a breeze to adjust for, and downforce required is smooth. The metal base is the heaviest I have owned on such a saw.
Dewalt you really outdid yourselves on this one and I highly recommend it.

The Time Saver
I am a welder/fabricator. To me, time is money and this saw is a TIME SAVER! I mostly work with 2"x1/4" angle iron, 2"sch 80 Pipe and 4" channel. This saw is the best! Cutting time is literally 1/10 th the time of a band saw or abrasive cut-off saw and NONE of the of the clean up. I have 2 extra blades and alternate them at the sharpener. Unfortunately, I only get about 600 cuts out of a blade but, man is it fast. It's light weight and portable and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to save time.

Clean cut is a treat
I haven't tried the Porter-Cable multi-cutter saw, so I can't compare them, but after a couple dozen cuts in steel angle and tubing (up to 1/4" wall thickness) I'm very happy with the DeWalt. The ultra-smooth cut surface is remarkable compared with the ways most of us have cut metal all our lives. I'll be amazed if the blade really holds out for a thousand cuts, but several hundred before resharpening would still seem pretty good to me, considering the labor saved and the great results. I'm hanging on to the abrasive chop saw to handle hardened alloy shafts, spring steel, etc.; but I'm sold on the multi-cutter for most metal cuts. It IS one loud mama, and has a tendency to trip a 15-amp circuit breaker with its startup surge, but I can't blame the tool for my under-powered shop....

Many refinements over the P-C
I bought this saw after wearing out my Porter-Cable dry cut saw. It's every bit as good as the P-C, and has a couple of nice design features to distinguish it.

1) The hand-lock for the fence and miter adjustment is great. P-C's saw requires using Allen wrenches for adjustment, which is time-consuming. (Also, the holes in the Allen screws fill up with swarf from the saw, so just getting the wrench into the screw head can be a project.) Adjustments are easy and basically instantaneous.

2) Horizontally oriented control handle and switch is very nice. Because of the way you run a saw like this (more below), the rgonmoics are much better than the P-C.

3) Pin-and-socket saw arm retainer. OH YEAH! P-C uses an old-fashioned chain-and-hook contraption to hold the saw arm down, which can be troublesome to engage. The Dewalt locks down just like their woodworking chop saws: hold the arm down and push in the retaining pin.

4) Quieter in operation than the P-C saw.

I am not a shill for Dewalt; I loved my P-C dry cut saw. I never realized the design could be this much better.

An important note for any dry-cut saw users: THIS IS NOT AN ABRASIVE CHOP SAW! I noticed complaints about blade life in some of the other reviews. Well, if you run this saw like an old-timey abrasive wheel chop saw, you won't get any blade life out of it either. The secret: minimal downward pressure. Rest your hand on the handle with just enough weight to keep the saw arm moving downward, and let the blade do all the work. If the blade throws more than a couple of tiny sparks once in awhile, you're pushing too hard, and the blade will suffer. I was able to make several thousand cuts in heavy stock with my P-C saw before the blade needed sharpening, an this one behaves similarly.

If you're doing a lot of work, get a spare blade. Having the carbide blade sharpened usually runs about 25 cents per tooth, and if you have a spare there's no downtime...

Not quite up to the billing.
I have had the saw for a little over a week now. I have been satisfied with the speed of the cuts but am really dissatisfied with the amount of cuts I got before the blade had to be sharpened. I cut 14 ga square tubing and got less than 600 cuts before having to have the blade sharpened. As a result I am undecided as to whether or not I will be keeping the saw... ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Bosch invented the jig saw, and, with its top-handle models, it's getting close to perfecting it. The 1587AVSK has a nicely shaped handle, tapered where other saws are not, and a nice rubber grip that lets users (of all hand sizes) steer the tool firmly in hand. (Some toolmakers ignore ergonomics, but not Bosch--and we appreciate it.) The safety mechanism works well with the trigger, and the cut is super smooth. We like the variable-speed dial, the light weight, and the foot plate's plastic cover, which ensures that surfaces won't get scratched as they can by saws with metal plates. The blade-change system--if a little tricky at first--works great. No question about it, this jig saw keeps up Bosch's reputation as one of the prime movers in the power tool industry. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• 4-Stage orbital action adjusts blade motion - To match workpiece and cutting task
• Powerful 5 Amp motor, 500-3100 SPM
• Tool-free blade change system - For fast and easy blade changes
• Exclusive multi-directional blade clamp mechanism - For superior blade hold
• Low-vibration design - Ensures extremely smooth operation

Reviews (60)

THE BEST. PERIOD.
Just how good is this machine? So good that when Dewalt created their new top-of-the-line jig saw they copied the Bosch nut for nut, bolt for bolt.

Bosch invented the jig saw so they have some experience at getting it right. But the main thing to consider is what is important when buying one.

The Bosch 1587 has several features that make it the top dog.

First, it has heft. This heavy, well-balanced tool rides smoothly on surfaces and combined with an efficient counter-balance mechanism provides smooth cuts and a minimum of vibration. The top handle design further adds to the feeling of lightness and ease of operation despite the tools weight and power.

Secondly, it has different blade stroke patterns in orbital and in-line configurations and a chip blower that can be turned off and on. This, combined with variable speeds, provide for a saw that will take on any challenge.

Another feature that will spoil you in a hurry is the tool-less blade change. There is nothing more frustrating than trying hold a blade and fidling with a screwdriver! With the Bosch, just stick the blade in, turn the top cap three times untill it clicks and you're done. Hint: I leave the cap in the unscrewed position after use. That way when I'm ready to use it again it's near-instantaneous to get going.

This is a professional tool. It's the one I use in my finish carpentry business and it's the one my constituants use in their work. To spend more on a jig saw would be a waste of money. To spend less would be a larger one.

Smooth, Quiet and Strong!
The Bosch 1587 Jigsaw is very powerful, though other saws may boast slightly higher AMP ratings the Bosch may still have more usable power due to the efficiency of it's motor. The saw is smooth, quiet and most importantly absent of the vibration that has often beleaguered my attempts at fine work. Most other saws are plagued by this vibration and that really makes it difficult to track a strait line or to carefully cut out a finely traced scroll. Not with the Bosch, it's as smooth as can be and a pleasure to use. You may find yourself looking for excuses to break it out!!

The controls are ergonomically well thought out and are also very smooth in operation. The trigger switch on the 1587 provides variable speed for slow starts and also provides a speed limiter dial which enables the user to set the maximum blade speed when the trigger is fully engaged. The Barrel Grip version (1584) though very comfortable for scrolling does not include a variable speed trigger. Rather it has a toggle switch with a speed dial. This makes slow starts rather awkward to achieve and is the main reason I chose the top handle 1587.

The tool-less blade change takes a few minutes to master but once mastered it is quick and provides a very positive hold on the blade. I will admit that the blade change feature on the Milwaukee (also a nice saw, the only other to consider)is even easier but we cant have everything. The saw uses T-Shank blades and the Bosch Progressor version of these blades are second to none; use them!!

The saw includes adjustable "orbital action", a feature that allows the blade to orbit in a back/forth and up/down motion simultaneously, allowing the user to make faster more aggressive cuts. Orbital action greatly reduces the cutting time and makes scrolling less labor some. The draw back is that the cut is slightly less fine. Again the amount of Orbital action is adjustable and it can be deactivated all together depending on the material to be cut or your particular preference.

With all this said I struggle to think for negatives, but there are a few petty ones. Here they are: The blower though offering three settings could be more powerful at slower speeds. The shoe angle adjustment is not tool-less but rather it requires the use of a hex wrench. This wrench is included and fitted to the power cord... No biggie

On my saw it seems that the blade tends to cut very slightly off on deep material. I have made completely sure that I place the blade in correctly but it doesn't help. However, this issue has never been a problem in any of the work that I have done to date and it could be just my particular saw.

Well there isn't really much more to say...This is a very fine jigsaw and probably the best one available; the Milwaukee being the only real competition that I have seen to date. So don't be afraid of this purchase. You will certainly not regret it!!

Won't stand the test of time
I've had this jigsaw about a year now. Perhaps went through 20 blade changes. One would expect a thousand more before this tool goes to lala land, but that's not the case. The tool is now rendered useless because the mechanism for blade changes has gone caput. I am past warranty as far as bringing it back for replacement or refund. The other choice is repair which isn't worth the hassle from my perspective. In my opinion this tool will not stand the test of time. This is a twenty dollar tool if the blade mechanism is flawed. {{I suspect it is}}.

I don't want to disparage anyone from buying Bosch, just this particular model. The tool wants to do business - but for cripes sakes - It's gotta hold a blade to work. I am not a happy camper.

Extremely Satisified
I bought the Bosch Jig Saw a few months ago and I have been nothing but satisified with the tool. It cuts thought anything with ease (including ash wood floors) and can be used for many applications. I use my tools constantly and buying the best has made all the difference. I would highly reccomend this to anyone looking for a jig saw.

Cuts Plywood like butter
Every Bosch tool I buy seems like a substantial upgrade, and this jigsaw is no exception. I bought it a year ago to replace a cordless model (not Bosch), and what a difference! Cuts straight, fast, and blows the dust away so you can follow your mark easily. I mostly use it to cut plywood, but I cut two large oval-shaped blanks out of 2x mahogany right after I got it and no problem. I didn't even know I could cut an oval!

I just bought the ripping guide for $15 and now I can do a lot more....rip small pieces of trim from moldings, cut down larger boards with minimal set up time, etc. I'd say the guide is well worth the extra dough.

I see they have a newer model out, and I'm sure it's excellent, but I'm still so happy with this one that I can't see upgrading at this time.....but maybe next Christmas....

Definately a 5 star tool. Bosch has done it again. Shocker. ... Read more

Amazon.com

: When it comes to recip saws, Milwaukee is the undisputed king, the "Sawzall" name serving almost as a generic label for all reciprocating saws (to Milwaukee's chagrin, we're sure). The flattery is completely deserved, especially in this case. Cordless convenience couples with Milwaukee's know-how for one of the finest recips on the market. It's incredibly well-balanced, powerful and yet easy to handle. The Power Plus battery offers improved run time over standard batteries, and time is money. We love the steel Quik-Lok blade clamp system, which lets you change out blades in a flash and without any tools. For safety, there's a lock-off trigger speed control that prevents an accidental startup. And like Milwaukee's other Sawzalls, if you're in a tight space, you can flip the blade over for close-quarter cuts. This is definitely the tool for the busy contractor. It may be a little spendy for the home do-it-yourselfer, but it's worth every penny.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Limited warranty
• 18 volt, 2.4 amp-hour Power-Plus battery
• 1-inch stroke length for aggressive cutting, 0-2000 strokes per minute
• Powerful 18-volt rare earth motor easily handles all Sawzall applications
• Cuts up to 72 2x4s on a single charge

Reviews (2)

I think the last reviewer got a bad one.
The previous reviewer of the Milwaukee 6515 18v Sawzall must have obtained one manufactured on a Monday morning or something. I do not own this saw myself, but I have frequently borrowed it from a co-worker and have been very impressed. Battery life is surprisingly decent, and the saw performs nearly as well as its plug-in counterpart. It's a bit pricey though, costing around twice as much as a corded saw.

Did I Get A Bad One?
I bought this saw based on Milwaukee's reputation and the satisfaction I have had with their electric tools. This recip saw is no comparison to my DeWalt. It has no battery life and seems to lack the power of the DeWalt. Even when fully charged it seems to struggle through the work piece. Possibly a bad battery because I'm sure that Milwaukee would not intentionaly produce something which posesses the lack of quality as displayed in my saw. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This DeWalt circular saw is a rugged tool designed with professional carpenters' needs in mind. It has a 15 amp motor that produces a whopping 2,075 watts, which is equivalent to about 2-3/4 horsepower. In less scientific terms those numbers mean this saw can slice through lumber like a tornado through a trailer park. If that's a little too fast for you, it also comes with an electric brake for quick stops. The generous 5-1/2-inch base pivots for depth of cut and bevels on a ball-joint mechanism that offers smoother, faster adjustments than the simple hinge arrangement typically found on other saws. It has a bevel capacity of 0 to 50 degrees, and--like the depth-of-cut gauge--the bevel gauge can be easily recalibrated if the saw takes a tumble on the job. Depth-of-cut adjustments are made by unscrewing the front handle a bit, adjusting to the desired depth, and screwing it back down tight. This operation is so smooth it can be done without even changing your grip on the saw, reducing downtime between cuts. The saw's construction is solid throughout and it should be capable of living a long life on even the toughest job sites. Blade changes are quick thanks in part to the easy-to-reach shaft lock button; however, onboard storage of the blade-changing wrench would be an improvement. This is a great tool for serious professionals in need of serious cutting power. At 12.3 pounds, it isn't the lightest model available, but big power doesn't come in small packages, and 7-1/4 inch sidewinder circular saws don't get any burlier than this. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• 50 degree bevel capacity
• Rear pivot depth of cut adjustment allows your hand to remain behind the tool at minimum depth of cut
• Powerful 15-amp/2,075-watt motor made for long life and difficult applications
• Heavy gauge, high strength aluminum alloy shoe
• Electric brake

Reviews (10)

It's not a Super Sawcat, but it's decent.
If you've ever used a B&D Super Sawcat-either 7 1/4" or 8 1/4"-you'll understand my point of view. The Sawcat is the saw to which I judge all others. The first and most obvious comparison is the DeWalt's electric brake-the blade still turns after the saw is shut down. When you shut down a Sawcat the blade stops, and I mean now. The next item is the shoe plate. The DeWalt is wide enough, but if you look at a Sawcat's shoe plate you notice B&D turned up the edges just a skosh so when you run it down a straight edge it won't hang up in that invariable gap between the straight edge and the item you're cutting. No turned up edge on the DeWalt. In addition on the DeWalt's shoe plate where there are the marks indicating the blade path at 45 and and 0 degrees there is a bit of residual casting that makes the 0 degree line indistinct. I suppose a slight high speed modification with a file will cure the problem, but a Sawcat wouldn't require any file work. These, of course, are details, but, hey, that's what carpentry is all about. On the plus side are all the items mentioned by other reviewers-good long cord, easy depth adjustment (although the indicator on the depth gauge sits far enough away from the gauge to make exact reading questionable), external brushes, good balance, and power. Whether or not the DeWalt can stand up to years of gaff like a Sawcat, I can't say. In sum, the DeWalt is a decent saw for the price, but guys like me will keep looking for that stash of new old stock Sawcats.

The Best DeWalt Circular Saw ever made!
While it being an impressive claim considering the quality of DeWalt portable tools, the DW364 is still a far cry from the Super Sawcat of the late to early 90's.

The DW364 was the first Dewalt (of the yellow variety) circular saw that featured an electric brake. It's strong shoe/base coupled with a strong knob/depth adjuster makes this as solid a saw out in the market. Blade changing is practical with the blade lock feature. Easy motor brush access, makes this saw very easy to self-service.

Good saw that has only proven itself

Excellent saw, but not perfect
In 1998 I was buying a few of the last high-end items needed to start my own roofing company when I bought this saw. After dealing on several other tools, I asked the salesman (a retired general contractor) what was the best circular saw in the store. Without pause, he grabbed this DeWalt. I have other saws available, but this is practically the only saw that I've used since June of '98. I'm a teacher so I only do carpentry in the summers, but still this saw has been subject to a lot of use and more than a little abuse. It still works perfectly. It's an incredibly powerful and durable saw. If you use good quality blades, I don't believe that the wood exists that it can't cut through with ease.

If there were three things that I'd do to improve it, it would be these:
1. make it lighter
2. left-side cutting blade instead of right-side
3. laser-light guide for cutting

I know that the first two are already available on newer models, but I've yet to use them. If everything else is the same, those saws should be darn close to perfect. My next circular saw will be a DeWalt, but it might be several years until I need one.

Excellent saw!
Nothing but good experience with this saw. Great power, good ergonomics, and totally reliable. The shoe is sturdy, perfectly aligned, and promotes smooth cutting when used with a straightedge. The front-mounted depth adjust knob is far more convenient and more sturdy than the usual rear-mounted depth adjust nut. The blade brake works exceptionally well.

Highly recommended!

Has It All!
Owned this saw for over 10 years. Has really good power, even when the cut is off and the blade gets twisted a bit. Depth gauge and trapeze blade drop are great features--the later moves the blade up/down while maintaining the saw grip at the same angle. Most others rotate the grip up as the depth decreases. Forward grip handle twist locks the depth, easy to use and secures tightly. Good line-of-sight for the cut-line, never a problem! Great buy for the $'s. ... Read more

Features

• Powerful cutting power at 0-2,700 strokes per minute
• High capacity 3.5Ah Ni-MH battery for extended run time
• Keyless blade clamping system for quick blade changes
• New ergonomic balanced tool body for comfort and control
• 65 minute charging system for less down time

Features

• Limited warranty, 30-day no-risk trial
• Powerful 15 amp motor for fast easy cutting
• Miters from 51 degrees left to 59 degrees right
• Bevels from 50 degrees left and 3 degrees right with non-slip locking system
• Includes a 10 in. carbide tipped blade and a blade wrench

Reviews (4)

The Fine Print
I purchased this saw believing it was made in the USA. The technical data provided by Amazon states the country of manufacture as being the US. I was very dissapointed when the product arrived and found "Made In Taiwan" on the box. I called Milwaukee and was told the US made miter saw, model # 6494, had been discontinued and that the -6 on the end of the model number denotes made in Taiwan. I decided to keep the saw despite this issue, if the quality seemed good. Overall, the saw appeared well made. However I was dissapointed to find a crack in the aluminum base in an area where the casting was quite thin. Needless to say the saw is being returned, and I am shopping for a different brand.

Sweet Saw
First rate in every regard. High quality castings, minimal plastic, and smooth/powerful motor. I've owned the the cheap Taiwan junk and finally have a saw I enjoy using.

THE BEAST
I WORK CONSTRUCTION AND I COUNT ON MY TOOL TO PERFORM TO A CERTAIN LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE. I FOUND THAT MY MILWAUKEE ACCOMPLISHED EVERY BIT OF WHAT I EXPECTED, THE ONLY REAL WEAKNESS IN THE DESIGN OF THE SAW IS IN THE MITER LOCKING HANDLE IT A LITTLE EASY TO BEND.

THE PRICE WAS A LITTLE EXPENSIVE BUT I THOUGHT FOR THE QUALITY OF THE TOOL AND THE QUALITY OF THE CUTS IT WAS MONEY WELL SPENT. I DON'T LIKE CUTTING SOMETHING TWICE AND THIS SAW REDUCES THE CHANCE CONSIDERABLY. YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR QUALITY

Milwaukee's Best
I ain't just talking beer.

This is an excellent saw. I do alot of light construction on the side (friends, relatives, small jobs) and I've been through three compound saws. Bought the cheaper Rigid 10" and it would never hold true. I returned this saw and bought a Bosch 10" and this saw die on the second day. Thinking it was a fluke I exchanged it, but the new one left wavy cuts with the fine blade. Needless to say it was returned with a little bit of yelling.

Well to make a long story short I got the Big Red 10" Milwaukee and it's fantastic. Always holds true, slices like "Hot Butter" and is very rugged. The only reason I gave it a 4 was that it is spendy for a 10" but if you do construction or just love having quality tools the "BEAST" is the one for you. This is a quality saw!!! ... Read more

Features

• Heavy gauge aluminum wraparound base
• Well balanced design for superior handling and performance
• LED light switch operates independently from the trigger
• Flat motor housing design increases stability when changing blades
• Powerful 15 amp motor for a high power-to-weight ratio

Reviews (2)

BEST SAW I EVER OWNED
I am NY framer and my number 1 tool on the job is my circular saw. That saw doesn't stop from 7:30am until 4:00pm. I've owned a Bosch which I despised and even the DeWalt 369CSK which was a great saw just TOO MUCH PLASTIC. The Makita weighs a bit more but for the love of GOD, I've never used a more powerful saw. This thing rips through CCA like it was 1/4 inch plywood. BUY IT...YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED!!!

Gimme a Brake !
A very good saw with a nice, big table that runs smooth, BUT... spring the extra[money]for the next model up with the blade brake. I mistakenly assumed this model had one when I ordered it and I was wrong and I miss it badly. And what's the light for? You can't see it in anything less than dark conditions and should you be sawing in the dark? This is another superfluous marketing gimmick that drives the price up with no real benefit to the consumer. Too bad. ... Read more

Features

• Reset button protects motor from overheating
• Variable speed of 500 to 1,600 strokes per minute
• Electronic feedback control
• Extended 12-by-16-inch cast-iron table evenly supports workpieces
• An extra-smooth finish provides effortless workpiece manipulation

Reviews (17)

The good, the bad, but nothing ugly
After looking at the various scroll saws available, I chose this one because of the 90 degrees of table angles available (only the Craftsman also has that feature) and the fast angle settings which lock into the metal positioning plate which make returning to various settings very quick. I also had excellent experiences with Dremel products in the past.

The only problem experienced so far was the similar "clanking" sound another reviewer mentioned, but I was able to fix that by removing the two screws which hold the motor cover in place, adjusting the holes and re-installing it so the weight on the motor shaft no longer hit the inside of the cover.

I also agree with one of the other reviewers that the switches are tiresome after a while because they are so small and somewhat difficult to operate under the rubberized dust covers.

The "free" stand went together easily, and by not fully tightening all the bolts on the stand I was able to align all the holes before fully tightening down the saw. I did have to add two washers to two of the mounting holes on the top because the metal wanted to bent when tightening the saw to the stand.

The light is bright enough for me as it is not the only light I use near the saw, and it doesn't get too hot to work around. It does however get in the way at times when working with larger pieces if the table is at an extreme angle, but this is normally not an issue.

All in all the saw works fine, and has been reliable. Next time I would spend the few extra dollars and buy the new Delta which is much heavier for less vibration, and has even easier blade changing and tension setting adjustments, both of which I feel are more important features.

Very nice saw
I use my Dremel scroll saw to create decorative scroll work for a furniture making shop that does most of it business in grandfather clocks and high-end dining room furniture. I like the speed control and power switch located up front where they are easy to use. Blade changes are far simpler that my old saw that required special tools in order to change a blade. The blade tension system is superior to anything else I've tried. Blade tensioning tip: When installing a new blade, tighten the tension knob until the blade first feels taught. Then rotate the tensioning lever 1 1/2 turns and that will provide the perfect tension for most blade types.

When I bought the tool two years ago, I had one problem with the saw. It just quit working one day. One call to the Dremel toll-free number solved the issue. It seems they did have an issue with dust getting into the switch and making the saw not work. They sent me a new switch (for free) with dust boots on it and the problem was solved. I now see that this saw has dust boots on its switches as standard equipment.
Other that that, I get pro-quality results for a hobby price.

Great tool ... when it works
My first Dremel scroll saw lasted about a month - I touched the scroll saw while vacuuming my shop, a spark jumped, and it immediately stopped working. Lowes was great - they replaced it right away. However, about a year and a half after that, the saw simply quit working. Everything looked ok - nothing jammed, bearings ok, power ok, it didn't overheat and reset, etc. It looked like, in a bone dry Arizona shop, that static was the culprit the second time as well. I concluded that Dremel didn't add adequate protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD), and that ESD fried the electronic motor control. This makes Dremel far too high a risk for me to ever buy another one - even if I lived elsewhere, as winters can still be very dry. Too bad, because the tool is otherwise great.

Very Average
For the hobbiest who has a lot of time on his/her hands,this machine is probably ok. As a professional woodworker, I found the blade changing to be excessively difficult, hit and miss with the top rear tensioner. Also, it's foot doesn't fit right to the wood surface; causing strain when moving the piece around for precise cuts. Mine developed a loud clanking sound after only a few hours of use, and eventually blew fuses, and finally shut down completely. It has some nice features, like the controls up front, large base, and variable speed control; but, unfortunately, not very reliable for the serious scroll saw enthusiast.

Breakin and Enterin
I just broke into the scrolling field about 3 months ago. I did little researching on the various saws but could see real quick that the Dremel, with all of its comparable features to the more expensive models, was a very good value for the money. I find it very user friendly. But after a few projects I could quickly discern its minor drawbacks. The light is dim. The plastic spare blade storage door is flimsy and tends to misalign, making it hard to close. Just recently, the upper arm is starting to knock on the upper housing if the blade isn't fairly tense. I've got to call Dremel about this one yet. The stand included was ok to put together but I couldn't get some of the holes to line up with the base of the saw. The vibration is somewhat dissapointing but not major with this price range. Not recommended for fretwork. Bottom blade holder is hard to get to with large hands. The on and off switch gets a little tiring after several pushes during a project. Get a foot switch! The blade holders are a snap with changing. In short, a very good buy for the hobbyist. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Milwaukee Body Grip orbital jig saw is a workhorse worthy of any workshop. Powered by a 6.2 amp motor, the saw muscles its way through a wide variety of materials with ease. The Body Grip features a 1-inch blade stroke with four-position orbital action for aggressive cutting. Electronic speed control helps the saw maintain its blade speed throughout a cut, with eight overall settings and a range of 500 to 3,000 spm. Even with all that power, the Body Grip is a surprisingly agile performer. An antisplinter device helps to stabilize the work piece and reduce splintering. A shoe cover protects the work piece surface from marring and scratching. A vibration-dampening mechanism permits smoother overall operation, though the saw still does run louder than its less powerful peers. Angle cuts and bevels are quick and easy, too, thanks to a keyless 45-degree shoe angle adjustment. A transparent blade cover improves dust extraction. Debris is blown ahead of the cut for improved visibility, and a built-in manifold is provided for vacuum-assisted dust collection. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• All-metal gearcase and cast-aluminum shoe built to last
• Powerful 6.2 amp motor handles aggressive applications
• Orbital action with 4 adjustment levels for faster cutting
• 500-3,000 spm speed control, with 8 settings
• Quik-lok blade change system eliminates the need for tools

Reviews (3)

Things to consider
I recently purchased this jigsaw and have used it a few times. Here are a few things I've noticed in this short time:
On the plus side, I like how it fits in my hand, barrel grip saws just feel better to me than top grips. It's got plenty of power, and with the variable speed, you can dial in whatever you need. It cuts beautifully and leaves smooth edges, but that could also be that I only use Bosch blades.
While it is a bit heavy, I find this to be advantageous to staying online and reduce vibration. The plastic foot cover allows to to glide nicely as well.

On the minus side, there are a couple of safety concerns I'd like to mention. First and foremost, the switch to turn it on, while somewhat protected by the upper knob, pushes in for ON and pulls out for OFF. This occurs to me as easy to accidentally bump on and a little trickier to turn off quickly if needed. I'm a bit surprised that is configured this way as every other tool I've seen is designed to turn off if bumped, not on.
Second is in regards to the quick change blade system. While certainly a super idea and WAAAY faster than any other jigsaw I've used, I've noticed that after only being used a few times, the blade retaining sleeve, which should rotate back 90 degrees to completely lock the blade in, only rotates back about 20 degrees barely doing the job. As I previously mentioned, I use Bosch blades which are a bit thicker than the Milwaukee ones, but even with those it only closes about 40 degrees now. I've blown it out with compressed air in case there was sawdust in there, but that had no effect.

Against my better judgement(needed to finish the project that day), I've used it in this condition and haven't had any problems though I plan on contacting Milwaukee about this.

The last thing on the minus side is that the bevel adjuster lever is really easy to bump loose and thus inadvertantly slanting the blade over. Alas, I know this from experience. Now that I'm aware that this can happen, I'll have to pay more attention to that setting.

All that being said, I really do like this saw. It's SOOOO much nicer than my DeWalt cordless jigsaw. Once the blade retention sleeve issue is worked out I'll feel fully confident and won't have any worries, but I'll always keep an eye on the ON switch and bevel adjust lever from now on!

Loud and powerful!
Being a big Milwaukee fan I was disappointed to send this one back. It's a good saw but Milwaukee could have done a better job refining this tool. First of all, the plastic barrel grip housing was rather slippery to grasp and the power switch takes some effort to reach. I guess they tried to make this saw ambidextrous for all to use comfortably. If this was the case, a spring loaded safety switch would have been nice for those unexpected emergencies. The plastic shoe bevel lever scraped my fingers each time I picked up this tool. Sufficient space should have been provided between the lever and the housing or the lever could have been shortened. However, the tool-less bevel adjustment did work well. The ninety and forty-five degree detents were right on with the blade.

What this saw doesn't lack is power...and lots of it!!! Unfortunately, along with good power the saw emits an unbearable loud high pitch whine that takes getting use to. At low speeds, noise and vibration was minimal but highly noticeable as I bumped up the dial. As a compromise, for most woodworkers we normally don't operate at peak level anyway.

This unit did come with a big sturdy plastic case with metal latches, the best I have seen since most manufacturers converted over from metal to cheap plastic. Lots of room for storage too.

All and all, with the minor shortcomings this is a good saw. If you want lots of power but don't mind the noise this is the saw for you!...

Another Excellent Tool from Milwaukee
I was going to purchase the Bosch A584AVSK, but didn't like the allen wrench on the handle. ... I'm a weekend carpenter, but I learned to buy quality tools.

This is an excellent designed tool, although heavy compared to others. The barrel design gives you total control with easy thumb action for the power switch. The speed control is in the rear, by the cord, so it's not in the way. At full power, it's noisy, but I've been using half to 2/3 power, 5-6. The base tilt laver swings and has a pivot/slide/lock mechanism for 0 and 45 degree cuts. I comes with a large case with additional storage for other items.

You can't go wrong with this. ... Read more

Features

• 2 speed bump off switch for ease of operation.
• Includes 1/8" and 1/4" collets, 9 assorted bits, open end wrench, depth guide, cutting guide, and carrying case
• Durable non-marring base-for smooth, consistent cutting
• Spindle lock button for easy bit changes
• Quick clamp removeable depth guide; attaches, adjusts, and detaches in seconds

Reviews (2)

Excellent!
I read these reviews often but had never been moved to write one until now as this is one of the first products that exceeded my expectations.

I had a medium size dry wall project coming up and had heard about these rotary saws but after reading the reviews for them all, I was in doubt: everyone said the DeWalt and Rotozip were loud, messy, difficult to control, and broke bits off often. I like Bosch's products so I decided to take a chance on it. It has been great. I have now finished the project and I can say that all the complaints about the other models do not apply to the Bosch. It is not too loud nor does it send a cloud of dust in one's face. After a couple of cuts it was easy to control and I used the same bit for two weeks without it breaking or seemingly going dull. I have not tried it with real hard surfaces like tile but so far it has been tremendous. It has saved so much time and seems so well made. I liked it so much that I hope this review helps others who are deciding what product to buy.

Great tool
I have used a Rotozip many times and liked it, but when I tried the Bosch 1639K Rotary Saw, i knew it was a Bosch because it is smoother and the controls are better. Bosch is one of my favorite tool makers, I would try anything they make. ... Read more

Features

• Powerful 13 amp all ball and roller bearing motor
• 45-degree bevel for angle cuts
• 18-tooth carbide blade
• Carry bag

Reviews (5)

great saw
I bought this saw about a year ago, I'm a carpenter and use side drive skilsaws every day. The guy's I work with own a few other brands (milwuakee - makita - skil) and they all do what they're supposed to but I'll tell you why the bosh is better than all of them.. Skil: Bosh bought skil, this saw is almost identical to the old skil side-drives but without the finger lever to pull up the blade guard, also the bosh's motor is more powerful. However the now ones from skil, since bosch bought them, are cheaply made and not worth buying.. Makita: the blade guard catches on the work, the aluminum table bends easily, and the dust extraction works poorly shooting sawdust in your eyes when you are trying to see your cut.. Milwuakee: Loud!! to adjust the blade level you move the handle up and down, not pivot it like all the other saws. this is neat engineering and all but it makes the saw really hard to follow a line because the handle is so far above the blade.. now the porter cable i havent tried but it sounds like a good saw. if anyone is in the market for a new sidewinder, I would choose between this bosch and the porter cable..

Bosch--enough said
This is by far the best circular saw I've used, and I've used them all! It is incredibly powerful, well designed, and easy to handle. Heck of a deal,I love this thing! I have yet to find something I don't like.

The Best Saw You'll Ever Buy
I'm a framer and general contractor in New York. I bought this saw initially because of the Bosch name (any "real" tradesman knows about Bosch). For the money you'll spend for this saw...you cant beat the damn thing. Mine has been dropped off of a roof while cutting fascia...I'd say about 24 ft. Still Going!!! I also find that it works best with 24 tooth Freud Diablo framing/decking blades. Congrats if you buy one...you wont regret it.

An outstanding product
Between this bosch and the Makita's , which I looked at, the Bosch was the best in terms of build qaulity and overall stability. Makita makes very many good products. I have 2 sanders and a 12" miter saw and they are extremely reliable and dependable. However, I've begun to buy several Bosch products, most of which are very impressive, including this circular saw. It just feels as if it will last a long time and can be counted on for performing everytime time it is needed. The only other circular saw which I considered was the Metabo's, but since the price is prohibitive, I went with the Bosch. The Bosch is a bit heavier than the Makita and feels as if it is riding on rails when gliding though the workpiece. Very stable. An excellent saw that is comletely satisfying in every way.

Excellent Value Saw
This saw is at a great price/performance point. Ball and roller bearings mean long life, no slop after years of use and smooth operation. It is not too heavy, well balanced, easy to hold and a real pleasure to use. The included carbide blade cuts like a hot knife through butter on plywood and 2x6 deck materials. Handy carry bag inlcuded and the lock-nut wrench stores firmly in the handle so that you'll never loose it. Overall, a great buy. ... Read more

Features

• Variable speed/scrolling
• Built-in site light
• 2 jigsaw blades
• Carry case

Reviews (8)

Useless: blade clamp has 4-5 degree play
Even with TWO edge clamps (both sides of shoe), cut pulls 4-5 degrees to the left with all materials and all blades, even 3/4" flush cut blade, until blade binds or breaks. This on simple straight cuts--wouldn't dare try it at an angle or on scroll work. Will try to get my money back and pay twice for quality I should have bought in the first place.

Lots of features, where's the accuracy?
The main problem with this saw is that the blade isn't held firmly enough by the tool-free clamp to make an accurate cut. I realize that this saw costs about half of what a good DeWalt or Porter Cable jig saw costs, but come on! Make that only 1/3 the cost of a good saw since Lowes is currently blowing these dogs out for $45.

The lightweight shoe has a sloppy feel to it, which only hurts your ability to make a decent cut. You don't so much adjust the angle of the base as you lock a pin into one of several pre-stamped holes at pre-set angles, and it feels very imprecise.

The sight light is supposed to cast a shadow where the blade is headed, but I can't bring myself to trust it. I'm thinking of just cutting off the wire that makes the shadow so I at least get the benefit of the light. The selector that lets you choose whether the dust gets blown away or sucked up through the vacum port is O.K.

I haven't found the 360 degree blade rotation feature to be helpful. I'm used to turning the entire saw when making fine cuts, and this feature just seems to make you use two hands do the work of one hand. Since the radius of a cut you can make is limited by the width of the blade I'm not sure why Skil went to the effort to include this feature.

I'm giving this saw a two star rating because I haven't used it a lot and haven't yet hurt myself with it. (...)

Cheaply Made and Dangerous to Use
I bought this saw new and was very disappointed. The no-tool blade release is great except it does not hold the blade securely when in use. When I tried to cut at a 45-degree bevel, the foot plate exposes so much blade it is very dangerous if the blade should ever break. The plate is also difficult to adjust. The rip guide bent when I tried to rip a straight piece. Forget trying to use the rip guide on any bevel. When trying to cut curves, the blade easily comes out of the "wheel guide" and the blade then bends and wonders off line. The trigger on-off switch is too easily accidently turned on. All in all, I am thoroughly unimpressed with this Skil jigsaw and wish that I had never bought the thing. I thought I was getting a good saw for the reasonable price of $69.00. I guess you do get what you pay for.

What a deal for 69 Bucks, for straight cuts
Yeah I bought the saw, I said for 69 bucks, you'd have to be crazy to buy the 140 dollar one. Then I used it to cut out some circles in plywood at an angle, because I was making trim plates for AC pipes in the rafters. The blade never fell out, but I never got a positive lock on it, and finally it went crooked. The guide plate was funky, trying to adjust it 45 degrees. I messed with it for 1/2 and hour, and then went to the book. Book was vague.

I found that you have to be crazy to buy this saw, unless you want to injure yourself, like lose your fingers, or have blade fly in your face.

The saw is perfect if you want to cut straight. Circular saw does this better and faster. Marketing is perfect, I believed every word on the box and bought it. This saw is an 5 amp accident waiting to happen. I value my eyes, face and fingers, I'll pay another 70 bucks for that protection.

a hazard
first of all, like someone already mentioned 2 finger start button is dangerous. second, the blade fell out while i was cutting twice, and i wasn't putting to much pressure on it either. just an accident waiting to happen. ... Read more

Features

• One full year parts and labor warranty, 30 day risk free performance guarantee
• Selectable five-stage orbital saw blade movement and low blade support roller ensures accurate cuts
• Electronic variable speed controlled by adjusting dial
• Quick tool-free blade clamping system
• Includes plastic carrying case

Reviews (8)

The barrel grip vesion shines, but see Ridgid for top handle
I own the barrel-grip version of this jigsaw and really like it; although, I had to buy it from Tools Plus since Amazon doesn't carry it. I especially like the 12' long cord.

I use the barrel-grip version of this jigsaw for a variety of remodeling tasks, but it's invaluable as a coping tool, particularly when working with hardwood crown moulding. To use the jigsaw for coping, I highly recommend replacing the factory foot with the Collins Coping Foot (from Collins Tool Company), which allows you to make all sorts of extreme cuts. The saw is held upside down so that it's easy to see the blade and accuratly follow the coping line, and this is where the barrel-grip version of the jigsaw comes in handy because it's so easy to grip upside down. There's no handle to get in the way. I'd give the barrel grip version 5 stars without reservation.

The other day I was dismayed to see the exact same saw as the top handle Metabo jigsaw for sale at Home Depot. The only difference was that it was marketed under the Ridgid brand and cost about $30 less than the Metabo. I looked at the Ridgid very carefully and it was identical to the Metabo in all ways except color. I suspect there must be a shared product licensing deal between Ridgid and Metabo. The good side of Ridgid selling the same saw is that accessories like the anti-splinter insert should be widely available wherever there's a Home Depot. The 4 star rating is because Metabo charges $30 more than Ridgid for the exact same jigsaw.

Power to spare
Anybody using power tools realises the benefit of having power enough to do the job and some to spare, it's a good feeling to realise that the machine is not going to tear its guts out inspite of it being pushed. Well this machine gives me that feeling when I'm cutting 2x timber with the orbital mode switched on to max. all the other features are just a plus, as far as I'm concerned, I want that work done well. That's not to say I don't appreciate the efficency of dust collection, or the low decibel of the motor whine. So go out and buy this machine it may be a few bucks more ... but it will not disappoint

Excellent Jigsaw
I ended up buying the barrel handle version from Tools Plus because Amazon didn't carry it (I did ask Amazon if they could get it). As others have said, it's very smooth, the blade changing mechanism is better than Bosch's, and it feels sturdier than the Bosch which I was able to pick up at Home Depot. While I was cutting a rail for a sliding tub door, the blade jammed into the aluminum, but the body of the jigsaw absorbed most of the shock.

If you use the vacuum extension, dust doesn't fly all over the room. It lands in a neat pile directly under where you cut. The blower also keeps the blade clear so you can see what it's cutting. The included cord is nice and long. The case is humungous; no idea why they made it so big.

The biggest plus the Bosch has is you can get parts for it anywhere. The Metabo takes Bosch blades, but it takes some digging to find the anti-splintering inserts, etc. Metabo has a bunch of other accessories that no one seems to carry in the US (ask the MetaboUSA.com folks for the catalog page), like a really expensive edge guide, no mar feet, etc.

Metabo Shibato
This is without question a great jigsaw, better than the old Bosch reliable. However, if you're in the market for very high end jigsaws, you'll have to also consider the Fein (also from Germany) and which you'll probably need to special order. The one downfall of Metabo, which you need to be aware of, is that if it breaks, it's a pain in the [rear] to get it fixed. (In America, at any rate.) Good Luck!

THE BEST OF THE BEST
There are alot of good saws out there that have a few good features but there's only one saw that has all the good features. The Metabo STEB 105 PLUS is a great saw. It has a blower so you can see your work, it has a real good blade changing lever, orbital settings, and one of the most important features to me is I have A great view of the blade and my work piece. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

There are lots of surprises in this new Shopmaster miter saw. First, it weighs just 35 pounds, thanks to aluminum-alloy construction. Then there's the slick miter-indexing mechanism and seven positive stops for angles you cut frequently, ensuring speed and accuracy. But among the nicest features on this saw is the super-easy-to-use bevel adjustment with its front bevel lock. You won't be reaching around the saw for bevel changes anymore. We also like the retractable blade guard and the electric blade brake that automatically stops the blade in seconds. Left and right table extensions are standard on this model, bringing width to 39-1/2 inches. The extensions slide right back, allowing you to store the saw in a space just 20 inches wide. Depth of cut is impressive, too, making quick work of crosscuts, miters, bevels, and compound cuts. A dust bag collects most of the fine dust and chips. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 year limited warranty on machine, parts and accessories
• 15-amp motor for plenty of power
• Front bevel lock feature for easy positioning--no need to reach around the saw for bevel changes
• Easy to read miter indexing mechanism and seven positive stops at frequently used angles
• Lightweight, aluminum-alloy construction weighs only 35 pounds

Features

• Covered by Freud's limited lifetime warranty
• 6" brass back gents saw
• 15 teeth per inch for the smoothest, most intricate cuts
• Made in England of the finest Sheffield steel
• "TaperGround" to reduce blade binding

Reviews (1)

Nice saw
This is a great saw for for small cutting jobs. I feel that I have more control and get more presice cuts with this saw than with the typical larger size dovetail saw. It has a good balance to it. I find the quality to be excellent and the hole in the blade is great for hanging it up. ... Read more

Product Description

After testing these Shop Fox Bandsaws, we couldn't resist adding them to our already expanded line. Features like the patent pending Quick Blade Tensioner, formed and welded steel construction, prevision ground tables and cabinet type stands make these some of, if not the best bandsaws available today. Each is complete with a quality miter gauge, a fence that locks at both ends, hinged wheel covers and a dust port. To set the blade to its correct tension, release the quick change blade lever, install blade, lock down, and you're done! When you do this for the first time, you would tighten or loosen the find adjustment knob for the exact tension. After that, blade changes are simple and incredibly fast! The G9970 14" is equipped with a 1 HP motor while the G9971 16" has a 1 1/2 HP motor. Both have been designed specifically for these machines and feature the extra torque required to get the job done. Both models use heavy-duty injection formed aluminum wheels. Both are computer balanced assuring smooth running and accurate cuts. The cabinet style stand is sturdier than any of the 4-legged designs, further reducing annoying vibrations while providing convenient storage. When you purchase one of these fine machines, you can rest assured you have made a purchase that will provide a lifetime of use and pleasure. ... Read more

Features

• Blade size range: 1/4" - 1-1/4"
• Blade speeds: 2300/3300 FPM
• Maximum cutting height: 8-1/2"
• Maximum cutting width: 15-3/4"
• Motor size: 1-1/2 H.P. 110/220V