Which Jigsaw?

[Colesmeister]

Hello,
I need a new jigsaw and was hoping to enlist the experience of you good people to assist in the prevention of purchasing a lemon.

Budget taken into account I have narrowed the choices so far to:

A) DeWalt DW331k

B) Bosch 135 BCE (an older model but some still knocking about)

Any advice, experiences and opinions welcome.

Cheers

 

[chippy1970]

Where abouts in London are you ? I've got a few Bosch 110v jigsaws 2 of them are hardly used almost as new.

I seem to have collected them over the years and my main jigsaw is a festool now so I don't use them. They are all pro ones not Argos specials :lol:

I think one is the 150 and the other is the 80 model. Pm me if interested.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

[Colesmeister]

Kind offer but looking for 240v - not trade working rather home jobs

 

[JJ1]

I faced the same dilemma a few months ago and ended up with a short list of the two models you mention. My decision was made when quite by chance my local tool retailer happened to have a Bosch 135 BCE in stock and at a very attractive price. I ended up buying it and have been very happy with it and would happily buy the same again.
I read a lot of reviews on this particular model before considering it. Whilst most of the reviews seemed very favourable, I did come across one not so good review, mentioning certain issues and illustrated with a couple of photos. I was quite apprehensive after reading this particular review but thankfully my model showed no signs of the issues mentioned and has proved totally dependable. I believe the issues mentioned were to do with the blades not being positioned correctly in the guide wheel.

 

[Colesmeister]

I faced the same dilemma a few months ago and ended up with a short list of the two models you mention. My decision was made when quite by chance my local tool retailer happened to have a Bosch 135 BCE in stock and at a very attractive price. I ended up buying it and have been very happy with it and would happily buy the same again.
I read a lot of reviews on this particular model before considering it. Whilst most of the reviews seemed very favourable, I did come across one not so good review, mentioning certain issues and illustrated with a couple of photos. I was quite apprehensive after reading this particular review but thankfully my model showed no signs of the issues mentioned and has proved totally dependable. I believe the issues mentioned were to do with the blades not being positioned correctly in the guide wheel.

That is very helpful, was leaning towards the DeWalt, a great many reviews for it are very possitive but already have one that cuts tight curves when pushed straight. I agree having researched my choices that 99% of reviews of the Bosch are favourable so I think i'll go with that - the fact it's a tenner cheaper is a welcome bonus.

Cheers for taking the time to post, much appreciated.

 

[misterfish]

I've had a 135 for a while now and it's the best jigsaw I've owned. The extra blade support really makes a difference. If I had to replace it I'd do my best to find another one.

Misterfish

 

[Colesmeister]

Thanks for all the replies, you guys have been very helpful.

I have found a Bosch for £120 inc free delivery but I have one probably stupid question.

The model is listed as GST135BCE [CL], what is the significance of the [CL] if any?

Cheers

 

[Colesmeister]

I may have figured out the answer to my own question, I believe the Bosch model is marked with a [CL] due to it being new but clearance item.

GST150BCE ordered

 

[JJ1]

Sounds like you've found a great deal there . I think you'll be very happy with your decision 8)

 

[Colesmeister]

Here is the link in case anyone else is tempted, at time of writing they have about 17 left

http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/bosch-gst15 ... ji-p154617

 

[siggy_7]

The GST150BCE is a more powerful saw, but doesn't have the extra blade support of the 135BCE or its replacement, the 140BCE. Should still be ok for general purpose work, but for accurate cuts you will find the blade support of the 135/140 makes a difference.

 

[Steve Maskery]

+1 for the Bosch, it's an excellent saw. I've tried the Fessies, too, and would still choose the Bosch. Bosch blades are excellent, as well.
S

 

[Colesmeister]

I made a boo boo and ordered the GST150BCE by mistake. I won't be sending it back, the company I bought it from has the GST135BCE in 110v only.

 

[JJ1]

I did wonder why you ordered the 150 after enquiring about the 135. I'm sure the 150 you've ordered will be just fine 8) . The only thing it seems to lack compared to the 135 is the Precision Control feature, but how much of an asset that is anyway, I don't know. From what I learnt whilst researching jigsaws myself, is that for very deep cuts, there's a better tool for the job anyway, a circular saw or band saw I guess.
One advantage of the 150 BCE is a slightly more powerful motor, which is always a welcome bonus.

 

[Colesmeister]

I did wonder why you ordered the 150 after enquiring about the 135. I'm sure the 150 you've ordered will be just fine 8) . The only thing it seems to lack compared to the 135 is the Precision Control feature, but how much of an asset that is anyway, I don't know. From what I learnt whilst researching jigsaws myself, is that for very deep cuts, there's a better tool for the job anyway, a circular saw or band saw I guess.
One advantage of the 150 BCE is a slightly more powerful motor, which is always a welcome bonus.

I doubt i'll be cutting anything much thicker than 40mm worktop. Like you say majority of the thicker stuff getting done by the circular or my Bosch sliding mitre saw.

 

[Shrubby]

Send the 150 back . They are inaccurate gimmicky crap
I used one against a 35 year old machine which was knackered and I still got better cuts with the old one
Matt