Jig saw poll

[LinuxRandal]

As I am looking to purchase a new one. I am considering which style to get. I have never had access to a barrel grip, that is the reason for the poll.



Barrel style:


Top handle style:

[jackellis]

Not sure I know the difference. I have a Grizzly and for the little I've used it so far, it's just fine.

[Lance]

Don't know....yet!

Buy me one of each, and I will let you know! This is on my wish list, once I get a few projects under my belt.

I've heard that people who cut a lot of curves prefer the barrel style, easier to control precisely

-Lance

[Cheeky]

I can highly recommend the Ridgid 3120 (top handle type made by Metabo in Germany). I picked one up in the past couple months on sale for $99 and used a 10% off at HD for a great deal.

I think it's every bit as good as the Bosch 1590.

The new model is the R3121 ($139), I have no idea what it's like, but you should be able to find the 3120 still in some HD's.

[sweensdv]

Some say that a barrell grip is easier to control, especially when cutting curves. Others claim the top handle style is the only way to go. You should at the very least dry fire one of each style. If you can actually make some cuts with both styles then that would be a great test. Whichever style feels the most comfortable for you to hold is probably the way to go.

[HarmsWay]

I'd say it depends on your planned usage. As many have said, the barrel seems to give you more control. It will also fit in tighter quarters. The regular handle is easier to use with a single hand - good when cutting upside down or when you need to use the other hand to grasp something. I've used both but own a barrel-style Bosch. If it ever needs replacing, I'll buy another barrel-style.

Bob

[sacherjj]

I can't really vote, as I have only used top handle. I considered the new barrel Bosch, but came across a too good to pass up top handle Bosch (the 90 vs. 91, I think). It has done everything I asked of it and very well.

[LYU370]

Was looking to get a barrel grip Bosch last summer, but couldn't find one in stock at any of the local stores. So I ended up with a top handle Bosch. Pleased with it, but don't know if I would have liked the barrel grip better.

[SHADOWFOX]

Only used Bosch 1590EVSK top handle and love it. Have never had a barrell style before so can't say much for it.

[scorrpio]

I haven't actually *worked* with a barrel grip. But I tried holding some at a store and found them less comfortable than top handle. I also imagine controlling the saw would be an issue - with top handle, my hand is directly above the blade, which I think is a better controlling position.

[siliconbauhaus]

have a look at the hitachi.....good ratings... I love them

[SARGE..g-47]

I used top grips for 30 years. Four years ago I was ask to build in my shop a 100' counter for our Muscle Cae Showroom part of which was a semi-circle. I told them yes if they would purchase me a Bosch jig-saw and 8 Cabinermaster clamps I would need for the project. They said yes as it would save them about $18,000.

Got the barrel grip and once I used it, wouldn't go back to a top grip. The control in curve cuts is much better and easier to control, IMO. That's all I have to say.. :>)

Regards...

[RayintheUK]

I wonder if you've seen this jigsaw, which is both top-handle and barrel-grip. More details are here

Ray.

[crokett]

One of my brothers has a barrel grip saw. I don't like it. I think the top handle gives me more control over cuts.

[SARGE..g-47]

Morning Ray... after-noon there in the UK

I haven't seen it nor knew of it's exsitence. Very interesting. I appears Triton is getting serious...... I would have definitely taken a look at the Triton 2 /14 hp router when I purchased my DW 621 for a hand held plunge if it had been out at that time. Can't justify a 4th router at the moment no matter how hard I try though. :>)

Regards...