Designed by someone who flunked engineering
Written: Dec 17 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It looks good.
Cons: This saw is dangerous; it spits blades.
The Bottom Line: This saw is hazardous to your health as it tends to spit out the blades as soon as resistance is encountered.
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| plilikoi's Full Review: DeWalt Heavy-Duty Top Handle Jig Saw DW321K/DW321 |
I have a DeWalt keyless drill and an orbital sander. I like them both, even though DeWalt's equipment tends to be on the heavy side. Let's be kind and assume that this indicates they're well-made.
I went to The Home Depot to buy a jig saw to replace my old Craftsman. I figured I'd upgrade to a DeWalt using the T-bayonet Bosch blades. I'd used my brother's Bosch jig saw that uses their T-bayonet blades. They're great, a vast improvement over having to locate the Allen key in order to change the blade.
When I got the jig saw home I was immediately ready to put it to use to cut out a piece of rotten 2x8" fascia board. Right off the bat I had trouble figuring out how to install the blade. I had to read the instructions and then I tightened it as described. Two thirds of the way through the cut, when the going got a little tougher or I was pushing a little harder, the saw parted company with the blade. This was more than a little disconcerting since I was on a ladder at the time and was using the saw above my head. I reattached the blade and gingerly completed the cut, but the very next day I returned the saw to The Home Depot (such a great store!) and exchanged it for a Bosch.
It's illuminating to examine the blade mounting schemes for the Bosch and DeWalt jig saws. These saws both used the Bosch T-bayonet blades (Bosch claim to have invented the jig saw) but, whereas the Bosch blade is inserted with a positive lock that makes use of the T shoulder on the blade, the DeWalt saw simply grips the shank of the blade above the T. Is it fair to say that whoever designed the DeWalt jig saw is an idiot? I think so. This saw has every likelihood of spitting out the blade as soon as it starts to bind in whatever it's cutting.
The Bosch was $10 cheaper, came with more blades and two accessory clamps. What was I thinking about, buying the DeWalt in the first place? Duh!
Aside from the fact that the Bosch holds on to the blades and the De Walt doesn't, the Bosch is noticeably lighter. They both came with a case, which is useful. The Bosch case is better since it has a compartment for storing blades. The saws otherwise have similar features, including a debris blower, reciprocating feature, and base angle change.
I think the DeWalt bright yellow jig saw looks cooler. If you need a jig saw to display this may be the one to buy, but if you need one to use do yourself a favor and buy the Bosch.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
plilikoi
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 - Top 1000 |
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Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Reviews written: 76
Trusted by: 6 members
About Me:
Raised in Scotland, living in San Diego. Getting older and wiser daily, older for sure!
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