Jig Saw Comparisons

How do the relative quality levels of Ridgid and Dewalt compare? Have seen somany ads for reconditioned Dewalt tools, I'm beginning to wonder about them? Interested in top of line models for daily use. Any advice, experiences appreciated.

 

I think as long as you stay in the same price range..the Ridgids normally give you a bit more in the way of features for the same money. Looking at their site, it appears they only have one model now? Odd...

Some people like the body grip type saw...I've never used one..but they do appear to give you better control and visibility.

I really don't use one all that much...and the Ryobi scrolling saw I have has never failed to get the job done in the 4-5 yrs I've had it.

 

I bought a Freud a number of years ago, thinking the name would justify the cost. Well, the engineers who designed it failed to put an air discharge blowing toward the blade to clear it of dust.....DUH, the fan is already producing air, why not use it? Soooo glad when it died. I use an 18v Dewalt on a daily use basis, and it performs pretty well.
Like Vic, I think in my shop I would prefer a body hold style because I would do more precise work there. But, I'm not there, yet.

 

Stay away from gimmicks. Bought a Sears once with the knob on top to steer the blade. Stupid idea that sounds good. Even locked in straight position there was was enough movement that after two or three minutes the blade would become red hot from metal fatigue and break. Tried different brands of blades but nothing helped except the trash can.

Now using a heavy metal cased Polish made one from Harbor Freight that works well. Of course it is a replacement for the really cool looking plastic bodied Chinese made one from Harbor freight that lasted less then a day.

 

thanks for the information.....I'm looking at getting either a DeWalt DW 331K or a Ridgid R3120. Both are about the same prices, just have to see what each one looks and feel like.

 

I use the dewalt. Bought it off of Ebay about 6 years ago, and I love it.

 

My other half bought me a DeWalt jig saw a few years ago. Too lazy to go out to the shop in this storm we’re having to look at the model number, but it is the Rolls Royce of all jig saws I’ve ever used. Quiet, smooth variable speed. Different cutting angles. I’ll never need another jig saw.

 

Coming from a power tool repair center and repairing both Rigid and Dewalt I can tell you from experience it is much more difficult to get Rigid parts than Dewalt. There are many more options for Dewalt replacement parts and many more places for Dewalt repair if you get in a jam. Food for thought.

 

I've always gone DeWalt and have never regretted it

I once went to HD to get a Rigid router they had on sale and walked out with the DeWalt instead