[Weld_]

I would like the communities help for recommendations on a jigsaw for metal cutting applications 20gauge to 1/4".

I want to get the Metabo but their site is such a mess. .

PS: Either own or have access to horizontal and vertical bandsaw's, cold saws, ect, you name, it so I would rather recommendations focus on a Jigsaws.

Any and all input is greatly appreciated as usual.

 

[M J D]

I don't use them much anymore. I currently have a 20 volt cordless dewalt and an older top handle electric Bosch. For a long time Bosch was the standard.

 

[M J D]

Another thing to add. I use 2" foam board for supporting the material, and then cut into it. The shorter blades won't penatrate the foam. On thin material and intricate cuts this is the only way to get good support.

 

[mikecwik]

It is not my go to method but used it recently because it was all I had. I did not think it would work well in cast iron but it was faster than my original solution would have been.

 

[rlitman]

I don't jigsaw much metal, but find it to be a good choice on aluminum just a little too thick to shear.

I have not seen a better jigsaw than my barrel grip Bosch, though I've heard good things about the Festool.

From what I've seen, only Bosch's top of the line saw has the better blade alignment system that makes it so outstanding.

 

[golfingweldor]

Weld,
Bosch makes a jigsaw specifically for metal. I don't know if they brought it into the U.S. If not, I think you can order it from an online shop in the U.K. Shipping might kill the deal for you. You tube had a video of their regular jigsaw vs their metal cutting jigsaw going head to head. It was impressive!

 

[norite]

Bosch, preferably barrel grip for metalwork.

 

[Weld_]

Another thing to add. I use 2" foam board for supporting the material, and then cut into it. The shorter blades won't penatrate the foam. On thin material and intricate cuts this is the only way to get good support.

Thanks for the recommendation and the tips. I amgoing to stay away from cordless models. The bosch is at the top of my list.

I was just wondering why you don't use them anymore?

 

[Weld_]

I don't jigsaw much metal, but find it to be a good choice on aluminum just a little too thick to shear.

I have not seen a better jigsaw than my barrel grip Bosch, though I've heard good things about the Festool.

From what I've seen, only Bosch's top of the line saw has the better blade alignment system that makes it so outstanding.

thanks for the suggestion and the data point

 

[Weld_]

Weld,
Bosch makes a jigsaw specifically for metal. I don't know if they brought it into the U.S. If not, I think you can order it from an online shop in the U.K. Shipping might kill the deal for you. You tube had a video of their regular jigsaw vs their metal cutting jigsaw going head to head. It was impressive!

any idea on the model number or the link to the video............ thanks for the suggestion

 

[Weld_]

Bosch, preferably barrel grip for metalwork.

thank you

 

[golfingweldor]

Item # GST-25M
M for metal

 

[M J D]

Thanks for the recommendation and the tips. I amgoing to stay away from cordless models. The bosch is at the top of my list.

I was just wondering why you don't use them anymore?

I used to do a lot with aluminum sheet, not much intricate stuff anymore. On steel or stainless I usually plasma curves and odd shaped items.

 

[rlitman]

Bosch makes a jigsaw specifically for metal. I don't know if they brought it into the U.S. If not, I think you can order it from an online shop in the U.K. Shipping might kill the deal for you. You tube had a video of their regular jigsaw vs their metal cutting jigsaw going head to head. It was impressive!

Can you link that video? I don't see what's so special about this model, except that it has a shorter stroke length, and a seriously inferior blade chuck.

One of the things I love about my Bosch is that the toolless blade removal literally shoots the blade out of the chuck, so you do not have to grab a hot blade to remove it. Then you just click in a new blade and resume working.

 

[Weld_]

Item # GST-25M
M for metal

Thank You.... Looks awesome but the problem is you can't find it in the United States similar to the Metabo

 

[Weld_]

Can you link that video? I don't see what's so special about this model, except that it has a shorter stroke length, and a seriously inferior blade chuck.

One of the things I love about my Bosch is that the toolless blade removal literally shoots the blade out of the chuck, so you do not have to grab a hot blade to remove it. Then you just click in a new blade and resume working.

what model number do you have if you do not mind

 

[Weld_]

I used to do a lot with aluminum sheet, not much intricate stuff anymore. On steel or stainless I usually plasma curves and odd shaped items.

Thanks

 

[rlitman]

what model number do you have if you do not mind

I have the 1591 barrel grip (BEST jigsaw I have ever used), and the 1590 top grip (also a really good saw, but I much prefer a barrel grip). I got the top grip first for cheap at a pawn shop, and waited years until I finally found a barrel grip at a price I was willing to spend.
The current most comparable model would be the JS572, though the 1590 series was the last to be made in Switzerland. The cheaper JS470 does not have the extra blade support that really sets the tool apart from cheaper saws.
However, looking at the INSANE pricing for current Bosch JS752 models made in Asia ($270), I'd much sooner recommend a Festool PS300 for less money if you're insistent on buying new. The Festool has a comparable carbide blade support, and comes with a zero clearance insert for fine wood work (actually, it has a lot of options not available from Bosch). I haven't handled a Festool Carvex to know if the brushless model is worth the extra expense.

If I were in the market, I'd be searching eBay for a 1591 (I see two currently), if you like a barrel grip. Some people don't; I'm not sure what's wrong with them.

BTW, the REAL Bosch metal cutting jigsaw is a pneumatic model that's been around a long time, and costs mega bucks. These come up on eBay from time to time, but I don't use a jigsaw enough to justify one (as in all-day long, day in and day out).

 

[Weld_]

I have the 1591 barrel grip (BEST jigsaw I have ever used), and the 1590 top grip (also a really good saw, but I much prefer a barrel grip). I got the top grip first for cheap at a pawn shop, and waited years until I finally found a barrel grip at a price I was willing to spend.
The current most comparable model would be the JS572, though the 1590 series was the last to be made in Switzerland. The cheaper JS470 does not have the extra blade support that really sets the tool apart from cheaper saws.
However, looking at the INSANE pricing for current Bosch JS752 models made in Asia ($270), I'd much sooner recommend a Festool PS300 for less money if you're insistent on buying new. The Festool has a comparable carbide blade support, and comes with a zero clearance insert for fine wood work (actually, it has a lot of options not available from Bosch). I haven't handled a Festool Carvex to know if the brushless model is worth the extra expense.

If I were in the market, I'd be searching eBay for a 1591 (I see two currently), if you like a barrel grip. Some people don't; I'm not sure what's wrong with them.

BTW, the REAL Bosch metal cutting jigsaw is a pneumatic model that's been around a long time, and costs mega bucks. These come up on eBay from time to time, but I don't use a jigsaw enough to justify one (as in all-day long, day in and day out).

Thank you for taking the time to write all of that up. prefer barrel grip But don't mind using the other. I might have to look into Festool. The claim 3/8 in soft steel. know they are great for wood working not sure how they would handle metal.

 

[rlitman]

Well, the dedicated metal saws have a shorter stroke. That's an advantage in really fine sheet metal work (though I think that where a short stroke shines is in super fine cuts that are beyond the abilities of a jigsaw anyway), but not necessarily a huge one, and can be a disadvantage in thicker materials.