Recommend a good handheld power jigsaw?

[laarree]

I'm looking to get a good handheld power jigsaw for some carpentry projects
in my apartment, and need one that can use a blade that can cut metal --
specifically, steel 1/8" wire shelving like Elfa ventilated shelving -- besides
wood.

Any recommendations? I was reading about some Bosch saws (for example,
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/det...oding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance but they are expensive and might be overkill for my humble needs.

[Plumbking]

I'm partial to Dewalt. This is the one I have.

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_d...uctID=8813

Awesome.

This might be more your speed

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605...rd=jig+saw

Craftsman is very decent.

Different blades cut different materials.

Good Luck

[laarree]

That DeWalt saw looks like it's way more pro than I need, plus it's $300+!

[nwyaker]

As a professional woodworker and boatbuilder, I use and recommend this one. Metal and wood blades readily available. Uses bayonet mount blades.

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1584AVSK-Bar..._6?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1200447560&sr=8-6

[kledo]

I'll second the Bosch--it's been a great jigsaw for the 2 or 3 years I've had it.
--Kledo

[Cary]

I have a Bosch - they make a barrel grip and a D handle - great saw. You might be able to find a deal on CL or eBay.

I wouldn't buy a cheap one - the blades tend to wander...

Cary

[sscutchen]

I have the barrel grip Bosch

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1584AVSK-Bar..._5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1200451211&sr=1-5

They keys you need are variable speed (you'll want to slow it down for metal) and being able to change the orbital action... Orbital action is how much the blade moves fore/aft as it goes up and down. Eliminate it for metal and detail cuts. Crank it up for speed in softer materials.

Note that Bosch jig saws use there own type of blades...

[mjgkramer]

I am a great fan of DeWalt and have a shop full of 18 volt hand tools, sliding miter saw, planer, and scroll saw. The one tool that I have that is not DeWalt is my Bosch jig saw. Daughter (41 years old and quite a wood worker) swears by DeWalt and bought a DeWalt jigsaw. What a disaster! We had great difficulty getting the saw blades gripped so they didn't fall out. I bought a Bosch that had basically the same blade grip mechanism with the twisting knob on the top and have had no problems. You might test before buying.

[bruceko]

Bosch jig saws are the standard others live by.
Pricy but worth every penny

[laarree]

Thanks for all the comments!