GhostFist said:
in all honesty, it's the base thing that is my one hang up with this saw. I'm not 100% confident in the angle base and am a little miffed that I would have to spend extra on the stand alone model just to cut a bevel with it. I have to hold the bastard, and know what the price is of the lot obviously before I make a decision, just how I feel right now.
Well let me add to that...
frankly, I'm not sure I get the whole Festool Jigsaw fascination thing. Yes, the dust collection is nice, but if I were to get one, that would be my ONLY compelling reason.
Why? Well, why else would I really care that much about a jigsaw? If I'm going to cut a straight line, I'm going to do it with the TS55 on a rail. Jigsaws aren't exactly known for producing a great cut. Or am I underestimating how good the Festool ones are? The TS55 can do that bevel cut as well.
Cut circles? Nope. I'm gonna do that with my router on a circle jig (or my microfence). Or I'll throw it on my bandsaw with the Incra circle jig attachment.
Can cut in tight areas? Well, If I'm building furniture, it's my job to make those cuts BEFORE assembly .
In the field? When I've used a jigsaw during installs, it's to cut holes for plumbing and electrical in the back of a cabinet. Maybe sink cutouts? Yeah, none of those need to be a nice cut, and my Bosch will do it just in fine in "non-orbit" setting.
In fact, attached is a picture of the only big use I've gotten our my bosch... and in this case it was priceless (I built and cut those "in place", not on the ground!)
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Am I misunderstanding the importance of a jigsaw to the pro-installers here? Am I missing something?
Thanks.