Michael Kellough
Member
Jigsaw manufacturers
- Thread starter Michael Kellough
- Start date
Cheese
Member
I had an AEG that was marketed by Milwaukee, it wasn't much better than the Craftsman I originally picked up for 1/3rd the price of the Milwaukee. [sad]
Two of them have merged (Metabo and Hitachi), resulting in an identity crisis. (Metabo-HPT? Hikoki?)
Elu was bought out by Black and Decker who scrapped all their wonderful tools except the routers.
As I remember, AEG went through the same type of takeover that lead to disappearance.
Elu was bought out by Black and Decker who scrapped all their wonderful tools except the routers.
As I remember, AEG went through the same type of takeover that lead to disappearance.
Michael Kellough
Member
I think AEG was actually made by Holz-Her. I don’t know if they were still making jigsaws when Festool bought the factory.
Hitachi is the one that got messed up identity wise since Metabo still exists. Although this country few people know it. In the rest of the world Metabo HPT is known as HiKOKI and has a good reputation that is not confused with any other manufacturer. I have a Metabo cordless jigsaw (and a bunch of their other cordless tools). Most people reading this will think it must be light green in color but no, it’s the traditional Metabo dark green.
The Metabo cordless jigsaw that is very good and does have a tilting base but it’s always a pain to get back to 90 degrees. Especially since the blades are seldom perfectly straight. That’s why I bought the fixed base Bosch cordless.
Sorting my large stash of blades to keep some with the new Bosch cordless. I’m glad jigsaw blades have an indefinite shelf life. Unlike my stash of sanding belts that get joint failure within seconds of running.
Hitachi is the one that got messed up identity wise since Metabo still exists. Although this country few people know it. In the rest of the world Metabo HPT is known as HiKOKI and has a good reputation that is not confused with any other manufacturer. I have a Metabo cordless jigsaw (and a bunch of their other cordless tools). Most people reading this will think it must be light green in color but no, it’s the traditional Metabo dark green.
The Metabo cordless jigsaw that is very good and does have a tilting base but it’s always a pain to get back to 90 degrees. Especially since the blades are seldom perfectly straight. That’s why I bought the fixed base Bosch cordless.
Sorting my large stash of blades to keep some with the new Bosch cordless. I’m glad jigsaw blades have an indefinite shelf life. Unlike my stash of sanding belts that get joint failure within seconds of running.
Packard
Member
On the topic of corporate takeovers, Fruit of the Loom bought out Champion. Gone from Champion are the generous fit and heavy fabrics.
Essentially, Champion is identical to Fruit of the Loom except for the name.
Essentially, Champion is identical to Fruit of the Loom except for the name.
Crazyraceguy
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I thought AEG was one of the alternate brand names in other countries, used by one of the big Asian manufacturers? I have seen a few routers, both full-sized and trimmers, that carry the RIGID name, in North America. (sold at Home Depot)
woodferret
Member
Crazyraceguy said:
Yup. Bought out by TTI in 2005? Anyways, it's still sold in the EU as AEG as far as I know.
https://www.ttigroup.com/brands/aeghttps://www.aeg-powertools.eu/en-eu/about/historie
Cheese
Member
I have no idea what AEG has morphed into presently, but back in the 70's-90's they were known for producing high quality power tools. They produced a number of Milwaukee's tools which could be identified by the "Made in Germany" identifier ADDED to the serial number plate that carried the normal inscription "Made in Brookfield Wis USA".
The Swedish industrial tool company Atlas Copco purchased AEG in the 90's and then purchased Milwaukee a few years later. At some point, TTI purchased both of the companies along with Ryobi, Homelite, Empire & others and that's where we are today.
The Swedish industrial tool company Atlas Copco purchased AEG in the 90's and then purchased Milwaukee a few years later. At some point, TTI purchased both of the companies along with Ryobi, Homelite, Empire & others and that's where we are today.
Something is swimming around in the back of my brain about the Panasonic drill that Derek was talking about a few days ago and a connection with AEG. Either Panasonic made it and labeled it AEG or AEG made it and labeled it Panasonic. Probably option 1. I just remember seeing that drill with AEG on it "back in the day".
Cheese
Member
I’m thinking it was option 2 Jeff. I was going to post a photo of an early Milwaukee cordless drill because it looked very similar to the Panasonic.
I’ll find the photo and post it later today.
I’ll find the photo and post it later today.
Remember the little Milwaukee cordless screwdriver that swiveled in the middle? Loved that little guy. Pretty sure that was Panasonic, too.
Michael Kellough
Member
Cheese said:
I recounted recently how my friend’s WWII vet father bought an early (maybe the first) cordless drill because it was American only to discover it was made in Japan. Did matter that Panasonic was making the best drills back then.
Michael Kellough
Member
jeffinsgf said:
Down here in Aus, Metabo and Hitachi (Now Hikoki) still exist, I really don't understand why they did what they did in the US.
AEG still going, though with a comprehensive re-design and now appear to be aimed at the home owner market. In the 90's, when I was an apprentice, AEG were top quality tools. I remember their cordless drill and corded jigsaws being particulary good and very heavy duty.
AEG still going, though with a comprehensive re-design and now appear to be aimed at the home owner market. In the 90's, when I was an apprentice, AEG were top quality tools. I remember their cordless drill and corded jigsaws being particulary good and very heavy duty.
bertv
Member
AEG used to explain their acronym as “Aus Erfahrung Gut” - which translates to From Experience Good. That was one motto that stuck.
My dad had Elu equipment, him being a proper carpenter, rest his soul.
My dad had Elu equipment, him being a proper carpenter, rest his soul.
Michael Kellough
Member
I’ve never even seen a photo of an Elu jigsaw. If they actually designed it I’m sure it was good.
Cheese
Member
Cheese said:
Here's the photo I was thinking of. The drill body looks decidedly unlike the Panasonic while the battery compartment looks very similar.
Who knows...back in the early 80's Milwaukee certainly wouldn't be openly singing the praises of a manufactured product from Japan.
Especially as they were quite proud of the small "Made in Germany" moniker that was added to the serial number tag. [smile]
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Cheese
Member
I actually saw my first cordless drill in 1981 in a boat shop in Ft. Lauderdale. The head mechanic had a Craftsman Professional (grey and black) drill. I think it may have been made by Black & Decker for Sears.
Peter
Peter
Ryobi actually made a jigsaw that had many of the now popular features back the 1980's when they were blue. It had the blade stabilizing roller and adjustable aggressiveness. Did not have the Porter Cable bayonet blade mount.Wood Magazine rated it as the top jig saw when it came out. Unfortunately it required two hex keys or differing sizes for the blade attachment and then the bevel pivot. It even came in a metal case back then.
Peter
Peter
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