PS 300 & PSB 300 EQ Jigsaws

[electricald]

Hey Everyone,
  I am new to this Group of Festool owners. I am looking to expand my collection. One of the things I wish to purchase is the jigsaw. I have two questions, the first of which is, which of the two is better. I would think that the majority of you have only one. Is it a matter of personal preference or are they both the same. Now I know that can be a hard one to pin down. The second question or concern rather, is I have read the reviews and there are reports about the clear plastic dust shroud impairing the ability to see the cut line. And many of you have removed it to be able to see it. Does that then affect the ability of the duct collector to do its job? I have a CT26 E and was wondering if using the jigsaw with the shroud removed would be the case. Those of you that have removed the shroud, and use either of the Festool DC's, how is the DC ability to remove dust affected? Can any of you help me by shedding light on these two questions?

Regards,
Dan

 

[mouppe]

More and more I am using my jigsaw upside-down. I can leave the dust shroud on and see my cut line. I think both saws are the same but I prefer the barrel-grip handle over the D-handle.

It's an excellent jig-saw, has never let me down and currently is superb value for the price.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I think it comes down to preference. Technicaly both types are the same.

A lot of people say they use the barrel grip when they use the saw upside down. I don't see why you couldn't use a D-grip saw for the same. I have always preferred the barrel grip version, even though I almost never use the saw upside down. To me it feels the barrel grip gives me better control as I can grip the saw lower and thus closer to the action. But I think it's just personal preference 

 

[flair woodworks]

I agree with Richard and Alex that the grip style is personal preference.  Removing the clear dust shroud does affect the effectiveness of the dust extraction.  One user simply widened the opening in the front of the shroud to improve visibility while reportedly not affecting dust extraction.

 

[electricald]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for this. I have a makita with the D type handle but wanted something to minimize the dust. I have used another type with the barrel handle and I did find that the closer proximity made for better control.
Regards,
Dan

 

[mavrick1903]

I'm another barrel grip fan. I use mine both above and below the work.

I believe ther is no difference between the two other than hold and switch placement.

 

[tbellemare]

It's pretty hard to use a D-grip under the work, the handle just isn't made for it. I also agree that the barrel grip gives better control above or below the work. With all that said, there are a lot of people in NA that like D-grips.

Tom

 

[zapdafish]

if its upside down does it mean the jig saw is held in some sort of a jig and the work moved?

got a pic or two of how this works?

 

[tbellemare]

That's one way and the rest of the world has that set up for the CMS.

What we're referring to is hanging the work off the end of the table and holding the saw under the work piece. It works best for me if I pull the saw toward me.

Tom

 

[Kristian]

if its upside down does it mean the jig saw is held in some sort of a jig and the work moved?

got a pic or two of how this works?

Like this:

[attachimg=#]

90% of my cuts with the jigsaw are made this way and the barrel grip is perfect for this.

- Kristian

 

[UncleJoe]

Just a matter of personal preference as far as I know.

I was  "D" grip guy until I bought my festool jigsaw. I decided to try the barrel. I also converted to cutting upside down when ever possible. Yesterday I bought a Collins coping foot and practiced on several crown pieces and some baseboard. All I can say is why didn't I do this sooner.

It is up to you both are great jigsaws

 

[semenza]

How's this for an undecided grip opinion..... I have the D grip, but I usually end up holding with my hand wrapped around the body and thumb through the grip. So really I am holding it like a barrel grip.  I had a D handle before the Trion, so bought the same again, then tried  the other grip and liked it. If I buy another I will probably go barrel grip.

Seth

 

[sancho57]

I got the barrel grip. I had the D handle in another brands jig saw but I found it uncomfortable due to the way I handle it. I find the barrel for me is easier to control.

Im going to start using that upside down technique.

 

[peter halle]

I hope that someone who has the D-Grip will confirm or correct me if the following is incorrect.  With the barrel grip you set the speed using the dial.  once you turn the saw on it has soft start but then goes to the selected speed.  The electronics work to keep that speed constant.  When you finish your cut you need to turn the switch off.  With the d handle you select the maximum speed using the dial and then use the trigger to start the saw and the speed is variable from ) strokes up to the maximum selected by the dial.  It can be locked to the maximum speed in that range.  The electronics will work to keep the trigger selected speed constant and if you let go of the trigger it will stop.  In other words the d handle offers an infinite range of variable speeds up to the maximum versus while in operation.

If I am correct on this then you might want to also take this into account based on what you cut.

Peter

 

[festooltim]

No Peter the D handle is not variable when you pull the trigger it goes to the set speed on the dial. I was disappointed to find this after I bought it. Because that's the reason I got the D handle instead of barrel grip I wanted more control of the speed. I had never used a barrel grip before so I stuck with what I new. I do like the Trion much better than what I had.

 

[peter halle]

Thanks Tim!  I struck out the incorrect info in my post.

Peter