Tools that you can't stand?

[Geoff Simpson]

In every shop there's a tool...No, not the person working in the shop, the actual tool itself.....and that tool, in that shop...is a hated tool. 

 

You see, It doesn't matter how expensive or new that tool is, or how shiny or sharp you keep it.  It doesn't even matter what colour or what brand it is.  You simply just...hate it.

 

For me, it's the Jig Saw.  And not just "A" jigsaw...THE jigsaw.  I've owned several.  From cheapy little black and decker toss-away's to mid-line Ridgid's and Dewalts, to higher end Bosch barrel grips and what have you.  I've spent countless dollars, on countless tools, making countless cuts for countless hours....and i've come to a conclusion.......

 

I hate Jig saws.

[Brian McLean]

 

Ha ha Geoff - I do work with some tools alright!

 

 

I have to agree - The jig saw - I though it might be the one I bought - sounds like that might not be the case!

I avoid using it if I can - at all cost - I cannot get a square cut and I have hard time following a line - on top of it all I'm left handed and this another one of those frustrating tools that I suspect is on the lefty conspiracy list!

anyway comforting to know I'm not a total tool!

 

 

[ray vile]

I agree the worst tool to use is the hand held jig saw..they have a mind of their own, everything is going along great then all of a sudden the wood starts bouncing the saw starts bouncing and the cut is either 1/2 inch to the outside of the line or worst yet a 1/4 inch inside the line. then just when you gain control of the situation the blade breaks and you realise that's the last blade you have.

Time to sweep up and grab a beer, Hey maybe the jigsaw is a good tool after all.

I'm also left handed and a victom of the tool companys conspiracy against left handers.

Brian McLean said:

 

Ha ha Geoff - I do work with some tools alright!

 

 

I have to agree - The jig saw - I though it might be the one I bought - sounds like that might not be the case!

I avoid using it if I can - at all cost - I cannot get a square cut and I have hard time following a line - on top of it all I'm left handed and this another one of those frustrating tools that I suspect is on the lefty conspiracy list!

anyway comforting to know I'm not a total tool!

 

 

[Pete Ticknor]

As you guys say i scorrect I also hate my jigsaws. I have spend numerous hours trying to get these saw to cut a correct line. I own a Sear vintage barrel that is good for cutting smallholes in wall board and a old Black and Decker that will not lock correctly and also has a mnd of it's own.

[William Pearson]

The old Yankee screw driver I have carried around since my Dad gave it to me long ago.

wPm

[Geoff Simpson]

Ugh....my dad had one, it was also my granddads, i could never get the pressure correct to keep it in the screw.  A hateful tool if there ever was one.  lol

William Pearson said:

The old Yankee screw driver I have carried around since my Dad gave it to me long ago.

wPm

[Michael Campbell]

Mine would have to be the Router on a Router Table.  I think the Router is the most dangerous tool in my shop and I have had one run across my wrist many years ago.  It just seems like it wants to grab, pull, push and when you think you are done, it takes a chip out of your piece... Have had problems with the jig saw, but it has never sent me to the emergency room.

[steve kidd]

i like all my tools, but my least favorite would be a jig saw. have a 'skil' and it really sucks. got a ridgid and its a much better saw. but never had real good luck with a jig saw, definitely a rough cut saw, no matter what brand.

[John Miller]

For all of you who hate Jig saws, well I love mine I have a Bosch, and I have had it for several years now, I can make some very accurate and intricate cuts with it.First of all it is a tool you let do the work don't force it or it fights back. 2nd use the proper blade for the job.. 3rd if you have a multi speed one use the speeds. 4th oscilating or not make sure you use the right one. Support your work and it wont bounce around, the Bosch literally cuts through the wood up to 2" oak with ease , but don't force it.  Any tools can be dangerous, I am a wood worker that's my Job, I cut 4 fingers off in May of this year on my table saw, Accidents do happen. So Be very very careful...

[Geoff Simpson]

I hear you John. 

 

I have the Bosch barrel-grip 1591 Jigsaw personaly.  Top reviews, top dollar and a top brand.  I will say that it out performs any jigsaw i've used and is an excellent addition to my shop.  It's clear why it's been reviewed so highly by so many publications, and as many of us know, when you need it, there's no other tool that does the job.  The Bosch is more comortable, smoother, easier to operate....but it doens't change the fact that i simply don't enjoy using it.

 

Sorry to hear about your digits

John Miller said:

For all of you who hate Jig saws, well I love mine I have a Bosch, and I have had it for several years now, I can make some very accurate and intricate cuts with it.First of all it is a tool you let do the work don't force it or it fights back. 2nd use the proper blade for the job.. 3rd if you have a multi speed one use the speeds. 4th oscilating or not make sure you use the right one. Support your work and it wont bounce around, the Bosch literally cuts through the wood up to 2" oak with ease , but don't force it.  Any tools can be dangerous, I am a wood worker that's my Job, I cut 4 fingers off in May of this year on my table saw, Accidents do happen. So Be very very careful...

[Kelly Taylor]

The Jig saw is the most mis-used and least controllable wood tools. My trick is to put a piece of 1/8" hardboard with my pattern drawn on it, placed on top of the wood piece i want to cut. It does need to be secured by clamp or screw. It will act as a backing board to eliminate chipping on the top surface of the wood being cut. I also like to use the fine tooth metal cutting blades when cutting wood. If i have some tight inside turns to cut, I use a Forster drill bit in the tight spots.

  Going another direction, you can cut a template out of 1/8" hardboard, and use it with a router and flush trim router bit.

[Sam Krupsky]

Brian,

 

Try using a fence held down by a couple of clamps.

 

It is the only way I can get a straight cut from a jig saw.

[Betty]

I love my jig saw. I hate my simple little glass cutter. I have yet to get a piece of glass to score and snap. I grew up watching Pop do it with such ease! It's a frustrating little gadget!