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.

[John Miller]

Betty, it is really all in the cutter itself, if you don't buy a good one they just don't work, don't use the ones from Hpme Depot etc. get one from a company that sells them say for stained glass work, these are awsome and have a swivel head on them, and they last much longer.

[Betty]

That's encouraging! I'll look for a better quality cutter and see if I can finally put glass in the frames I make. Thanks!

John Miller said:

Betty, it is really all in the cutter itself, if you don't buy a good one they just don't work, don't use the ones from Hpme Depot etc. get one from a company that sells them say for stained glass work, these are awsome and have a swivel head on them, and they last much longer.

[Bill Hayne]

Betty, Cutting glass is all in putting the correct amount of pressure on the tool and holding the cutter correctly. Make sure you buy a cutter with a carbide cutting wheel. Also dip the cutter in vegetable oil, that will keep the score line hot. And never go back over a score line. 

 

 

 

[William Steinfeldt]

 

I have a B&D and a Skill JIG saw, The B&D I use for fast roughing out and the Skill for smooth cuts, Remember to let the saw do the cutting, excessive pressure against the blade make them break and causes the cut to wander. I never cut anything over three quarters of an inch if at all possible. Thicker materials I like using a router and making several passes using a template. I have used painters tape to help reduce tear out and chipping, for soft wood try a Vynal tape, I find it stops break out on the edge of the material, it even works on plywood. When cutting Plexi first use a sharp knife and trace the cut, on both sides if possible, this helps insure a clean edge, I worked in the molding of plastic for 35 years, then fasten a thin peice of what ever scrap you over the plexi, this reduces the bounce on the plexi and helps reduces cracking and breakage as well as reducing the melting of the plastic being cut. The bigest thing is pressure, let the saw blade have time to do what it was designed for, because you dislike it soo much you hurry the work, be patient, take the time needed to get what you want a good cut. Good Luck.

[Michael Emmerich]

Agreed.  My problem is it always works on the test cut and nevar when it counts.   1, 2, 3 snap always works when it doesn't matter...  Ugh.

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!

[kenny from Sundre]

The only tool I can not tolerate is the tool that does not perform the way it is supposed to even though it is being used correctly. I had a fellow tell me that there were three "MUSTS" when it came to jig saws. The first was that you MUST use a straight edge to guide the saw to cut a straight line. The second MUST was to use a sharp blade at all times. The third was that you MUST not put force or pressure on the saw, but let it cut at it's own rate.

[Adam Adolph]

I hate to love my jig saw.  I have had several different ones over the years like most of you.  I have even destroyed a few because of frustration and just wanting to "get the job done".  Currently I have a Ryobi that I absolutely hate with a passion.  I also recently purchased a Dewalt (yesterday).  The Dewalt had a plastic "guard" on the bottom to help reduce scratches and help it glide smoothly across the work piece.  So far I love my Dewalt.  It came with a wide vented blade that cuts really nice.  I have also learned to take my time when using my jig saw, they just work better.  Both mine are cordless because I'm not always by a plugin when using them.  I am planning on buying a corded Dewalt after getting my cordless now though.

[Hal Schmidt "Woodmeister"]

I have no problem with jig saws, but I use them less and less.  I have little Makita finishing saw that belonged to my Dad with a 3.5" blade that will sink right into a piece of plywood or OSB and cut a hole for a switch box or what ever that keeps me from having to drill a pilot hole.  I have big Rigid band saw that I dislike.  It is very hard to control and get out of alignment real easy.  It rarely get used any more. It is also slow, but it will cut 5" thick piece of lumber and make a mess of it.

[justin waldron]

I have a list:  Shovel, digging bar, and posthole diggers. 

[William Steinfeldt]

Your comment brought to mind a project I am going to try in the spring. I have an old one man buck saw and the neighbor has a large log that chain saws won't span. I am going totry and slab off a couple of pieces to make tabels from. I will update everyone as to weather it will make the least favorite tool list.

[Larwyn]

My Porter Cable worm drive jig saw (model 548) is one of my favorite tools of all time.  You will not find a smoother running jig saw.  Problem is, I don't think they make them anymore, but, lucky for me, I have mine.

I really cannot think of a tool that I hate, though the tool which I hate using the most is a shovel.......

PC548

Larry

 

 

[Geoff Simpson]

I don't think i've seen anything quite like that PC Worm-drive?  Truthfully, i don't think i ever knew that there are/were worm drive jigsaws.....