Replies

1. 
   Jer | Apr 15, 2006 03:38pm | #1

   Used 'em. Don't like 'em.  I have the Bosch top handle, best saw ever made.  Just my opinion.

1. 
   Shep | Apr 15, 2006 05:53pm | #6

   Haven't tried the Festool yet, I'll bet

   I had the D- handle Bosch. It's a good saw.

   But I got the barrell handle Festool about 2 years ago, and haven't looked back.

2. 
   shady | Apr 15, 2006 03:44pm | #2

   Ive had a Bosch barrel handle for at least ten years.  A good tool.  The modern ones come with a quick blade release which is a great improvment.  I like it alot.  It cuts straight and I love using it for "carving" with the coping blades.

   I also always consider safety with it more so than other tools.  The switch is in the back and unaccessable with your operating hand.  The barrel is a little large around so not so sure a grip.  The combination of those two features makes running it a little risky so you've got to pay attention.  I've never had an accident, or even close, and would consider an exact replacement if I ever had to.

1. 
   Snort | Apr 15, 2006 04:39pm | #3

   Funny you should ask...I just received a Festool barrel handle. I picked it up and couldn't figger out where the trigger is...I'm left handed<G>The D handle should get here soon...LOL I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head

1. 
   DougU | Apr 15, 2006 05:22pm | #4

   Damn man, you still returning tools!

   I have the D-handle myself, also a lefty.

   To those people that think the Bosch is the best jig saw out there, try the festool, you'll change your mind.

   Doug

1. 
   Snort | Apr 16, 2006 04:29pm | #19

   Hey, that cadex is right...now that I know you're a lefty, too, I'll just let you keep runnin' point for me...now, if only the stock guys could pull the right thing<G> I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head

3. 
   Notchman | Apr 15, 2006 05:35pm | #5

   I have an older Bosch barrel handle, which is a fine tool, but I don't care for the old-style blade attachment and, as someone mentioned, the barrel is a bit oversized, IMO, for the average-size hand.

   I also ahave a Bosch top handle and that's the one I use....

   The only tradesmen I've talked to who prefer the barrel handle is cabinet makers who sometimes need the extra hand clearance for working in tight spaces.

1. 
   timkline | Apr 15, 2006 05:55pm | #7

   i learned on a barrel handle and never looked back.  a friend had the top handle and i could never adjust to having my hand so high above the work.

   the top handle jigsaw reminded me of the circular saws with the handle on the top ( older Bosch models )  which were incredibly uncomfortable to use.

   the barrel handle always gave me a place to push against.

    carpenter in transition

4. 
   Frankie | Apr 15, 2006 05:56pm | #8

   I love the Bosch barel unit. Always have. always will.

   Switch is on the side and can be operated with your thumb - if you are grabbing it with your right hand.

   F

   There he goes—one of God's own prototypes—a high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die.

   —Hunter S. Thompson
   from Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

5. 
   Shep | Apr 15, 2006 05:57pm | #9

   I had a top handle Bosch for quite a while, but I needed a saw that would track even better on thicker stock.

   So I bought the Festool Trion barrel handle. I tried out the top handle and the barrel first, and really liked the barrel. But I've got big hands.

   I strongly recommend trying out the saws before you buy, to get the feel for them. Then you can decide which one you want.

1. 
   Jer | Apr 15, 2006 06:54pm | #10

   Maybe the problem is that I don't have big hands.  Never could palm a basketball and can only stretch on half step farther than a full octave with one hand on the piana.  They still strong though.

6. 
   IMERC | Apr 15, 2006 07:03pm | #11

   the top handle and barrel grip both have their places....

   get 'em both..

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

1. 
   RonH1 | Apr 16, 2006 05:19am | #12

   Thanks to all who replied, the information is extremely helpful. I especially like the reply from IMERC who is obviously a diplomat AND a tool junkie.
   Thanks & Cheers:
   Ron.

1. 
   IMERC | Apr 16, 2006 05:39am | #13

   tool junkie yes...

   and this is the 1st time anybody has ever called me a diplomat... somehow I don't see me in that role...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

1. 
   Shep | Apr 16, 2006 08:56am | #17

   yer movin' up in the world.

   Got any plans to go to Wa.,DC to straighten them out, too?

1. 
   IMERC | Apr 16, 2006 08:59am | #18

   can do that from here with plan "B".....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

2. 
   tmaxxx | Apr 16, 2006 07:38am | #15

   i have had both and prefer the barrel handel but that could be the saw more than the handle.  my old pc was good in its day, i just never found that day.  now i have the bosch. smoooooooooth.  i actually like using a jig saw now.Tmaxxx

   Urban Workshop Ltd

   Vancouver B.C.

   cheers.  Ill buy.

3. 
   wrudiger | Apr 16, 2006 07:49am | #16

   Grew up on top handle, got the Bosch barrel handel based on reco's here and at Knots.  I find - for me! - that it's easier to control and less fatigue (more ergonomic) using it for long periods.

7. 
   MSA1 | Apr 16, 2006 06:05am | #14

   I have a Bosch top handle and I love it. Its the best jigsaw i've ever used. Though i've never tried a barrel handle unit it doesnt look very comfortable to me.

8. 
   Ricks503 | Apr 16, 2006 07:19pm | #20

   This is like worm drive or not on skil saws - just another option.  Some people like the barrel grip, some don't.  The ones who like it claim better control - In my opinion neither is really any better than other - it all comes down to what feels best to you.

   If you can, fins some that has one and and actually use it to cut up some scrap and see how it feels IN USE.  Just picking it up, it may feel good, while in use it is not.

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
9. 
   Billy | Apr 16, 2006 07:22pm | #21

   I got the Bosch barrel grip but the next one will be the top handle.  I like to have my trigger finger on the switch and variable speed control.  You can't do that with the barrel grip.  Nice control otherwise though.

   Billy