On 22 Sep, 15:04, TheOldFellow wrote:
On Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:27:47 +0100

"mark" wrote:
Just got myself a new jigsaw(£70). When starting a cut the blade wanders to
the left about 8mm and stays there, happens everytime, no matter what
direction. Even when using a guide.....

See pics herehttp://www.imagehosting.com/show.php/1168352_jigsaw.jpg.html.
This cut was made using a guide, I've just moved it back so youi can see the
poor cut.

What's to blame? jigsaw? blade? me?

Non-professional under about £200 are never going to cut straight. I
don't know why, the mechanisms seem the same, but they just never do.
You can constrain the base all you want, but the blade will wander off
on it's own sweet way and the cut is always out of true to the face
too. Use a circular saw, even very cheap ones will cut straight.

R.

I remember working with my brother some 18 yeas ago and being
introduced to a Festo jigsaw for cross-cutting big slabs of hard wood
prior to making piece parts for furniture.

It was a fantastic machine that cut a straight line without any
assistance - you just kept the power switch on and gently kept it on
line. They were expensive machines then and still are, but it
reinforces my opinion that where jig saws are concerned in particular,
the price does have an impact on performance.

But personally I can't afford or justify that sort of money for the
little use I make of a jig saw so I battle on with a cheap one,
knowing it's limitations and wishing for better.

Rob