"notbob" wrote in message
...
I'm new here, so do not know the group rules. I'm also pretty new to DIY
homeowner stuff. I need to install some handicap bars and step rails and
refurbish a badly weathered deck. I'm not without some experience, having
worked as a novice carpenter decades ago. I have most carpenter hand
tools
and a couple circular saws.

I need to do some work that once would have been the domain of the jig
saw,
a tool I'm familiar with, but these new roto-zip saws intrigue me. I need
to notch some step boards on the deck and cut out a section of some 1-1/8"
thk verniered particle board. Should I go with the older jig saw or would
I
be better served, in the long run, by the newer spiral saw technology,
assuming I can't afford both tools. Thank you.

nb

The Rotozip was originally developed to cut sheet rock/dry wall cut outs.
It has been marketed as a do it all tool but in all seriousness it does not
perform well on any material harder than sheetrock/ or drywall.

A jig saw would be a better choice and will work on a variety of harder
materials than sheetrock. Consider also a Fein Multimaster. These
particular is expensive however there are 3 or 4 "clones" out there that are
much more reasonable in price. IIRC Bosch, Dremel, and Harbor Freight make
their own versions.