Quality of Craftsman Power Tools

[vader]

In previous posts I mentioned not caring for Craftsman power tools because of reliabilty issues, notably routers.  Well, for Christmas, I received this jigsaw as
a present.  I haven't used it yet, but did unpack and play with it a bit.  The saw
seems built really good, but was just wondering if anyone has any experience
with it.  I received a gift receipt and would consider returning it for something
better if it is out there...dewalt, bosch...something of the sort...gimme some
input please


http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00927245000&subcat=Sabre+Saws

Cheers,

Tim

[M3talhead]

Keep it. Unless you can get a similar model from DeWalt or Mikita, I'd say keep what you got. Craftsman makes good and not-so-good power tools. Their Jigsaws happen to be in the "good" category.

[Quarters]

Craftsman makes some of the best low-end tools. For your average home owner/hobbiest they are decent bang for buck.
If your going to use it a lot like once a week consider shelling out some extra $$ for a DeWalt or something by Milwaukee Tools.

[vader]

I really have no idea how much I will use it in the beginning, but as I get along in my skills, I'm sure I will be using it much more, I guess I can alway upgrade to the
high end at that time, this should be a good starter saw I suppose.  FYI....that pic doesn't show it, but it includes a detachable handle also.

Cheers

Tim

[rdagger]

I'd be interested to know if the laser is any good.  So far, I've used a drill press and a chop saw with lasers and both were completely worthless.

[vader]

Depending on the responses I get here today...>I'll be using the saw this weekend and I'll update u on the laser accuracy.

Tim

[Ghoward]

I have bought cheep power tools before but have ended up throwing them away as they don't last that long,  however I use mine all the time. So I'm sure for what you want that jigsaw will be fine.

Gary

[rdagger]

I found myself using my Bosch barrel grip jigsaw often during my cab building.  I used it to cut my side panels, rotating CP's and to make cut outs for my coindoor, trackball, LS-30's, yoke, pedals and even many simply straight cuts.   I really like this tool because it is light weight, easy to maneuver and fast to set up and clean up.  Seeing as the Bosch is made in China, I can't imagine the quality is that much better than the Craftsman.  When evaluating the Craftsman, I'd pay attention to how it handles and how it cuts.  It should not be bulky or awkward to use.  Also the blades make a big difference.

[ahofle]

I have a craftsman scrolling saw similar to yours, but not exact.  It works great for me -- haven't had any problems.  I'd say keep it, and if it breaks then consider stepping up to a more expensive one.  Besides, you wouldn't want to hurt the feelings of the gift giver would you?

[vader]

Also the blades make a big difference.

The blades that came with this thing are some serious quality.  Couldn't believe how sharp and sturdy they were vs. the cheapos I used to buy at home depot.

. I'd say keep it, and if it breaks then consider stepping up to a more expensive one. Besides, you wouldn't want to hurt the feelings of the gift giver would you?

The giver was my father and he said please take it back if you want something different.  He has always been a Craftsman fan.  Most of you guys seem happy so I'll probably end up keeping it.

Cheers,

Tim

[Necro]

Aren't all Craftsman guaranteed for life?  If the thing breaks, just get a new one .

[vader]

Aren't all Craftsman guaranteed for life? If the thing breaks, just get a new one .

Unforunately,

That only applies to hand tools.  ET : wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets

Cheers,

Tim

[squirrellydw]

I always like Milwaukee, Portal Cable and Makitta.  It's all what you like though, you don't like it, you won't use it

[DrewKaree]

Go check out a Bosch or 3.  Head to Sears, they do sell "name brand" tools now too, so mebbe you can do a side by side. 

Bosch invented the friggen concept and they've made almost all the enhancements known to the tool.  Get nicer blades than the Vermont American's you've probably been buying.  Those things are good for metal, where you just wanna throw it away when you're done, but other than that, the better blades will last longer too.

DeWalt makes 2 nice ones.  (*edit* look in our project threads, I don't know the numbers offhand, but they're in there)  The one I have, and Markrvp swears by his (the next step down in the DeWalt line).  The one that's below Mark's is the one my brother-in-law has, and I'd have to give it a crap vote, although it gets the job done, it's just not worth the money in that range.

Compare the saws in the same price range.  If yours seems better built, keep it.  Brands are nothing more than something you stick with because you like their concepts.  They generally indicate SOME level of quality, but not always, and who knows, you might be the one who gets the lemon, or the one who gets the diamond-in-the-rough.

There should be some information on the boxes/cases to use for comparison.  Another thing, if you can hold them in your hand, a lot of times weight can be an indicator of quality (better windings, gearing, materials used, etc).  Check it out before you use it.