Makita 4329K Top Handle Jig Saw

Yes, Virginia, you can saw a straight line. I do a lot of DIY projects and rely heavily on a jigsaw. I had sadly come to the conclusion that I just could not cut a straight line and would always have to compensate for going off course in the last could of inches. When I got this saw I found that I could cut a straight line. With my old saw (a highly rated but less expensive one) as I neared the end of the cut the blade bent slightly and the cut curved. With the Makita saw the same pressure does not push the saw off course. I am in love with this saw. It has a variable speed adjustment that goes from full steam ahead to a stroke speed about the same as a fast hand saw. The blade sets well into the housing and it is impossible to get it wrong. It does require a tool to change but the tool is housed on the back of the saw. The clear plastic dust housing works very well. I did have to adjust my technique since you cannot see the saw blade itself with the housing down. The guide mark is very clear and I was successful in learning to use it rather than watching the blade. The case it comes in is extremely sturdy. It slips into narrow spaces and will sit upright on its own. I could not be happier although my sander is a bit sad since it is not always in use smoothing out that last couple of inches of bad cut.

This jig saw is easy to handle in view of its lighter weight. It cuts as straight a line as any good jig saw. To be sure, cutting an absolutely straight line with any jig saw is near impossible but this saw does a good job and reduces the need for finishing. To help sight the line I put a black mark in the center of the safety wire.Even though this saw lacks an easy snap-in blade changing mechanism I find that no problem since I don’t change blades often. Besides, it takes only seconds to loosen the bolt that holds the blade, insert the blade and tighten the bolt again.I only wish that the dust port would be usable. I can't find an adapter of any kind.With practice and the proper blade I was able to cut along a circular line. Again, finishing off after cutting is necessary.The cuts are quite smooth. The saw has plenty of power for my woodcrafting projects.For very thick hard wood I tend to use my circular saw for straight cuts.This saw is better than the Porter Cable I first bought and returned because it veered off a straight line too much. Possibly I was doing something wrong.The case is very handy. When new the case has a strong pungent odor. I reduced it by leaving the case open for a few hours in the hot sun and then running a fan over it for a few hours.The odor that remains doesn’t bother me now.

After research and trying several of the saws on the top five jig saws of 2015 I found happiness with this one. It is very, very smooth so much so that vibration is basically indiscernible. The blade is held on with a hex screw worked with the included hex key which is cleverly stored on-board. My shoe was off 90 degrees out of the box but a minute and the hex key took care of this. 've cut 3/4" proud cherry using a Bosch T blade on setting 1 and setting 2 with good results, meaning straight cuts. The description shows the Makita type blade, I think they call it B, but the manual clearly states Bosch blades fit. The B and T look the same by the way. The saw will not fit U blades. My only small gripes are the Makita accessories for the anti-split inserts are hard to find and the vacuum hose is no longer available. That said the anti-split inserts are available on-line for the UK, where fortunately I have a friend that can military post them to the US. The vacuum port is integral to the saw and a 1" dowel demonstrated it's a 1" hose port so a 1" to 2-1.2" adapter should connect it to your shop vac and I believe there is enough clearance so the adapter won't be riding on the work. All-in-all the best jig saw I've seen.

Low vibration smooth cutting

I chose this tool to be adapted for coping crown molding. By replacing the shoe with a Collins coping foot attachment, I'm able to cope crown/base and cap molding in a fraction of the time, than by hand. This saw is light weight and aggressive enough to do the job flawlessly. I like the orbital feature which is great when working with stain grade hardwoods. Perfect lite-duty saw.

Product works great. If you are looking for a simple jig saw pick this up. It's great for the price. Unlike the other ppl the b!?ch on here I'm going to be honest. If you need something with a stupid LED light go buy a jigsaw with it on. If I can't see my line I didn't make it dark enough or I'll toss on a effing head lamp. It has great control. Variable speed and Also has different settings of blade motion. If you need to have the covinence of a quick blade change unit then go buy one n waste your money. Don't buy this n cry about it bc you don't know how to read a product discription. Oh well you have to use a supplied allen key to change a blade and to adjust the angle don't b!?ch because you need something with all these bells n whistles that are going to brake. Overall it's a great product. Makita makes good sh!t. Hope this review helps. I'm an amateur wood worker I do a lot of side work n will be making money with this no doubt.

Good price and quality