Customer Reviews

Grizzly G8994Z VS Jigsaw - President's Special!

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Let's first start by sharing that im a full time carpenter. I mostly give three stars for the actual plastic flaws of the saw, not its cutting- cutting ability is a 4, maybe better. This saw is a copy of the earlier bosch saws like the 4200-1581vs saws and a pretty bad copy when compared to the bosch which is probably the best jig saw on the market. The plastic on the saw is a little rough, but you get what you pay for: the bosch saw is flawless, this one has minor flaws in the plastic housing and the finish of the saw. This saw has the same exact specs as the bosch 1581vs (5.0 amps, 3100 strokes/min). Look at pictures of these two saws side by side and you will see the resemblance in appearance too. If you are familiar with the blade change on the bosch saws, you'll find this one to be the same. One thing i like about this screwdriver style blade change (driver is included) is that the blades stay in there nice and tight. They dont go flying out or get left behind like some of the new quick release saws do- this absolutely drives me nuts when i use my fathers dewalt saw; the blades regularly fall out even under light cutting no matter how hard you twist the quick release handle to lock it in. That annoyance alone puts this grizzly saw ahead of the dewalt as you can actually cut with this one rather than spend all day putting the blade back in after it falls out. Also to the advantage of this saw, it has plenty of power with its 5 amp motor to tear thru all sorts of hardwood and softwood up to 3" thick (when paired with a good bosch blade) as tested in the shop. It has a very aggressive orbital action which can cut really fast and hard when you need it to- it also has a dust blower which works but not extremely well- its about up to par with all other jig saw dust blowers: it works for the first six inches, then the dust accumulates too much in the cutting foot and the blower cant keep up. This saw would suit you well if you are a weekend warrior/ craftsperson or homeowner in need of a jig saw for light use and you dont want to spend alot of money on one. I would easily buy this saw again over a cheapo skil or craftsman saw and especially the dewalt dw321K (which is a joke of a tool) because for the price it has tons of power and it cuts straight lines as well as contours with accuracy with the correct bosch brand blade. As time goes on and i use this saw more and throw some abuse on it, ill do an update to say how it holds up to abuse. This saw seems to be a good value for the money. With a new bosch blade, i was impressed with its cutting abilities. However, if you are looking to buy a saw that is much better suited to the needs of serious woodworking, is a more common brand, a better finish and is only fifty dollars more expensive, buy a freud J85. Oh yeah, and throw the blades that come with this Grizzly saw away and buy some nice bosch t shanks for it. The nice blades made all the difference in the world.

This saw is a knock-off and virtually identical to the Bosch 1587, which I bought a few years ago. As was noted in an earlier review, the finish is not "perfect" but after a few hours of use what jig saw would be?

This saw has a feel just like the Bosch and plenty of power to cut through anything you'd care to try.

The older style, screwdriver blade change system is different but not difficult. Be sure to wear gloves with any blade. I have much more confidence that the blades will stay in than with the "newer" Bosch system.

I wish that I had bought this instead of the Bosch from the start. It costs less than half what they want for the 1587 and newer models.

The Hobby Knife set is a nice bonus but don't buy this saw for the bonus. Buy it for the power, performance and PRICE!

This is a substantial saw. For those of us who grew up with the old sabre/jig saws running an amp or two, this one is a revelation. It is big, powerful, and smooth. It has a dust blower that works and adjustments for cutting different materials. It is easy to cut straight lines and follow curves without blades wandering or angling. Blade retention is solid, and blade changing is a matter of loosening a screw, twisting the blade a quarter-turn, and pulling it out. Reviews of other saws indicate that the newer 'quick release' blade retention systems are more trouble-prone. The Grizzly saw's system is bullet proof. The saw came with several blades, and I have no problem with them. I'll buy Bosch blades when the Grizzlies are dull. Finally, I have used other Grizzly tools for years and have always appreciated their customer service. You won't be disappointed with this tool.

If you need a saw for projects around the house and don't want to spend too much this is the saw for you. Make sure you buy some good blades for it and your projects will be easy.

La canteadora Grizzly que compre asi como venia ensamblada de fabrica tenia problemas de precision en el corte, es decir que no realizaba cortes de 90 grados. Es de esperar que una herramienta de fabrica venga perfectamente calibrada. Es cierto que la base se puede ajustar para lograr el corte recto, sin embargo, una herramienta nueva de fabrica debe hacer los cortes de forma correcta. Una vez que se ajusta el angulo de corte la canteadora funciona bastante bien.

Thanks Grizzly, great support team...gracias...

This was a super heavy jigsaw, received quickly, but returned it due to weight, returns were no problem in the least though the customer service was a but snippy.

this jigsaw is perfect for people looking for a good saw at an excellent price. if your thinking about it, just get it and save yourself some money.

Reminds me of a tent sale tool. The reviews of the plastic being of poor quality is true. I received as a gift and units plastic was broke inside the box when I opened it. If the tool can't make the trip from the company to the buyer without breaking how are you going to use it without breaking. Also will pay closer attention to 3 party vendors selling through Amazon. Even though the tool was broke in the package I have to pay shipping back. This is just stupid. I can understand paying shipping if I was returning a tool that was perfect for refund, but not for RMA. So 59.95 with 10.70 ship plus 10.70 to ship back, 81.00 for a 59 tool.
Tried to email for an RMA and email was BOUNCED first time tried the next day and I did get a very courteous reply back along with a prompt RMA. I have purchased many items from Amazon since 1998 and never have had a purchase leave as sour a taste. This was an marginal tool that was costly to receive, the only company that made money was the shipping company. If the return tool arrive damaged it goes in the trash I won't pay 3 times for shipping. I would do better buying items from ebay.

Updated:
To the credit of Grizzly and without my asking Grizzly refunded my shipping cost of the broken product back to them. Thank You for the refund and this update is to document that refund.

blade changing is tough on the one i recieved. saw seems to work ok. When i got my catalog i was excited to find a source on woodworking tools that were resonably priced. I now wish i had returned the jigsaw for a refund and saved up for higher end unit
such as a milwalkee or porter cable. I will probally get a new one soon any way and just chaulk the
this purchase up as a lesson on -- you get what you pay for--