Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable 9543 6 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very good saw, but suffers from a flaw which makes me hate it as much as I like it. I have never used a tool which has such an ability to blow dust into my eyes (I am right handed and view my cut from the left of the saw). I wonder how Porter cable could let such a flaw go out the door when it would be so easy to fix. After much frustration, I finally taped a piece of sandpaper over the left fan slot deflecting dusty air down instead of up. Would I buy this saw again? No.

I have had this saw for over a year now and am considering purchasing a different brand for two main reasons; 1)as mentioned in another review, this saw seems to aim dust in your eyes. It doesn't seem to matter where you place your head, weather the dust blowing switch is on or off (I see NO difference when this switch is on) or if you are wearing eye protection. I believe there is a vacum attachment but I have not tried this. 2) Tool-less blade change does not necessarily make it pain-less. The blade changing system is at best awkward and clunky. This is particularly a problem if you try to change a hot blade. It's too bad because this is an otherwise solid tool as is usual with porter cable; good ergonomics, well built, plenty of power, durable. Try out the blade changing system, if you like it and don't mind some extra dust in your face, it's a fine choice.

With the inclusion of the "Quick-Change(tm)" mechanism Porter Cables 9543 leaps to the head of the pack. Pushing 6.0 Amps and packing variable speed, on/off blower, and adjustable orbit the 9543 has it all. Using the 9543 is a dream! If you want it all, pick up the 9543 from Porter Cable.

I've owned and used the Porter Cable 9543 for over two years now. It's built with typical Porter Cable attention to detail; fit and finish are nice; ergonomics are excellent. The adjustment screw for tilting the baseplate is an especially nice touch--you pull it out and rotate it 90 degrees. It gives you that extra leverage but in a package that, when finished adjusting, springs back into a tube that parallels the motor housing. Nice touch. The motor is suitably strong, speed control is good. Overall, nice features, good quality.

I have two gripes about the saw, however. The blower doesn't do a thing, from what I can see. Put the switch on or off, and as previous reviewers have noted, it's a sawdust storm. Since most of my work is outdoors, this isn't that big a deal, but if I was to use the saw indoors for finish work, I'd look seriously at the Bosch jigsaw which most finish carpenters seem to flock to. Another gripe is the blade change mechanism. Make no mistake, once you figure it out, it makes sense, but if you get this saw, take it home and for gosh sakes try changing the blades a few times. Big tip to save you frustration: The blade change mechanism is a simple spring loaded butterfly you press with two fingers to allow a blade to be removed or inserted. Squeeze it together and it allows you to insert or remove the blade. However: it will only work when the shaft is at the BOTTOM of its travel. If the shaft is in the upstroke position, the blade guard will block access to the butterfly. So, step one is to remember: When you need to change blades, eyeball the shaft and make sure it's at the BOTTOM of its stroke, before you unplug for the blade change. Step Two: Porter Cable has wisely installed a vertical slot the blade rides in to center the stroke. When you remove the blade, make sure you pull the blade backwards (towards the slot). Do these two steps and the blade is actually very easy to remove. Don't do them and you'll cuss this jigsaw.

It's a good saw, but one reviewer stated they use it in lieu of their circular saw sometimes for general cutting work. I work primarily in pressure treated wood and call tell you, without hesitation, that doesn't work. It's only a 6 amp saw and PT flat out requires some force to get the saw through the wood, even with new blades. A circular saw just eats it up when it comes to general sawing. Save the jigsaw for the curve cuts, only when you need it.

A good overall saw, best suited for outdoor work and one that does require some time investment in understanding it's unique blade change system.

This jigsaw offers an excellent combination of power and precision. The 6 amp motor has power to handle any job, while still runnng smoothly, with little or no vibration. The saw has a good feel, which aids in control while making cuts. The base plate is very large and fully adjustable, which also helps make the saw more stable over the workpiece. The blade guidance system also appears to be superior to other jigsaws, as it maintains the blade position with minimal amount of play. This definitly helps to make more accurate cuts.The tooless blade change and base adjustment features are also advantages.The blade change mechanism definitly can be tricky until you have had a chance to practice inserting and removing blades. Once you see how it is done a few times, the blade changes become relativly quick and simple to do.The saw cuts quickly and smoothly, and is easy to control through the cut.All in all this is a great jigsaw that appears to be built to last. The fact that it is made in the USA, is also a plus.

I purchased this jigsaw earlier this summer and have had nothing but good things to say about it. I have used several other brands including the Bosch (which seems to be the standard for jigsaws)This jigsaw is my favorite. It is easier to get in tight corners with because it is a little smaller in length than the Bosch. I found the speed control to be very good. And the ergonomics makes this a very comfortable saw to handle. So far I have NO complaints!

I use this tool in a home workshop. It delivers more than enough power and performance for its task, and is stable and easy to control. All vital for a jigsaw. A number of reviewers indicated a problem with dust being blown in the face. Simple: Bosch makes blades that cut on the downstroke. These work well in most materials, and particularly in plys, veneers, and such. Even with the standard blades, I have not had the trouble that others complain about, certainly to no greater degree than any other high-quality tool. I expect saws to make some dust. Maybe that's the difference.

The only complaint I paid any attention to is the dust issue. Went to Porter Cable's wesite to see if they resolved that issue. They have a dust-shield. It is part number '886775' and costs $7.05 (http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=4937). I'm Canadian, BUY NORTH AMERICAN!!

I used to use a Bosch in a cabinet shop that I loved using.
Since I have a lot of Porter-cable tools so when PC came out with this I thought it was going to be more like a gray version of the Bosch I loved with improvements. Since everyone is in competition with each other it must be so.
When I had to change my first blade I was in horror. I think I have it down now but boy is it still a royal pain. I dread blade changes but I'm getting better at it. Maybe my fingers are just getting increadibly strong.
It has a lot of power and looks great.
Dust blower, nice feature, blows dust directly in front of the line you're trying to cut on.
If I have to start using this more I might sell it on ebay and get a new Bosch.

Typical Porter Cable high quality. Plenty of power, nice cut. The negatives... The blower is a joke. PC missed the boat on that one. Blade changes are a royal pain. Getting them in isn't so bad, but try getting them out. {:-( All in all, not a bad saw.