Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable 97549 Variable Speed Top Handle Jig Saw Kit

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have used this saw for more than three years. It has been instrumental in building a lot of furniture and a wooden boat. The saw is powerful but very easy to control. As noted by another reviewer, the 90 degree base is limiting. The hook-shank Porter-Cable saw blades are difficult to find, which is too bad since they are a high quality blade. The trigger switch broke on my saw, long after the warrantee was over. Porter-Cable shipped me one, free of cost, in about three days. If this saw ever goes belly-up, I would buy another in a heart beat.

I don't consider myself a clod but I'm not a carpenter either. The Mfg devotes more pictures to less pertinent activities and it's our loss. Because of the rave reviews about this saw at Amazon.com and Consumer reports (1995), I bought this because I have a bunch of universal blades I don't feel like throwing away.

The saw comes set up for the Porter-Cable blades so you have to remove the blade clamp and reverse it (I only wish they said something like that in the instructions at the top). It has two screws called a clamp screw and a blade screw, which when the clamp is reversed become the blade screw and the clamp screw (which the instructions don't point out). Further, the instructions refer to moving the blade shaft - (the part of the saw that pistons up and down on which the blade is ultimately attached (if you're lucky)- by using a screwdriver to turn the fan motor (No further pictures! ) You're supposed to figure out on your own that you stick a screw driver in the aperture of the saw body where the fan blades are visible and rotate the blades so the motor rotates and moves the blade shaft up and down so as to enable you to remove the blade clamp and reverse it.

After sleeping on the problem of what the heck they wanted me to do, I finally returned to the scene and figured it out.

It's a pain but I don't think people change blade types very often. Once the type is changed, blades go in easily by tightening a screw.

The only other concern I have is that the instructions recommend that the saw be returned for inspection of the brushes after only 100 hours. For me, that's a three hour round trip to Long Island, for what appears to me little use for a relatively heavy-duty saw. (My old Stanley lasted 25 years and I never brought it to anybody). For those people who are thinking of buying this saw, you too can call the Mfg's toll-free number (1-888-848-5175) and find out from them, as I will do Monday morning.

A very powerful and easy to control tool. Many extras such as orbital blade controls , dust blower , blade roller guides . My only problem is the fixed base limits you to 90degree cuts so a different base would be a helpful assory.

I bought this saw for two reasons. First, it is, I guess about the only one left that still uses a screw to hold the blade. I've read too many horror stories in the reviews here, where people have been cutting with some of the new tooless jig saws and the blade comes out. I did'nt want that. Second, it has a fixed base and two little stabilizers that help keep the blade straight. It is so nice to be able to cut curves at 90 degrees for a change. However, it did'nt take long to find out that the Porter-Cable 'hook-type blades are hard to find, if at all. It's a shame, too. They are good quality blades. So, I changed the clamp over, and you don't have to remove the shaft like the book calls for. I just bumped the motor a little bit, sort of like we had to bump the engines on old cars to set the points. it was pretty easy. On a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being the easiest, and 5 being the hardest, I give it a 1. Before I bought this saw, I would resort to using either my band saw or my scroll saw. But let's face it, there are applications where you have to use a jig saw that stays on square. Thank goodness I found this one. Totally satisfied.

i have a small craft business as for as my honest opinion this is the best saw on the market i have tried 4 other top of the line models nothing comes close to this saw the last one i used for over 10 years couldnt wear it out it got stolen all i can say is i hope the company will continue to make this saw

Great saw. Very smooth and powerful, good balance. Mine has worked flawlessly for over two years. The fixed shoe is frustrating at times, but your cuts are always square! Outstanding for the price.

This saw can be used for many projects around the house. The saw has a variable speed control with 20 click settings which are right at your thumb. Speeds can be changed on the go too. The blade pitch has four settings for different cutting conditions. The saw also has a fan port which can be used to blow the dust from a cut line. To change a blade requires only a screw driver. The only thing missing is variable angle settings, otherwise I would give it a 5 star rating.
This saw has a nice balance and a smooth cutting action for cutting curves. I have used this saw to cut siding, build arbors, gates, and several planters.

Great saw. I bought mine from a friend that was going overseas (50 Hz 220V). Too bad for him, I got a great deal. The fixed base is excellent for 90 degree cuts. When building furniture, it is absolutely essential to have straight cuts. I would buy this saw again in a heartbeat.

I've used this jig saw for over three years on home projects. What I like best about the saw are the varible speed control right at your finger tip(with six speed settings), easy blade change with a standard screw driver, the air flow vent which can be directed to blow saw dust from your cut lines, and the tools balance. Other nice features are the blade pitch adjustment which can be set for fine cuts or course cuts and the location of the power switch, just below the speed control.

Outstanding fixed 90 degree jig saw. If you have ever had one that can tilt you will appreciate a fixed floor. It is so easy to slip up and ruin a good cut with a tilt mechanism. The adjustable guides let you decide the clearance at the foot so as to keep the blade true and square. I would buy again.