| Review by tmiller | posted 209 days ago | 513 views | 1 time favorited | 7 comments |  |
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- Porter-Cable 9543 Quik-Change™ Jig Saw
- Brand: Porter-Cable | Category: Jig Saws
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I have only had this saw for a few weeks but I have put it to pretty heavy use in that time building a couple Adirondack chairs and a few jigs. I am very glad I own this saw. It is worlds apart from most introductory jig saws (Black&Decker, Skill, Craftsman, Chicago…) I am not trying to be snooty but I have owned these and I am glad I upgraded. From where I stand here are the saws pros and cons.
PROS:
-Quick-Change blade clamp allows fast blade changes – no tools required. Once you understand how this system works it is simple and fast. There is no way a blade is going to slip out on this saw.
-Quick-Tilt base can be adjusted with built-in wrench. This makes getting the blade at a 90 degrees a cinch. It also has a blade guide that surrounds the blade on 3 sides (not just a wheel).
-Good variable speed trigger and the saw feels natural in your hand.
-Bigger base. Just makes it that much easier to run the saw.
-Powerful. Cuts through 2×4 type material with ease.
-Really clean cuts. This might just be a blade thing but there is virtually no tear out on the top or bottom of the material.
CONS:
-Heavier. Might be just that my others were light and less powerful.
-Saws dust tends to be thrown in to your face. Although down cutting blades takes care of this problem. Bosch t-shank #T101BR
-Little pricey but you get what you pay for.
I would definitely recommend this to a friend. For the type of woodworking I do it is just nice knowing I am not going to have to fuss with a difficult poor cutting jig saw.
-- All trees have projects inside of them, it is your job to get them out.
7 comments so far
spanky46
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737 posts in 288 days
posted 209 days ago
Been looking! Thanks for the review.
-- spanky46 -- Never enough clamps...Never enough tools...Never enough time.
Scott Bryan
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20761 posts in 720 days
posted 208 days ago
Thanks for the review. I completely agree with your statement that, with tools, you get what you pay for. This looks like a good saw.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
MedicKen
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482 posts in 360 days
posted 208 days ago
After looking at it closely, it is a very close if not a copy to the Bosch saw I bought a few months ago. I agree the quick change is an awesome feature and it does have a lot more power than it lower priced “competitors”
-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com
a1Jim
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17022 posts in 475 days
posted 208 days ago
Good review I’m a fan of my Bosch ,Its Farly heave and has a blower to help some with the dust. I’m sure this is a great saw, I’ve been happy with every PC product I’ve ever bought.
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com
Don K.
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1095 posts in 224 days
posted 208 days ago
Agree with MedicKen, looks ALLOT like the Bosch I have. If it preforms as good as my Bosch does, you got a great Jig Saw. Congrats on the upgrade.
I also agree with the B&D upgrade. My first J/S was a little B&D….NO comparison between the two. Great power, easy to control, adjustable blade etc.
-- Don S.E. OK
RedShirt013
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118 posts in 560 days
posted 207 days ago
The shape looks my Bosch also but it doesn’t have that blade eject lever, so it must be some other way. Also I don’t see the blower switch. This PC sounds very nice however.
-- Ed
PurpLev
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2763 posts in 546 days
posted 207 days ago
like others have stated, the first thing that struck me was it’s resemblence of the Bosch to a certain degree.
PC makes some good stuff (some iffys, but other’s are real good) – I have their circular saw which is an exceptional saw, and packs some features that sets it far ahead of the pack. glad to hear their Jigsaw is up to par.
-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.