Festool PS 300 EQ-PlusJigsaw

[bloggs1968]

Hi all,

Anyone using this jigsaw? I am looking at upgrading from my trusty B&D and have seen some good reviews on the Festool. I would appreciate any comments particulary with the units ability to cut in say 1-2" hardwood.

regards,

Andrew

[warmtone]

I bought the Festool PS 300EQ about 12 months ago and found it to be very gutsy and accurate in all sorts of timbers - it has that quality German "feel". I use it with the Festool guide system and a C22E dust extractor - the combination is a pleasure to work with.

It makes most cheap jigsaws look silly - including my old Bosch!
Fully recommended.

[bloggs1968]

Thanks mate, do you find their dust extractors ok as well?

Andrew

[Dean]

also take a look at this review:
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/festoolPS300EQ.htm

[TOMARTOM]

Festool make great tools, but have you considered the new makita Jigsaw, around the same power 700 odd watts, similar or same cutting capacity, and a pleasure to use, and made in England not PRC. Weight is up a bit over the previous model probably due to increase in motor output. Probably save you around $200 +
over the Festo.

Regards Tony

[Ben from Vic.]

Probably save you around $200 +
over the Festo.

I think you'll find that most Festool buyers are happy to pay a bit more for the extra features and the knowledge that they have some of the best tools money can buy.

And not that there's anything wrong with that. ;)

Ben.

[bloggs1968]

Festool make great tools, but have you considered the new makita Jigsaw, around the same power 700 odd watts, similar or same cutting capacity, and a pleasure to use, and made in England not PRC. Weight is up a bit over the previous model probably due to increase in motor output. Probably save you around $200 +
over the Festo.

Regards Tony

Tony, are you talking about the 4341FCT? Is this what you have? I agree that between jigsaws that $200 is a lot of difference in price which is why I am asking whether or not the Festool is that fantastic or $200 more fantastic than the competition. I noticed that Metabo has a newish one out as well - see http://www.justtools.com.au/prod2847.htm.

Andrew

[warmtone]

Re Festool Dust Extractor C22E: This was purchased when I bought the jigsaw and ATF 55E drop saw. The dust extractor is worth its weight in gold not just with wood cutting opertaions - it is invaluable when doing general inside house rennovations such as sanding window frames/skirting boards etc. Virtually no dust when used with a Festool sander and of course everything fits! The C22E machine is very effective and really does save time - and more importantly your lungs.

Downside: Just one the disposable bags are expensive @$70 for 5..... But they will probably last me for 3 years so not too bad overall.

[TOMARTOM]

Well I have a Festool ROS which is arguably the best money can buy. Other ROS are okay but I feel that the Festool ROS is probably ahead of all other sanders. As for Jigsaws I have not used the Festo Jigsaw but at a quick glance power, blade length, variable speed d handle or barrel body, 4 differeent orbits and other accessories available. There is even a plastic base that protectsthe wood from marking.
I was just introducing another Jigsaw that has similar features, brand loyalty (2 year warranty if purchased through Gasweld) ect.

Yes that is the model I have.
regards tony

[KevM]

:) Andrew,
Wait for the Spring catalogue, you may find a special offer on these. I have a number of Festool items including dust extractor(vacuum) and barrel jig saw, more than happy with them. Give me a PM if you want to come down to play.

Festool will be at the Tasmanian Working with Wood Show-last weekend in October at the DEC, Glenorchy. They will be supported by their Hobart distributor - Specialised Joinery Supplies.

regards

Kev M

[Ratbag]

I've had one for a while. 2 years?? Can't really remember.... must be getting old. However, here are my thoughts. After checking out the competition, Festool was my final choice. After much use, my opinion: save your money & buy a different brand. It's just not $150-200 better than the alternatioves. In some ways, it's not even as good as my 20 year old Elu jigsaw. Festool and most other "professional" saws offer a 26mm. stroke length. Metabo have a 15% longer stroke on their top model, which means it cuts much, much better. Festool has ceramic blade guides. So does the latest Bosch, together with a variable speed trigger on the bow handled model. The Festool is a pain to quickly bevel the soleplate. The AEG/Atlas Copco/Milwaukee clones have a quick release lever for the soleplate. The lowest speed is just not low enough for true precision cutting with down cutting blades or with critical surfaces such as laminex. Even with their much touted precision blade guides, the Festool blade still wanders excessively in 30mm particleboard surfaces, much more than my old Elu ever did. I like Festool products (I have 7), but the new jigsaw is definitely not their best product. The verdict? Buy a Bosch or Metabo!