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First Looks

While I bought my Festool jigsaw sight-unseen, I made arrangement with Bob Marino to spend some time here at the shop and bring an SUV-load of tools to play with. That’s Bob staring at you to the left while I try out the d-handle version of the jigsaw on a piece of 3" thick material! The cut was smooth and perfectly perpendicular to the surface of the board and there was virtually no dust missed by the CT-22 Dust Extractor. Further, this was a scrolling cut with some tight diameters and at no time did the blade waver. I attribute that both to the power of the tool and the blade guides that closely resemble those on a bandsaw...the blade is kept in place both by the mount and the guides for a better cut.

Identical in every way to the D-handle version shown above, the barrel grip jigsaw I now own is comfortable to use and I prefer it to the D-handle from a control standpoint. But this is a largely subjective thing and with both versions available, you can choose what works best for you. Both tools are heavy and solid and both feature variable speed and the option for orbital action when it’s appropriate for the cut. They even have easily replaceable zero-clearance inserts to better support thin and/or delicate material with less chance of tear out or splintering. The rear-mounted dust port also means comfort for both right- and left-handed individuals.

The Bottom Line

This is one of several tool purchases that I can honestly say I got more than my money’s worth. My first Festool experience has been very positive and more of those lovely black and green machines will surely come to live in my shop! No question, this is one of the best hand-held power tools I’ve ever used.

Recap: Festool PS-300 EQ Barrel Grip Jigsaw

Positive

• Practically everything!
• Heavy, solid construction
• Great accuracy with the blade guards and zero-clearance insert
• Detachable cord for easy storage, with or without the included Systainer
• Excellent dust collection and convenient rear connection for the same
• Uses standard Bosch-format blades

Negative

• None that I can think of

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