Fairly well made? Yes. That's probably the only reason I gave it two stars. Trigger was mushy, didn't have the "crisp" feel of a good trigger switch. Didn't like the blade retention system at all. Bosch and Morse blades both hard to get inserted all the way in the barrel. Cutting guide was so far off it was pathetic.
Last of all, during cuts the saw tracked somewhat sideways like a car with a bent frame! Really skimpy manual, too.

I've used several Freud tools over the years with good results, but this saw is not a "keeper"!


Bosch Killer   December 11, 2002
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

My bosch died after many years of good service and I replaced it with the Freud based on my good experience with their Plunge Router and Biscuit Joiner I depend on daily. I couldn't be happier with the performance. I think people that have had issues with the blade change were overthinking it. Even though I felt I had thoroughly mastered the Bosch blade change I am awed at the simplicity of the Freud. You just push a lever over, insert the blade and release the lever. It's almost too simple. The trigger did take a little getting used to because it's electronic but the difference is worth it. I can dial in the speed and pull the trigger and the speed won't change no matter how hard I push or how thick and hard the wood is. This one's a keeper and a great bargain, too.


Excellent product at excellent price   December 5, 2002
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

My wife gave me this saw for my birthday 3 months ago. I have since had occasion to put it through its paces. I could not be more pleased with it. The blade lock system is an absolute breeze to use. It snaps in easily and is gripped firmly. I found the unit to be quite well balanced also. The saw has a great deal of power and cuts through various hardwoods with no effort at all. I could not be more pleased, this saw is on par with the Bosch and PC both of which are far more.


Blade change mechanism   November 27, 2002
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I purchased this jigsaw only about a month ago, and so far I am very pleased. It feels solid, with smooth cutting action, and goes through a variety of materials with ease. I have to agree with other reviewers regarding the manual, which I too find extremely spartan. However, there has been much reference made regarding the "quick change" blade mechanism, and this is what has compelled me to write this review. I too, initially could not lock in the blade, but after a couple of attempts I managed to figure it out (useless manual). Pull back the sliding mechanism, insert the blade to the point of resistance, now you can release the sliding mechanism, and then push the blade harder until you hear a click. The blade is now secure. It may in fact be that some got a bad machine. But give these instructions a try. Hope this helps!