To barrel (grip), or not to barrel?

[craigs]

Howdy Y'all

I need advice....actually I need a LOT but that gets expensive. right now though, I need a Jigsaw.

Im really torn between the Makita 4350 FCT and the 4351 FCT, I just think there would be more control with a barrel grip as opposed to a D-Handle (its also prettier, if thats a thing). What is interesting is that the barrel grip Jigsaw from Makita seems to be in short supply. I went to Axminster today which was out of stock and even amazon were a bit shy on it. This also leaves me wondering whether this is going to get an upgrade replacement model or whether makita are just going to concentrate on cordless tools.

Any thoughts on this?

While Im here, thoughts on the Festool systainer system for storing loose tools ?

Cheers

Craig (newbie)

 

[MikeJhn]

I found the systainer system very inconvenient, the tool I always seem to want is inevitably in the bottom one, this meant taking them all off the stack and looking through them, I built a chest of draws on castors so I can wheel it around to where I want it, pull open the draw, even the bottom one and see what I want without struggling with lots of box's.

Mike

 

[SteveF]

cant help with jigsaw

I think you need to be a very organised person to get on with systainers, especially when theres lots of bits to the kit

a router guides tools etc that need packing away\dismantling before they fit, for me is painful

each to their own

also if you have to stack em high then as said the one you want will always be at the bottom

i do like the fact they keep the tools tidy, dust free, damp free

Steve

 

[worn thumbs]

Its personal preference with jigsaws.I have used both types and wouldn't spend my own money on a barrel grip.If I am working on a project where only barrel grip saws are available,I can get by.

 

[petermillard]

Well, just for balance I think the systainer system is brilliant, especially if you move your gear aroud at all - I have all my tools in them, on rollboards. And I'm a big fan of barrel grip jigsaws, love mine (not Makita).

HTH Pete

Edited to add - just for clarity, the newer t-loc sustainers can be opened mid-stack without unlatching the whole thing. That said most of mine are 'classic' sustainers...

 

[mbartlett99]

Love the barrel grip - feel like you've more control. Its just a personal thing in the end though.

 

[woodpig]

I found the systainer system very inconvenient, the tool I always seem to want is inevitably in the bottom one, this meant taking them all off the stack and looking through them, I built a chest of draws on castors so I can wheel it around to where I want it, pull open the draw, even the bottom one and see what I want without struggling with lots of box's.

Mike

That does sound more sensible. :wink:

 

[craigs]

i was thinking to get a couple of systainers to separate hand tools, i.e. wood tools with general electrical and soldering wot-not, i presume its no different to any generic tool box in terms of throwing bits in a plastic box but stacking seems convenient, and i have a couple stacked on top of the CTL midi which is good with tight storage space.

I do think the barrel grip might offer better control but then they are bloody hard to come by it seems

 

[MattRoberts]

There is already a newer makita - the 4351 FCTJ, which is probably why the 4351 FCT is low on stock. That said, I don't think there's a huge difference between them, but the FCT is £20 or so cheaper.

Makita 4351FCT 240V 720W Orbital Action Jigsaw https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0013E4AKI/ ... -xbP177HTZ

Makita 4351FCTJ power jigsaw - power jigsaws https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BEQ3VMS/ ... -xbVKQ3WY3

 

[craigs]

There is already a newer makita - the 4351 FCTJ, which is probably why the 4351 FCT is low on stock. That said, I don't think there's a huge difference between them, but the FCT is £20 or so cheaper.

Makita 4351FCT 240V 720W Orbital Action Jigsaw https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0013E4AKI/ ... -xbP177HTZ

Makita 4351FCTJ power jigsaw - power jigsaws https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BEQ3VMS/ ... -xbVKQ3WY3

So i looked at this, the J seems to stand for Jerman it doesnt come with UK plug, but does come with a makpak. It is also not listed on the Makita website and a quick google brings all responses in language i do not understand.

I done the best thing i could, and ordered the D-handle from Amazon and the barrel grip from toolstop to see which i prefer.

Thanks for checking though

Craig

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Barrel or D? Depends what you're used to. I've used a D regularly for decades and find the barrel design so awkward and uncomfortable I wonder why they're made.

 

[craigs]

I havent used a Jigsaw in 18 years, so im gonna look with fresh and exciting eyes I have both on order and ill just send one back but from what i can see, the barrel design would give better steering control for more curvies ?

 

[custard]

I've used both barrel grip and D grip. For what it's worth here's my conclusion, your mileage may differ, especially if you use a jigsaw overhead or vertically (I don't),

95% of the practical impact on a jigsaw performance comes from using the correct, sharp blade in a decent machine that can keep the cut line visible, illuminated, and free of sawdust.

5% (at most) comes from the design of the grip.

 

[craigs]

so basically, considering these 2 are basically the same machine with just a different grip, it all comes down to which looks prettier i can live with that

 

[MattRoberts]

I'm with Craig - the barrel makes me think it will be easier to control, which is why it's on my wish list

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Why do you think it would be easier or better as a matter of interest? I can't see anything in that design that could conceivably make it more controllable or easier controlled.

 

[MattRoberts]

More natural grip, and a lower centre of gravity. That could be tosh, but it makes sense in my head

 

[Steve Maskery]

It's just personal preference. Try them both, keep the one you want.

FWIW, I've used both (from the same manufacturer, Festool) and prefer the D-type, I couldn't get on with the barrel grip. But then again, I was already used to using my Bosch, which has a barrel grip (excellent machine, by the way, although it's not on your short list).

 

[Rorschach]

I've got both a D and a barrel grip but I only picked up the barrel grip recently and have not used it much in anger yet. Can't really say which is better, I am used to a D grip but the barrel seems easier to control if maybe not quite as comfortable. Biggest change for me though is that instead of variable speed trigger on my old D grip, the barrel has a locking trigger and speed dial, that seems much more useful in my eyes as I don't have to worry about the position of my hand to hold the trigger, just concentrate on getting a good cut.

 

[No skills]

Barrel grip is more for using upside down when scribing bits and bobs, can't get on with them myself.