Rating:

I use mine for rough cutting sheets of 4x8 plywood to size before moving the stock into the shop. It's a lot safer than man-handling a full sheet of ply over a table saw, and a lot easier on my back. Likewise, I use it to cut lumber to size before jointing and thickness planing. It's also my tool of choice for plunge cutting, for cutting out sink holes in countertops, for a range of curved cuts that I can't make with a coping saw, and for cutting intricate shapes for headboards and such. Unlike a circular (or table) saw, the jig saw makes a saw kerf square to the face of the work piece, which it ideal when cutting out notches.

The new Milwaukee 6268-21 is a professional level heavy duty jig saw that offers a range of excellent features at a great price. After two months of shop use we can confidently give this unit a five star rating.

The D-style handle placed at the top allows for a comfortable hold on the tool, good balance, and easy access to the on/off switch. The speed dial is conveniently located right at the on/off switch, as is the lock button. While I found the handle comfortable, if you have smallish hands, you might find it overly large - it's 1 1/2" W by 2" H at the trigger position.

Blade change is quick, easy, and, joy of joys, tool-less – just flick the quik-lok tension lever with your thumb, and the blade easily slips in or out. It uses the common T-shank blades. With this design I think it's virtually impossible to incorrectly install a blade.

On the left side of the body is the orbital selector switch. Orbital action increases cutting speed by alternately moving the blade backward and forward as well as up and down. When the orbital action is turned off, there is a noticeable difference in quality of cut - less splintering and a much smoother surface. Even at the maximum speed setting, cutting is slower when you select no orbital action.

Invariably dust and wood chips pile up right where the blade meets the cut line, resulting in the 'jig sawyers bob' – cut, bend over, blow, straighten up, repeat. The built-in blower on the 6268-21 does a very good job at keeping dust off the cut line. There is vacuum manifold at the back of the unit for connecting to a shop vac (you need to purchase a vacuum hose adapter: # 48-09-1040). I didn't try this accessory because the built-in blower did such an effective job. However, if this was my shop jig saw I'd definitely get one.

I thought that the LED light was a bit gimmicky - but I've come to like it quite a bit - not that I do much woodwork in the dark. However, it helps illuminate the cut line, which makes it easier to cut where I'm supposed to cut.

A plastic anti-splinter device attaches to the front of the shoe. Use it, because it really helps reduce tear out. The removable no-mar plastic shoe cover not only prevents the jig saw base from scratching the work surface, it reduces friction, making it easier to move the jig saw over the work.

Blade wander (or sway out), is the bane of jig saw users. This is the tendency for the blade to deflect, resulting in out-of-square cuts, particularly in thick stock. The 6268-21 does a good jog of minimizing blade wander through the use of a support roller that helps with blade tracking.

For any power tool, vibration is a key consideration. A tool that jumps around is harder to control and won’t make as smooth a cut as one that transfers power smoothly. I found that there was little inordinate vibration with the 6268-21.

Finally, there is a lovely 12 plus foot flexible power cord. I despise the short, stiff cords that you still find on quite a few corded tools.

The 6268-21 weighs in at just over 6 pounds and has a 6.5 amp motor – lots of power, and a 1" stroke length. Speed is from 0-3000 spm (strokes per minute). The show angles 45 in both directions. You can get the complete list of specs on this tool from the Milwaukee web site. It comes with two blades, anti-splintering device, plastic shoe cover, dust shield and carrying case.

On-off switch, lock button and speed dial conveniently located

Easy blade changing

Orbital selector switch - turn off for smooth cuts, select the highest setting for rapid cutting

Orbital action turned off (left) and at maximum setting (right)

Blower adjustment dial is very effective

Virtually no chip accumulation in front of blade

Push shoe adjustment lever to change bevel angle

Support roller helps with blade tracking

Rating:

The D8XX

Nicked blade, convex back

Flat as can be after 14 strokes!

Rating:

The Handy-Ratchet uses a unique integrated needle bearing that works smoothly in either direction, with an almost 0 degree re-set angle. Which means that as you are tightening a screw there won't be any turn back as you ratchet the tool. You can drive screws without holding on to them with your other hand!

This is, bar none, the best driver I've ever used. Comes with a quick release chuck and accepts all 1/4" hex accessories. Available separately or in a 42 piece tool set (item 003246).

The Handy-Ratchet

The conventional grip

 
A pistol grip handle puts less stress on the wrist, and allows for greater torque

Shaker Tale Detail

Dominik Back  Custom Design in Wood After immigrating to Canada from German in 1979, and then graduating from Queens University, Dominik opened his own studio in the countryside north of Kingston, Ontario in 1990, where he builds one of a kind contemporary furniture and cabinetry. While esthetic appeal and structural integrity are primary considerations in Dominik's work, he pays particular attention to the surface finish. Incorporating figured woods as design elements, Dominik enjoys using exotic veneers for their beauty and diversity of application. "Furniture" he says, "should be a pleasure to touch and use in one's everyday life." Dominik enjoys working in partnership with each of his clients to create functional designs that reflect personal style and taste. These collaborations lead to the development of unique pieces, ranging from traditional, through contemporary, to the unusual. Dominik's designs reflect his concern for quality and longevity. He accomplishes this by utilizing traditional tools, techniques and technologies, as well as modern machinery and materials. The result is a unique custom-designed functional art piece that his clients and their families will use and enjoy for a lifetime, and beyond. Commissions have included exquisite solid wood and veneered furniture pieces, stylish yet functional wall-units, and custom-designed kitchens and bathrooms. Visit his web site to see more of his work.

 

Demilune Tables Mahogany and Satinwood	Matching Coffee Table
Maple Media Cabinet	Cherry Wall Unit

Play House
Naor Yaron, Vancouver

Sideboard
Bill Matisz, Oshawa

Model Car
Richard Shepherd, England

Scroll Saw Clock:
'La Patience'
Raymond Baumbach, Enderby, BC

This oak clock is of Rays own design, You can see more of his work at his web site.