Stanley FatMax FME340K Jigsaw - 710W (771144322)
Product ID: 71304594
Stanley FatMax FME340K Jigsaw - 710W (771144322) : desertcart.co.uk: DIY & Tools Review: Fanatstic jigsaw, but could be flawed. - After years of owning "good value" jigsaw from a variety of different manufacturers (from DIY store own-brands to Bosch), we finally decided to upgrade to something a little more powerful. We were making a curved kitchen work-surface out of thick kiln dried oak planks. The previous jigsaw had just given up and died after cutting less than an inch into this oak, so it was clear we needed something better. A trip to our local DIY store revealed this bad-boy from Stanley on special offer, reduced down to just ยฃ70. Far more than I had ever spent on a jigsaw in the past, but a significant reduction on the RRP and if it could cut the oak planks, then it was worth every penny. Well I am happy to report that with the supplied wood blade, this saw cut though 1.5 inches of kiln dried oak as easily as my old jigsaw cut through 1/2 inch on MDF. I am literally blown away by the apparent cutting power of the FatMax. On top of this, the FatMax has some really useful features which make it a joy to use, such as a really long power cord (just makes life easier), an LED light which illuminates what you are cutting, and a nicely designed foot plate making it very easy to follow any line you have marked on work surface to be cut. Changing blades is quick, easy and needs no tools. Overall, the saw oozes quality. It just fits your hand really well, feels very solid, and confidence inspiring. After my previous cheaper saws, using the FatMax is like driving an Audi, after years of driving old Fiats. There's nothing wrong with an old Fiat, but a modern Audi is just so much better. So after all that praise, why only 3 stars?. Well I have a bit of an issue with the FatMax when it comes to cutting curves though thick wood. When I start to turn the saw to create a curve, the blade starts to lean to one side and I end up with angled cuts. The tighter the curve (and the thicker to wood), the more the cut angles. Since first noticing this, I have been very careful to ensure that the footplate is flat against the surface and the bevel cutting adjustment is fixed in the vertical position. I have tried taking it very slowly, but still the same problem. The hardness of the wood does not seem to be the problem, as I get exactly the same issue and degree of angle whether I am cutting kiln dried oak or chipboard. This may be something to do with my technique (I hope!) or it may be due to the blade (too thick?), but I suspect that the saw is the problem. I am going to investigate further, and if I can sort it out I will update this review. Update: Well I have managed to reduce the amount the blade leans to the side while cutting corners by using narrow blades and greatly reducing the speed I move the saw forward around the corners, but I have not yet been able to eliminate it completely. I also have discovered a new issue in that the quick release mechanism jams if the blade has been used for a long time and not replaced. These issues would be less annoying if I didn't love the saw so much. The power, feel and usability (visibility of cut lines, long cable etc) are just so good. If anyone has any suggestions regarding the leaning blade issue I would certainly welcome your input.
| ASIN | B00J02CN7M |
| Customer reviews | 3.0 3.0 out of 5 stars (1) |
| Item weight | 4.06 kg |
B**N
Fanatstic jigsaw, but could be flawed.
After years of owning "good value" jigsaw from a variety of different manufacturers (from DIY store own-brands to Bosch), we finally decided to upgrade to something a little more powerful. We were making a curved kitchen work-surface out of thick kiln dried oak planks. The previous jigsaw had just given up and died after cutting less than an inch into this oak, so it was clear we needed something better. A trip to our local DIY store revealed this bad-boy from Stanley on special offer, reduced down to just ยฃ70. Far more than I had ever spent on a jigsaw in the past, but a significant reduction on the RRP and if it could cut the oak planks, then it was worth every penny. Well I am happy to report that with the supplied wood blade, this saw cut though 1.5 inches of kiln dried oak as easily as my old jigsaw cut through 1/2 inch on MDF. I am literally blown away by the apparent cutting power of the FatMax. On top of this, the FatMax has some really useful features which make it a joy to use, such as a really long power cord (just makes life easier), an LED light which illuminates what you are cutting, and a nicely designed foot plate making it very easy to follow any line you have marked on work surface to be cut. Changing blades is quick, easy and needs no tools. Overall, the saw oozes quality. It just fits your hand really well, feels very solid, and confidence inspiring. After my previous cheaper saws, using the FatMax is like driving an Audi, after years of driving old Fiats. There's nothing wrong with an old Fiat, but a modern Audi is just so much better. So after all that praise, why only 3 stars?. Well I have a bit of an issue with the FatMax when it comes to cutting curves though thick wood. When I start to turn the saw to create a curve, the blade starts to lean to one side and I end up with angled cuts. The tighter the curve (and the thicker to wood), the more the cut angles. Since first noticing this, I have been very careful to ensure that the footplate is flat against the surface and the bevel cutting adjustment is fixed in the vertical position. I have tried taking it very slowly, but still the same problem. The hardness of the wood does not seem to be the problem, as I get exactly the same issue and degree of angle whether I am cutting kiln dried oak or chipboard. This may be something to do with my technique (I hope!) or it may be due to the blade (too thick?), but I suspect that the saw is the problem. I am going to investigate further, and if I can sort it out I will update this review. Update: Well I have managed to reduce the amount the blade leans to the side while cutting corners by using narrow blades and greatly reducing the speed I move the saw forward around the corners, but I have not yet been able to eliminate it completely. I also have discovered a new issue in that the quick release mechanism jams if the blade has been used for a long time and not replaced. These issues would be less annoying if I didn't love the saw so much. The power, feel and usability (visibility of cut lines, long cable etc) are just so good. If anyone has any suggestions regarding the leaning blade issue I would certainly welcome your input.
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