Jigsaw Buying Tips?

[Lyle]

My dad hinted that he'd like an "inexpensive" electric jigsaw for Christmas. (I am interpreting "inexpensive" as "less than $100".)

I am not a tool-buying kind of guy, and have no idea what to look for. Can anyone here provide some advice about what I should be looking for in general (i.e. in terms of features), or for that matter, specific recommendations about which models to look at?

Thanks!

P.S. I debated whether this should go in the "Buying Tips" forum, since it's not about Mac-related purchases. If this thread really belongs there, I trust that the mods will move it. 😉

 

[tpjunkie]

Well, makita, milwaukee, and dewalt all make excellent equipment, which will probably be close to 100 bucks. On the other hand, I'm a broke college student, and I went to lowes a few months back when I needed a jigsaw, and picked up a "General Machine Corp" jigsaw for 18 bucks (where i figured, if it only even works 10 times it's worth it). Skil and Black & Decker also make cheap tools, but i'd go with the first ones I mentioned, as they're of higher quality and are likely to last longer.