I too had been looking at reviews posted here. I am a BIG DeWalt fan I was quite disapointed to read about all the problems. I decided to buy one anyway and give it a try. The first thing I was nervous about was the blade installation/change. My first try was a dud, the blade came off as I started to cut. After close examination of the locking mechanism I discovered that I just had stoped tightening the knob too soon. If I turn the knob one half a turn past the handle it will click and the blade will lock... more info
variable speed?:
my largest problem with this jigsaw is that the variable speed is..get this..a dial from 1 to 7 on the rear end of the handle...you cannot safely dial in the variable speed unless you remove a hand and set the speed..i wish i had researced jigsaws a little more thoroughly before purchasing.
Poorly constructed and designed:
I used this jigsaw for about 30 minutes and immediately realized it has a major fault. I returned it (...) and plan to replace it with a Bosch or Milwaukee.
The blade change mechanism is very awkward. You have to pull up on a black knob and twist to release or grip the blade. Unfortunately, as you twist to lock the blade, the blade arm goes out of alignment. The blade arm actually turned clockwise on me as I turned the black knob to lock the blade.
To straighten out the blade arm so that the blade... more info