Popular Woodworking 2003-02 № 132, страница 32
Endurance Test Metabo Jigsaw a Tough Performer We ran this upstart tool through its paces to see how it stood up to the rigors of our shop. We welcomed the STE 105 Plus jigsaw from Metabo into the Popular Woodworking shop three years ago. None of us thought it could be as good as a Bosch jigsaw. Oh, well. However, at the end of that year we named it one of the Best New Tools of the year, and it's stayed in our tool cabinet thanks to its power, durability and easy blade-changing mechanism. A quick recap on the tool: Though available in both a barrel grip (as shown and tested) and a top-handle grip, we prefer the barrel grip for control and comfort. At 6 amps, the motor is the most powerful available in the category (tied, at least on paper, with Porter-Cable's 9543). The variable-speed control allows a very comfortable 1,000 to 3,000 rpm range. The five-position orbital-motion selector allows smooth or aggressive cutting with a nice spread of in-between choices. And the 1" blade stroke is the largest offered and works in wood up to 41/8" thick. After three years in our shop, there are still lots of things we like about the Metabo. Its raw power makes quick work of almost any cutting task, while the grooved-roller blade guide does an excellent job of keeping the blade tracking straight throughout the cut. The tool continues to function smoothly. The controls are easy to use, with a very simple tool-free blade-changing system that's still at the top of the category. Simply pull the spring-loaded lever away from the blade mount and pull the blade free. No sweat. While the jigsaw gets used a lot without hooking up the dust collection, when so outfitted the dust collection is very good, with a front shield to capture the dust and a nicely designed directional port to pull the dust back through the base. Speaking of bases, the angle adjustment is accurately accomplished with a simple hex wrench. With seven pre-set and notched angle locations, (15°, 30° and 45° to either side of the blade plus 90°) setting and forgetting is easy. And if you need a different setting, bypass the notches and lock it in. When we acquired the STE 105, it cost about $210, which was somewhat higher than its competitors. This tool is now going for about $180, which still is slightly higher than the others, but makes it a much easier decision to spend the extra money. We have managed to damage our STE 105. It got dropped (go figure) and it took the hit on the foot plate. We were pretty concerned, because the plate is a magnesium casting, but Metabo also included a steel support plate under the foot. Happily, even though the casting snapped, we were able to bend the steel plate back and reattach the casting. We still use the jigsaw every day and no one notices the break. If we had to make any changes, a simple one would be an easier storage location for the hex wrench for beveling the foot. We're pretty sure ours was attached to the cord (the SPECIFICATIONS Metabo STE 105 Plus Jigsaw Street price: $180 Motor: 6 amp Speed range: 1,000 - 3,000 rpm Stroke length: 1" Blades accepted: "T" or universal style Orbital settings: 5 Max. material thickness: 4V8" Weight: 4.9 pounds Nice features: Smooth operating, powerful tool that has very user-friendly options. This is a durable and reliable jigsaw. Recommended modifications: Make the hex wrench easier to find. For more information: Contact Metabo at 800-638-2261, or metabousa.com. ABOUT OUR ENDURANCE TESTS Every tool featured in our Endurance Test column has survived at least two years of heavy use in our shop here at Popular Woodworking. excellent 15' rubber cord), but honestly we don't know where that went. If there were a way to keep it on the body of the saw, that would be preferable. Other than that, if you're working in a shop with other woodworkers, buy two, because this impressive tool will be missing when you go to use it. PW — David Thiel, senior editor 32 Popular Woodworking February 2003 |
