Toolbox: Jigsaw Innovations

Two jigsaws — the Porter-Cable 7649 and the AEG BSPE 100 — offer features that no other jigsaw has and are worth checking out. Porter-Cable has redesigned their old jigsaw with two key innovations: First, the blade is supported by two guide blocks that help hold the blade square to the base plate, and also act as a very successful anti-splintering device. Second, the new jigsaw will accept any style blade, whether it has a Porter-Cable "hook" shank, a Bosch-style "bayonet" shank, or the old universal shank. AEG introduced the BPSE 100 a few years ago with a blade holder that stores the blade up in the shaft until you need it. This lets you use all of