Bare-Tool Panasonic EY4541X 14.4-Volt Li-ion Jigsaw (Tool Only, No Battery)

I am a self-employed professional contractor. Most of my work involves finish carpentry and cabinet work. I own the 18v Dewalt XRP cordless jigsaw, 18v Makita (pod style battery) jigsaw, and this Panasonic jigsaw. I also own about 10 - 12 other corded jigsaws including the Festool Trion. I have owned this item for about 3 - 4 years. Nine times out of ten, I go for the Panasonic jigsaw. It is the lightest, most ergonomically correct, and effective cordless jigsaw I have tried. I don't use the built in light often, but it is great when needed. It does not have quite the speed or power of the XRP Dewalt, but the Dewalt feels like it is made of lead. If I am in a situation needing loads of power, I will opt for a corded unit. Often, I am using the tool out of position and (ie not horizontal) and it is so nice and light. The batteries last well between charges. The blade clamp is awesome, I have never, ever thrown a blade. It holds tight and is easy to eject a hot or broken blade. The quality of Panasonic tools is wonderful. I also own 2 14.4v Impact drivers, 2 Drills, and the circular saw in the Lithium Ion series and have had no issues. If I had to find a complaint about the tool it would be that the sole plate is metal, and can mar finished goods. That was easy to correct by purchasing a piece of 1/8" Lexan plastic and tracing the metal plate onto it. Countersink the screw holes in the new plate and you are set to go. I would agree with the previous reviewer that the trigger lock is slightly awkward and have thought of removing it, but years later I don't even notice its presence and can manage holding the tool in any position. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a high quality cordless jigsaw.

Plastic body with some plastic gears, had to open up brand new to remove the confounded safety trigger. What a terrible idea, very difficult to use with it. To add insult to injury the motor is pretty weak unlike it's impact sister which breaks every darn bit on the market. Blade lock is kind of a joke too. Now that I read this, I should have just returned it, well that was 3 months ago... why didn't they make a 15.6 jigsaw? Love those drills. Buy something else!