I've used the jig saw on a number of small projects and I like it very much. The variable speed feature is quite useful. The price was also very good when compared to the cometition. I got a DEWALT DW317K jig saw when i bought my table saw and i think that i will sell the dewalt and keep the Makita.

Great saw for the money. Big improvement over the craftsman that I previously had.

For the first couple years I had this saw, I absolutely hated it. I had horrible trouble making straight cuts. The blade really seemed to wander off. That said, I've recently spent some more time with it and I think it's really okay. Even good. The biggest factor for me seems to have been backing off the speed (I'm using #3 now). I still use a batten, and I'm very careful to guide rather than push. And sometimes I still work freehand. But backing off the speed seems to have made the most difference (and using the widest Bosch blades I can find). I'm now glad I spent some more time with the thing. Changing blades with an allen wrench is a little annoying, and sure, I'd rather have a Bosch, but for the price it's an okay saw.

Got this for my hubby for Christmas and he loves it.. It works great. Makita is a good brand. He has found no problems at all in using this jigsaw. It has good power and it has guards so the blade does not bend when cutting..brI think you will like it, I recommend this highly.