My old
jigsaw (a Bosch) is now approaching 19 years old and it has served
me well - but it is now quite worn - and technology has moved on.
So.... I decided to treat myself to a new one. I opted
for the Ryobi (shown on the left) being a battery operated (cordless)
model which appeals to me because I can never find an extension
lead when I need one and the new Lithion Ion batteries have an excellent
capacity. The saw was delivered (quite quickly) on Monday last
and I was quite impressed by the look and feel of the machine etc.
I had ordered the battery and charger (sold separtely) and
so I very soon put the battery on charge. After an hour or so
the battery was fully charged and I tried the saw. It seemed
great - couldn't wait to try cutting a piece of wood !!. It was
the following day when I tried cutting wood. Strange
- it seemed that it would not cut very well at all. It took
quite a lot of forward pressure - and then only cut very slowly
- even on the maximum 'pedulum' setting. (This
is where the blade moves forward on the upstroke for cutting
and moves backward on the downstroke to reduce friction and make
cutting more effective) Perhaps the single blade they sent
with the machine was a cheapo - I need to try a better blade. I
took the blade out of my old jigsaw (Iknew this was good) and tried
it in the new saw. Result - just the same ??? What could
be the problem ?? After careful examination I discovered that
the blade was moving back on the upstroke (cutting stroke)
and forward on the downstroke. No wonder it wasn't
cutting - the motor is running backwards !!!!!. Perhaps I charged
the battery the wrong way round - No it will only fit
in the charger one way. Perhaps there is a reverse switch somewhere
(but why would you need one??) After reading the manual from
cover to cover I decided to ring the suppliers. They will
probably think I'm a 'nutter' when I tell them the motor is running
backwards. I called them and described the problem........ Me
Yes I think the motor is running
in reverse and that's why it's not cutting. The cut should
be on the 'upstroke' not the 'downstroke'. Supplier (Steve)
Well - I've never heard of a problem like this before
!! Me No neither have I Steve I
don't know what I can do about this - perhaps we can send you replacement
saw. Me Well - that's OK if you
can be sure the next one will be OK. Steve Well
let me check it out and I'll ring you back.. Me.. You
WILL ring me back ?? Steve Yes - give me an
hour or so. Me I will await your call. About
One and a half hours later Steve called.... Steve. '
Well - You've really put the cat amongst the pidgeons' We have
got all of our stock saws out and tested them and they are all the
same - motors seem to be running backwards. So we can't send
you a replacement until we have sorted out the problem. We are getting
in touch with Ryobi to se what can be done. Me So
- I'm not going crazy then. Steve No - I've
not seen this problem before but we will sort it out for you. The
ryobi lines are all engaged at this moment but when we get the problem
resolved we'll get back to you.
That was yesterday - I am still waiting - watch
this space.....
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