Brendan

In my efforts to cut out an insert for a sink into a high gloss IKEA worktop, I came across this discussion. My old corded B&D jig-saw doesn't take t shank blades, and most of the DIY shops near me carry Bosch blades. I'm not a professional, so I was just looking for an entry level jigsaw. I have a couple of newer Ryobi 18v tools and a Bosch 18v drill. Due to age differences the Ryobi has bigger batteries (I think you need at least 3aH and easier if you have two of them! Reading this forum I was a bit hesitant but went for the Ryobi R18JS-0. I found a pack of blades that included a some reverse teeth (RAK05JSBFC), and I also bought a pack of 3 Bosch (T101BR HCS) blades - again the reverse teeth again good for cutting laminate from the top. I know the original discussion is old now, but I can say both blade types fit with no problem, and I appreciate the ease of changing blades provided by the newer mechanism. Used masking tape on the worktop, and did a practise drill (10mm wood bit, but you could start with small 3 mm if you're worried about skipping) and cut in the waste portion, no problem. Drilled 10 mm holes in the corners (white high gloss ceramic is tough, but OK once you get a few mm in). I did half with a Ryobi blade, which was OK but felt difficult and you could not go quick of course (40 mm worktop). Swapped to the Bosch blade and that was noticeably easier on the cutting, although you could feel a little more kick. I took advice from other posters and did not bother with guides or clamps for the sink insert, just concentrated on the cut and the line in the tape. No problem with chipping and the job looks good.