Bosch Jigsaws
Sean McCafferty
Is anyone out there familiar with Bosch's line of Jigsaws? The
model numbers are really throwing me off. All of the catalog
descriptions that I have are concise and don't mention the
differences between the other models. In particular, I was
looking at the 1587, 1581, and then in William Alden they
list the model number as B4300. Is this their internal model
number?
Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a $150 jigsaw? The
Milwaukee looks awfully nice around $170. Is it worth it?
What features could you not live without?
thanks
-Sean
--
Sean McCafferty
Software Engineer
Visix Software
se...@visix.com
Bob DeBula
>
>Is anyone out there familiar with Bosch's line of Jigsaws? The
>model numbers are really throwing me off. All of the catalog
>descriptions that I have are concise and don't mention the
>differences between the other models. In particular, I was
>looking at the 1587, 1581, and then in William Alden they
>list the model number as B4300. Is this their internal model
>number?
different from the B4200 & B4300 in that the 158X series have the
"clic" blade changing system for one thing. The base plates may be
different as well. The B4201 has the "clic" system blade change (but
isn't in the latest Alden catalog). The "B" series designation is a
model number series for retail outlet distribution (home centers, etc.)
mainly.
>Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a $150 jigsaw? The
>Milwaukee looks awfully nice around $170. Is it worth it?
1584VS or 1587VS for around $148 (more if you want it in "kit form"
with a metal case & blades) from places like International Tool
Corporation.
>What features could you not live without?
Bosch is just such a smooth running and nice machine and the pricing
isn't unreasonable, so I'd tend to recommend either the 1584VS or the
1587VS. FYI, "VS" designates "Variable Speed" and "DVS" designates
"Dustless Variable Speed". You'd want to look at a picture of the DVS
model at least to decide if the dust port is something which strikes
you as a good thing or not. Requesting free catalogs from places
like "Woodworkers Supply", "International Tool Corporation", and
"Tool Crib of the North" would be a good idea as they usually list
and picture many of these models as well as some of the accessories.
I hope this helps.
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Heartbreak Kid
>Is anyone out there familiar with Bosch's line of Jigsaws? The
>model numbers are really throwing me off. All of the catalog
>descriptions that I have are concise and don't mention the
>differences between the other models. In particular, I was
>looking at the 1587, 1581, and then in William Alden they
>list the model number as B4300. Is this their internal model
>number?
>Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a $150 jigsaw? The
>Milwaukee looks awfully nice around $170. Is it worth it?
>What features could you not live without?
-Sean
My cyber buddy DeBula (not Villa) answered most of your questions about the Bosch so
I'll answer the one about alternatives in the same price range.
1). I haven't seen the Milwaukee around here but, except for cordless tools, they seldom
make a bad tool and they always make one of the most powerful in it's class.
2). The Porter Cable 7849 (# might be off) is the one I chose over the Bosch for one
main reason: blades. The Bosch's clic system is real neat but they take only genuine
Bosch blades...while damned near anything with teeth that's not curcular will work in
the Porter Cable. There's never a Bosch dealer open when I break my last blade on a
jobsite but even some large supermarkets that are open 24/7 carry Vermont American or
Milwaukee blades that will fit the PC. PC's base doesn't tilt, one of the few on the
market that don't. Never thought I needed a tilt base until I didn't have one. Darned
if I didn't have two situations come up where I did need a tilt base on one in the first
3 years I had that PC....but I balance that out with the fact that I've broken probably
3 dozen blades in the same timeframe and can live with my decision<grin>
3). Couple of trim guys I know have the DeWalt and they swear by it....dunno how many
types of blades it takes but one of them stopped by to borrow my PC two Sunday's ago
when he broke his last one on a job down the block.
HBK
>--
>Sean McCafferty
>Software Engineer
>Visix Software
>se...@visix.com
This post has been been selected for possible inclusion in the wide
ranging group of woodworking FAQ's beind assembled for posterity on
http://www.aye.net/~hbk and it's mirror image site http://www.cnl.com.au/~hbk
Feel free to visit either site for 24/7 email advice from a dozen professional
woodworkers and experienced hobbiests.
Simon Deane
correctly it will almost feed itself.The teeth cut on the upstroak as opposed to Makita which
can cut on the downstroak which is a little obscure.The controls are where they should be and
the machine has plenty of power with a quiet operation.Yes I am the person who thinks the ROS
Bosch is hopeless,so you see I can be quite fair.
John Riley
>
> se...@visix.com (Sean McCafferty) wrote:
>
> >Is anyone out there familiar with Bosch's line of Jigsaws? The
> >model numbers are really throwing me off. All of the catalog
> >descriptions that I have are concise and don't mention the
> >differences between the other models. In particular, I was
> >looking at the 1587, 1581, and then in William Alden they
> >list the model number as B4300. Is this their internal model
> >number?
I will ditto what you said, and add that the B series of tools that Bosch
sells is designed and sold thru the mass merchandiser such as Home Base,
Home Depot, etc. Although they have different model numbers than their
commercial counterparts, they are basicilly the same tools.....
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Lonnie Freeman
>Is anyone out there familiar with Bosch's line of Jigsaws? The
>model numbers are really throwing me off. All of the catalog
>descriptions that I have are concise and don't mention the
>differences between the other models. In particular, I was
>looking at the 1587, 1581, and then in William Alden they
>list the model number as B4300. Is this their internal model
>number?
>Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a $150 jigsaw? The
>Milwaukee looks awfully nice around $170. Is it worth it?
Just to throw in my 2 cents worth...the 1581 has a handle like a
normal jig saw, the 1582 does not...the motor serves as the handle.
Not sure about the 1587 and I don't have a Bosch book in front of me.
I bought my Bosch jig saw in 1980 when it was model #1580 (the old
less powerful 1582). I have used it day in and day out since, have
never had a minutes worth of trouble with it. I like the Bosch blades
much better than any other blades...yes, they are a little harder to
get, so it is a good idea to keep several on hand. On the other hand,
you will find that they wear out instead of breaking. Because of the
unique way they mount and are supported they are used until the teeth
are worn off of them instead of breaking around the shank. I was
impressed and decided to buy mine when I was at a tool show. The
fellow that was demonstrating them was jamming the blade like a spear
through 1x pine and then cutting circles while holding the saw by the
power cord. When I came by the first time, he had a few bent blades
but no broken ones. I was impressed and walked on. I came back at
the END of the day and he was still using the SAME saw he started with
that morning...unbroken...and had a pile of bent blades laying there,
and there were only a couple of broken blades. Now, I figured I can
straighten a bent blade but I can't fix a broken one and that had to
be one tough saw to stand up to a full day of punishment like that!
So I bought one, and one is all I have ever needed. I have used other
brands of high quality jig saws, but they have all seemed heavy or
awkward compared to the Bosch. I wouldn't trade my Bosch for 2 of any
of the rest of them. I wish I could say that about some of the rest
Mark Sterner
bo...@freenet.columbus.oh.us (Bob DeBula) wrote:
> I would go with the Bosch. You should be able to mail order a Bosch
> 1584VS or 1587VS for around $148 (more if you want it in "kit form"
> with a metal case & blades) from places like International Tool
> Corporation.
>
snip
>
> "Clic" is nice if you plan to change blades on a regular basis. The
> Bosch is just such a smooth running and nice machine and the pricing
> isn't unreasonable, so I'd tend to recommend either the 1584VS or the
> 1587VS.
I second the motion. I've been using my Bosch 1584VS for several months
now and I simply can't find anything to complain about. Its performance
or features are top notch - pure and simple - it's a joy to use (I love a
well-designed tool that delivers everything the sales rep promises).
Bottom line - it's worth the $$ (not affiliated with Bosch in any way,
blah, blah, blah...)
Mark
d...@indy.net