Replies

1. 
   THintz | Mar 17, 2006 11:37pm | #1

   I think the Bosch jigsaws, top strap or barrel grip, are the best out there, especially for the money though I doubt you will get much more even if you do spend a bunch more. The Bosch jigsaws have been the defacto industry standard for some time now and do not seem ready to relinquish the title anytime soon.

   I have reviews of both Bosch styles at the link below with photos and details on the features if that will help. Scroll down to Jigsaws.

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/index.html

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

1. 
   Glaucon | Mar 23, 2006 11:43pm | #5

   I've thought about this as well.  Not spoiling for a fight, but how does the Festool JS compare with the Bosch?

   I'm thinking that if you don't have already own Festool products, and aren't planning to buy them, Bosch might be your best bet.  On the other hand, I own the 1400 router and their circular saw and guide, so I'm wondering whether it's worth the extra $$ to buy their JS and use it with the guide...

   Anyone have an opinion on this?

   (please, let's not have any foaming at the mouth...)Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

1. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 24, 2006 05:46am | #7

   (please, let's not have any foaming at the mouth...)

   I laughed HARD when I read this!!

   It's pretty funny how the Festool group really gets, shall we say, "passionate" about the tools.

   I have a few Festool tools, and really like them, but I really get a kick out of how those discussions end up being 275 posts long.

   Jeff

1. 
   try50772 | Mar 25, 2006 04:26pm | #8

   I agree, the festool fanatics are intense. And don't ever mention EZ Smart. I really want to try it, because I don't have the cash for a new circ. saw, but I'm afraid the guys from Festool will show up and take me away...

2. 
   daviddubya | Mar 26, 2006 02:37am | #10

   I have several Festool products, including the jig saw.  I used to own a Bosch jig saw, the older model before blade guides, and the Festool is a far better tool.  Then again, I expect the new Bosch with blade guides is also a far better tool.  Since you already have the Festool circular saw, I expect you would find limited use for the jig saw on the guide rail.  I have owned the jig saw for almost two years and have the guide rail attachment, but have never used it.  I use the jig saw for free hand work, and the circular saw on the guide rail.  Did I say that without foaming at the mouth???Daviddubya - Cave Creek, AZ

1. 
   Glaucon | Mar 26, 2006 03:38am | #11

   A very balanced assessment. You are either quite rationale, or your medication is well titrated ;^)Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

1. 
   craig | Mar 27, 2006 03:41am | #12

   In the railroad industry, we had a name for those who foamed at the mouth at the sight of trains and chased us all over damnation.....  Foamers..

   I own both a Bosch and a Festool jigsaw, and I can say certainly that the Festool cuts far better than my Bosch, and every other Bosch jigsaw that I have used. 

   The Bosch is a good tool for the money, but my opinion is the Festool is the best out of the 2. 

   No foam here, just my opinion.

    

2. 
   Glaucon | Mar 27, 2006 03:52pm | #14

   I appreciate your reply.

   What was better about the Festool over the Bosch?  What were you able to do with the Festool, but not with the Bosch?

   My impression of the Festool tools that I own is that they are very well made, and built to last.  The question for me regarding the jigsaw: is it worth an extra $100-$125...? So I am curious about your opinion, since you have used both and can compare them. A further wrinkle is whether the new Bosch has narrowed the gap with Festool.Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

3. 
   craig | Mar 27, 2006 04:30pm | #15

   Smooth straight cuts with the festool, it requires alot less sanding than the Bosch.   All of the Bosch jigsaws I have used, tend to require more sanding and have more blade deflection, one thing that is minimal with the festool.

4. 
   Glaucon | Mar 27, 2006 04:38pm | #16

   Thanks- that's very helpful...Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

5. 
   nikkiwood | Apr 07, 2006 02:13am | #20

   Here's my take. I've had the older Bosch (1587) for years. But I needed a second saber saw about a year ago, and decided to come up with the extra $100 for the Festool. So what I have to say is not a head to head with the new Bosch 1590. But ---- there is dramatically less blade wander with the Festool. This is important even with 3/4" stock, but a big deal for anything thicker. I would say the cut with a Festool is marginally smoother, probably because it vibrates less than the Bosch.I always use the anti-splinter insert on the Bosch, and it is pretty effective. Festool has a similar clear plastic insert, but unlike the Bosch it actually surrounds the blade. This gives a great cut (especially cross grain), but the problem is, the plastic gets scratched after a few cuts and you can't see the cut line. So I don't generally use the insert, except when I really have to, and as a consequence you will get some splintering.The Festool inserts are cheap, and I would guess they will redesign somewhere along the line. It does come with a dust collector thing; I tried it once, but then threw it out --partly because I could not see around the shroud on the front of the blade, but mainly because I don't think DC is an issue with a saber saw. All in all, it is not perfect, but it's a fine saw nonetheless. If I were to do go thru the decision again, I would find some way to try the Bosch 1590, especially to see how it did on the blade wander issue. FWIW, my old Bosch has a barrel grip, so I thought I would try the top handle version of the Festool. I am sorry I did, because I think the barrel grip saws have better balance and are easier to manuever through curved cuts.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   daveinnh | Mar 18, 2006 03:13am | #2

   I'd agree.  I have a Bosch 1581 DVS jigsaw bought ~ 10 years ago.  It's worked fine.  Portable tool brands that I'd recommend are:

   • Bosch - jigsaw, 2HP router kit, 12V drill; 
   • Fein - 3.5hp router, turbo III vacuum;
   • P-C - circular saw, biscuit joiner;

   The Makita 10" sliding miter saw has worked OK, but not a lot of adjustment capability.

   Many reviewers like Festool but its a little too rich for me (not a professional tradesman).

3. 
   Ricks503 | Mar 19, 2006 08:53pm | #3

   Bosch 1590EVS or 1591EVS  or the K (kit)  version (EVSK)

   1590 is top handle 1591 is barrell handle

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
4. 
   EvilTwin | Mar 23, 2006 10:34pm | #4

   Home Depot has a Ridgid model saw for 99 bucks that is actually a German made Metabo. I have the Metabo barrel grip and a Bosch cordless saw and the cut on the metabo is just as good as the Bosch. I like the Bosch for its nifty blade release, but other than that, the Ridgid saw is worth every penny.

1. 
   dtlc | Mar 24, 2006 12:56am | #6

   Hay thanks to everyone, I took your advice and bought a Bosch 1590 and all I can say is wow!  I did give some though to the ridged saw.  I own more of there tools and have been very happy with them.  I must say after playing with the Bosch 1590 I though about giving up my 7 1/4.  Just kidding.  Again thanks to all. dtlc

1. 
   Steinmetz | Mar 25, 2006 05:42pm | #9

   dtlc, Good for you. I love my Bosch jig saw(Late model) although, I still call it a sabersaw. My older one required a long screwdriver to change blades, but the new one has a easy change feature that is 'PRIMO'You'll have to remember, when changing blades,to
   pull the plug.
   Also, to more easily remove/replace blades, extend the shaft downward before shutting down. When its fully in the upstroke, it's a Bear to affix the blade. Steinmetz.

   Edited 3/25/2006 10:45 am ET by Steinmetz

1. 
   tinkerer2 | Mar 27, 2006 08:35am | #13

   What's wrong with the word sabersaw?  I was taught that a jig saw sat up on a table and you twisted the board in it while sawing.  (sixty five plus years ago)  Has my memory gone bad or are we just changing names for the fun of it?

1. 
   John_D | Mar 27, 2006 09:00pm | #17

   I'm with you.  Here are terms I've seen change over the years.

   Old Term

   New Term

   Circular saw

   Table saw

   Skilsaw

   Circular saw

   Jigsaw

   Scroll saw

   Sabre saw

   Jigsaw

   EDIT: My father just gave me a book this weekend using the terms "circular saw" to refer to what we now call a "table saw", and "jigsaw" to refer to what we now call a scroll saw, so this was on my mind today too.  By the way, both the Skilsaw and the (not mentioned above) Sawzall are both items that, AFAIK, got their common names from brand names of popular models.  Most other tools' names seem to be rather more functionally derived...

   My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

   Edited 3/27/2006 2:07 pm by John_D

2. 
   try50772 | Apr 04, 2006 12:59pm | #18

   Yes and at that time circular saw was the table saw.
   Now the jigsaw is portable, and the saw you used is a scroll saw.
   And the circular saw is in my truck and the table saw is in my shop...

2. 
   BanyanTree | Apr 05, 2006 08:44pm | #19

   I've used the Ridgid, the Bosch, and the Festool. No question, the ranking for cut quality and squareness, especially on the difficult and thick cuts is as follows:
   1. Festool
   2. Bosch
   3. RidgidThe Bosch is a nice saw, a close second. Long before I owned any Festool tools, I had a Bosch and liked it. But things have changed!