Amazon.com Customer Reviews
Good but not that good - Review written on October 15, 2007
Rating: 3 out of 5
10 customers found this review helpful, 9 did not.
When I say "it's not that good", of course I mean its good, it's Swiss after all. But for $157.00 I could buy two Ryobis. Sure, the Ryobi tool is lighter, a little rougher running, but the base plate is very similar and smooth/non-maring, it comes with the little dust collection do-dad (extra accessory for the Bosch) it comes with a stout edge guide (extra accessory for the Bosch) and the case is solid, if a bit bigger. The Ryobi only comes with one general purpose blade, but it does a passable job and let's face it, you're not likely to be doing any fine wood working with a jig saw. You're going to cut some curves in a sheet of plywood or round the corners off some shelving or something, not build fabulous fine furniture. Oh, and did I mention the Ryobi has a scrolling knob and is about $67.00? Sheesh, I just think a Cadillac jig saw should at least come with an edge guide. I'm underwhelmed.
GREAT Saw, can be used in lieu of a circular saw and can cut through anything ! But the blades take practice changing ! - Review written on September 08, 2007
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 2 did not.
GREAT Saw, can be used in lieu of a circular saw and can cut through anything ! But the blades take practice changing !
The secret is the blades and Bosch now makes the blades available for different manufacturer jig and saber saws.
Let me say there has never been any piece of wood or board this thing hasn't been able to rip through, I've even cut down mid size tree and the stump with the rough wood blade.
The variable speed trigger is smooth so you can use this saw for fine craft work too.
Just like every other reviewer, I have to reiterate the blades are tedious to change, it is a tool less system that has to be finessed. TIP: When it arrives and you've made a few cuts, practice removing and replacing the blades until you have the routine down. This is important because the blade will warble if it isn't tight, this happened to us but no one was injured.
If you already have a nice jigsaw and want the same cutting power, see if Bosch is offering their blades for your model, the bi-opposition teeth design is the real secret.
good saw, minor quibbles - Review written on June 12, 2007
Rating: 5 out of 5
7 customers found this review helpful, 2 did not.
An all-around good saw with low vibration, good stability, and a good secure blade lock and release mechanism. Solid performance so far, although it does come with a surprisingly short (1 year) warranty.
The only minor quibbles:
1. The "precision cut" blade clamp is a design that appears to have left engineering out of the loop. Two metal jaws in constant contact with a metal blade moving at 3000 spm, with no lubrication or rollers. I initially thought the saw had a bad motor bearing as it consistently squeaked to a stop. Turned out to be the blade squeaking against these clamp jaws. And no, I did not even engage the precision cut clamp button. Many of the blade styles are wide & thick enough that there is constant contact with the clamp jaws, even when they are "open."
2. The case. Easily the cheapest, shoddiest case I've seen wrapped around a power tool in years.
But overall a good tool and a good buy.