Bosch invented the jig saw, and, with their Progressor top-handle model, they're getting close to perfecting it. The Progressor has a nicely shaped handle, tapered where other saws are not, and a nice rubber grip that lets users (of all hand sizes) steer the tool firmly in hand. (Some toolmakers ignore ergonomics, but not Bosch--and we appreciate it.) The safety mechanism works well with the trigger, and the cut is super smooth. We like the variable-speed dial, the light weight, and the foot plate's plastic cover, which ensures that surfaces won't get scratched as they can by saws with metal plates. The blade-change system--if a little tricky at first--works great. No question about it, this jig saw keeps up Bosch's reputation as one of the prime movers in the power tool industry. --Michael Shilling
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Bosch is best; 1587 beats the 1590 for some things:
I owned the Bosch 1581vs for 20 years before it finally played out (the blade hold mechanism wore out). I looked at other brands (Dewalt, Porter Cable)but decided that the Bosch is the best series available because of blade control and balance. I looked at both the 1590 and the 1587 and had an opportunity to use them in the field before deciding. These are the best two on the market, and both have their pluses and minuses. The deciding factors for me were 2: 1-Weight: The 1587 is lighter and therefore... more info
Helpful info:
All of the Bosch jigsaws receive high praise for their cutting performance, so I thought I'd provide some info I would have appreciated before making this purchase (which I in no way regret.) First this tools "low" points, which keep it from being a perfect tool:
1. Blade changes are a bit involved. Not at all what I would call difficult or confusing, but it's certainly not like changing a quick change drill bit or Milwaukee Sawz-all blade. This is more like a three step process rather than one... more info
Clean Cuts:
THe Bosch jigsaw worked beautifully right out of the box. Very satisfied with the performance after using it several times. Very clean cuts using the progressor blades that came with the saw.
Best jig saw I've ever used:
I grew up using a plastic jigsaw. Until I read about and bought this saw, I was unaware of the differences that existed between jigsaws. This thing is built tough and has a good motor. I really like that if you want to cut slow, it doesn't bog down and stop as soon as it hits force. A cheap jigsaw may run slow in the air, but you can't control it when you are cutting. This thing will run slow in the air and barely bat an eye when you bring it in contact with plywood all at a slow RPM. (I make a lot of... more info
