Power Saws Reviews

I purchaced this saw for a special reason, to cut through the top of a boat that had to have it's motors changed.This wasen't your everyday kind of job,but one where the material was 4.5 inches thick and needed to be cut on a 35 degree angle.It's performance was remarkable to say the least. Although it was a little on the heavy side, it was not hard to control.It's power was easy to control,a civil beast. Other than a few sharp edges on the saw parts, I'd say it was a pretty nice job on the conversion of it's former self to it's present form. The carbide blade was very good and hung in there cutting the fiberglass composit deck and although I know this was not it's intended use, it still performed great. Now is this saw worth it's price tag? That depends on you, but I'll tell you this, it sure was for me! And one last thing, be prepared for a lot of comments about the size of your saw,it is after all a godzilla of a tool. Hey, and you get a nice t-shirt too!

A very well built tool.Just what we expected from Bosch. I have quite a few years on mine with no trouble whatsoever. If you need this kind of cutting capacity , you can't go wrong with this unit. I recommend a wet/dry diamond blade for it if you will be cutting concrete. Otherwise you won't have a consistent depth of cut. Also , with a pump up sprayer you can keep the blade wet for a dust free work area.

Let me start off by saying that this Bosch Jig Saw is by far the finest jig saw I could ever imagine using. It is super well built, does the job perfectly, and is a dream to use. The features are incredible. After using a couple of different cheapies, I feel like I want to put this tool behind polished glass, and just look at it. Now on to the important considerations when buying a Bosch Jig Saw.
I am writing a review of the Bosch 1581AVS. If you are buying another Bosch model jigsaw, you will find this interesting and crucially important.
I had a hard decision to make. I read from others that they were having problems with the accuracy of the cut on the new Bosch models, with the aluminum shoe plate. The 1581AVS has a steel shoe plate. Contrary to opinion the shoe plate is made of substantial steel and is not prone to bending. You would have to drop this unit from a substantial height in order to bend the shoe plate. It was mentioned that the aluminum shoe plate is better in that regard, but at the cost of an inaccurate cut?
On to the important thing: The 1581AVS cuts a perfectly perpendicular cut. Others mentioned that the newer models are off by a few degrees, and the Bosch reps are amazed that they are off. The instore demonstration proved them off by as much as 1/8" at the bottom of the cut. If that is the case, nothing else matters. I will repeat, the 1581AVS cuts a perfectly plumb and perpendicular cut, unlike the newer models, which are indistinguishable from this model, except the shoe, and blade change mechanism.
At the Bosch site, you will see that the 1581 has the same exact horsepower, and ratings as the other models. So what is in a model name?
I feel a bit aggressive talking about the new models this way, but I feel that this point is critical.
The shoe on the bottom is adjustable, onto fixed settings, because it has detents for the 90 degree and 45 degree angles, but is not set up for fine adjustment in the event that it is off. So that poses a serious problem. If the cut is off by a few degrees, their is no way to readjust it. The adjusting cleat drops into a shoe, so you can't move it a few degrees for correction. Please read a lot of reviews before making a decision between the 1581 and the 1587 models. I wanted to get the aggressor, progressor or whatever it is called, but I decided that accuracy took precedence. These are still listed in the Bosch web site as a model currently offered. So you are getting a brand new unit in the 1581AVS. I wanted the latest and the greatest and I thought it would be nice to have the click in blade change feature, and was afraid when I considered the problems that many were having with the accuracy of the installation, and the failing of the blade while in use with that feature. The 1581 has a screwdriver installation method, but it is not what we have all come to recognize as the typical screwdriver-screw on blades. This system is entirely different. They supply a long screwdriver, which actually goes into the top of the unit, down a shaft into the top of the blade holder. You loosen it from the top down. The blade goes in to the blade plunger, into the two slotted grooves, and is then turned 90 degrees to "lock in" to the plunger. Aligning it with the roller blade guide on the shoe plate, and by lightly pulling the blade away from the plunger, it accurately aligns the blade from within, to dead on accurate frontward position, and while holding it that way, you tighten the lengthy screwdriver which reaches down from the top of the machine. This is a great system. Entirely accurate, fast, and easy to use. I couldn't imagine wanting any other system. I can install a blade with this system in less than 20 seconds. Improve on it? Improve on what! This is the one to have.
So I guess you can surmise what I am saying is that I think the 1581AVS is the one to get. The newer design units with the aluminum shoe plate are experiencing problems with accurate alignment on their cuts, and the quick click blade change is a hassle to use, and does not hold the blade as well.
It would be preposterous of me to assume that I am an expert on the other models, when I have not used them. I am only reporting on what my experience with the 1581AVS, and the conclusions I drew from reading other reviews.
A few points on safety. This is a tool you want to be especially careful using. The rapid cut blades that Bosch supplies with the unit are razor sharp. They are made in Switzerland. The Swiss are known for their excellent knives. I just touched one to one of my fingers, and it left a small shred raised from my skin. The instructions advise you to wear gloves when changing blades. I now see what they mean. The 30 blade packs I bought from Amazon that are Bosch, are made the same, and from the same source. The 30 blade pack is a great buy, considering the quality of the blades. In addition to the woodworking blade pack, I also purchase the multipurpose blade pack, so that I can use this tool for cutting metal, and various materials.

For those who are skilled at using a hand held circular saw, they are familiar with the dilemma of having to secure the board, in order to avoid the perilous event, when a circular saw is cutting through a board, and the board shifts ever so slightly, binding the blade, and kicking a fast spinning saw out of the wood, and potentially into harms way. The Bosch Jig Saw is a lot safer in that regard.
With the aggressive relatively rapid cutting ability you gain with the Bosch Jig Saw, I can see why several people use it instead of a circular saw for cutting. The jig saw has the ability to go in different directions though, giving you band saw type capabilites. This could be a disadvantage if you are looking to get a perfectly straight crosscut, without a straight edge, guide lines, or an angle with a lip. Even with a circular saw, making crosscuts is only an eyeball guess without one of the above guides. A miter saw solves the problems for onsite cuts. The jig saw is the best option for making unusual cuts, where a band saw is not available.

The adjustable air flow rate built in blowing feature is real nice. Having experienced the pile of sawdust accumulating in front of the blade on a cheaper machine, and not being able to see the line, the air blowing feature is especially appreciated.
The oscillating, random orbit blade movement, is adjustable also. You can go from a straight up and down cut, to an ever increasing oscillating cut. Makes for a quicker cleaner passage without binding.

Variable speed control knob is nice also, as is the carrying case.

I'm excited about having this Bosch Jig Saw, and after only taking a few cuts, I can tell I love it already.
I did immediately take out a square and check the accuracy of the cut, and it was dead on. Not close, but perfectly square top to bottom of cut. If it wasn't, what would I want it for?
With the blade change system being so incredibly accurate and simple, I didn't expect anything less.
My concern was over what the others were experiencing with the aluminum shoe plate and quick change blade models. GET THE 1581AVS WHILE THEY ARE STILL AVAILABLE.

Like I said earlier, I do not want to appear preposterous, and condemn an entire line of newer design Bosch Jig Saws, but I do know this. The 1581AVS is one beautiful piece of accurate equipment.

The remote guard lift lever can be used one handed. This is useful for cutting blocking at extreem angles without clamping as well as "ladder stunts". The bevel adjustment is smooth and accurate. As on most sidewinders, there is a screw for fine tuning the square cut. Unlike most sidewinders, There are matching guide marks for square and 45 deg. bevels on the rear of the foot plate. Great for accurate plunge cuts. Indispensable for 45 deg. plunge cuts. It will bevel to almost 55 deg. without lifting the foot plate. The left side of the blade is exactly 5" from the left edge of the foot, in case you want to use a sheet of plywood for a rip fense and you don't like fractions. As sidewinders go, it's an excellent tool. Maybe Bosch could make a blade left model for right handers.

I bought this saw 8 years ago when it was sold as a SKIL. It's exactly the same saw, but now under BOSCH name. It's got 50 degrees bevel, aluminum plate shoe, a powerful motor, solid adjustments, a good cord and all that, but the features that make it irreplacable for me are: The SIGHT LINE: you can really see the blade well from the left side of the guard. There's a clear sightline there. Neither the Makita, the Dewalt or the hot new Milwaukee have this clear view from the left. This means I can cut from any position and get accuracy. If I can't see the blade, nothing else matters!

-Auxillary Blade lift on left side of guard. This second lift lever allows me to lift the guard without putting my hand near the blade. The regular lever is good as well.

-Blade wrench on board. Sounds trivial, but every time I change the blade, I'm glad it's there. It's like the utility of tooless chucks etc. Convenience = flow.

Now for the minor complaints. Wish I had the electric brake model. The shoe is good, but could be a little thicker for those occasional falls. The blade guard catches on the wood more often than it should, neccesitating the handy lift lever more. And I suppose that having the handle raise up on shallow cuts (like most saws) could be improved, although I usually keep the blade set at full depth. Dewalt and Milwaukee HAVE got that one solved with their special features, to be sure.

This saw is light, strong, has held up well for years and yet with it's great sightlines allows for precision work. I never want to use anyone else's saw on a site and I'm not sure I would trade it even for that hot new Milwaukee! An excellent pro saw.

I have had this saw for over one year and have used it for cutting up to 3/4" plywood, including cabinet grade oak and birch plywoods. It has proven to be very durable and reliable in the short time that I have owned it. The handle is very comfortable and while it is heavier than most Makita's, it has not put strain on my arms because of the ergonomics. I,ve checked for accuaracy, blade run-out and sqaureness of the blade to the shoe and am very impressed by its precision every time I have a job to do.

This saw is a great addition to any carpenter's or handyman's tool kit. I use mine all the time when I don't have access to power or I don't feel like lugging out the extension cord and saw. Most of the time I use it for cutting down trim and 2 Xs to rough length for easier handling. The cut depth and bevel adjustments are easy to use and accurate. There's plenty of power and the blade is razor sharp! There's a dust port for using with a vac or dust collection system. Overall this is a great saw but a bit pricey, so I suggest that you buy the combo kit with the jig saw, sawzall, and drill. I have the set and use all 4 tools all the time, they are all great! You can't go wrong with Bosch when it comes to cordless tools.

The quality of design and materials is evident throught this saw. Mine came looking like new. It has lots of power, but is heavier than the sidewinder saws. It works great. Glad I bought it, which is more than I can say for some of the other brands, Hitachi especially.

I was curious about this tool and eventually bought one, although my previous experience with Bosch 24v batteries was less than positive. I am happy I bought this tool.

The saw is only smaller in general size than a typical corded 7.5" and feels like one. It is much bigger than the 4.5" cordless circular saws I have used before. I really like those alot, but this seems to me a much better substitute for a 7.5" corded. I have used mine exclusively cutting 3/4" MDF and 1x poplar in jig-guided applications and it has never shown any lack of power whatsoever. The blade (I upgraded to a Freud with more teeth) is slightly thinner than the typical 1/8", just over a 1/16th" and it cuts like a laser. That and the extremely responsive brake, as well as a great shoe, make using this tool seem so much more sophisticated than using your usual circular saw.

The whole fit / finish of this saw is very refined and it seems that a lot of time and careful attention went into the design and construction of this tool. I have noticed many reconditioned ones on tool crib and in other places so I don't know if they are generally lemons and I just happened to luck out and get a great one. The wormdrive corded Bosch with the quick-connect looks like it might be a good joice as well--but I am extremely pleased with this tool and would replace it with another if need be.

Until last week I didn't even know that this was available.

My newest boss has one and I've used it on and off all week. It is so handy to not have to rool out 100' of cord just to cut one 2x4, and it had the power to do it over and over.

Highly recommended!