Bosch - Top-handle Jig Saw

Love the ease of loading the Saw blades and the eject system. I've owned cheaper jigsaws, and this one cuts smooth and does not jump off the work piece as much. The base is substantial and not just a flimsier thin plate of metal. The only drawback is that it is heavy, which is probably why it stays planted on the piece better.

Prefer this top handle model over the barrel model. Bought both models to try out. Prefer the vari-speed trigger control on the D handle, very user friendly.Barrel type has vari- speed on a dial that is hard toaccess when sawing. Very happy with the smooth power & control of top handle jigsaw by Bosch. Cuts were excellent. Highly recommend.

Bosch quality continues

I recently bought this jigsaw to update my original, which was a Bosch as well that was purchased in 1998 and was still working fine. Out of the various wood tools I kept when closing my furniture business in 2001, that original jigsaw is the one I used the most often, and for many types of work, metal, cutting thick hardwood, ply, you name it. The only issues I had with it were the table was tough to get 100 percent square, and the dust blower quit working some years ago. Other than that it has been perfectly reliable, and the smoothest jigsaw out of any I've ever used, having tried all the top brand's products over the years as potential replacements. Virtually no vibration. So it was a no-brainer to get a new Bosch. The only issues I find with the new one are I ... MoreI recently bought this jigsaw to update my original, which was a Bosch as well that was purchased in 1998 and was still working fine. Out of the various wood tools I kept when closing my furniture business in 2001, that original jigsaw is the one I used the most often, and for many types of work, metal, cutting thick hardwood, ply, you name it. The only issues I had with it were the table was tough to get 100 percent square, and the dust blower quit working some years ago. Other than that it has been perfectly reliable, and the smoothest jigsaw out of any I've ever used, having tried all the top brand's products over the years as potential replacements. Virtually no vibration. So it was a no-brainer to get a new Bosch. The only issues I find with the new one are I am not sure about the new blade retention system. While it's very easy, although the original's top-mounted rotating "click" setup was fine, it seems like putting the setup right where it takes the most abuse might lead to premature failure. Time will tell. In addition, it's a bit less smooth than my original, not a big amount, and it might be due to having a stronger motor. Cord is longer which is welcome, weight is about the same and the table seems very rugged and should remain level. I've already used it for some tricky cutting and it's performed perfectly, the extra strength of the motor helps keep it under control, less kickback. I'd recommend it (and other Bosch products, of which I have a few) to anyone.

I am a DIYer, not a pro, but this seems like a professional quality tool to me. I've only had it...

I am a DIYer, not a pro, but this seems like a professional quality tool to me. I've only had it a short while, but I did a lot of test cuts on 2x4s, figuring if it does that well then 3/4" stock is no problem at all. I was very pleased. The orbital settings really blast through the wood. The regular (non-orbital) position cuts a little more slowly but is still plenty fast. I like that it blows dust out a side port so you can always see the line you are following. The blade stayed vertical and did not seem to bend at all. I was also impressed that you can tip the saw forward on its base and make a pocket cut right into the wood without needing to drill a hole first -- even with the 2x4. It's a good saw. I can easily recommend it.

I made the choice between the Bosch top handle versus...

I made the choice between the Bosch top handle versus the barrel grip version and I am happy with my choice. Although the hand position is further away from your work, which could impact fine control, I learned that this version has 2 features that the barrel version does not have. (variable control finger trigger and the lock-toggle). For me the variable speed finger trigger makes a massive difference in choosing this version versus the barrel grip. I do not have both items in my hand to compare but it appears as though the barrel grip version picture is labeled wrong on the website. The 4 position orbital switch is mislabeled as the variable speed dial, which is actually on the tail end of the handle. The bosch website is labeled correctly. So if you want control ... MoreI made the choice between the Bosch top handle versus the barrel grip version and I am happy with my choice. Although the hand position is further away from your work, which could impact fine control, I learned that this version has 2 features that the barrel version does not have. (variable control finger trigger and the lock-toggle). For me the variable speed finger trigger makes a massive difference in choosing this version versus the barrel grip. I do not have both items in my hand to compare but it appears as though the barrel grip version picture is labeled wrong on the website. The 4 position orbital switch is mislabeled as the variable speed dial, which is actually on the tail end of the handle. The bosch website is labeled correctly. So if you want control with a finger trigger and the lock-on feature I recommend the handle version. If you don’t want those features and want to be closer to your work get the awesome barrel grip. Cheers. \m/.

Junk compared to the old 1587 AVS model.

Anyone who has used the old Bosch 1587 AVS jigsaw will agree with me. This new model 470 is bulky and heavy. The cut line is difficult to see because the blade is set really far back and there is a blade guard in the way. Worst of all, the blade flexes from side to side way too much. Most of my cuts come out not level (top of wood is cut more than bottom of wood). It becomes more visible the thicker the wood is and especially when making curved cuts. Never had this problem with the old model.

Solid, super reliable saw

Our company runs at 6 Bosch jigsaws for field use so I already knew the quality of these tools. This Jigsaw will never let you down. It is sturdy, smooth and reliable. I do all our tool maintenance and have not had to repair a single one of our Bosch jigsaws, some of which have been in service for more than 10 years. You need a jigsaw and don't want to spend the money for a Festool Carvex; this is the only logical alternative and is less than half the price of the Festool.

The Bosch 470E jigsaw was likely designed and tested in a lab by men in white coats, and probably...

The Bosch 470E jigsaw was likely designed and tested in a lab by men in white coats, and probably never saw any action resembling real work. I fabricate objects for a living, and used a Bosch jig saw for more than 25 years. It finally got "tired" and needed replacement. It was sturdy. It was accurate. It was precise. It's worst feature was that it required sticking a long, skinny screwdriver down into a dark hole to engage the blade change mechanism. I made themistake of ignoring a lot of not-so-stellar reviews and now regret my purchase.A hand-held jig saw is probably used most frequently for quick cut-offs of unchallenging materials, and for making complicated precision or curved cuts in materials which can't be fed through something like a band saw. It's also ... MoreThe Bosch 470E jigsaw was likely designed and tested in a lab by men in white coats, and probably never saw any action resembling real work. I fabricate objects for a living, and used a Bosch jig saw for more than 25 years. It finally got "tired" and needed replacement. It was sturdy. It was accurate. It was precise. It's worst feature was that it required sticking a long, skinny screwdriver down into a dark hole to engage the blade change mechanism. I made themistake of ignoring a lot of not-so-stellar reviews and now regret my purchase.A hand-held jig saw is probably used most frequently for quick cut-offs of unchallenging materials, and for making complicated precision or curved cuts in materials which can't be fed through something like a band saw. It's also a tool which is purchased for home or hobby use because of it's versatility.While the 470E has a quality feel and a motor that feels strong enough to tackle just about anything, a couple of hours in the hands of a pro quickly reveals it's failings.Failing #1 cannot be overemphasized. It can NOT be used for precision cutting that requires accurate following of a cut line. IMO, the current model had a goal of allowing for easier blade change, to attract non-professional users. The mechanism they came up with pushes the blade itself back under the structure. You can now no longer see the blade working the cut line.Their solution was to add a plastic insert with guide marks that slides between the two sides of the shoe in front. But because the blade is approximately 35mm aft of this shoe, precise following of a curving cut line, which requires being able to see the blade, is no longer possible.The weight of the tool and it's fat handle causes my average-sized hand to tire quickly, and the sliding switch which locks the motor in the on position is so awkwardly positioned it makes you feel the need to involve the (usually occupied) other hand to activate it.I spent 20 minutes making intermittent straight cuts in 3mm composite Aluminum sheet, which I frequently use. After stopping I realized that the motor shell was so hot that I didn't dare wrap the cord around it until it had cooled. Is the motor already failing, or is this the norm? Can't say yet.I would only recommend this tool for occasional use and only for cutting straight lines. Forget it if you have small hands. Forget it if you are a pro. And don't waste your money on the upline model. Bosch really dropped the ball on this one.

This Dewalt saw that I purchased yesterday replaces my 30 year old Craftsman jig saw. It is like ...

This Dewalt saw that I purchased yesterday replaces my 30 year old Craftsman jig saw. It is like night and day. Powerful, easy blade changes, minimal vibration. It's easy to hold steady and control. Cuts are straight. The first job I used it for was to cut a hole in a hardwood floor and through the subfloor (total cutting depth 1-1/2 inches) to install an air return for a furnace. When I hit a mis-driven nail, I switch to a metal cutting blade and had no issue going through it.My only complaints are that the dust blower feature does not seem to work very well, and that the variable speed dial is integrated into the trigger instead of being a separate dial. The latter is a personal preference.The saw comes in a hard plastic case and includes an anti-splinter ... MoreThis Dewalt saw that I purchased yesterday replaces my 30 year old Craftsman jig saw. It is like night and day. Powerful, easy blade changes, minimal vibration. It's easy to hold steady and control. Cuts are straight. The first job I used it for was to cut a hole in a hardwood floor and through the subfloor (total cutting depth 1-1/2 inches) to install an air return for a furnace. When I hit a mis-driven nail, I switch to a metal cutting blade and had no issue going through it.My only complaints are that the dust blower feature does not seem to work very well, and that the variable speed dial is integrated into the trigger instead of being a separate dial. The latter is a personal preference.The saw comes in a hard plastic case and includes an anti-splinter attachment and instructions/warranty document. Included also is a no-mar slip-on cover for the foot, which is pre-installed. Nothing else comes in the kit.

Unsafe switch and crack in base

Tool is dangerous.- power switch does not function properly (the saw remains RUNNING even after I release the switch!). Don't know if this is a malfunction of the lock button, the speed control or what. All I can say I've never ever owned a power tool that remains running after turning off. The bevel lever functions poorly due to sloppy mechanism - the shoe easily swivels unless you are really careful. Now I've discovered cracks in the pot metal base of the unit itself, right above the shoe. Haven't used this tool very much, but YIKES! Disappointed.