Essentially, BOSCH was the innovator of jig saws and they still lead the way. I have owned Craftsman and DeWalt's and used the Hitachi's ( which I thought may be comparable, because they look similar, except for the color, and they utilize the same blade mount ) . . . no comparison. The BOSCH is by far the best. Its variable speed is accurate and makes an appreciable difference if you actually apply the correct speed ( as we're supposed to ) to what you're cutting. Both the top handle and barrel grip are irreplacable, anytime anyone has used mine, they get them too !

I bought this saw at a woodworking show a couple years ago and have been thrilled with its performance ever since. I previously owned an inexpensive Black and Decker which had poor balance, a top handle, and tended to vibrate terribly. I have also used DeWalt and Milwaukee jigsaws, and I still maintain that Bosch is the best. I happen to prefer the barrel grip. With this saw I can make super smooth, nearly tear-out free cuts in almost any material as long as I use the proper blade and blade speed. The sheer lack of vibration alone makes this saw worth its weight in gold when you are trying to make an intricate cut in thin material!!! I highly recommend this product.

The Bosch Barrel grip jig saw is the only jig saw I will ever own. Mine is now almost 10 years old and still ticking, even after professional use (and abuse) on a regular basis. Having a barrel grip instead of a top handle is a distinct advantage on a number of occasions, making it much more well balanced in the hand on complicated cuts. Being able to control this saw better even allows me to make perfectly clean cuts when coping large crowns. This is the saw I presently use and whenever this one finally wears out, I will buy another.

This saw is awesome! I have been using a borrowed, older Crafstman jigsaw from my dad for years and decided it was time to get my own. For everyone who thinks you cannot get a smooth straight cut with a jigsaw, they should buy this Bosch. I installed 1000 sq. feet of hardwood laminate flooring in my new house using the Craftsman. I had to use my table saw with a taper jig on some of the long tapered cuts because of lack of control and the tear-out that occured with the Craftsman. I just finished helping a friend with his laminate hardwood flooring and used this jigsaw exclusively!!! No tearout even with out the plastic insert, and the control you get from the barrel grip lets you follow lines like a straightedge!!! After using the Bosch blades I will never complain about the extra money you pay for them it is well worth it. Great saw, no complaints, save your money for this one its well worth its price tag!!!

So nice to use a fine tool ,like the Bosch. Barrel grip is easier to use in my opinion, easy swap from hand to hand when scrolling. Much better visibility without the clunky handle in the way, and has better clearance in tight areas. Base locks to 90 degrees with unique pin wedge, and slides back for flush cutting. No chance of slipping out of square. Uses unique T lock blades. Bosch blades are the best I have ever used, and are more than worthy of their extra cost. Buy the 30 blade asst. [....] Metal cutting blades are unsurpassed. Blade changes are really quick and very easy. You'll never be sorry!!

The saw is not one of the best. It is the best. It cuts through 2x4's 2x6's as easily as does a circular saw, but leaves a much smoother finish. I like the closer control from the barrel grip. Blade changing is simple (no tools) and it holds the blade tight. My previous saws (PC and Makita) never wore out blades, just broke them. With the Bosch, you have to occasionally change blades because they finally wear out. My four year old Porter Cable saw is still in perfect condition and I have not used it since receiving the Bosch as a gift. pBefore buying a different saw, find someone with a Bosch and borrow it (if they'll lend it) and try it on some 2" boards. You'll see it cuts like a knife through hot butter.

I have a Bosch Top Handle Jig-saw. I believe it is clearly the best jig saw made. I could go on for hours, like I did in my earlier review, but their is one thing I wanted to mention here. Although I love my top handle, if I was going to do it over again, I would buy the barrel grip. Why? Because the mechanics of steering a perfectly straight course, are easier to do with your hand around the body rather than perched on top of it. The barrel grip enables you to do one handed cutting with more stability. I am talking on a very fine level. I noticed Norm Abrams on the New Yankee Workshop uses the barrel grip as well. brPlease don't misunderstand me, I am not talking about the top handle model dancing around or anything like that. I am spoiled by Bosch's accuracy, and sometimes use the jig saw to make critical straight cuts using an edge guide. With a fine tooth blade, it leaves an edge so smooth, I just go over it lightly with a little sandpaper when I am done and it looks like a finish edge. brSo what to do? When I am using the top handle saw with a single hand, I modify my grip by grabbing it around the body, instead of using the top handle. By doing it that way, you get more of the barrel grip control, even though the rear part of the top handle gets in the way. brThis steering control that I am mentioning is not a major item. I am not going to pick up a barrel grip instead and consider selling mine. I just would prefer the barrel grip for that fine level of single handed control. Both are magnificent saws. brQuite simply put, the ergonomics-mechanics of the barrel grip contribute to the capability of creating an incredibly smooth and accurate cut that these Bosch Jig Saws are capable of producing. I'm being super critical here, the amount of wiggle produced is very fine, much more so than most people would care to think about. If you need to make a perfect cut, and want to do so closer to the line, and spend less time at the orbital sanding station, the barrel grip is the way to go. brThe other thing worth mentioning is that if you have the work secured with a clamp, and can get both hands on the top grip, you can cut a perfect line with great control also. If you already own the top handle as I do, try cutting with it by grabbing the barrel instead and you will see what I mean.brAfter using cheapie jig saws for years, picking up the Bosch and using it for the first time, you wonder how you ever got along without it. Highly recommend for both models, I just recommend the barrel grip a tiny bit more.

I really like this model. It runs smooth and cuts true. With the clear plastic foot accessory it made a very clean cut. I like the balance of the unit. I did find the accessory allen wrench "keeper" at the base of the saw's power cord to get hung up alot. This would disturb your path when making a cut now and then. Rotating the "keeper" 180 degrees would get it off the bench top and out of the way. Other than that, I found this saw to be everything I needed in a quality jig saw and more.

This Bosch barrel-grip jig saw is a great tool. The barrel grip gives you a good feel and good control. The saw is powerful enough for remodeling work, but it excels at finer work such as cabinetry and woodworking. I highly recommend it.

I just got the jig saw and right away was impressed with how well it cut. I've always had the cheap jig saws...since for a jig saw you only need a machine that moves the blade up and down right?....WRONG! You need a blade guide that stabalizes the cutting edge, you need a powerfull machine behind it to provide a consistant speed stroke, you need a balanced machine to avoid fatique and not have the machine vibrate. Also, the Bosch blades cut like butter thru the wood. I was able to make repetative 1/8th cuts in pine without the blade wandering and I was holding the wood on the bench only with my hand..hardly any vibration.

Bought the Bosch 1584AVSK from Amazon, mostly based on reviews seen here. I must agree with all the very positive comments on it here--this is not like those junky old Craftsman and Skil saws all of us remember from the old days! Like everyone says, the barrel grip really gives you fine control, and there is plenty of power with very low vibration. NOTE: I recently discovered that to get the neatest and most accurate cuts when cutting 3/4" materials and larger, make sure to use the Bosch PROGRESSOR T234X3 blades--these are longer and thicker than regular blades, and they virtually eliminate any waviness in your cuts. If you are careful and use a fence, you can get rip cuts with the Bosch and this blade on plywood and MDF that match those of a circular saw and fence. This is a very sweet tool, and has now become my go-to tool for most projects. Highly recommended!

Whether ripping straight lines through plywood or making intricate scroll cuts, this jigsaw performs flawlessly. The quality is apparent just by holding it your hand- it's one of those tools that will probably outlive it's owner... Knocking it because of the country of origin is a philosophical/political argument and says nothing about the actual quality of the tool. Bosch's industry best 3 year warranty and the positive comments from people who have actually used it speaks volumes though.

I wasn't even in the market for a new jigsaw - my old Craftsman worked fine for me. Sure it vibrated a little, and sure it was a bit slow cutting and hard to control the speed, and sure the cut would waver a little from top to bottom, but it generally got the job done. Then Bosch came out with the rebate and it got me thinking. I had always had been intrigued with the barrel grip design, and I did think I needed more power, so that incentive was enough to push me over the edge and upgrade.p I haven't been disappointed. What impressed me first was the smoothness of operation. I had always assumed a reciprocating tool like a jigsaw had to be rough because of the nature of the operation. Somehow Bosch has practically eliminated the vibration in this tool. Then of course, there is the power of the motor that just keeps on chugging at the whatever speed you select. I haven't yet tested it on really tricky curves, but so far that blade support system has worked wonderfully, keeping the blade going straight down and where you point it.p The barrel-grip vs. the handle-grip is a matter of personal preference, of course, but so far I have enjoyed the b-g design. It seems more versatile for tight spaces, plus your hand has more leverage down close to the action. Unlike a trigger switch, where you just let go, you do have to remember to shut it off when you get to the end of your cut, but that should come with experience.p Overall, I am quite happly with my purchase. I can't speak for durability, of course, since I just got it, but it looks rugged enough. One thing I know for sure is that I will be having more fun cutting holes from now on!

I've used this jig saw many times, and I would recommend it to anyone from a hobbyist to the most experienced contractor. The barrel grip gives the operator the utmost of control (more so than the top handle model). The blade change is a snap and through vigorous use shows no sign of blade slippage. The variable speed control allows you to cut through a variety of materials without putting too much of a strain on the motor causing it to prematurely wear out. This is by far the best jig saw I've ever used or owned.

I am trilled with this saws performance. I previously owned other jigsaws, without going into all of the cons of the other brands, I just have to say, hands down Bosch is the Best!! pI prefer the barrel grip because you get closer control. This saw is a dream, it's simple to operate, easy to hold, the lack of vibration is a dream come true. It's just awesome! If you want smooth straight cuts with a jigsaw, buy this tool!!! The extra money you pay for the Bosch blades is worth every penny. pGreat saw, Bosch craftmanship is superior, no problems what so ever changing blades, no complaints. I highly recommend this product.

I have NEVER used a first class jigsaw before. I HAVE used a multitude of Black Decker, Skil, etc... I finally bit the bullet and forked over $$ for the Bosch. I am so glad I did.pFor starters: It's got power, GOBS of it. It cuts through 2" stock without hesitation. I haven't yet figured out when to use which orbital setting....it seems to slice equally well without regard to the setting I have it on. The blower is handy if you wanna see where you are cutting, the barrel grip takes a lil getting used to, but it is far better than the standard top grip of the competition.pClearly a first class tool! Spend the money...it's worth it!

I'm sure there are jigsaws out there that are just as good as this one, but I don't think that any are better. The barrel grip really aids in doing fine work. Dust is blown away easily. Just humms through wood. Some comments have been made about the awkward blade change: I can't for the life of me figure out why this is difficult to perform. I found it very intuitive and straightforward to change blades. Bought the 30 piece Bosch blade set--excellent value. If you read my other reviews you will see that I own a number of Bosch tools. They are consistently excellent. Would buy this one again.

This is the smoothest jig saw I have ever used. The motor has no equal. I've used several other top brands, but none compares to the power or agility of this unit. Very easy to control even with dense materials.

This is just an absolutely fine product. The difference between this and cheaper jig saws is like night and day. Be sure to get an assortment of metal, wood and specialty blades and this saw will do just about anything.

This saw is a dream, it goes through wood like a butter knife through hot butter. It's simple to operate and easy to hold while cutting out shapes and angles. I used it recently to cut some metal bars and was amazed at how easily it chewed through the metal leaving a nice fine cut you could have never gotten with a hack saw. I'm not a professional and I don't use this was all the time. I'm a regular family handyman who gets ideas from reading woodworking books and magazines. And I don't know how I managed to get along without this saw now that I have one. If you're a weekend do it yourselfer like me, this saw is like owning a BMW instead of a scooter. Do yourself a favor and buy this saw. You won't regret it.

Cuts through materials of all types (with the right blade). Extremely easy to control due to the comfortable barrel grip. Blade change is quick and almost effortless. Dust blower is effective but requires the use of wrap-around eye protection. I do seem to have trouble keeping my cuts perfectly square but this is the plight of every jig saw user (small shoe, difficult to keep flat on cutting surface). Overall, I am very happy.

Like a lot of buyers, I chose the Bosch barrel grip over standard grip for better cutting control and it works great. I had a lot of trouble deciding between the newer Model 1591 and the older, but still excellent, Model 1584. I liked the idea of the simpler, 2nd-generation tool-less change of 1591 and the tool-less base plate angle setting.
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br /What made me decide on the 1584 (besides the better price) was that the 1590/1591 is no longer compatible with the Bosch jigsaw rail guide accessories (Bosch 2602317031 Guide Rail, 2607001082 Guide Rail Adapter, 1607960008 Guide Rail Clamps and - 1602319003 Guide Rail Connector). These are really nice for cutting doors and trimming off long straight sections of wood w/o taking out your table saw (and a second person to help). This nice accessory no longer work with the 1590/1591 and Bosch doesn't seem to be offering any alternative for their newer saws.
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br /FYI, the older 1st generation tool-less blade removal took a bit of practice after reading the manual but now is really pretty quick and easy. It just might make loaning the tool out to some else a bit more difficult since you'll definitely want to show them how this is done.
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Feels like a dream in your hand, cuts like a champ..If you can spend a little extra buy this saw, it's well worth it for the handling..

I really like this saw a lot. I use it for ruff work and for finer trim work. It works very well in all aplications. I like the orbital action and the different settings on that and I also like the variable speed control. I like the barrel grip alot because it makes you feel more attached to the saw so you would have beter control. I like this jig saw a lot

I bought this saw and have used it a lot in refurbishing an old house. It is a powerful and excellent saw and it cuts exceptionally true even through very thick stock. The only problem some people might have with it is that it is quite large and heavy. I have large hands so this is not a serious problem but thank God I did not buy the even larger Bosch model which is REALLY huge! Also, changing blades is a pain if you do not do it all the time since the procedure is overly complicated. No wonder they put it on the barrel of the saw!

This is a very, very nice tool. Much quieter than I expected. Very good dust control. The blade changing mechanism "is to die for"! The saw handles well and has all the necessary adjustments for good performance! The barrel grip works well for me but I have a neighbor who has used mine and his, with the handle, and he likes the handle style better. I am really impressed with the Bosch brand and based on this experience I also bought a Bosch battery drill which has the nicest clutch I have every used, but that's another review. The jig saw has been used on a number of projects which involved cutting dense plastic, thin aluminum, and real hardwood (teak). With the correct blade, very easy to switch, it cuts very quickly, a low noise levels and comfortable for the hand. Overall I would buy it again, in a heart beat! You must use the Bosch style blades that seems a limit but they work well.
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This saw is great, I've never been able to make a jig saw follow a line until now. I never realized how much a sturdy, heavy saw would help. My only complaint is that the removing and replacing the t-shank blade is a bit awkward, but I suppose they designed it the way they did to so the body of the saw won't stick out too far past the blade when you move the foot back.

I just recently tried out my 1584AVSK and it blows all other jig saws away. It mows through wood like a hot knife through butter!!It is a well balanced machine and the barrelgrip is alot better than the top handle because of better control. If you are thinking about jigsaw think BOSCH first.

This is the second barrel grip jigsaw I've owned by Bosch. I really like this style. I was surprised to still be able to find these available. I can remember using these back in the 90's and on the job we didn't want to touch another jig. In fact my friend cared for this tool like it was a child always boxing it up when finished. On a construction site most tools just get plopped in the tool box.
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br /I was always surprised no one else really copied this style. I think Makita makes a similar design but apples to apples they don't compare in my opinion. I seem to remember the Makita being much heavier and expensive. Bosch really did right when they designed these. My old one still worked fine,..the only thing I had done on it was the old on the job cord replacement. That's when you chop an extension cord and give your tool a new lease on life the fast way.
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br /The only jig currently on the market for me!

I have to admit I was shocked how much easier it was to control this saw with the barrel grip. There is only one thing I would change, although minor, it would be nice if the variable speed control was located on the front of the saw. Overall I would highly recommend this product to both the weekend warrior and the profesional contactor / master carpenter. You will not be dissapointed.

I previously had a small, low cost BD jigsaw. I decided it was time I switch to something more stable, more powerful. And this one does that and much more! It feels so stable with no blade deflection, you can make clean cuts even on the top face and with a coarse blade. Of course you will get better results with more precautions, but that shows the difference in quality. This is definitely one of my top tools.

I have used many jigsaws, and this is the best one this far
br /It has very little vibration. The barrel grip gives me excellent control. Bosch has a good selection of blades, including fine toothed blades and narrow blades which are good for cutting tight curves (e.g. when coping moldings) Overall very happy with this one.

I first bought a DeWalt, and it was horrible -- tons of blade deflection, slow cutting, etc. Someone recommended the Bosch, and it was like night and day. This is the Cadillac of jigsaws! I've owned the top handle version for six years now, and I'm about to add the barrel grip to my collection.
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br /To the reviewer who was shocked to discover that this "supposedly quality tool" was made in China (which has long been known as the PRC): did you really give this excellent tool one star simply due to its origin? My goodness, I'm going to love explaining this to my friends here in China...

Let me save you time and money--I've researched all the jig saws out there and this is yet another solid, well designed/built tool from Bosch. No need to search any more-this is the one!!pMy advise: BUY IT!! you will love it.

This is yet another solid, well designed/built tool from Bosch. The 1584AVSK is an extremely well balanced jigsaw that is easy to control and produces accurate and professional results (even if you are not a professional). The major appeal for me is the blade changing mechanism and the substantial power, which allows good performance when used on thick hardwoods. Although it is on the high-end from a cost standpoint it is worth the investment. From routers to drills I've had only the best of luck with the Bosch line-up.

GREAT Saw, can be used in lieu of a circular saw and can cut through anything ! But the blades take practice changing !
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br /The secret is the blades and Bosch now makes the blades available for different manufacturer jig and saber saws.
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br /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.
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br /The variable speed trigger is smooth so you can use this saw for fine craft work too.
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br /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.
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br /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.

I have been in the carpentry field for over 30 years, this is the best jig saw I have ever used.

Bought this for coping crown molding with the collins coping foot. It's nice. The only thing for me, because I am using this upside down to cut the molding, is that the metal housing gets a little hot when I've got it cutting for a while. Not a bad thing because I am holding it in a way not directly the way it was designed for use.
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Bosch is the standard by which all other jig saw makers judge themselves. This in itself pretty much says it all. Once you use this tool, you will understand what that means.
br /I prefer the barrel grip b/c it is easier for me to control. However, the handle model has all the same features, just a different grip configuration, so the choice is purely a personal one.
br /This saw cuts through almost anything like butter. There is very little vibration. These features pair up to make your control over the tool excellent, and that is what you get a jig saw for!
br /Changing blades is quick and easy. Changing the base angle is a snap.
br /If you are looking for a jig saw you are going to have for a long time, then this is the tool to get.

This is a nicely designed instrument. The barrel grip is really comfortable. The blade change system is pretty easy once you figure out the subtle motions needed to insert/remove the blade. This jigsaw cuts really nicely. So far, I've only used it to cut straight rip/cross cuts and it does the job nicely. One feature that would have been nice is a trigger on/off button for the times when you might need to switch it on/off frequently. The other Bosch jigsaw (with the handle grip) has the trigger feature. This jigsaw also comes with a nice carrying case. When I bought this I also received a set of 10 or so blades which allows you to cut, metal, wood, and plastic. I read a lot of reviews before deciding on this jigsaw, and I can see why so many people rave about it.

The product is brand spanking new and arrived right on time.

I almost bought this at Amazon but then saw it at Home Depot for ten dollars less. I still can't believe it, Home Depot?brOh yeah, and it is very potent, even at low rpms it cuts very smoothly and accurately.

I bought this saw 6 months ago based on the previous reviews, but haven't used it until recently. This is my first jig saw, but I know a good product when I see it. It cut through wood like butter. Easy to handle, but powerful. Bosch craftmanship is superb. I had no problems changing blades. What more could you ask for?

This is the best jigsaw I've ever used. Don't even bother looking any further. Just buy this one.

I used this for a few weeks and had the same problems with the bits. Not a big deal but a bother. Returned it when I found out that a new barrel style model was availabe with integrated dust collection and the new bit system (which I never order - see below). I will say however that for the short time i had it I was impressed by everything but the bit change system and the way it blew sawdust up in my face, but it will cut almost anything super fast and easy. This thing cuts 3/4 inch plywood as fast as a circular saw. People interested in a Bosch jigsaw should also check out Bosch's cordless combo kits. For about five hundred dollars one gets a jigsaw, circular saw, reciprocating saw, impact drill, a light, and (depending where you order it) a planer. All the individual tools got great reviews. Now I know that someone who needs all day use of these tools may need to go corded, but for me (Do-it-yourselfer/woodworker) the convience of cordless is great and the cordless tools work great for moderate use. Just got my combo kit and I could not be happier. The same tools individually would cost over eleven hundred dollars.

I was disappointed to purchase this saw and later discover it was made in China. Bosch glosses over this by identifying the country of origin as "PRC". Why pay a premium for a supposedly quality tool only to discover it was made in a Chinese sweatshop?

I have used portable jigsaws and sabersaws for most of my forty years as a general contractor. Last year my Bosch barrel handled jig saw of some 15 years service was stolen, along with $1500 worth of other tools, from my truck toolbox. I tried other jigsaws and also the Bosch D handle jigsaw but was very dissapointed with their performances. I was reluctant to spend the extra money on another Bosch barrel handled jigsaw at first, but I am very happy to have popped the extra few dollars for the control the Bosch jigsaw gives me. In addition, the tool-less blade change that was missing on my old Bosch jigsaw makes the purchase of the new one even more satisfying.
br /Kudos to Bosch on a great tool for anyone who is using a jigsaw for any task requiring the extra control the barrel handle gives the user.

Where is the savings? Pay a premium for an item made in China at a huge discount. That sounds like a good deal (no jobs left and no savings - sign me up for that program). I will return this "discounted" item asap; or better yet, use it as a hammer.
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br / My quest begins for tools made in this country - such as Milwaukee orbital sawzall: good price, excellent tool, would have paid much more. I do not care if a tool(made here) costs three times as much as one made in China and I have to spend three weeks locating it! Tell that to your economics professor.
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I used the bosch with the handle grip before this one and it always scared me. This one has just been so so. Feels like quality but I have had numerous problems. Basically you can only rely on this saw for one thing, making ragged cuts in soft wood. Dont get me wrong, sometimes thats exactly what you need. Some times it will cut straight too but you dont really know till you start because you cant tell if the blade is dull by looking at it unless its very dull. pI was cutting 1.5 inch oak and the blade would follow the grain not the direction I pointed it. Then after cutting this one peice of oak my blade was dull but I hadnt realized it(or even thought that would happen after one peice of wood) untill I started cutting some plywood. The blade goes wherever the dull side of the blade is. Then trying to cut fiberglass with the fiberglass blade the blade broke instantly on contact with the glass. Then I tried to cut a hole for a electrical socket in my wall and the blade hit something in the back of the wall and the whole mechanism shot out the top. Springs and plastic everywhere. Now maybe I am too hard on the saw but really the saw is just only good for a few things. This is a fringe tool for people with expendable income.pIm not faulting bosch because the thing seems very solid, it just happens that it doesnt do many things. If I had my money back I would by a sawzall, a good vice and a table jigsaw and just borrow someone elses sabersaw if I had to.