Bosch 1590EVSK 6.4 Amp Top Handle Jigsaw

But here comes Bosch's 1590, and it elevates the outcast jigsaw to the most-wanted list.

The first thing we liked about this saw is its heft; it's beefy, solid and made with that famous Swiss quality. You wrap your hand around the soft, substantial grip, squeeze the ample trigger and the soft-start whirs gently; with hardly any effort from you, the blade slices through whatever's ahead of it. Perhaps because it's heavier than most jigsaws, there's practically zero vibration, giving you a delightfully smooth, no-buzz experience, something pretty much unheard of in your average jigsaw.

Another nice feature is the speed mechanism: Set your maximum speed on the trigger dial, then control your speed up to that max by squeezing the trigger. On long cuts, you can lock the trigger on, too, and the blower actually does keep your cutline clear.

If that's all this saw had going for it, that would be enough for us. But coolest of all is the blade-change system that literally ejects the blade in a split second, takes the new one and gets you right back to your cutting - all tool-free. Amazing.

If you've relegated the jigsaw to the bottom of your toolbox, you owe it to yourself to give this one a chance. We think it's fantastic. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What's in the Box
Precision wood blade, progressor wood blade, tight kerf blade, zero-clearance insert, non-marring footplate, carrying case

This saw is rather heavy for a jigsaw but the weight helps to absorb any vibration. The price and weight are both high but if you want a smooth and powerful jigsaw take a look at this one.


Great Jig Saw   July 24, 2004
scooterdude (Cornell, WI USA)
34 out of 34 found this review helpful

I am a carpenter and have tried many different jig saws before i purchased this one. (red, yellow, and gray to name a few) They either cut crooked, lacked power, or scratched the work surface with the bottom shoe.

In my opinion this is the best jig saw for the price. It easily compares to $300 models. I was a little skeptical of the precision control blade system guarnteeing absolute precision but was not disappointed. It's true to the line - every time. The dust blower actually works to keep debris from the cutting path and the removable overshoe protects the workpiece from scratches.It has plenty of power and maintains the speed you set it at. The extra long cord is nice too. Don't always need to get out an extension cord.

As far as the unit getting hot - I have run mine for 1 1/2 hrs almost constantly through hard maple and have never had a problem. This saw has it all!!!


Fatal flaw if you want good results...   March 16, 2006
KL
31 out of 45 found this review helpful

If you need square cuts then don't buy this tool. I bought it and started using it thinking it was a fine tool. That was until I noticed that the cuts were all skewed to the left. Almost 1/8" in 1-1/2" thick material. I looked for an adjustment to compensate and there is none so I returned the tool to Bosch who gave me another. We all thought the base plate was defective on that one, however the replacement had the same issue. After a lot of time with it, I noticed that when the guides are locked on the blade, they pull it left towards the locking button.

At the Bosch service center they tried another and it had the same issue. Of course they tried every excuse from "what's the big deal" to "it's the (bosch brand) blades" to shaking they're head at me, but when I asked why pay for a Bosch when I can get out-of-square cuts from a $39.00 jig saw, they shut up.

If you need to do good work, this aint the saw. Everything else was really great, but I ultimately bought it for good cuts. Maybe someday their engineering will realize that the locking mechanism is flawed. Maybe not.

My real rating is a zero.


HOT not warm   April 23, 2004
29 out of 37 found this review helpful

I bought this saw this morning and immediatly put it to use cutting pieces out of 3/4' maple stock ply. This is the first jig saw I've owned and decided on the purchase based on the reviews of their other models.
The saw worked fine. Blade was simple to install and the quick release worked like a charm allowing me to drop a hot blade without touching it. The new lateral support feature worked really well too. I could notice a difference when using it - less blade flex
The problem I had was that the front of the saw got incredibly hot to the touch. I hold the saw with one hand cupped around the front for added control and after about 15 minutes I could no longer do this. It was far too hot. I could have worn gloves, but that would detract from the 'feel'.
Bosch states in the instructions that when the saw warms up one should run it for a few minutes at the fastest setting to allow the motor fan to cool it. Well, I was using the fastest setting the whole time. There are some cooling fins cut on the side of the saw in this area but they are really too small to do any good.
I returned the saw because the heat was simply not something I could live with at this price.

5-10-04 update:
I've since purchased the 1584AVSK and have found a keeper. It just fits my control style much better. I see that the other reviews of the 1590 haven't noticed it heating up making me think I had a faulty one. In any case, the power of these saws is amazing and the Bosch reputation seems accurate.