Experience with Bosch Barrel Handle Jig Saw?

[Perry Marshall]

I'm looking to purchase a jig saw, and am considering the Bosch 1591EVSK Barrel Handle Jig Saw Kit. Has anyone had any experience with this saw, and if so what are your thoughts?

Thanks,
Perry

[Mark Singer]

Both the top handle and barrel handle are great!

[Jeff Sudmeier]

I don't have the barrel handle Bosch, but I do have the 18v cordless bosch. I have been very happy with the cuts that I have received from this saw. I would imagine that the corded model would be even better!

[Bobby Nicks]

I have a barrel grip Bosch. It's an earlier model than what you mention as I got it around 92 or 93. It has held up very well, has a lot of miles on it and it runs just as good today as it did in 93.

Bob

[RichMagnone]

I understand the current model has an improved blade holder / blade lock feature. Supposedly, on some of the older models (like mine), the blades could get out of whack (to use a term of art). Mine is ok, although I can't say that my use is heavy.

[John Hulett]

I took a woodworking course through the local community college last fall, and the instructor also keeps a job as a Bosch rep for most of the West Coast WW shows. According to him, Bosch leads the market when it comes to Jig Saws - "nobody makes a better jig saw than Bosch." Take that for what it's worth, but at the same time, he's been the first one to tell us to avoid other Bosch lines tools in lieu of better lines by other manufacturers.

I did get a chance to use the barrel grip Jig Saw in the shop once, and didn't relly notice a gigantic difference between the Bosch and the Craftsman I had at home. The difference between barrel grip or top handle comes down to personal preference.

[Pete Rosenbohm]

I have the top handle model it fits better and feels better in my hand, never had a barrel handle saw before but tried one and it seemed a lil too bulky.

[Mike Holbrook]

I have the 1587AVS, similar I think. It is a great saw. I broke the one side of the jig cradle the first time I used it, they were pretty delicate on my model. Be careful trying to plunge with it, they claim it can be done & it can. It will bust the blade and bounce off to New Jersey if you arn't careful though. Probably easier to just drill a hole. I was cutting out holes for light fixtures and receptacles with mine just the other day, works like a champ!

[Mark Singer]

I agree...they are both good, the top handle is easier to control
I have the top handle model it fits better and feels better in my hand, never had a barrel handle saw before but tried one and it seemed a lil too bulky.

[Richard Wolf]

I think the barrel grip is the way to go. I have used it for years and have always felt comfortable with it. I do have large hands and that maybe a consideration. I always felt the top grip was the homeowner model.

[JayStPeter]

I have the previous model. I think the Bosch is second only to the Festool. I also like barrel grip better as I feel there is more control around curves. But, it's user preference. The saw is extremely smooth and well balanced.

Jay

[Steve Clardy]

I've used my top handle for about five years now.
Tried a barrel grip several years ago in a furniture shop. Didn't like it. Guess I am used to mine. Use it for cabinet installs.

[Bob Smalser]

I much prefer the barrel grip because of the lower center of gravity and flexibility in holding it when working in odd spots from odd angles on boats.

Great saws....they do metal almost as fast as they do wood, too....that's 1/8" hardened marine brass plate:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/6490387/80883564.jpg

[Lee Schierer]

I have the barrel grip Bosch. I love it. Best jig saw I ever used. It is smooth and cuts extremely well. I use the progressor blades (U234X I think) The teeth look really agressive, but the cut can rival a table saw for smoothness in hardwood when used with zero oscillation. With maximum oscillation, you can cut off a 2 X 4 nearly as fast as a skill saw will.

My BIL bought a top handle Bosch which I used while at his house and it is just as smooth, but I like the barrel grip better.

[Peter Kuhlman]

I have both the barrel grip Bosch - earlier version and the barrel grip Festool - latest version and have played with the newest version of the Bosch. I much prefer the barrel grip to the top handle style but this is pure personal preference - I just like having my hand close to the item being cut as it seems I have better control. The Bosch is a great saw and can handle any job but the Festool is my preferred saw to use. The differences are relatively minor especially when comparing the latest Festool to the newest Bosch version. The Festool just feels more refined - smoother running, nicer ergonomics, slightly cleaner cut. If you own any Festool products you will understand what I mean.
Pete in Louisiana

[Hal Flynt]

I've been leaning towards the barrel grip for reasons mentioned above. At the WW Show in "Ice Atlanta" I visited the Bosch booth and inquired about the "new" barrel grip, but they didn't have one. The guy at the booth showed me why he liked the top grip. First was using the variable speed on the top grip was a one handed operation.it takes 2 on the barrel grip. Second by using the free hand thumb to act as a guide, he made some pretty incredible cuts.

BUT when he stabbed a running blade into a 4x4 and started cutting from that point and then back out, I dropped my jaw and stood there in disbelief. So he did it again about 4 times. Standard blade.

I have one on my wish list! Not sure which grip yet, but leaning more to top now than I was before.

[Joe Spear]

I second what Peter just wrote. I have both the Bosch and the Festool jigsaws, also. I have used a top-handle jigsaw and much prefer the barrel grip. I think some people with small hands have trouble with the barrel grip, but the only way to know is to try them both. If anybody is interested, I'd like to sell my Bosch.

[Bob Smalser]

The guy at the booth showed me why he liked the top grip. First was using the variable speed on the top grip was a one handed operation.it takes 2 on the barrel grip.


Not for me. I rarely use two hands...lotsa balance options with the barrel grip.

[JayStPeter]

Not for me. I rarely use two hands...lotsa balance options with the barrel grip.

Agreed. And, I often use my other thumb to guide it, just like the guy did with the top handle.

Jay

[aurelio alarcon]

I have two top handled Bosch's. And I love them! I got two when they were "buy one get another free" at Lowes! I keep one in one hand and the other in the other hand at the ready! Yeah man, that's the way I do it. Because I can. I don't need no stiking barrel grip! go 'head punk make my day! he...he...he. Just kidding. Bosch Jig saws rule. Everyone knows that. They invented the dern thing. Haven't you heard? All the stories you have read are true. Only the names have been changed to protect the guilty! er...innocent.

[Frank Pellow]

I have the barrel grip Festool (which I understand is similar to the Bosch) and I really like the control that I get with that handle. By the way, although I usually use the saw with two hands, I find it easy to use with just one hand (and I have small hands).