Customer Reviews

Bosch 1584AVSK Barrel Grip Jig Saw with Case

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!!!

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.

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!!

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.
Please 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.
So 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.
This 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.
Quite 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.
The 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.
After 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.

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.

Before 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 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.