Customer Reviews

Bosch 1587AVSK 5 Amp Top-Handle Jig Saw Kit

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Just how good is this machine? So good that when Dewalt created their new top-of-the-line jig saw they copied the Bosch nut for nut, bolt for bolt.

Bosch invented the jig saw so they have some experience at getting it right. But the main thing to consider is what is important when buying one.

The Bosch 1587 has several features that make it the top dog.

First, it has heft. This heavy, well-balanced tool rides smoothly on surfaces and combined with an efficient counter-balance mechanism provides smooth cuts and a minimum of vibration. The top handle design further adds to the feeling of lightness and ease of operation despite the tools weight and power.

Secondly, it has different blade stroke patterns in orbital and in-line configurations and a chip blower that can be turned off and on. This, combined with variable speeds, provide for a saw that will take on any challenge.

Another feature that will spoil you in a hurry is the tool-less blade change. There is nothing more frustrating than trying hold a blade and fidling with a screwdriver! With the Bosch, just stick the blade in, turn the top cap three times untill it clicks and you're done. Hint: I leave the cap in the unscrewed position after use. That way when I'm ready to use it again it's near-instantaneous to get going.

This is a professional tool. It's the one I use in my finish carpentry business and it's the one my constituants use in their work. To spend more on a jig saw would be a waste of money. To spend less would be a larger one.

I actually considered not writing a review of the Bosch 1587 as it's legendary quality and reliability I felt didn't need further clarification. Like the Hitachi M12V router, some tools in their class I feel have such a positive reputation and overall value they outshine the others, at times considerably. However, due to some concerns regarding the Bosch's unique "tool-less" blade change which can be confusing to some, I thought I might give my input.

The blade change: A "tool-less" system is much appreciated in a jigsaw where the norm used to be having to hold the blade in one hand, a tiny allen wrench in the other and somehow securing the jigsaw from moving while while turning one (sometimes two like my father's old Skill or Sears?) screws. If your on a ladder attempting this maneuver, eyikes! Good luck. Of course sooner or later your going to drop the blade or the wrench or maybe even the saw (while hoping none of your family or friends are below you). But if your like me, some of them are probably hard-headed! The actual steps to change the blade in the 1587 maybe could use a little clearer explanation. There are six steps (in pictures) on the body of the jigsaw outlining this procedure, but actually there is another that might help some of those other owners out there that are having difficulty aligning the blades correctly. The steps I have revised are in order below:

1. (Per pictures on saw)--Pull up the black plastic knob on the forward/top part of the handle to the FULLEST upright position.

2. " "--Turn knob a minimum of three revolutions counterclockwise (I make four turns which I find makes blade insertion easier)

3. " "--Insert blade perpendicular to barrel of the jigsaw. If blade faces left or right, it doesn't matter, either will work. Turn blade teeth forward.

3a. (NOT ADDRESSED IN SIX STEPS)--Next, PULL BLADE DOWN to seat it properly into reciprocating plunger. This should "automatically" align it parallel to the body of the saw and should address concerns of misaligned blades. Note: This knob "WILL" lock the blade out of alignment if you bypass this step and make cutting difficult if not impossible depending on how far out of alignment you chose to lock it in. Why Bosch doesn't include this into the six other steps is puzzling. This is addressed in the manual however, (Reference: Included manual, printing 9/01, page 7, end of 3rd para.) albeit as a short snibbet of information that could be easily missed by those in a hurry to start cutting.

4. " "--Turn knob clockwise until you hear and feel it "click" into place.

5. " "--Press knob down approximately half-way so it turns freely (without engaging blade "click") and return it to start position as needed.

6. " "--Press knob down fully to seat into handle.

Another tip that I find useful, although not absolutely necessary is to push the plunger (reciprocating shaft) into the fullest upright position before blade insertion/removal. This makes the procedure much easier, particularly on the finger tips when using new, sharp more aggressive blades.

Ok, I hope that makes things a little clearer and lets those frustrated owners enjoy a fine piece of machinery. As far as the often stated virtues of this jigsaw, quality, power, reliability and by far the best blades (Progressor), I believe it's all true. Price is competitive and with the previous qualities by far the best overall value anywhere by anyone. As of this review Milwaukee and Makita have come out with 6+ amp powerhouses the 6266 and 4340FCT, respectively. I don't believe power is everything and I recommend not believing the hype from manufacturers. The bottom line is productivity. If a tool doesn't last or it can't be used comfortably and efficiently is it really worth it when you have other choices? I haven't come close to bogging down the 5 amp Bosch and I have doubts the others have the refinement of the 1587. But in all fairness, I don't own either of them and this is just going by other opinions.

SOME INTERESTING NOTES: Some of Skill's jigsaw's at 1/3 to 1/2 the price come with the same quality case. For those unaware Skill and Bosch have become the same company. (No contest in cutting quality though, the Bosch CLEARLY surpasses the Skill, I own both.). Some perpendicular cuts with the top handled 1587 can be made holding the barrel somewhat-like the barrel-grip 1584. The Bosch 1584 (barrel-grip) doesn't have a variable speed trigger, it has a dial at it's rear that is impractical to adjust during actual cutting. There is significantly more motor control to be found with the top-handled 1587 and it's variable speed control trigger. I recently saw an episode of "This Old House" on a local PBS station and saw a counter top company using the Bosch 1587 to cut 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" soapstone! I never considered that!

Thanks for reading. More comprehensive reviews coming soon.

The Pros:

**Legendary record as the best jigsaw made (except for it's barrel-grip sibling the 1584)
**Competitive price
**The best blade quality and selection (Bosch Progressor "T" Tang-shanks)
**Tool-less blade changing

The Cons:

**Somewhat flimsy feel of plastic blade lock knob, trigger and trigger lock. (Doesn't affect performance)
**Hmmm...I honestly can't think of any others.

Summary: Want a jigsaw that's a cut above (ok, I know it's a cliche)? Try the "Boss-ch" 1587.

Don't buy this item unless you want a reconditioned unit. I received a unit with obvious wear marks, fingerprints, and scratches. The replacement Amazon sent me was in the same condition. Amazon's customer "service" kept stonewalling me, offering to refund me only 20% of my purchase price no matter what I asked for. I did not ask for anything unreasonable--I did not see this as a "gotcha" opportunity to get a tool at some incredible discount. However, maintaining my goodwill as a customer should be worth some premium to Amazon. It's not. They just told me they respect my decision to go elsewhere, which is what I recommend you do.

Coincidentally, 20% off is the general range at which Amazon sells reconditioned units that are in the $150 price range when new (note this is for other tools; I have not seen reconditioned Bosch 1587AVSKs on Amazon--except those they sent me!) If I had wanted a reconditioned unit, I would have ordered one. This smells of a form of bait-and-switch. You order a new item. They ship you a reconditioned one and offer to refund part of your purchase price. Suspiciously, you are refunded only enough so you end up paying the same price you would have paid for a reconditioned model. And Amazon gets to unload some of its reconditioned inventory.

Be warned.

If you're thinking of buying a less expensive jig saw, don't. Buy the Bosch instead. I went the route of buying a less expensive jig saw and then tried cutting a 2 x 6 piece of Redwood. There was so much vibration in the saw, it actually hurt my hand trying to use it. I then purchased the Bosch and used it on Redwood, and it did a fantastic job. There was so little vibration I was actually able to hold the piece by hand while I was cutting off a small section. The type of blades available for this tool makes it that much nicer. The progressor blades that come with the saw are simply amazing.

There's three orbital settings on this saw. I've used all three without a problem. To get a splinter free cut, you set the oribital action to I which turns it off. The orbital action of III will give you the fastest cutting time but leaves you with more cutting splinters, but still a good cut.

Changing blades is tricky the first time you try it with this saw. If you follow the instructions you do get the hang of it. (At least I did after the 10th time I changed the blade).

Bosch 1587AVSK Top-Handle Jig Saw Kit

If your only experience is with Harry Homeowner quality jig saws, this tool will be a revelation.

When I bought this saw four years ago, it was the finest top handle jig saw on the market. However, it needed improvement in two areas.

- blade changes, even though tool-less, are slow, and the top handle, which you have to pull out and rotate counter-clockwise seven revolutions to release the blade, is flimsy plastic. It's a wonder that handle hasn't broken [yet] on my saw. Also, you then have to pull the blade out of its holder, and remember to protect your fingers if the blade is hot from being recently used. I burned my fingers once.

- the blade needs better control, so deep cuts are more square. Slice through 1.5" wood and the cut will frequently slant off to one side. All jigsaws will slant some since the blade is only supported on one end, but it's just too much with the 1587.

Bosch addressed those problems, and added a wrench-less foot adjustment, with their later generation of top handle jigsaws, the 1590EV series (SK, SL, etc.). Blade changes on the 1590 models are fast, simple, and you never have to touch a hot blade; and, steel blade-stabilizing blocks just above the foot result in a more precise cut.

The 1587AVSK is a fine saw, but my advice is to opt for one of the newer generation models, such as the 1590EVSK or 1590EVSL.

Note: Fine Homebuilding & Fine Woodworking's 2008 Tool Guide (9/07) rated the 1590EVSK the editor's best overall choice for a top handle jigsaw.

This is a really nice jig saw. When I helped my father with some scroll work, he was using an old Craftsman, and while that saw still runs, I cant say much else for it. The BOSCH has so little vibration, the blade changes are so easy, line of sight is very good and the variety of blades available is incredible. I also own the BOSCH barrel grip jig saw and I actually preferred the top handle model for scroll work and the barrel grip for cross cutting ( just because it is esier to push and maintain a square cut ) , which surprises me still because I bought the barrel grip for the other stuff. Nontheless, I own them both and every time others have used my jig saws, they buy them too. These saws really are that much better. BOSCH invented the jig saw and they still lead the way. I'm still not sure how much help the anti splintering tabs are though.

This jigsaw cuts extremely well. I dont know how Bosch does it but there is something about this jig saw that makes it cut better than all the others. Throw in the quick change option and WHOA! it's unbelievable.

PROS

** Easy blade change

** Unbelievable cutting performance

** Great base design

CONS

** Does not have extra non-marring base.

I can cut right through all the superlatives and say that my 1587 has done nothing since I bought it but cut 4/4 and 8/4 hardwoods.
I am talking about exotic hardwoods! One and two inches thick for those not familiar with lumber-yard terminology. Hardwoods like purpleheart, stone-like Azul Macaul Cauba, sticky Brazilian Cherry and even the ultimate test in my opinion, Brazilian Walnut.
That is as iron of a wood as I have had experience with and I once managed a company that imported exotic lumber from around the world.
This saw cut them all for the last several years without a problem.
Not only that, I was using it to cut at least ten lineal feet a day, several times a week much of the time during the Spring, Summer and Fall.
I purchased my saw used and it performed exceptionally for me for three years. I just recently sold it a contractor for more than 60% of it's regular retail price in my area.
That is the kind of performance I like! Tools that perform AND hold or retain re-sale value.
I've owned the PC and bought and used the Hitachi and past models of the Dewalt. The Bosch significantly out performed the others in several ways in addition to the re-sale value mentioned above. Those were..
- ease of blade change.
- durability and build quality.
- smoothness and speed of cut.
- general fatigue on your arm.
These weren't subtle performance differences! These were significant
ones.
The more I handle tools the more I appreciate the ones that don't jiggle your tendons and numb your hands. I like the ones that can handle the tumble off the workbench because let's face it, that happens to all of us.
I am not a Bosch flag waver!
But I have to say, they make the best darn jigsaw I have ever used!
There is only one thing I didn't like on this saw. That is that it requires a tool to adjust the bevel plate. I would much rather see a self contained mechanism such as on the PC.
I give it four stars because I leave a little room for perfection. But this in my opinion is the best jigsaw you can get.
Good luck!

The Bosch 1587 Jigsaw is very powerful, though other saws may boast slightly higher AMP ratings the Bosch may still have more usable power due to the efficiency of it's motor. The saw is smooth, quiet and most importantly absent of the vibration that has often beleaguered my attempts at fine work. Most other saws are plagued by this vibration and that really makes it difficult to track a strait line or to carefully cut out a finely traced scroll. Not with the Bosch, it's as smooth as can be and a pleasure to use. You may find yourself looking for excuses to break it out!!

The controls are ergonomically well thought out and are also very smooth in operation. The trigger switch on the 1587 provides variable speed for slow starts and also provides a speed limiter dial which enables the user to set the maximum blade speed when the trigger is fully engaged. The Barrel Grip version (1584) though very comfortable for scrolling does not include a variable speed trigger. Rather it has a toggle switch with a speed dial. This makes slow starts rather awkward to achieve and is the main reason I chose the top handle 1587.

The tool-less blade change takes a few minutes to master but once mastered it is quick and provides a very positive hold on the blade. I will admit that the blade change feature on the Milwaukee (also a nice saw, the only other to consider)is even easier but we cant have everything. The saw uses T-Shank blades and the Bosch Progressor version of these blades are second to none; use them!!

The saw includes adjustable "orbital action", a feature that allows the blade to orbit in a back/forth and up/down motion simultaneously, allowing the user to make faster more aggressive cuts. Orbital action greatly reduces the cutting time and makes scrolling less labor some. The draw back is that the cut is slightly less fine. Again the amount of Orbital action is adjustable and it can be deactivated all together depending on the material to be cut or your particular preference.

With all this said I struggle to think for negatives, but there are a few petty ones. Here they are: The blower though offering three settings could be more powerful at slower speeds. The shoe angle adjustment is not tool-less but rather it requires the use of a hex wrench. This wrench is included and fitted to the power cord... No biggie

On my saw it seems that the blade tends to cut very slightly off on deep material. I have made completely sure that I place the blade in correctly but it doesn't help. However, this issue has never been a problem in any of the work that I have done to date and it could be just my particular saw.

Well there isn't really much more to say...This is a very fine jigsaw and probably the best one available; the Milwaukee being the only real competition that I have seen to date. So don't be afraid of this purchase. You will certainly not regret it!!

I really like this jigsaw on most counts, but am now ordering my third base for the beast. Yes, I'm a professional woodworker. The standard issue base is thin cast aluminum with a plastic insert for surface protection, but it's not strong enough to resist gradual bending at the front corners under heavy working load. If you try to straighten them to avoid the rocking-horse effect, they snap off very easily. Maybe there's an all steel base available, if so go for that, the stock aluminum one costs $70 each time, so my saw now costs double the sticker price in only two years.