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46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A cut above all others, June 4, 2003
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.
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