I have been using the best jigsaw for years which is the Bosch
1587AVSK Top Handle Jigsaw. I went to a Rockler tool swap meet in San
Diego and sold it for about 70% of what I paid for it. I did this so I
could by their new jigsaw model Bosch 1591EVSK Barrel Grip. I have
read some post on the differences between the two and it wasn't very
clear if one is better than the other. Well IMHO the Barrel Grip is
far better than the top handle model. I have been giving it a good
workout for about 3 weeks and I like it for the following reasons. The
control of the cut feels very natural and easy. With the top handle I
was feeling like I had to over power the cut. With the barrel grip it
is very responsive. When I make sharper turns it stays with me on the
line.
And on a side note the new model is worth getting rid of the old on. I
can change a blade in about 2 seconds. It feels like it tracks very
straight. It doesn't want to wander at all. You definitely feel the
additional power of this unit
Barrel handle gets your hand(s) closer to the wood being
cut - mo' bettah stabilitiy. BUT - the barrels on some are
a bit to big for folks with smaller hands - like me.
Everyone seems to be going with quick change devices
for blade changes.
Replacable zero clearance inserts are great at reducing or
eliminating tear our on the up cut.
Dust extraction that works makes seeing the line
as opposed to guessing where it is amidst the
dust and chips.
Blade guides that keep it from deflecting - either to the
side or back and twisting make a lot of difference in
the cut.
Being able to move the foot back to do plunge type
cuts is nice.
Where is the on/off switch and what kind is it?
Triggers are nice - unless you're doing tight radiuses.
Rocker switches are good - especially if it's spring
loaded - push it almost anywhere and it goes off.
Slide switches - ain't so good IMHO. You don't want
to go searching around and futzing to turn the saw
off when you want to.
I've got the Festool barrel grip pendulum saw. Gripes
- barrel a bit large for my hand, the sliding switch
is kind of a pain in the ass. Not real fond of their
shade of green either. But the blade guides, quick
change blade device, dust extraction, selectable
pendulum action (more swing, more aggressive the
cut), variable speed and replaceable zero clearance
inserts sure are nice to have.
charlie b
"sdppm" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> And on a side note the new model is worth getting rid of the old on. I
> can change a blade in about 2 seconds.
LOL, with practice you should be able to remove the blade even more quickly.
When I want, I can usually have the blade out of my Milwaukee before the
blade has coasted down to a stop.
On 11 Apr 2007 15:02:15 -0700, "sdppm" <[email protected]> wrote:
>I have been using the best jigsaw for years which is the Bosch
>1587AVSK Top Handle Jigsaw. I went to a Rockler tool swap meet in San
>Diego and sold it for about 70% of what I paid for it. I did this so I
>could by their new jigsaw model Bosch 1591EVSK Barrel Grip. I have
>read some post on the differences between the two and it wasn't very
>clear if one is better than the other. Well IMHO the Barrel Grip is
>far better than the top handle model. I have been giving it a good
>workout for about 3 weeks and I like it for the following reasons. The
>control of the cut feels very natural and easy. With the top handle I
>was feeling like I had to over power the cut. With the barrel grip it
>is very responsive. When I make sharper turns it stays with me on the
>line.
>
>And on a side note the new model is worth getting rid of the old on. I
>can change a blade in about 2 seconds. It feels like it tracks very
>straight. It doesn't want to wander at all. You definitely feel the
>additional power of this unit
I have the old top handle type and don't have any issues with its
"feel." The blade changing is a PITA, but overall I like the saw.
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "sdppm" wrote in message
>
>> And on a side note the new model is worth getting rid of the old on. I
>> can change a blade in about 2 seconds.
>
> Might take you up on that scenario. I change blades so infrequently on
> mine
> that I have to RTFM every time I do.
I'll second the recommendation to get the saw with the better blade change
system. You actually change blades out when they get bent, broken , or worn
rather than make do because of the old blade change hassle.
I'll try and remember to bring my saw over so that you can do the touchy
feely thing. You'll be sold, instantly.