Bosch JS470E 120-Volt 7.0-Amp Top-Handle Jigsaw

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Product Details

Shipping Weight: 10.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B004323NPK
Item model number: JS470E

By : Bosch
Price : $140.13
You Save : $151.87 (52%)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
Get power and ease of use with the Bosch 7.0-amp top-handle jigsaw. Its tool-less blade-change system offers fast insertion, and it has a blade ejection lever that eliminates the need to touch the hot blade. The ambidextrous lock-on button enables you to make steady long cuts, plus it has a large, sturdy die-cast foot with steel insert and an on-board bevel wrench. Its multi-directional blade clamp provides superior grip of T-shank blades, while the adjustable dust blower keeps the cutting line clear. The precision-machined plunging system and low-vibration design gives you enhanced accuracy and smooth operation. It has 4 orbital-action settings, with different blade strokes for smooth and aggressive cuts. Plus, it has an ergonomic top handle with soft-grip areas for solid, comfortable grip.
Bosch's 7.0-amp top-handle jigsaw has a tool less blade-change system, an ambidextrous lock-on button, a variable speed-dial, a large, sturdy die-cast foot with steel insert, an exclusive multi-directional blade clamp, an internal precision control, constant response circuitry, four orbital-action settings, an adjustable dust blower, an ergonomic top handle, and includes a non-marring overshoe, an anti-splinter insert, a blade, a bevel wrench, and a carrying case

Technical Details

Tool-less blade-change system, fast insertion, blade ejection lever eliminates need to touch hot blade
Four orbital-action settings provide different blade strokes for smooth to aggressive cuts
Dial sets maximum speed and accelerator trigger controls operating speed
Large, sturdy die-cast foot with steel insert and on-board bevel wrench, secure clamping system
Precision-machined plunging system and low-vibration design enhances accuracy

Bosch JS470E 120-Volt 7.0-Amp Top-Handle Jigsaw

Customer Reviews

I have been doing DIY projects for years and recently resorted to borrowing a jigsaw from family/friends because my old Makita died(sob). I have mainly used the Bosch 1590EVSK and the Makita 4350FCT. Both are excellent saws, yet I would probably have to give the edge to the Swiss, which deeply saddens me due to the loyalty I have to my name-sake. Looking to finally re-purchase a jigsaw, I hoped to find a new model of the 1590, but disappointed to find that they have discontinued the 1590EVSK and identified the JS470E as the new model to replace the old model's price point. (The 1590EVSK isn't technically discontinued as it will be re-released as the 1590/1591 EVSL models that feature a new stacking L-Boxx case but will increase the price point close to the $200.00 mark) I don't care about stacking my cases (Since nearly every tool I own is a Makita) and decided that I will give the JS470E a try.
First Thoughts vs. 1590: The tool is still made in Switzerland, which sometimes is not the case with Bosch products. The tool is missing the visible precision control (PC) function that clamps the blade right above the foot for added blade stability and is replaced with a supposed "internal precision control". The tool-less foot bevel has been replaced with an on-board bevel wrench. The rubber grips have expanded to cover the 7 amp motor which later proved useful and creates greater visual appeal. Still no light (seriously?). Also, the end of the blade appears to pitch forward.
While I was initially concerned that I was going to lose blade stability with the "internal precision control", I was delighted to find that I was able to accurately cut a series of tight turns outlined with a sharpie on a 2"x6" I had lying around. Maybe it was the Progressor blade that I was using, but if I can control the jigsaw without seeing any black marks left on the wood, I could care less about a visible PC; in fact, it just means one less thing to do before using the tool. I even used the grip on the barrel for added control, which was a really neat touch added to the saw. I then proceeded to make stop cuts to determine if the blade pitch effected the end cut. Setting the orbital action setting to 0, I measured the top and the bottom of 4 different cuts (Same 2"x 6" and there was no difference in the length. The tool-less bevel vs. using a hex key means nothing to me. I have never, will probably never use the bevel function on my jigsaw. If getting a 45 degree cut is that important to you, you should probably own other tools that can make that cut more accurately than with a jigsaw. The blower was a nice feature and actually works, but I was very disappointed that there is no light since nearly every other brand of jigsaw (even lesser quality brands) has an LED light. I doubt I will ever use a jigsaw in the dark, so I guess this is just a minor gripe. The one touch blade change is unchanged, which is a good thing. This is probably my favorite feature of the saw, I just get so much satisfaction in shifting the lever and having the saw eject the blade. The case is sturdy and has storage for more blades than you will ever need for a job.
The JS470E has the same size, feel, and weight that I loved about the 1590. It is quiet for a jigsaw and does a great job at minimizing the vibration. I purchased mine for $139.99 and I am extremely happy with it. It doesn't have the years of rave reviews like the 1590 model, but I am not willing to pay the extra $50.00 for a fancy box and differences that I cannot replicate with the tests I did with it and the few projects I completed. Both saws would get 5 stars from me, I'd be happy to own either one.

I'm in the market for a new jig saw, and naturally browsed the Internet to find the most popular, with good reviews on them. I shop amazon frequently, so naturally I got drawn here through Google links.
Reading the reviews here, and how this particular model wouldn't cut a perfect 45 degree angle I was disappointed, and began a hour long search for the previous model, the 1590 EVSK, which had been discontinued.
I had found a couple here and there that were factory refurbished, including one here on amazon. However those places that I had found that still had brand new model 1590s in stock, were raising prices way beyond the original cost of these, one found was as much as $325.00. Of course that was the extreme, but still others found were much more than the cost of JS470E shown on this page.
I couldn't believe that a company such as Bosch would manufacture a tool that had angle cutting capacity, and not be able to cut a 45-degree angle. Especially when there were no such complaints on the previous model.
So I called Bosch, first looking in their outlet stores for a refurbished 1590, explained what I had read in the reviews here, and got transferred to their tech support department.
I talked to a nice tech support representative and questioned him about this issue. He told me that they were aware of the reviews here on amazon, but that the JS470E 'will' cut a 45-degree angle.
He also mentioned that they have a tool free tech support telephone number right on the front page of all their tools, and all have a 30 day return policy. So I had to wonder why someone would spend the time to write a bad review on this product, instead of using that time to call their tech support department with this so-called issue.
I mentioned to them that they should post a review here with some information about cutting that 45-degree angle. Was told that they won't get involved in such matters, that they don't know who had posted such reviews, that it could have even been a competitor.
However when first hearing about this complaint, they did in fact pull one of these units off a shelf and test it to find out if cutting a 45-degree angle was in fact an issue with this model. I was told that they 'did not' find any issue with this model cutting a 45-degree angle.
I was told to feel secure in purchasing one of these despite these reviews and if I personally wasn't happy with the way it performed, to take advantage of their 30-day return policy.
After talking to them I felt a relief that I wasn't going to have to spend more money on their older discontinued model than what this newest model cost. Which by the way does have a better, larger motor in it.
I had also gained some additional knowledge in my conversation with tech support. One of the reasons I don't use a jig saw all that often is because of the blade flex, and getting a nice smooth, straight cut with these types of tools.
A common problem ever since these were first conceived... In my research I had found that most all larger manufactures lowered the blade guides to help with this issue, but still admitted that there will still be some blade flex when going through thick wood and other materials.
I was advised that first, use the shortest blade possible, as the longer the blade, the more flex you will have at the bottom of it. Also, to use high carbon type blades, as these would be much stiffer and not flex like standard type blades.
In reality, the blade flex isn't a factor of the tool, but in the blade itself. Something I discovered a long time ago. When this topic came up in my discussions, I asked why someone doesn't make blades to eliminate this, and that's when I was told to use the high carbon blades available on the market, and they will have more of a tendency to snap than to flex.
So all in all, a simple telephone call to the manufacturer, and I'm convinced that this newer model is the way to go, as opposed to overpaying for the previous discontinued model.