Bosch 1587AVSP-1 5 Amp Top-Handle Jig Saw Kit with Bonus Blades

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 16 x 13.5 x 5 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.5 pounds
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B002OEBQXU
Item model number: 1587AVSP-1

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
Bosch invented the jig saw, and, with their Progressor top-handle model, they're getting close to perfecting it. The Progressor has a nicely shaped handle, tapered where other saws are not, and a nice rubber grip that lets users (of all hand sizes) steer the tool firmly in hand. (Some toolmakers ignore ergonomics, but not Bosch--and we appreciate it.) The safety mechanism works well with the trigger, and the cut is super smooth. We like the variable-speed dial, the light weight, and the foot plate's plastic cover, which ensures that surfaces won't get scratched as they can by saws with metal plates.
Includes Top Handle Jig Saw w/ Case ; Bonus Blades - 1587AVSP-1, Clean for Wood Blade (Scrolling) - T101AO, Clean for Hardwood Blade - T101BF, Clean for Wood Blade - T101BK, Precision for Wood Blade - T101DP, Basic for Wood Blade (Scrolling) - T119BO, Speed for Wood Blade - T144D, Progressor for Wood Blade - T234X, Progressor for Wood ; Metal Blade - T345XF, Basic for Metal Blade - T118A, Basic for Metal Blade - T118G, Progressor for Metal Blade - T123X, Special for Laminate Blade - T101BIF, Bonus Blade Case, Footplate Adjustment Hex Key - 1907950006, Steel Footplate Insert Kit - 2601098011, Anti-splintering insert - JA1002, No-mar Plastic Footplate Insert Kit - 2610996230, Carrying Case - 2610991718

Technical Details

Powerful 5 amp motor, 500-3100 SPM
Tool-free blade change system - For fast and easy blade changes
Exclusive multi-directional blade clamp mechanism - For superior blade hold
Low-vibration design - Ensures extremely smooth operation
4-Stage orbital action adjusts blade motion - To match work-piece and cutting task

Bosch 1587AVSP-1 5 Amp Top-Handle Jig Saw Kit with Bonus Blades

Customer Reviews

I read through dozens of reviews for Bosch and Makita jigsaws before narrowing my choice down to the 1587 and the similar Bosch with more HP and the quick blade change option. I did not buy through Amazon because I needed it immediately. I went to Home Depot. My immediate need was to cut curved arches out of 2 x 10 cedar.
One thing that decided me on this jigsaw was the size. The other one was heavier, and I felt that I could control this one better for more delicate work. The price was another consideration, although I was prepared to spend more for the right tool.
I had read about how difficult the blade changing was, so I had the salesman try it, and his fumbling was not encouraging. I tried it and found that although not handy, it was not all that difficult to do once you understood the process, and it is much preferrable to the old set-screws-that-come-loose approach. I also knew that I was not going to be changing blades very frequently. Was it worth $30 more dollars to save me some extra minor effort on rare occasions? Not really.
Using the jigsaw, being a minimalist in regards to reading instructions, I assumed that the blower would blow the most when set at what appeared to be the highest of 3 settings. So I was extremely disappointed when the sawdust was covering my cutting lines and the blower was doing neither diddly nor squat about it. Then I moved the switch to what looked like the lowest setting, and voila! It worked great! Okay, maybe the instructions covered that, but I learned by doing.
The jigsaw works great. I am quite pleased with it. One thing that was impressive was in the middle of a long, curving cut,I could leave it running without holding onto it, while repositioning the board closer to me, and there would be no movement of the jigsaw from where it was positioned.
I have heard reviews about these jigsaws being quiet. I guess I have more sensitive ears. Those whose ears have been dulled by loud rock music may find this quiet, but I don't. It is not excessively noisy either, but merely what I would expect from such a machine. I'm not complaining at all, I just went into it from the reviews with false expectations on that matter.
The store-bought jigsaw came with a 10 blade set, which is great. My only complaint about this is that the plastic tool case does not have any space or configuration to hold the blade box. I find that rather ridiculous. How hard can it be for the tool box designers to solve this? But it is not enough to take away a star from my review, because what I wanted was the right jigsaw for the job, and this one is terrific, especially for the price. If someone wants to spend more to deal with the minor inconviences mentioned, they can probably find the "perfect" jigsaw, but in this price range it is a 5 star deal.

I think the new bosch jigsaw model is not as good as this saw. I use this everyday and I install institutional cabinets trim and casework. So I use jigsaws everyday, and this one still is the best despite the upgrades of the newer one. To me, it has more power, operates with less vibration, cuts tighter curves, and is more reliable than the rest of the field. The blade change is hard to get used to, but I also think it holds the blade better. If I were to need a new one, I would buy this before any other.