The segment of the processing hand tool has recently expanded due to electric jigsaws. The compact tool with a thin saw blade allows both professional carpenters and home craftsmen to cut neatly in wood, plastic and metal workpieces, leaving minimal waste. The German Bosch jigsaw occupies one of the leading positions in this niche, demonstrating reliability and high quality of the result.
Tool Features
The manufacturer produces functional, ergonomic and service-friendly jigsaw models, which also feature optimized assembly and durability of the element base. For example, for the professional segment, developers offer devices equipped with a toolless SDS file fixing system, which saves time on tool changes without losing alternative fasteners in reliability.
As far as functionality is concerned, the Bosch electric jigsaw is equipped with the option of a pendulum stroke, a chip blowing system and speed support at high power. Such a provision is especially useful in furniture production, as it allows joiners to use the tool for a long time with maximum engine load. In domestic conditions, the backlight of the jigsaw, the laser pointer and a smooth start are appreciated. The owner of a model with such functionality, even without special training, will be able to perform even complex figured cuts in a quality manner.
Varieties of jigsaws
The basic classification of German jigsaw models involves the division into household and professional devices. Accordingly, it is a tool with a blue and green body. Home appliances are characterized by a limited power resource, a small set of options and modest configuration. However, amateur-grade Bosch jigsaw files are quite consistent in quality with professional-grade consumables. For production and construction, more productive units are offered that can operate without interruption for up to 8 hours. The quality of their elemental base is also higher, so you can count on long-term operation without repair operations.
Also, the Bosch family of jigsaws can be divided into network and battery models. The first work from the outlet, and the second, as a rule, are equipped with lithium-ion batteries. The presence of a battery makes it possible to use the tool at remote sites without central power supply. More importantly, the Bosch cordless jigsaw does not lose power to its network counterparts. The manufacturer seeks to optimize the power filling by offering devices that are universal in use.
Model Features
The range covers almost the entire range of technical and operational parameters characteristic of modern jigsaws. The main working characteristic is the power potential. For the operation of this tool, in principle, high power is not required, so on average this indicator varies from 500 to 1000 watts. Unless individual industrial models are provided with engines of 1200-1500 watts. For domestic needs, the Bosch PST 900 jigsaw, whose power is 620 watts, is quite enough. No less important are the processing parameters of the workpieces. Models for home use provide a stable cut of wooden parts with a thickness of about 70-80 mm and steel products up to 3-5 mm. Professional versions are able to confidently process 135 mm billets of wood and aluminum up to 20 mm thick. You should also consider the separation of models by phase. Household appliances are connected to a 220 W network, while industrial devices are connected to 380 W sockets.
Jigsaw Bosch PST 650
An entry-level solution with an average cost of 2.5-3 thousand rubles. The device has a power of 500 watts and saws wood up to 65 mm thick. As for metal workpieces, only soft products up to 10 mm lend themselves to this model. The development features include increased ergonomics, which have always been famous for household electric tools of this brand. In particular, the Bosch PST 650 jigsaw received the proprietary anti-vibration Low Vibration, thanks to which the hands of the master do not get tired even during long working sessions.
Reviews of this version note its reliability, low weight, maneuverability and a convenient mechanism for changing saw blades. But there are also negative impressions. For example, many point to the rapid wear of the carbon brushes of the Bosch jigsaw in this design. In general, the tool is recommended for straightforward straight cuts, but not for curly cutting.
Model Bosch GST 850 BE
One of the cheapest representatives of the professional class of German jigsaws. The model is available in the domestic market for 6.5-7 thousand rubles. Against the background of similar offers from competitors, this is a decent price tag, but, again, the costs are justified by the high quality of the assembly and components.
The device is provided with a 600 W moderate power engine, does not set records in the segment for the possibilities of processing workpieces (cutting depth 23 mm for wood and 20 mm for metal), but compares favorably with its wide functionality. In particular, reviews of the Bosch GST 850 BE jigsaw emphasize the presence of a four-stage pendulum stroke, a dust extraction system, a speed regulator and a soft start. At the same time, clean cuts without defects along the edges are also noted, which is very important for low-power devices. In relation to the disadvantages, an unstable sole of the structure is often mentioned, which has to be additionally controlled during operation.
Jigsaw Bosch PST 900 PEL
This model can be considered as a universal device for a small workshop or household. Power at 620 watts is enough to work with wood, metal, rubber and ceramic products. Moreover, the configuration of the cut may be different. With proper dexterity, the master will be able to perform not only a straight longitudinal cut, but also a curly cut with support for a 45-degree angle. Especially for accurate machining, the Cut Control system is provided, which makes it easier to control the cut line.
Users themselves also note the advantage of the model as the optimal tool for cutting soft-bodied workpieces without distortions. If we talk about the weaknesses of the Bosch 900 PEL jigsaw from the PST series, then first of all the owners emphasize the unsuccessful implementation of the flashlight, which illuminates the marked cut line. In addition, when working at high speeds, the locking lever may interfere.
Model Bosch PST 18 LI
A very successful implementation of a cordless jigsaw of a household class, although the cost of the model exceeds this level - 6 thousand rubles. The voltage of the Li-lon power element is 18 V, and the maximum cut depth is 80 mm in wood. The machine cuts steel sheets with a thickness of up to 10 mm. The model incorporates many typical functions, like dust extraction and backlighting, but this is not even the main thing in this unit. The Bosch PST 18 LI cordless jigsaw received a range of proprietary technologies that set it apart from the general segment. It is enough to note the electronic module for controlling the speed and the built-in Syneon Chip system, which increases the operating time on a single battery charge. As a result, users put the autonomy of the jigsaw in first place in the list of advantages, also noting its high performance and ergonomics.
Consumables
The manufacturer clearly segments the cutting blades for the intended purpose, as well as the manufacturing materials. So, the following varieties of files are distinguished:
- Wide. For direct cutting of material.
- Narrow. For a curved cut.
- Files with a large tooth. For quick cutting of thick workpieces. In this case, a rough cut is realized.
- Cloths with a small tooth. Suitable for clean cuts: usually such Bosch jigsaw blades are used in carpentry shops where high precision machining is required.
- Diamond coated carvers. They are used specifically for working with ceramic and glass products.
According to the material of manufacture, it is possible to distinguish carbon steel sheets, bimetallic cutters and high-speed alloy files, which are recommended for use in non-ferrous metal and plastics. The average size range for the length of the canvas varies from 65 to 135 mm.
Conclusion
Bosch construction tools are usually approached by those who are interested in high quality material processing. And these are not always workers of large enterprises, woodworking factories and metal depots. A solid tool with reliable parts and a safe electrical filling may well come in handy for an ordinary home foreman. In particular, the Bosch low-power jigsaw will allow accurate cutting of wooden flooring, while preserving the protective and decorative layers outside the processing zone. Medium and high power devices come in handy as universal assistants.
Do not forget that jigsaws work not only with wood, but also with metal. In the garage, for example, this tool will allow you to delicately cut damaged parts of the body. Another thing is that the experience of the performer will also influence the quality of cutting. Therefore, experts in the carpentry recommend that beginners perform several trial cuts on waste material with a similar structure before cutting the final blank.