Thinking of upgrading my pathetic jigsaw. Been looking at a Bosch JS572EL or JS572EBL. I haven't tried a barrel grip, but it looks like it would have better control and stability.
Any comments on this model? Positive or negative?
[OP]
Contributor
Thinking of upgrading my pathetic jigsaw. Been looking at a Bosch JS572EL or JS572EBL. I haven't tried a barrel grip, but it looks like it would have better control and stability.
Any comments on this model? Positive or negative?
Member
I have a bosch jigsaw. Not sure of the model without walking down to the shop. It is a quality tool, for sure.
Member
My Bosch saws are older so can't comment on the current models. Grips and barrels have pro and cons. I like the barrel because it brings my hand closers to the cutting surface and feel that I have better and more accurate control. The grip has spring release trigger... something the barrel doesn't have. By time I get done jig saw with a barrel, I can be in a pretty funky positions that it's difficult to manually turn off the saw.
The barrel versus top grip is purely personal. I am not a large person at 180lbs and have medium sized hands. I prefer the barrel grip for the better control it gives me. Others find them awkward. I went with a Bosch 1591 years back and have never been sorry. With the right blade for the applications it is almost scary how clean and accurate you can cut with a jigsaw. My old Skil 'jumping jack' was a different story. Back then I wasn't even sure a jigsaw was a tool!?! A good jigsaw is a joy to use.
The 572's are touted as 159X enhanced saws. They did provide a lighter more powerful motor, more rubber to solve some complaints of the saw getting hot (I've never noticed this; warm yes, hot . . . maybe too much extension cord?). The dust collection has a clever twist in that it now pivots at the rear. I can say that their dust collection is a big plus but, the need to plan your path due to a stiff exit port being cured would be a plus.
Last edited by glenn bradley; 08-17-2014 at 11:49 AM.
"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".
– Samuel Butler
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I've used both, have the grip style one. I agree with Bill.
Both are very capable saws and in the end I don't think you'll regret your decision either way.
I got cash in my pocket. I got desire in my heart....
First of all you won't regret getting a Bosch whether you choose the handle grip or barrel grip version. I have an older version barrel grip and love it. With an edge guide and the T-234X blades, you can get a cut in plywood that rivals the best cut you can get on a TS. I've used it often to break down large sheets of plywood.
Lee Schierer
USNA '71
Go Navy!
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Barrel grip only if you have big hands.
Member
+1 to everything that Glenn stated. I too had a Skil "tool" and now have a barrel grip 1591. My hands are small to medium and I have no problem with the barrel. It runs like a sewing machine and cuts straight and true. The barrel will get warm with continuous use, but I find that rare.Originally Posted by glenn bradley
Member
Barrel grips do not have triggers , so you can not vary the speed as you make the cut, you have to turn a dial on the side or end of the saw which takes two hands .
I don't see how they even sell barrel grip saws really.
But to each their own.
They keep changing the design , I think mine are 1591's , I don't like the newer models , they've made them bigger in the wrong places, so I'm not sure what the current models I'd want to own.
Member
+2 on what Glen said. I have a Bosch 1591 and like it. The lower blade guide helps keep the blade true. I don't find the lack of changing speeds while cutting to be an issue. Bosch blades with ground teeth really make clean cuts and make the saw seem like it has more power.
John
Member
I'm in agreement that the new Bosch blades have turned my jigsaw into a workhorse.
Rather than by another corded version, I would suggest you buy a Jigsaw that uses
the same batteries you might already own for other cordless tools.
If the cordless jigsaw can be fitted with the new Bosch blades, they can be amazingly versatile.
[OP]
Contributor
Thanks. Cordless I don't need, everything in the shop. Explain new Bosch blades. Are there different series, is one series better than another, what do you specifically use?
Thanks
[OP]
Contributor
Has anyone seen this as a problem?
Contributor
I have the Bosch Barrel Grip Jigsaw, and have found it to be a well designed tool (and I don't have particularly well-endowed hands, either).
I usually set the speed based on the material, and once set, I don't fiddle with it during a cut.
I suppose you could make a case for it, but with the soft start, low vibration, and generally excellent maneuverability of the saw, I've never felt the need to vary my speed while cutting.
Member
I wouldn't own a jig saw that wasn't variable speed, trigger actuated.
I've used a few Bosch Barrel grips , they are clumsy to turn on and off, I didn't like them at all.
They where still better than any other brand I've used, but why limit ones self to one speed while making a cut?
You can engage the stock carefully at low RPM's , get a nice clean smooth start into the cut , then speed up thru the easy going parts of the cut, but be able slow down at the turns , curves , thin near the edge areas , etc.
Would you buy a car that you couldn't vary the speed on while driving it?
Does that make me a no body, due to not being a "anyone"?
To each their own I guess.
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