Bosch JS470E Jigsaw Review

by Ethan Hagan (email Ethan) | | November 9, 2010 | 4 Comments »

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Bosch is known for producing tools of the utmost quality. They have impressive offerings in every category- from drill/drivers to table saws. You can imagine my excitement when they offered to provide the JS470E Top-Handle jig saw for review and I can honestly say this is the best jig saw I’ve ever used. Read on for full details.

Bosch Top-Handle Jigsaw Review, JS470E

There’s a lot to like about this jig saw. I was impressed with the ergonomics, the cutting and all the extras Bosch included. This jig saw is sweet!

The Good: Precision cutting; great control; minimal vibrations; keyless blade change.
The Bad: Allen key required for bevel adjustments.
Overall: A first-class tool that you will love!

What’s included with the Jigsaw:

• JS470E Jigsaw
• Hard shell carrying case with blade storage
• Non-Marring Overshoe
• Anti-Splinter Insert
• 1 Wood Blade
• Bevel Wrench

Styling and Ergonomics

Most jig saws today feature a top-handle or barrel grip design. I prefer the top-handle as it feels more secure. The molded grip was comfortable, and the trigger and ambidextrous lock-on button are well placed. This jig saw weighs just under 6 lbs. making it easy to maneuver without fatiguing your arm; a nice improvement over the previous model. Cutting was extremely smooth with almost no vibration.

Cutting

The most important aspect of any saw is the ability to make precise cuts and the JS470E was stellar. Here’s why:

Variable Speed Dial and Trigger
Bosch included a variable speed dial that allows you to adjust the maximum speed and a variable trigger to control operating speed. These features combined give you the ultimate in blade control.

4 Orbital Settings
The first picture gives you an up-close view of the orbital switch that allows you to adjust the blade stroke. More aggressive cuts are quicker while smooth cuts result in a nice, clean edge. The picture above shows the difference.

Bevel Cuts
Using the Allen Key housed in the base, you can adjust the bevel angle between 0° and 45°. It’s stored right by the bevel adjust.

Blade Changes

It takes about 5 seconds to change the blade. Pushing the front lever ejects the blade saving your fingers from touching a hot blade. Insert another t-shank blade and you’re back to work. I found the blade-clamp to be very secure.

Additional Features

Here are a few more features worth mentioning.

• Blower
  The adjustable dust blower keeps cutting line clear.
• Long cord
  Bosch included a generous length- always a good thing.
• Power
  The 7 amp motor is very powerful.

Specifications

• Amperage: 7.0
• Bevel Angle Range: 45°
• Cutting Capacity- Soft Wood: 5-7/8″
• Cutting Capacity-Aluminum: 7/8″
• Cutting Capacity-Mild Steel: 3/8″
• Hertz: 60 Hz
• Max. Bevel Cut: 45°
• No Load SPM: 500-3,100
• Rating: 120V
• Stroke Length: 1″
• Weight (lbs.): 5.90
• 1 Year Warranty

What do you think? What’s your experience with Bosch jig saws?

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