Bosch 1590EVSK Review

Overall Rating

Tool-free foot adjust
Tool-free quick-change blade change
6.4 Amps - Lots-a-power
Variable speed trigger and dial
4-position orbital control
Blower switch
Long cord

6.5 lbs
cost

After evaluating the following jigsaws:
Milwaukee Tool #6266
Bosch 1587AVS
Porter Cable #9543
Bosch 1590EVSK
Makita 4340FCT

I selected and purchased the Bosch 1590EVSK.
It was the most expensive of the jigsaws I evaluated, but after much analysis I was confident that it was the best jigsaw out there at this time.

I paid $169+tax locally, although you can get one on eBay for under $150 new.

Any of the above units would probably be a good purchase, but here are some of the findings that made me buy the 1590.

Makita 4340 - 6.3amps by weak LED light feature. Blade recessed too far under the tool causing some visibility issues. Weight heavy in the front although only 5.5lbs. Tooless blade change is spring-loaded and hard to operate without using a screwdriver to prop it open when making changes. Same quietnesss and low vibration as the 1590 when operated side-by-side. Found it online for $128 including shipping (lower on eBay). Smaller, cheaper and lower profile than the 1590, but didn't feel as good in my hand. Requires tool to adjust foot, although wrench hides nicely in back of foot. Because of features and price - this was my second choice until I reviwed the manual which states "do not open the tool opener excessively, or it may cause tool damage". Obviously there may be a long term issue with the blade change system based on this warning. I also needed to use a screwdriver to open it, hench it wasn't really tooless to me.

Bosch 1587 - Older 5amp jigsaw used and recommended by many people. eBay has these going for under $100, although $124 was the lowest online direct source. The weight is about the same as the Makita, but Makita was a bit quieter and had less vibration. Tool-less blade change system required some practice, and found several online owners who complained that blade would become loose while being used because blade tightening knob wouldn't hold secure unless held after much use. Needs tool to adjust foot (attaches to cord). Bosch is including clamps and extra blades to use up inventory of this model.

Porter Cable 9543 - 6.5lbs, 6amps, about $148 online. Needs wrench to adjust foot. Online link to owners manual doesn't work. Vibrated more and much louder than Makita or either Bosch jigsaw. Tool-less blade mechanism is a clamp style device and wasn't as good as what Bosch put on the 1590.

Milwauke Tool 6266 - Made by Bosch. 6.2A/5.3 lbs, but longer by almost 2" over the Bosch 1590. Long 9.5' cord. Price as low as $124 online. Keyless foot adjustment. Keyless blade clamp. Low vibration, but seemed louder than Bosch jigsaws. Plastic anti-splintering device and shoe cover did not fit well and in my opinion would probably fall off during use. Looked to me like a Bosch design with a few cost cutting features that made me feel that I'd be better with the Bosch unit. Since this jigsaw is a whole pound lighter than the 1590, yet larger, I wondered what internal components were left out to reduce weight and cost by comparison since Bosch makes both units.

Conclusion: I have used my Bosch 1590EVSK to scroll delicate patterns through heavy green 2x12s with minimal effort. It also follows straight-line cuts without veering off and seems to float above the working surface with ease. Compared to any jigsaw that I have previously used or considered, this unit shines and exceeds my expectations (even at the higher price). In doing this evaluation, it is clear to me that you get what you pay for this type of tool. Bosch has the best jigsaw out there, so if you want the best and easiest to use - buy it! It will be hard to top this design for many years to come.