As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Not all jigsaws are created equal, and the Bosch JS470E is perhaps the best example of this. Equipped with a 7.0 amp motor, 4 orbital action settings, and a bevy of additional features, this Bosch might be the last jigsaw you need to purchase.
While Bosch’s tools are often compared to Milwaukee, the Bosch JS470E is highly powered and yet easy to use, with its rubberized black overmold which provides a comfortable grip for the user. Keep reading to see why this jigsaw is a great addition to anyone’s toolbox.
Contents
Bosch Jigsaw Overview
Specifications:
- 7.0 Amp Motor
- Durable footplate arm
- 500 SPM – 3100 SPM
- Variable Speed Control
- 4 Orbital Settings
- Dust Blower
- Bevel Adjustment
- Tool-less Blade Change
- Ambidextrous Trigger Lock
- 1 year warranty
The Bosch JS470E is a great asset for DIY hobbyists, cabinet installers, and carpenters. It is a corded jigsaw that features an insulated cover and an aluminum gearbox which prevents the saw from overheating and is easy to store once finished.
I feature this Bosch jig saw on my top jigsaw review.
Build
The Bosch features an insulated cover and an aluminum gearbox, which prevents the saw from overheating and is easy to store once finished.
The saw comes with a cast aluminum shoe and an anti-splinter insert. Users like the jigsaw’s shoe because it can be covered by the footplate shoe for more detailed and fine work. This is great for complex cuts where multiple cutting teeth and proficiency is required.
Power
Lets start with the motor Bosch uses in this jig saw. Its a powerful 7.0 amp beast, which provides a lot of cutting power to this handheld machine. Out of all the jigsaws I reviewed in my top listing, this brand and model had the most power.
Power comes into play with a jigsaw in several ways. You’ll want to use the max power when cutting heavy-duty materials, such as metals. You’ll also want to use max power when cutting thick materials.
Cut Depth
Speaking of cutting thick materials, the Bosch JS470E has a cutting depth of 5.875 inches. This is on the high end for jigsaws, with most brands making models that cut a maximum of 3-4 inches.
Chances are, you won’t need to cut material thicker than a few inches that often. However, knowing you have the capability is really helpful. It gives you a lot of versatility, and prevents you from needing to buy a band saw to make those thicker cuts.
Variable Speeds
Performance is another favorite feature of the Bosch JS470E. The saw’s variable speed trigger is useful in starting a cut low and increasing the speed based on the required material. At top speed, the jigsaw can create accurate cuts with minimal tool vibration.
Speeds range from 500 Strokes Per Minute (SPM) all the way up to 3,100 SPM. This is a good range for a top end jigsaw. One additional feature this Bosch features is a slow start, which helps prevent the skipping from happening when you start the saw mid-cut.
Orbital Action
This Bosch jigsaw comes with 4 orbital action settings, which is pretty standard.
If you’re unfamiliar, orbital action applies to how the jigsaw cuts material, and gives you greater control over your cuts by slightly weaving the way the blade moves through the material. You have a variety of settings, which you adjust based on the material you’re cutting.
Blades
As with many higher end jigsaw models, the Bosch accepts both T-shank blades and U-shank blades. Additionally, it has a tool-less blade change set up, making it really simple to change blades quickly and without hassle.
What’s great about this device is that it eliminates the largest pet peeve among woodworkers: having to use two hands to remove a hot blade. With the Bosch JS570E, it’s ejection mechanism is more efficient, giving you more time to focusing on the next cutting line.
Additional Features
One thing that sets this device apart is its ambidextrous lock-on button. This makes the device friendly to both left and right and users due to it’s accessibility. If you’re a left-handed carpenter needing a good jigsaw, the Bosch JS470E has you covered.
Also, the jigsaw features a dust line blowing mechanism for maximum visibility. When using the jigsaw, turn on the blower via the bottom of the saw. This allows you to continue cutting without dust and debris getting in the way of your cutting line.
Bosch provides a 1 year warranty on this jigsaw.
Downsides
Honestly, there aren’t many. And, the downsides I could find are minor.
One thing I would prefer to see is a light. Many other jigsaw models have an LED light that turns on when you engage the trigger, which is nice for illuminating what you are cutting.
Its not uncommon to use a jigsaw in a cramped environment where the light isn’t great, or weird shadows get cast, and the light helps overcome that. Again, it really isn’t that big of a deal, but its worth mentioning.
The only other feature I wish was a bit more robust is the Bosch’s bevel cutting capabilities. It only has one setting for a 45 degree beveled cut, where many other models provide a lot more range. Keep this in mind if you plan on using your jigsaw for a lot of beveled cuts.
Conclusion
The Bosch JS470E is definitely worth the investment. You’ll spend a little bit more but you’ll get a top rated jig saw. This is the model I prefer to have in my garage.
