BOSCH JSH180B 18V Top-Handle Jig Saw (Bare Tool)

I've owned the Bosch jig saw for several years. I find these to be very useful--and importantly--safe, especially as compared with a circular saw. Easy enough to cut myself, but not as likely to sever a digit. I successfully resisted buying cordless because I figured that would put my jig saw on the shelf, right next to my corded drill. While that may not happen because of battery life issues, this tool is handy. Ask yourself--where do I actually use my jig saw? If the answer is odds and ends this will fit your usage well. If you are scrolling cuts on big sheets of plywood, then maybe not so much. Not only does it free you from the reach of the power cord, not having a cord is just easier. Cords get hung up on stuff. I have not noticed any missing features that my corded saw offers.In my teenage years, I worked for an electrician in a rural small town. My job was to crawl around in the attic dragging an extension cord for light, drill and the like. Bump the light and the filament might break and there you were in the dark. Now, we have cordless tools. And lights! Not just cordless but powered by the same batteries that power the tools. LED's. Bump them, no problem. No fiery hot light bulb. Yes, I know, it was not before flashlights, but their light was dim and battery life not good.This seems to have more than adequate power. On those few occasions I reach for my corded drill it has been to power through a heavy job. I just don't lug down my saw that way. The corresponding heavy load for sawing is more for sustained load. So I don't see the demands as analogous.If I were starting over buying tools, I would buy a good 18 v cordless drill and see if I could get by without the corded version. Even with the advantages I mentioned, I'd buy a corded jigsaw before the cordless one. Saws are a greater power drain than drills and you may not want to have to change batteries so often. One other consideration--corded tools are a lot cheaper. Buy a good corded tool and it will most likely last you decades. Batteries, on the other hand do not last so long. And, up to now, manufacturers have been all too willing to obsolete battery styles.

I am a DIY'r, not a pro contractor. That said, I've been doing house repair and light furniture crafting for 15+ years. I have some jedi skills with power tools. Here's what I want my jigsaw to do: cut where I want to cut, like a hot knife through butter, and leave a SMOOTH edge. This tool does just that. No blade wandering. No struggling to stay on line, and the edges it leaves literally look heat-sealed. Sort of like a light saber. The blade brake feature is a nice add, too, and the blade eject function works like a charm. And the case is a revelation. I don't know if Festool started this whole system, but I'm a convert.Bosch, if you're listening, here's what could be better: The air that blows dust away from the blade could do a better job. There could be click stops built into the base plate for beveled cuts.Other point: I had to buy Bosch blades, as the others I had (which were for an older plug-in Bosch jig) were too thin, and didn't fit.Adding to the review: Yesterday evening I ripped approx. 8 ft of 2x4, that was cut into 20" lengths. The saw worked perfectly -- great blade control and tons of power. Very satisfied.

It is worth every penny. I wanted a cordless and after trying it out, I'm retiring the Festool Karvex, unless I have to use it instead for some reason. Smoother, better cut quality and nicely balanced. It's the best I've ever used. Bosch nailed it with this jig saw.

My 20 year old corded Bosch jigsaw has always been one of my favorite power tools, and it is still running. It's a very versatile tool with the variety of blades available. I also have a Bosch battery powered drill. But I always had a need for a battery powered saw and so this fit the bill. All my existing blades fit and can use the batteries I already have for my drill. The quick-change blade holder and variable speed trigger are awesome features. It drains the slim-pack batteries (which are old) a bit faster than I expected, but battery life is reasonable for most jobs. Very happy with this jigsaw - no regrets.

Been using Bosch jig saws since early 1980's and always had good luck with them. Been having bad luck finding yellow 18volt ni cad batterys that will work for any lenght of time. I think they are making them cheaper to get you to go lith. Going blue all the way this time. Got double drill set with the 1.5 ah and order 2 4.0 ah batterys for them. the smaller ones work ok for the jig saw but will be getting some more of the bigger ones soon. Love how light and balanced it is. Been using it every chance I get. Every one who tries it loves it. The led light to help you see is a great help.Box it came in is a little big for what I'm used to but will try to make fit in my truck. Maybe when I add to my new collection with some more tools I will find a better way to make things fit.

This is a very high quality tool, like all Bosch products. It's the nicest jigsaw I have ever used (corded or battery). Much of the performance is dependant on using good blades that are matched to the material you are cutting. So don't buy this expensive tool just to put a cheap blade in it. You will get bad results if you do. If you look at the reviews, this would have full 5 stars if people read that it doesn't come with a battery.