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Bosch 52318

*Est. $235

Bosch 52318

Best value, cordless jigsaw

pros
  • Easy blade changes
  • Smooth cutting
  • Soft-start motor
  • On-board wrench storage
  • Good customer service
cons
  • Battery doesn't last long
  • Slow
  • Poor dust blower
  • Baseplate doesn't allow flush cutting against wall
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 
5 star:
(7)
4 star:
(0)
3 star:
(0)
2 star:
(1)
1 star:
(0)

Average Customer Review

(8 customer reviews)

for $229.95

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Page 12
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GREAT Saw, can be used in lieu of a circular saw and can cut through anything ! But the blades take practice changing !, September 8, 2007

GREAT Saw, can be used in lieu of a circular saw and can cut through anything ! But the blades take practice changing ! The secret is the blades and Bosch now makes the blades available for different manufacturer jig and saber saws. Let me say there has never been any piece of wood or board this thing hasn't been able to rip through, I've even cut down mid size tree and the stump with the rough wood blade. The variable speed trigger is smooth so you can use this saw for fine craft work too. Just like every other reviewer, I have to reiterate the blades are tedious to change, it is a tool less system that has to be finessed. TIP: When it arrives and you've made a few cuts, practice removing and replacing the blades until you have the routine down. This is important because the blade will warble if it isn't tight, this happened to us but no one was injured. If you already have a nice jigsaw and want the same cutting power, see if Bosch is offering their blades for your model, the bi-opposition teeth design is the real secret.

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Great for a moment, May 3, 2007

I live in the FL Keys, a demanding environment to say the least. I was helping my neighbor by cutting and screwing down some planks on his dock. Yes, the dock is over salt water, very nasty for electrical equipment. Anyway, I used both this jigsaw, brand new, and my 18v bosch drill. The first to cut the boards and the second to screw them down. I put them both away for about 2 months. I pull out the jigsaw to use it and it throws off all kind of sparks and the blade barely moves up and down. The drill runs fine. Neither were directly hit by salt water, but the drill has much less air flow than the jigsaw. Don't know for sure, just know that the jigsaw was expensive to only work for a couple of hours. I am going to tell bosch about it if they will listen. I really like my other bosch 18v tools and they have worked great for over 2 years. The batteries don't last as long any more, but that is to be expected. The drill however has been my most used power tool and it has worked wonderfully since I got it from Amazon. Bosch told me to call their Proadvantage Number and I did. The lady there needed my original invoice with date of purchase which I printed off from my Amazon history. I gave them a credit card which they do not change unless you do not return the old jigsaw and had a brand new jigsaw in two days. I am returning the old one. Given that Bosch was very good about replacing my bad jigsaw. I would change this review back to 5 stars if I could.

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Finally retired the Bosch 1 578 1 Jigsaw, March 6, 2004

I've retired my 25 year old Bosch 1 578 1 jigsaw. This saw has given me excellent service for 25 years, it's only short comings are you need a special srewdriver to change the blade, it doesn't have a cut blower and you have to plug it in. The 52318 addresses all of these. It's a great saw goes anywhere and for me doing pickup work in unfinished house where sometimes the power isn't in that's important. The only thing I didn't like is the funny little wire guard right in front of the blade blocks my veiw of the cut, but a srewdriver popped it right out so everything is fine. Don't know if it will last 25 years but we'll see.

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first long run cordless, December 19, 2003

Out of all the cordless tools I own this one does the most on a battery. I own the bosch corded jig and have not used it oncesince having this one.The tool is made tough, the grip and balance is almost perfect.The blade change system is phenominal. If you break a blade just pull the lever and the hot broken blade spits right out on its own!! The put a new blade in just push it in!!!The 18v jig cuts anything with the right blade and really you can use it most of the day before the battery dies out.I would NOT recomend replacing your circular saw with it the battery is not that, good but for jig saw work it is the bestand will impress the hardcore professional.I must correct a previous reviewer however, the battery is not NMH(nickel metal hydride) it is NCAD, which is the standard battery used by all tool companies. He is growsly mistaken and readers should always double check reviewers statements I findmany mis- informations written by novice tool users on the Amazon tool rewiews.What is cool is that when bosch puts out a battery upgrade it will work on this tool, I just dont know why you would need it.Top of the line tool. Bosch is releasing a new corded Jig sawthat is just like this one and I will not evan consider it,because once you have this you have no need for the cord!!!!!!!

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Bosch--Best on the Market, November 3, 2003
This is a first class, quality tool, if I could give it more stars I would.
Where To Buy
 
 

Bosch 52318 18 Volt JigSaw with 1 Battery

 (8 customer reviews)
Buy new: $428.00 $229.95   6 New from $229.95

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Tools of the Trade

Comparing five cordless jigsaws at job sites and in the workshop, this review rates the Bosch 52318 best for its smooth cuts, effective blower and blade-ejection system. Tests involve various types of wood in plunge cuts and tight radius turns, as well as in beveled and perpendicular cuts.

Review: Cordless Jigsaws, Tom O'Brien

2. Journal of Light Construction

Carpentry crew leader Ross Welsh tests five 18-volt cordless jigsaws at job sites and in the workshop. The Bosch 52318 is the favorite for comfort, its superior blade-changing system and its dust blower, but the review notes that the baseplate doesn't slide back to allow for cutting close to a wall.

Review: Toolbox: Cordless Jigsaws, Ross Welsh, Oct. 2003

3. Builder News

This review compares the cordless Bosch 52318 with the corded Freud FJ85 jigsaw, finding that the Bosch cuts 30 feet of 3/4-inch plywood on one battery charge. The review finds both the Bosch dust blower and anti-splinter insert fairly ineffective, but these are the only drawbacks noted.

Review: Cord vs. Cordless, Art Waldell, Jan. 2003

4. Woodworker's Journal

Woodworker's Journal compares four cordless jigsaws by setting up a booth at the Minnesota Woodworking Show and inviting visitors to try them out. The highest rating goes to the Bosch 52318, though there's criticism of the view through the splinter guard. There are also complaints that the plastic baseplate guard has to be removed to change the base angle.

Review: Puttin' On a Show: Our Cordless Jigsaw Test, Joanna Werch Takes

5. Amazon.com

A handful of owners review the Bosch 52318 cordless jigsaw here, giving a near-perfect average rating. The only negative reviewer says he'd change his to a perfect rating if he could, because Bosch resolved his quality-control issue so well.

Review: Bosch 52318 18-Volt Jigsaw, Contributors to Amazon.com

6. New Woodworker

Testing the Bosch 18-volt cordless jigsaw on "every thickness and species of wood" he could find, woodworker Tom Hintz writes that the Bosch makes smooth, accurate cuts. This enthusiastic review praises the handle, controls, tool-free blade changing and on-board storage for the bevel-adjustment wrench.

Review: Bosch #52318, 18V Cordless Jigsaw, Tom Hintz

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