Bosch 1591 vs Festool PS300

[mavrick1903]

Looking for opinions on the two. I already have the Bosch. it's the one with the carbide blade guides. I love the saw. any opinions on the versus here? or is there a great thread that already hashes it out?

 

[Greg_R]

IMO, the only reason to get the Festool would be the built-in dust collection and Systainer case.  The guides between the two are the same.  Bosch sells a dust collection attachment for the 1591 and you can buy empty Systainers if you want that style of case.

 

[pteubel]

I have both. I prefer the Bosch for the variable speed trigger control and chip blower. Dust collection on the Trion in almost non-existent without the plastic shroud in place (installed, you can't see your cut line). Both cut equally well (IMO).

 

[nickao]

I just ordered a Trion and have always used the Bosch jigsaws and been happy. I hope I am not disappointed.

Festool is supposed to be all about dust collection and if you can not see the cut line clearly with good dust collection what is the point. I strictly got the Trion for cuts in really thick lumber as the Bosch does not cut square in  really thick lumber.

I did not think about seeing the cut line, I assumed a jig saw with such great reviews would not have such a basic problem. I also had no idea the Trion did not have the variable trigger switch, which I am so used to. Oh well I guess I did not research enough and just purchased based on the quality of the sanders. I will compare it to the Bosch as soon as I get it. Maybe I will sell the Trion here on the "FOG".

Nickao

 

[TahoeTwoBears]

Don't forget the 30 day return policy if you're not happy..........

 

[mastercabman]

I have both. I prefer the Bosch for the variable speed trigger control and chip blower. Dust collection on the Trion in almost non-existent without the plastic shroud in place (installed, you can't see your cut line). Both cut equally well (IMO).

same here.
but i do like the festool for it's size and it does keeps the blade straighter.imo.

 

[mavrick1903]

I might be mistaken, but I do not believe that either of the barrel grip saws have a VS trigger. only the top handle (in the bosch model anyway, dont know about Festool) has VS on the trigger.

 

[nickao]

You may be right. I only have had the Bosch D handles. I just could not get used to the barrel grips, though a lot of guys at work swore by them.

nickao

 

[Dan Clark]

Chris,

Nice idea!!!

Dan.

 

[nickao]

If that works they should make the chip guard with a vision slot, nice and neat from the factory.

That's  one thing that bugs me. Great tools that only need simple fixes. Seems like they should have thought of that and made at least one version of the chip guard like that. I Googled the jig and it is all over the net that there is no sight line on that jig. If they really put two years into developing these tools how come you found the fix so quick. Sight is more important than 100% dust collection. I would take good sight with 80% collection anytime. Jigs are not that messy to begin with.

Looks like a notched guard and a little LED and the jig is the best out there.

Nickao

 

[Toolpig]

I bought the Bosch.  Not because it was cheaper, but because it just felt better in my hand.

Jason

Looking for opinions on the two. I already have the Bosch. it's the one with the carbide blade guides. I love the saw. any opinions on the versus here? or is there a great thread that already hashes it out?

 

[Zaphod]

I have the 1590 (D-handle) and it's been impeccable.  Every adjustment is tool-free, lower blade guides are self-adjusting, has minimal vibration, blade is easy to see, cuts square, speed adjusts with the trigger.  Haven't tried the optional $10 dust collection adapter; integral blower works o.k.  Tried the PS300EQ at the local Woodcraft; albeit a nice saw, the Bosch was superior IMHO without considering price. 

Gotta give credit where credit's due; Bosch is still the king of the hill regarding jigsaws.

 

[nickao]

I love the Bosch and have used them well over 15  years. But the Festool I used of my friends(I have not received mine yet) made perfectly square cuts in much thicker lumber than my  Bosch head to head. The Bosch  does not cut 4 x 6 lumber square, not even close. The blade wonders in super hard maple over 1 1/2" also. I have tried every blade I can think of.

This is the only reason I purchased the Festool in addition to the Bosch.

If other Bosch users can make these cuts let me know how you do it, maybe the blades you are using or a technique I have been missing all these years.

nickao

 

[vteknical]

Anybody know what technically contributes to a the straighter cut on the PS300?  More powerful motor, less vibration, etc.

I have both and I like the tooless blade hugger(thing ma-jig)on the Bosch.  The PS300's is a PITA IMO, it only supports a very small percentage on the back of the blade, tightened the 2mm Alan too tight and you have unnecessary friction. 

I'm not knocking it, because I'm sure there is a valid reason for it's design.  I don't use the chip guard or plastic cover on the PS300 because of the poor visibility.  Jigsaw dust usually stays concentrated in the area you are working so that's my compromise. 

For cutting scribed Cabinet panels I use the Bosch Clean cut downstroke cut blades on the PS300.

 

[erikfsn]

My first Festool purchase was a few months ago, a vacuum and their jigsaw. Tried the saw for a few days and returned
it (kept the vacuum) and bought the barrel version of the Bosch. I couldn't stand the fact that with the Festool you can't
see the saw blade on the cut line with the dust thing in place.

More recently I've bought a Rotex and a TS 55 and REALLY like them. After all, I needed something to hook up to the
vacuum.

 

[Zaphod]

nickao,

Where you comparing the latest Bosch 159x series which have the lower blade supports? 

I've had excellent results cutting pressure treated 4x4's with the 1590 using their #344 6" blades.