I like bosch jigsaw better than trion

[vrasilla]

Hi, I'm new the FOG, Victor Rasilla

I reviewed Trion barrel grip for Journal of Light Construction a few years ago and I actually sold mine on ebay because I preferred my Bosch 1587 instead.  The trion would get so hot it was uncomfortable to hold and I use the collins coping foot quite a bit and I find it to be a huge advantage.  I was wondering what others had to say or if there was similar experiences out there.

VR - FestoolHeadWacko

 

[mastercabman]

I also like the 1587 better than the festool.

 

[Cannuck]

Honestly, I can't compare to the Festool Trion, as I've never had one to try.  I love my Bosch 1590EVSK (Top handle) jigsaw. Smooth, accurate cuts. Easy blade changes. 

I recently picked up the dust collection hood accessory - which makes it even better than before.
Bosch Jigsaw Dust Extraction Kit

It doesn't leave me wanting for a Festool "upgrade".

 

[Daviddubya]

Victor - I'm curious why you compared the Bosch top handle (1587) to the Festool barrel grip?  If you prefer a top handle saw, why not test the Festool top handle saw for an apples to apples comparision?

I owned the older style Bosch barrel jig saw (1584) for several years, the one without blade guides.  Long before Bosch offered a model with blade guides, I upgraded from Bosch to Festool barrel grip.  The primary motivator for me at the time was being able to cut square in 2X materials when building decks.  The Festool was far better than the Bosch at making a square cut.  I have not tried the newer Bosch model (1591) with blade guides, since I own a Festool that does a fine job.

One drawback on the Festool is visibility of the blade and cut line during cuts.  There are some threads here on the FOG about that issue.  The way I solve that problem is to use the chip guard, which has a guide arrow at the front of the saw.  My Bosch had better visibility, but the Festool cuts better with almost no vibration.  Having made the investment in the Festool saw, I have no incentive to go back to the Bosch, although a comparison of the square cutting ability in the newer Bosch model would be interesting.

 

[Programmergeek]

I had both the bosh seemed more managable and handled better.  Maybe a bit small could just be my perception though.  The festool I think holds the blade better (stiffer) may have more power and some cute accessories like the splinter guard and dust extraction.  The visablity issue is huge on the festool and the fact that there is no LED (i retro fitted one) is a real downer.  Overall i like the feel of the bosh and the poer and dust extraction of the festool, guess you can't have exerything.

 

[Spike]

Gosh... I don't know guy's, the line of sight on my PS 300 EQ is no problem. In most jig saw operations you cut very slowly and try to follow the line as tight as you can, I get a far better cut than my Bosch did. And heat was never an issue with my PS 300. Just make sure you adjust the blade for each blade, some blades are slightly thicker (or thinner) than others.

 

[butzla]

Victor,  I have neither the bosch nor the Festool.  I have an old Skil.  I'm in the market for upgrading so this is an interesting thread for me.  I've read the other posts RE: poor visibility and it's workarounds on the Festool saw.  I don't like the sound of it. 

For what it's worth, FWW's Tool Guide 2008 gave highest marks to the Bosch.  Here's what they said about Festool PSB 300 EQ:  "Had the Festool included a toolless bevel change or flush-cutting ability, it would have been our favorite.  It's the smallest saw, cuts smoothly and handles well.  It's narrow base is an occasional lifesaver when cutting countertops for sinks."

Here's what they said about Bosch 1590EVSK:  "A little big, but it handles like a dream.  This saw had the best blade change, ejecting spent blades and allowing easy insertion of fresh ones.  It offers front flush-cutting ability, toolless bevel changing, and a blade guide that's better than the standard type. "

PS Welcome to FOG!

 

[gojira]

My barrel grip Trion also gets so hot I need gloves to handle it. I have not seen an explanation for this yet and it leaves me wondering. I have a pre-bladeguide D-handle Bosch and a blade guide equipped barrel grip Bosch. The bladeguide system on the Bosch pushes the blade over to one side. I have not found any viable means of adjusting it. The Festool guide design seems to work better and has some level of adjustability. Visibility using the Festool chip collector is terrible. I tend to dispense with the dust collection and use it just like the Bosch jigsaws. This tends to reduce the value of a primary selling point for the Festool. If the bladeguide arrangement on the Bosch did not bend the blade, then I would probably pick it over any other.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Victor - I'm curious why you compared the Bosch top handle (1587) to the Festool barrel grip?

Good question since the Collins coping foot is easier to use with a barrel grip saw isn't it?

 

[minimal]

I have the barrel-grip Trion, and have tried the Bosch. In one area the Bosch seems much better: bevel adjustment. The Trion's
is very rough, and in fact (if I remember correctly) there are detents that actually *prevent* you from making tiny adjustments.
(My blade was out of perpendicular by a small amount, but I could not adjust it by that amount because it was either >10 degrees
or nothing).  The Trion bevel adjust is a piece of cast metal with no machining to make its movement smooth. I forget what the Bosch
has, but I remember a very good bevel adjust.

 

[Dan Clermont]

I own the Bosch right now and do really like it. Did get to try the Trion and found it more comfortable in the hand and easier to manuever. I haven't tried a side by side comparison to see the differences or why the Trion felt better so I can't say.

You can't go wrong with either jigsaw. They are both great!

Dan Clermont

 

[dirtydeeds]

yes the barrel grip gets warm

you are transfering a circular motion to vertical one AND you also want it to pendulum as well, or whatever they call it

my bet is there is only ONE method of converting that motion

SO my bet is that ALL jigsaws get hot in the same place, regardless of where the handle / grip is

i wouldnt swap back to a top grip jigsaw

 

[Tony M]

I have the Bosch 1582. Back when I was apprentice school. they had one, and I feel in love. Bought on one about 2 weeks later. I looked at the Trion in the store and it looked like a nice saw, maybe I will demo it next time. I think I will stay partial to my Bosch . This kind of suprises me after looking at all the other Festool stuff and upgrading or waiting till next time to step up.   

 

[vrasilla]

I actually use my top handle as a barrel grip quite regularly.  I lock the switch on and hold it from the underside.  I can get closer to the cut line when I need to that way and I always hold it from the barrel when I am coping upside down with the collins foot so for me the configuration is a moot point other than having another dimension of flexibility with the 1587.  I found the Trion to be a little jumpy too.  I have to say that blade swayout is better with the Trion.  I spent years building a relationship with my Bosch and used the Trion for no more than a month, perhaps I needed more time to discover it's nuances.

 

[SteveC]

Vic,
I too use my 1587 with a Collins foot. I picked up a foot switch to use with it so you can lock on yet not start until you are ready. Makes coping a little safer when holding the 1587 upside down.

 

[robtonya]

I was just getting ready to buy the Bosch, but then I got a good deal on a Festool d-handle from the classifieds on this forum. I plan on removing as much of the dust collection and chip guard if possible. I seen one in person at Woodcraft, and I could not see how you could see a cut line with it in place, but I don't know for sure, as I have never pulled the trigger on either. I however can compare the Festool (when it arives, currently it is in Ohio)  to a $20 Black and Decker if anyone wants. Let just say alot of vibration on the B&D.

 

[Joe Jensen]

Victor,  I have neither the bosch nor the Festool.  I have an old Skil.  I'm in the market for upgrading so this is an interesting thread for me.  I've read the other posts RE: poor visibility and it's workarounds on the Festool saw.  I don't like the sound of it. 

For what it's worth, FWW's Tool Guide 2008 gave highest marks to the Bosch.  Here's what they said about Festool PSB 300 EQ:  "Had the Festool included a toolless bevel change or flush-cutting ability, it would have been our favorite.  It's the smallest saw, cuts smoothly and handles well.  It's narrow base is an occasional lifesaver when cutting countertops for sinks."

Here's what they said about Bosch 1590EVSK:  "A little big, but it handles like a dream.  This saw had the best blade change, ejecting spent blades and allowing easy insertion of fresh ones.  It offers front flush-cutting ability, toolless bevel changing, and a blade guide that's better than the standard type. "

PS Welcome to FOG!

I have a Bosch with their dust collection accessory which is great.  When you have the dust collection installed, the clear shield in the front blocks the view of the blade.  I just cut a smal notch in the clear sheild and now I can see the blade where it hits the cut line perfectly.  I assume the trion works the same way.  I don't think you can have good dust collection without the clear sheild, and with it, the view is blocked.  the notch gives me good view and good dust collection.