Older Jig Saw - Bosch 1581 VS

[LSU]

I’ve got an older (maybe 30+ years) jig saw. I’m going to pull it out this weekend.

Anyone else have one?

anyone know if this model uses the “U” style blades?

thanks.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm pretty sure it uses the T-style blades. I've used Bosch jigsaws for a very long time and they have always used the T-style blades that Bosch invented. I see no reason for Bosch to have ever used U style blades.

 

[The Cobbler]

looks like it is a T tang blade, but an awkward way to change it ( it's not tool-less)

 

[engineer2]

I had a similar one and it was a great jigsaw. Sold it after I realized my cordless Makita was just as good with a much easier blade change.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have the barrel grip version of that saw and yes you do need a screwdriver to change the blades. Sort of annoying but not a deal breaker and it doesn't effect the way the saw cuts in any way. A perfectly good corded tool that runs like a sewing machine.

 

[RTM]

Yes it’s a T blade, and it needs a long skinny screwdriver to change the blade. Cuts as good as my new one, a 1590 EVS.

 

[exmaxima1]

I've owned at least 4 Bosch jigsaws spanning about 40 years, and they all used T-shank blades. Each model got progressively better as far as power and ergonomics. My first Bosch (that's not my pic but I think it was model 935) used a slide switch yet it was still light years ahead of the competition back then.

 

[cherrybomb]

Yes a great saw and the selection of blades helped it .Bosch really hit a home run.

 

[dutchgray]

I have the barrel grip version of that saw and yes you do need a screwdriver to change the blades. Sort of annoying but not a deal breaker and it doesn't effect the way the saw cuts in any way. A perfectly good corded tool that runs like a sewing machine.

I have never used a quick blade change jigsaw that clamped the blade as well as a good screw down type, as long as the guides are good I would expect the old type to cut better.

 

[dnschmidt]

Bosch is to saber saws what Milwaukee is to Recip saws. Can't be beat.

 

[LSU]

Further update:

My saw uses "T" type blades.

I had the "top" of a blade broken off in my saw. I got it removed and replaced the set screw. All good to go.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

 

[LSU]

All ready to go. Note the small broken blade on the welding table.

 

[The Cobbler]

 

[Qualitytools]

Thanks to GJ, I was able to pick up a slightly used 1590.

 

[RTM]

All ready to go. Note the small broken blade on the welding table.

That musta drove you crazy til you found it.

 

[LSU]

It did. The top of the broken blade looked like a screw head. Finally got a second set of eyes using a magnifying glass to see it was a broken blade. I’d loaned the saw and if came back with a broken blade and a missing set screw.

 

[metlmunchr]

I've got a 1581. Bought it around 1990. I'd rate it as one of the best handheld power tools I've ever owned.

I'd been telling a guy I worked with what a great saw the Bosch was a couple months after I bought it. He asked me if he could try it out over a weekend where he was doing several cutouts in counters in finishing up an apartment he was adding to a shop building. Gonna see how it did head to head against his Makita.

Monday morning he comes into the shop, lays my saw on a workbench, and says DAMN YOU. What's the problem Bob? He says My Makita was a good saw Friday afternoon. I used this thing all weekend, and now my Makita just *****.

 

[Davefr]

The 1581VS is an excellent saw. You can cut straight as an arrow with one with no deviation. Hint: Paint the handle of the special blade changing screwdriver yellow so it's easy to find in your screwdriver drawer. It's tip is no wider then the shank and most ordinary screwdrivers won't fit into the saw's slot.

 

[RTM]

Hint: Paint the handle of the special blade changing screwdriver yellow so it's easy to find in your screwdriver drawer. It's tip is no wider then the shank and most ordinary screwdrivers won't fit into the saw's slot.

I'm trying to figure out a way to attach it to the cord like a drill chuck key, or tuck it onboard somewhere. Nothing good is jumping to mind, and I don't have a box for that tool.

 

[tjansson]

And I've got a 1587. Great saw, I actually use it alot to cut aluminum sheet & plate. Fun fact - I've seen Craftsman Professional branded Bosch jig saws out there, musta been a thing in the 2000s.

 

[btrnuthatch]

This was going to be tossed in a dumpster so I rescued it as my Craftsman crowntop era jigsaw has been acting up. I didn't realize how old it is until I brought it home and noticed it didn't have a trigger for on/off -- it's the slider switch. On the other side is another slider to choose a speed setting oddly (I think) indicated as 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 (why not 1-5?).

Anyway, I couldn't figure out how the blade change mechanism worked until I found this thread. Thanks Cobbler for that. Now awaiting a batch of T type blades to check it out. On the panel it's noted as a 935 Scintilla at 3 amps. I cleaned it up a bit. I think it's kinda cool. I only have an occasional need so I'm hoping it does the trick.

 

[Kuma601]

I have a 1587, still working great.

 

[neophyte]

This was going to be tossed in a dumpster so I rescued it as my Craftsman crowntop era jigsaw has been acting up. I didn't realize how old it is until I brought it home and noticed it didn't have a trigger for on/off -- it's the slider switch. On the other side is another slider to choose a speed setting oddly (I think) indicated as 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 (why not 1-5?).

Anyway, I couldn't figure out how the blade change mechanism worked until I found this thread. Thanks Cobbler for that. Now awaiting a batch of T type blades to check it out. On the panel it's noted as a 935 Scintilla at 3 amps. I cleaned it up a bit. I think it's kinda cool. I only have an occasional need so I'm hoping it does the trick.

The Bosch jigsaw line was originally Scintilla.
Bosch Bought Scintilla, and Scintilla basically produced the saws and a few other tools under Bosch and I think Scintilla is essentially still part of Bosch.

 

[exmaxima1]

That's the same saw my wife bought me for an anniversary gift---40 years ago. The orbital feature was a true game changer back then

 

[MarcSeattle]

Are the old 80s vintage Craftsman jigsaws worth anything? I have one in perfect condition that I no longer use. I suppose someone must collect them.

 

[dnschmidt]

Bosch jigsaw: World Standard
Craftsman jigsaw: Third World Standard

 

[RTM]

Are the old 80s vintage Craftsman jigsaws worth anything? I have one in perfect condition that I no longer use. I suppose someone must collect them.

I have a late 80s model. Pure junk. 315…. Thus Ryobi.

 

[neophyte]

Bosch jigsaw: World Standard
Craftsman jigsaw: Third World Standard

With Craftsman jigsaws, it may matter which model.
Just quickly looking thru eBay, there appears to be a ton of different models, from ones with all metal casings, to plastic cases models that were likely the equivalent of plastic B&D jigsaws, which were basically ****.
Some of the Craftsman jigsaws allowed the blade to be swiveled in use, and those may have niche functionality for certain purposes. The scrolling jigsaws are also really hard to find from decent manufacturers nowadays, if anybody even still manufactures the scrolling jigsaws.

 

[Outahere]

I bought my 1581VS back in 1982, for $139. Still runs great.

Carbon brushes are still available for it, but a replacement on/off switch does not seem to be available

 

[Kuma601]

This is what my 1587VS has been cutting. The orbital motion zips through this and wood in a breeze. I didn't have a coarse blade for the reciprocating saw.

 

[The Reg]

I have a really old bosh barrel jig saw that still goes like a bottler! Lost the set screw that holds the blade in. Does anybody no what size and thread it is?

 

[Davefr]

It's probably this one. I also lost mine and had to find a replacement.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GWCY46U/?tag=atomicindus08-20