Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 09, 2004 08:06am | #1

   Must be something wrong somewhere.

   I've not seen it, but I did read a review, and I remember them saying the blower lever you mention is supposed to adjust how much air blows across the blade. Reviewer said it was effective.

   The reviewer also claimed the blade changing mechanism is a lot better than the old "clic" model. Is that true?

1. 
   301 | Jun 09, 2004 08:38am | #3

   The blade changing system is  little "odd" and involved but it seems to work like a champ.  It takes 4 steps to put a blade in and 4 different one to take it out.  I have to refer to the pictue guide printed on the side of the tool, too much to remember.  I feel uncomfortable using my bare hands to twist the blade into (or out of) the guide, one slip and those extremely sharp blades will get' ya.  But boy does it hold those blades tightly.  Typical of a Bosch design, those people always think "outside the box".

   Still no clue on the dust blower.  I will fiddle with it some more.

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 09, 2004 08:44am | #4

   I never much liked the "clic" system, but it does work ok. With mine, it doen't take much of a turn (of the knob, on the barrel grip model) to loosen the blade enough so it is very easy to turn and remove by hand.

   How does the new model cut? Have you tried it on any 2X stock? Any problems with deflection in the cut?

1. 
   301 | Jun 09, 2004 06:19pm | #6

   The problem with turning the blade goes to the little guide wheel that the back of the blade runs on.  There are flanges on this little wheel and you need to deflect the blade just a little bit as you turn it in order to get the blade seated between the flanges.  In order to get even a little bit of deflection you have to really get  a good grip on the blade and twist/align at the same time.  If I do it be hand I can feel those sharp little teeth (they sure make jigsaw blades better then they used to) pushing into my flesh.  I am sure that with one mistake and it would draw blood, plus it feels uncomfortable.  It may be one of those operations that will become easier after some practice.  For now I use a pair of pliers and a gentle touch.

   But it really is a super machine and cuts a good, true line.  I wish it weighed less and a light would be more useful then the non-functional chip blower.  The mass of the tool is so great that it casts a shadow no matter the lighting conditions.  The blade selection is more critical then on other tools I have used.  Some are designed for "smooth straight cuts" and some for "smooth curved cuts".  It may not sound like a big deal but if you have ever used a jigsaw to cut out an inside square then you know that it is impossible to make the straight inside cuts without turning a corner.  And those "smooth straight cut" blades will not make a curve without grabbing and tearing the wood.  Similarly the "smooth curve cut" blades will wander on a cut you need to be straight.  I may need to experiment with some different blades, which will not be cheap.  Remember the old days of "fine" and "coarse" blades only?

2. 
   pictureman | Jun 09, 2004 08:33am | #2

   I bought the sam saw a few months ago and have the same problem.  Like you, the sawdust blower not a big deal and have not taken the time to fully explore the problem.  It would be interesting to find out, though.  Otherwise I am very happy with the other features.  One concern is the "blade stabilizer" clamp mechanism.  I have noticed that my blade shows a lot of wear (deep scratches) along the back 1/4 of the blade.  What concerns me is the life of the blade stabilizing clamp arms.  Do they wear out quickly? If so, how do you replace them?

3. 
   gecko | Jun 09, 2004 03:08pm | #5

   i have the barrelgrip model and the chip blower works well. I'm not sure what might be the problem with yours.

   Custom Cabinetry and Furniture

   http://www.BartlettWoodworking.com

    

4. 
   mudman | Jun 09, 2004 10:07pm | #7

   I have the older model (I think you have the improved version that same out a couple of months ago). I noticed that the blower controll dosen't seem to do much and I can't really feel the air, however the dust is blown away.

   Mike

   please excuse my spelling.
5. 
   billsams | Jun 10, 2004 01:49am | #8

   My old bosch blower lever works well. Re-purchased in '96 after my original bosch was stolen. As far as changing blades, the click version I haven't liked from the start. My original bosch had a long screwdriver to tighten and loosen blades, yes you had to keep track of yet another tool (I still have it), but this "click crap" sometimes doesn't tighten at all.

   On the new model, needing 4 different actions to remove and 4 to install seems a little obsessive. I think bosch needs to rethink things.

   Bill

1. 
   301 | Jun 10, 2004 07:27am | #9

   To Insert a Blade in the Bosch 1587AVS Jigsaw...

   1.Set the blade orbit select lever to position III

   2.Pull the blade change knob upwards and turn it 3 times counter-clockwise.

   3.Insert the blade at  90 degree angle of the cutting direction.  With a slight pressure (use pliers-my suggestion) turn the blade forward and guide the back of the blade into the groove in the center of the blade roller guide.  Pull gently down on the blade to seat the blade tabs. (does this count as just one step?)

   4.Turn the knob clockwise until a "clic" sound is heard.  Press down on knob until it is flush with handle.  Removal is essentially the reverse. 

   Is that not bizarre?  I can't complain too much but what if you somehow ended up without an owners manual?  You would never figure this out through trial and error.  Furthermore, getting the blade twisted into position is a lot harder then you might think.  Some "worker bees" out there are going to gouge their fingers on those sharp blades and there will be a lawsuit causing Bosch tools to cost even more.  I almost bought a Hitachi instead, maybe I should have.

1. 
   mudman | Jun 12, 2004 07:34pm | #11

   I figured it out without the instructions. Not that complicated.

   Mikeplease excuse my spelling.

1. 
   SEBDESN | Jun 12, 2004 10:10pm | #12

   I just got the 1590 and the thing doesnt seem to blow anything out of the way.I had to look at the book to make sure the lever was in the correct position.Still no air...

   And the blade gets pushed in till it clicks, and slide the lever and it pops out. Far cry from the old days!

2. 
   301 | Jun 13, 2004 06:23am | #13

   Really?  You figured out "three counter-clockwork turns" on your own?  You are amazing.

1. 
   mudman | Jun 14, 2004 01:11am | #19

   Hey, you're the one who said it is complicated! :-)

    But, like you said you asked about the sucky blower. BTW I'm still not sure which way to move the lever to increase the blowing because there seems to be no diference. I guess down is more air. It is a great saw, a lot better than the more expensive Dewalt I had before.

   Mikeplease excuse my spelling.

6. 
   mitremike | Jun 10, 2004 09:23am | #10

   i have the older versin of this tool and I have to say I thought the same thing when I first got this one. I then discovered that with the varible speed that the blower didnt get effective until I got the speed up. once I had entered the cut and was moving along it worked like a champ. Hope you like this tool cause I love mine and have for 5 years now --even converted a couple of guys to my way of thinking about the 1587 .

   My two year old girl just came up to me and said " Daddy --I have joke for you!" What do you get when you put three ducks in a box? Gee I don't know Grace what do you get? A box of "quackers" Daddy Funny stuff Now go back to bed! Ya just gotta love them.

7. 
   SRToolguy | Jun 13, 2004 06:31am | #14

   I haven't had any customer complaints about the blower problem or blade changing. It seemed pretty straight forward to me. I'll call my rep on Monday and see what he say's and let you know.

   Sincerely;

   The Tool Guy

1. 
   301 | Jun 13, 2004 07:43am | #15

   This thread (like on so many forums) has gotten "side-tracked".  I don't have a problem with the blade changing.  I think it is a little more complicated then I would expect and it makes me uncomfortable to have to man-handle such a sharp, sharp blade...BUT I do not have a problem with it.  It works great even if it is a little "complicated".  This all started with a reply to a question asked by nikkiwood.  That poster asked about the new blade holding system and I answered honestly.  Nothing to see here, move along, move along.

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 13, 2004 08:24am | #16

   These threads do have a life of their own, don't they? I will say, gently, that people get to ask the questions they want, and others get to respond -- and if that leads the thread astray from your original question, that's kind of the way it goes.

   But what more do you need to know about the blower mechanism? It doesn't work for you, and it sounds like it doesn't work all that well for some others either.

   I think it's time for you to contact Bosch and see what they have to say:

   TEL: 1-877-bosch99

   You can send them an email through the following link:

   http://www.boschtools.com/Service/Ask+Bosch/Ask+Bosch.htm

1. 
   301 | Jun 13, 2004 10:18pm | #17

   The question about the blower was answered: some other people report that theirs don't work either.  So I learned that it was not operator error, or simply my imagination.  These blowers are "Sear-Suckers".  Sears sells them and Suckers buys them (Ha-Ha). 

   Will I do anything about it?  Nah, not very likely.  Bosch would likely want me to return it and get another and it proably won't work any better so it is not worth the effort.  I didn't buy it because of the blower, no other jigsaw I ever owned had a blower (except me huffing and puffing) so I am not out anything.  I will continue huffing and puffing and future Bosch jigsaw buyers who search these threads will be able to answer the question: Does this blower really work or is it just my imagination?  (The thing I have never figured out, where is the air supposed to come from?  It ain't got no holes in it!  Should I drill a few extra holes back in there?)

   And furthermore the saw is otherwise a fantastic tool.  One of those well designed Bosch super-tools that continue to impress me.  These people really deserve recognition for being able to apply new designs and technologies to make their tools head and shoulders above the rest.  (I almost bought a Hitachi but the Bosch came with free bits and free is free.)

   This thread brought to you by Bosch...

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 13, 2004 10:42pm | #18

   Aw heck --- why don't you go ahead and give them a call? Then you can report back here with what they have to say.

   The older I get, the more I try to save my huffin' and puffin' for something more worthwhile than blowing sawdust from the kerf............

   Edited 6/13/2004 4:40 pm ET by nikkiwood

2. 
   301 | Jun 14, 2004 03:56am | #20

   OK, Ok I will call them but just for you Bubba.  I will report back how long I was put on hold and what type of music they played, etc.    Maybe they have a magic procedure to make it work, who knows.  I did call Bosch a long while back for a table saw question and they insisted on sending me a part I really didn't need, good people. 

   I just long for that big-old chrome plated B&D jigsaw that my Dad had so many years ago.  That thing was a champ.  It would cut smoothly and quietly and those cheap little blades seemed to go on forever.  It was not without it's problems but that simple little tool seemed to be a bullet-proof.  We made a lot of good stuff with it.  I wonder whatever happened to it?  That might be a good thread to start; what special tool of your (Dad, GrandPa) do you still have and use in your shop and why?  Hmm.

3. 
   mudman | Jun 14, 2004 06:44am | #21

   I like that idea too. Go ahead.please excuse my spelling.