Bosch Jig Saws Compared: Corded, Cordless and the Right Blades

Best for
Precise desk cutouts and cabinet mods

The BOSCH Top-Handle Jig Saw, model JS470E, is the most capable corded saw in this group. It runs a 7.0 Amp motor on 120 volts, with a variable speed dial that sets maximum speed and a trigger that controls operating speed within it. Four orbital-action settings let you move from smooth, clean cuts to aggressive stock removal. Bosch lists a cutting capacity up to 5 7/8 inches in wood and 3/8 inch in steel, which covers even thick butcher-block desk tops.

Precision is where this saw aims. The listing describes an internal precision-machined plunging system and low-vibration design, a large die-cast foot with steel insert, and a multidirectional blade clamp for a firm grip on T-shank blades. Blade changes are tool-less, with an ejection lever so you never touch a hot blade. The box includes the saw, a non-marring overshoe, an anti-splinter insert, one T-shank blade, a bevel wrench and a carrying case. Note that the description oddly calls it cordless; every other part of the listing, including the title and specs, confirms it is corded.

It suits anyone cutting grommet holes or curves in finished desk surfaces, where the anti-splinter insert and overshoe protect the top face. It gives way to the GST18V-50BN if you need to work away from outlets.

• 7.0 Amp motor with variable speed dial and trigger
• Four orbital-action settings
• Up to 5 7/8 in. in wood, 3/8 in. in steel
• Anti-splinter insert, overshoe and carrying case included

Best for
Cordless builders already on Bosch 18V

The BOSCH GST18V-50BN 18V Brushless Barrel-Grip Jig Saw is the Bosch cordless jigsaw in this list. The barrel grip puts your hand lower and closer to the work, which many people find gives finer control on tight curves such as rounded cable pass-throughs. It runs from 500 to 3,500 no-load strokes per minute via a speed dial and has four orbital-action settings. Bosch states cutting capability up to 4.9 inches in wood.

Helpful touches in the description include an LED light and dust blower for cut-line visibility, a tool-free T-shank blade change, an auto-stop for the stroke mechanism, and a large die-cast aluminum footplate with a no-mar plastic overshoe. It weighs 4.2 pounds and measures 9.5 x 3.1 x 7.5 inches. This is a bare tool: batteries and a charger are sold separately, so it makes most sense if you already own Bosch 18V packs.

Choose it for mobility and close control. For the thickest material and all-day work at a bench, the JS470E’s corded power and larger capacity are the better fit. If you are weighing cordless platforms more broadly, our 20V power tool roundup explains how battery ecosystems affect long-term cost.

• Brushless 18V motor, 500-3,500 SPM
• LED light, dust blower and auto-stop
• Tool-free T-shank blade change
• Bare tool, battery sold separately

Best for
Occasional makers wanting a reliable corded saw

The BOSCH JS260 Top-Handle Jig Saw is the simpler corded top-handle option. It uses a 6.0 Amp motor rated up to 3,100 strokes per minute, with a dial for maximum speed and an accelerator trigger. It shares several design ideas with the JS470E: a multidirectional clamp for T-shank blades, a toolless blade change, four orbital-action settings, and a precision-machined plunging mechanism with a low-vibration design.

Two JS260-specific details stand out. The always-on dust blower keeps your cut line clear, which matters when you are following a pencil line on a dark desk laminate, and the footplate is heavy-gauge steel rather than die-cast. The listing states it does not accept U-shank blades. The data is messy in places: part of the description talks about countersinks, which clearly belongs to another product, and the specs label this corded saw as brushless, which we would not rely on. The listing does not state a maximum cutting depth.

It suits the occasional maker who needs a trustworthy corded saw for a few projects a year. If you cut thick hardwood regularly, the JS470E’s extra power and stated capacity are worth it.

• 6.0 Amp motor, up to 3,100 SPM
• Always-on dust blower
• Heavy-gauge steel footplate
• T-shank only, no U-shank

Best for
Cutting metal brackets and steel mounts

The Bosch TPM005 5 pc. T-Shank Jig Saw Blade Set is a metal-focused kit. It includes one each of the T118B Basic for Metal, T123X Progressor for Metal, T121AF Speed for Metal, T121BF Speed for Metal, and T118EHM Special for Stainless Steel. The listing explains their roles: the Basic blade is high-speed steel for long life in straight cuts, the Progressor uses a progressive tooth design across varying thicknesses, the Speed blades use aggressive tooth geometry for fast metal cuts, and the stainless blade has a carbide edge for hard materials.

For desk builders, this matters when you trim steel monitor-arm brackets, cut aluminum cable tray channels, or modify a metal frame. The T-shank design fits all three saws above, and the listing says it fits over 90% of current jig saw makes and models. One spec line lists “T1118EHM,” which appears to be a typo for the T118EHM named elsewhere.

It does not include any wood blades, so pair it with a wood set or the blade that came with your saw. If you mostly cut wood and only occasionally mild steel, the T30C is the better single purchase.

Best for
Stocking up for wood and light metal

The BOSCH T30C 30 pc. T-Shank Jig Saw Blade Set is the everyday stock-up option. The features list four each of T119BO basic scroll for wood, T144D speed for wood, T101B clean for wood, T101D clean for wood, T101BF clean for hardwood, T118A basic for metal and T118B basic for metal, plus two T308B X-tra Clean for wood. That spread covers tight scroll curves, fast rough cuts, clean cuts in plywood and laminate, hardwood, and light metal work.

The Amazon description gives a different breakdown, including ten T101B blades, which conflicts with the feature list. We treat the feature list and included-components spec, which agree with each other, as the more reliable source. Either way, the set ships in a reusable case with storage for up to 30 blades, and the T-shank design fits the JS470E, JS260 and GST18V-50BN.

It suits anyone setting up a first jigsaw kit or refilling a drawer. It has no stainless-specific blade, so add the TPM005 if you expect to cut stainless steel. For long, dead-straight rips across a full desk slab, a jigsaw is not the ideal tool, and our track saw guide covers that job.