Bosch 3238VS – Jigsaw
Tool: Bosch 3238VS Jigsaw
Date of Service: Early 1990′s
The Bosch 3238VS has been in my toolbox forever. Not sure when this one was made but I’ve been using a Porter-Cable for over a decade and had this Bosch long before then.
Rating: 
Features:
- Variable speed trigger
- Three position stroke control
- Adjustable base plate
- 3.15 Amp
- Scintilla SA – Switzerland
Experience:
I got the 3238VS as a gift. I had asked for the Bosch 1587 VS which, 20 years later, is still for sale but I was happy to have a jig saw at the time and used it for years. Every carpenter knows how necessary a jig saw is on site. From coping to just about any irregular cut this is a tool that is always in my truck box. I replaced my Bosch 3238VS with the Porter-Cable 7549 and most recently added the Ridgid R883 Cordless Jigsaw to my bag.
Comments:
I was never really happy with this jigsaw. With a 1587 on site, this always seemed like the homeowner model and just didn’t quite please me. With it’s modest fence, allen-key adjustable plate and odd shaped body the 3238 performed it’s duties despite my disfavor. Sometimes, the proof of a craftsman is in his ability to make due and that is what I felt I was doing with this saw. Not quite contractor grade features but it cut and it’s a Bosch.
I still use this saw in my shop today because I keep the others in a Knack box or on my truck so I shouldn’t knock it too hard. Imagine, 20 years in my abusive hands and it’s still cutting straight!
Links:
Bosch 1587AVSK Jig Saw at Amazon.com – The one I wanted, still available all these years later.
Bosch 1590EVSK Jigsaw