Bosch JS365 Jigsaw Review
The Bosch JS365 is a relatively popular jigsaw that is usually recommended by many woodworking professionals. You can find this model in many professional workshops around the world, and best of all, it does not cost too much. Indeed, it is a reasonably affordable electric jigsaw that has a comprehensive set of features. But is the Bosch JS365 worth the purchase? Let’s dig in and find out!
If you want to buy a jigsaw, here are some reviews that I recommend for you to read such as DeWalt DW331K, Porter Cable PC600JS, Bosch JS470EB, Black & Decker JS660.
Bosch JS365 Jigsaw Review
#1. Technical Features
Power
A jigsaw would be meaningless without power. Thankfully, under the hood of the Bosch JS365 lies a powerful 6.5-Amp inductive motor that is more than enough for most people. Indeed, as long as you use it jigsaw over 5-Amp, it will not stall and will correct through material like butter. Including tough nodes and knots in hardwood material.
You can use this Bosch jigsaw to cut any material mostly due to its high-performance motor. Whether you are cutting wood planks, hardwood or even thin sheets of metal, you will not have any severe performance degradation using this jigsaw. It has plenty of power to deliver. It can even be used for heavy-duty applications for an extended period, mostly due to proper ventilation at the motor pack. Indeed, there are air vents located in the casing to help keep the engine cooler and more efficient.
Bosch was also quite generous with a cutting capacity that can comfortably perform 3-1/2-inch cutting capacity in soft wood, 7/8-inch capacity in aluminum, and 3/8-inch capacity in mild steel. As we can see, this is more than enough for the average user and most commercially available materials are less thick than the rated cutting capacity specs of this Bosch jigsaw.
Speed
Speed is another critical aspect in a jigsaw. The Bosch JS365 has a different speed system. Instead of having small speed increments that gradually increases the blade speed, you use the speed dial in this unit to trigger the maximum speed and then control the pace with your power button. The harder you press, the faster the blade will move and conversely, the less you push the power button, the slower the blade speed.
We like this variable speed control system much better than older speed systems mostly because it provides more control and ease-of-use to the user. The only problem with this particular system is that it can be difficult to find a preset speed for repeated use. Moreover, there is no soft start mechanism in this Bosch jigsaw, so you will have to be extra careful on the first blade entry in material.
Dust collection
As with most jigsaws, there is no inbuilt dust collection system in this unit. However, there is a dust blower that sends a constant stream of air to the blades, helping keep your cut line clean and visible over time. This drastically helps improve accuracy, especially for beginners who needs to look at the cut line for an accurate cut.
Blade
This Bosch jigsaw uses the superior T-shank blades which are reputed for being most stable and accurate when cutting through material. Additionally, this model is tool-less which means that you will not need additional tools to change the blade. You can easily change the blades in a matter of seconds, using only one hand with the Bosch JS365.
Further, there are four orbital speed settings in this Bosch jigsaw. What this does is adjust the aggressiveness of the blade forward and backward motion. This orbital setting allows you to perform smooth cuts to very aggressive cuts quickly and easily. Some material like thin sheets of plywood will require a smooth cut, why others like metal or hardwood may need a more aggressive blade orbital setting. Overall, this is very practical and allows you to quickly adapt to the material and material density you are cutting. Very neat!
#2. User-Friendliness
To make this unit more user-friendly, Bosch covered the handles with a soft rubberized layer making it very comfortable to hold. Even when used for a long time. Additionally, this smooth handling helps limit hand fatigue over the long haul.
The power buttons, as well as the orbital speed settings, can be quickly and easily adjusted with your finger without your hands leaving the handle. This is very practical and makes it more comfortable to use. Indeed, power buttons and adjustments far from the handle has been a problem in the past as you were required to remove your hand and adjust those settings constantly. This is not an issue with this Bosch jigsaw.
Moreover, the design has a fairly low profile bringing your hands closer to the material, which in turn provides you with more control over your cut. Only no, it is a very user-friendly jigsaw.
#3. Accessories
When you purchase the Bosch JS365, you get the jigsaw, an anti-splinter insert for protection, a spare blade, a wrench, and a plastic overshoe. Additionally, you also get a handy carrying case. You get everything to get you started cutting using this jigsaw and you will not need any additional purchase. Although, for more versatility, we recommend that you get if you T-shank blades for working with different materials.
#4. Price
We have no complaints about the price point of the Bosch JS365. It is a comfortably priced electric jigsaw with a lot to offer. It certainly does not provide the ease-of-use or power of the Bosch JS470EB, which is a much superior product, but also much more expensive. However, the Bosch JS365 is a mid-range electric jigsaw for semi-professional use and based on its price point; we think that it is reasonably priced and everyone can afford it. This Bosch jigsaw also makes an excellent beginners jigsaw, particularly in the budget-friendly price point. If you have never owned an electric jigsaw before, we think that this model from Bosch will fit the bill just fine.
#5. How Bosch Introduce Bosch JS365
To get a hands-on experience on the Bosch JS365, we recommend you watch this professional YouTube video done by Bosch themselves. They go into details explaining how this product works and it will give you a better idea if this product suits your needs or not. You can watch the video down below:
#6. Pros/Cons
Pros
- Powerful 6.5-Amp motor will cut through anything, from hardwood to sheets of metal
- Variable speed control with the power button. The more you press, the faster the blades operate
- Four orbital settings for adjusting the aggressiveness of the blade. This setting allows you to adapt to the material for a more efficient cut
- T-shank blades for superior stability and accuracy
Cons
- A wrench is needed to perform bevel cuts of 45-degrees. Shoe angle adjustment is not the most user-friendly
#7. Who Should Buy?
We recommend this Bosch jigsaw to beginners and semi-professionals who do not make many bevel cuts. If you are a DIY enthusiast, homeowner, or a weekend warrior, you will appreciate the ease-of-use and performance of the Bosch JS365. It comes at a price that does not break the bank and yet is feature-rich. Of course, it cannot compete with more premium models, but it does not have to. This model is one of the best electric jigsaws you can buy at this price point.
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Last Updated on January 19, 2019 by Tom Bradly