That's very interesting. I actually already assumed this.

But if the GST 150 is only better in that it can cut 15mm more.. then that really makes it better at nothing, doesn't it?

Obviously, for someone like me who primarily wants to make extra-accurate cuts in 1mm sheet metal.. the GST 150's only special feature is nearly 100% useless.

It's strange, because the GST 150 and GST 135 are about the same price.. really curious..

the 150 is heavy duty so accuracy is secondary as in both will cut 95% off the other with compromise over the other to give accuracy in one case and depth off cut in the other
i would not consider a jigsaw for greater 45mm unless i had no choice as accuracy suffers with length

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we are all ------------------still learning

I suppose I just ask questions in the way I would want someone to ask me.

On a forum, many varied types of questions get asked. To truly be "helpful", you'd have to be able to answer such questions, even if you can only give input, otherwise, every forum member would be capable of answering one type of question.


Oh, and I bought the GST 135 BCE. Would anyone be interested in some pics or a small review once it arrives?

yes please at least a thousand words

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we are all ------------------still learning

Good choice - if I was currently after a new jigsaw it's certainly the one that I would choose at the moment. Pass on your thoughts when it arrives.

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Cheers,
Darren

Property Refurbishment & Maintenance Dorset

Anything specific you want me to cover?

Hi Track,
Things in your review that would be helpful:
Ease of changing the blades,
Accuracy of straight cuts in different materials, which is what you wanted from the start.
General handling.
Wear and tear on blades and replacement costs.

mod5

i wish id got that model.. i bought a makita one in the end. but if id had the extra i woulda gotten that one.

hmmm maybe ill flog the makita and buy that if work comes in good.

Hi Guys,
We use Metabo STEB 135+ , Bosch GST120BE and recently bought two new Bosch GST150BCE jigsaws.

We are using them to cut aramid (Kevlar derivitive) which is quite difficult to cut with any tool, but the new Bosch GST150 in my opinion has been built to less robust standards if compared to earlier models.
We have returnws both GST150BCE's under warranty three times for blade holder wear.
The problem is the newly designed blade clamp is weak and after a short time, the blade becomes loose, so the sawing action is affected.
The older style GST120, whist having a shorter cut length, is far more robust.
The other problem on the new GST150BCE (and BE) is the updated blade clamp assembly and slide is all one piece - so when it wears (which is bleeding fast), you have to buy the whole assembly as one piece at a premium price.
I have one in stock as a spare part and believe me, its much less robustly made and has a small amount of 'wobble' even when new. This mean the blade can wander 2-3 degrees from new.

For my money, I'd go for the older design Bosch GST120 or 135. The only issue I had with these (without considering normal, acceptable wear was the support roller behind the blade clogs and stops rotating pretty quick - but at £7- for a replacement, I'm happy to put up with that. It doesn't help that when we cut Aramid, it creates a fluff - much like soft fibreglass or fabric).
Before buying I suggest you check on one the tool pdf files for spares - available online. You can ensure the blade clamp and rod is available as a seperate spare before buying as they may well have updated the design on these older models too, ours are a few years old!

We do push the jigsaws to their limits, but we also accept that wearing parts will be required at least every 6 months, due to our heavy usage. That said, three warranty breakdowns each on two new GST150BCE's after less than four months ownership is excessive. Always it is the blade clamp has worn. I don't know why they changed the design because the older Bosch blade clamp is a great design. Bosch have repaired them without question each time, but it hurts our production to lose two saws for a week or so every time they breakdown and our blade usage has skyrocketed when using these.
NB: We always use Bosch blades for Bosch saws, and Metabo blades for Metabo saws. I know they are identical but when under warranty, we don't want any reasons to crop up for refusal to repair.
Because we cut on the upward stroke, I will not choose Metabo - their STEB135+ professional jigsaws have an inherent design weakness as the blade sits in a very shallow T-shape crevice, and is held in place by a spring action clamp. Over a short time, the T-shape wears until the blade is simply pulled out by the cutting action. I assume this to be the same on all Metabo jigsaws, but have not seen a new (2011/2012) model to see if it has changed.
I don't think this would be so much of a problem if cutting with downward facing teeth - but that is not an option for us.

Hope it helps you. Personally, I like Festo range - expensive but durable and well built.

heeelllooo and welcome Ballistic Pro

thank you for a comprehensive review the comparison between models and makes is very handy

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we are all ------------------still learning