GST 25 metal bow handle jig saw

The GST 25 metal is a bow handle jig saw manufactured by Bosch.

This jig saw is specialized for cutting in metal and can cut up to 15 mm of steel which is more than any other Bosch jig saw. Even the top of the line GST 160 CE which can cut much thicker wood is only rated for 10 mm of steel.

The machine is powered by a 670 watt brushed electric motor from a power outlet.

Exterior

The machine has a D-handle shaped body made out of dark blue plastic with black rubberized top handle.

To prevent the saw from vibrating and bouncing on the work piece the handle contains a special gray area which is an insulated gripping surface which a second hand can be placed to push down on the machine.

Operation

The saw is turned on by a red trigger switch on the bottom of the handle. There is also a lock switch to keep the saw running without pressing the trigger.

On the back side there is a speed selection dial. It has maximum of 2600 strokes per minute which is less than most other jigsaws. With its powerful motor each stroke has more power behind it than with other jigsaws making it more suited for cutting in harder materials like steel and aluminium.

The same handle piece can also be pulled up and turned to remove and replace the saw blade.

Standard T-shank saw blades are used and softer materials like aluminium and wood can also be cut, but with less strokes per minutes and only one orbital action setting cutting in wood is not as fast as other jigsaws with equally powerful motors.

The picture shows a hex key on the cord, but the manual does not include any instructions on what to do with it. The base is extra stiff and does not seem to be tiltable.