Customer Reviews
If you think you need this saw, you probably do. 
2006-11-27
It's strange how a tool I never knew existed will drift into my awareness and within a few weeks I will have developed a need for it. I am not so much into fixing things because I like the work, it seems to be because I am fascinated by equipment and will learn a trade or skill just to use whatever new device holds my attention at the moment. And it comes in handy, especially in a case like the Bosch Fine Cut saw.. When I first saw one a few weeks ago my first thought was, "How cool. But silly. A power handsaw. Is that not a great oxymoron? And what would you use that for?"
I liked the way the unit was reversible, the backbone of the saw action is integral to the blade and all the main unit does is provide power. The blade attaches and snaps over to either side in seconds. There are presently only 3 blades available, a coarse, a fine, and a true flush cut fine blade that will only run in one direction due to the offset. I would expect a carbide blade or an abrasive of some sort will be coming soon, as I have often needed a way to trim metal in a similar manner. But still I was unconvinced.
About a week after that I got a project to remodel some cabinets in place and instantly discovered "what for". But I resisted at first, thinking I could pull it off with a Japanese backsaw and a recip, even though there would be some problems with scratching the cabinet interior. Before I could get started, I was called to replace a broken board in a redwood pool deck, a five foot section had snapped off of a 12-footer. It would have involved clearing away a railing and everything atop the good wood to remove the long piece and then trim it and replace. An hour, just for that.
I picked up the saw immediately. ($99.00 at Lowes) along with 2 extra blades, as I have read they are somewhat delicate.
It took longer to run extension cord to the job than to fix it. I marked the broken board to the length of the repair piece and put the Bosch to work. Two minutes, max, I had a perfect cut without a nick on the adjoining boards. One more job like this and the saw has paid for itself. It is hard to find that in a tool.
(Added later) - Well, there was that job- replacing a water-damaged bottom panel under a kitchen sink. I probably wouldn't have even considered the job if not for this saw. A little hard to handle in close quarters, but I had the old panel out in about 20 minutes, with no damage to the cabinet. Like surgery.
There may be other units out there that perform as well, I have seen cheap jamb saw for twice the price, and I have heard a plate joiner can be pressed into service for things like the deck. But the Bosch was in the right place at the right time for me, and I am very satisfied with the purchase.
Swiss made, the quality is obvious 
2006-07-16
Powerful and very steady balance. I have used this to cut door jams for laying tile. When I first turned it on, I was a bit skeptical; not wanting to loose a digit. Amazing power for such a small unit, but the balance of it at full power allows for an amazingly clean, and even cut w/ no kick back.
Expensive for a niche tool, but you would be amazed at the labour time it saves.
For door jams, you basically have to eye the amount to cut. I would suggest cutting the jam at least 2 times, the cut is so clean that if you over estimate the tile height, your can use one of your cuttings, to glue back after the fact.
I have also used this unit to "shave" interior window trim, that came out a hair too long on a miter saw.
This is a must have for a tile or window installer, for a homeowner; you will find uses for it.
Ease of Use 2006-06-25
I've used this particular saw before, but did not have one in my personal arsenal of trim tools. I like its ease of use. Actually, the job I purchased to used it on this go-round, I wound up not doing by recommendation of a professional trim carpenter friend of mine.
I had 4 windows and a door with jambs that needed to be built out to match the sheetrock for trimming. All required pine fill pieces, some of which went from 3/4" to 0" over a 6' length. The thought of cutting these huge "shims" with any accuracy on the table saw was a bit daunting. So, I figured I could easily cut myself 1" pieces, glue it into place, and come back later with the Bosch 1640 and flush cut them.
My friend discouraged me from doing so do to the fact that my 1" addition would require a "rip" cut rather than a crosscut for which the saw is actually designed. He also pointed out that the supplied blades were not conducive to rip cutting. Knowing the wood was going to be ultimately enameled, I knew there was a fudge factor involved where any small gaps could be spackled, and I opted to attempt cutting the necessary "shims" on the table saw. All worked well and the finished paint job looks wonderful.
However, I'm wondering if anyone has attempted longer rip cutting in a similar situation with hardwoods, (e.g., oak or maple that will be stain/seal/varnished) with any success? Also, do they make a "toothier" blade for the 1640 that one might be able to get reasonable preliminary rip cuts accomplished in harder woods?
Gem of a saw, good clamps, fair tool case, terrible mitre box 2005-09-20
Pros:
- "Flush Cutting" means the blade literally slides on the surface and cuts protruding wood to that level. For example, you can cut a piece of wood poking out above a sub-floor so it's flush, since the blade will slide on the sub-floor itself. Of course, you can cut above the surface, as when shortening door-jambs because you are now installing ceramic tile and you want it to be under the door trim. In such cases, this little gem of a tool is a God-send. I'm not aware of a competing electric tool, and although a manual saw could work in a pinch, this saw does a much better and faster job.
- The flush-cutting blades are quickly reversible, so you can cut right to left or left to right; depending on which is more convenient.
- Accessories include other types of blades, with rougher teeth or for ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, copper).
Cons:
- While the Bosch Fine Cut saw is a first rate tool, the miter table attachment is nearly useless. During a recent house renovation, before my DeWalt sliding compound saw was on site, I tried one last time to use it for productive work. No luck. This table attachment was so unsatisfactory, it was tossed it in the trash. The piece of wood to be cut vibrates way too much, even when clamped, for a quality cut. Besides, the unit itself, including the "fence" is just too darned small for most woodworking tasks. It might do a barely passable job, if you plan to grout the joints, and paint the work, but it is wholly impractical for a cut that needs to be smooth and accurate. Any electric miter saw, or a decent manual miter saw, would do a significantly better job than this tiny miter attachment.
- Of the half-dozen Bosch tools I own, this is the only one with a lousy tool case. It's cheaply constructed with plastic latches, plus the electric cord, saw, and accessories all have to be perfectly situated for the lid to close.
Summary:
- The 1640VS (Bosch Fine Cut Power Handsaw) does not include a tool case, miter table attachment, or clamps.
- The 1640VSK includes the tool case, the miter table attachment, two Gross Stabil 6" F clamps, and a clamp to hold wood to the miter attachment, while cutting.
The saw itself is mainly for remodelers or serious do-it-yourself types, since it's a speciality tool you won't use very often. When you need it, however, you'll be mighty glad you own one.
My advice is to get the saw only (Bosch 1640VS) and a decent aftermarket tool case. Amazon sells the Gross Stabil clamps individually. Also, search Amazon for "miter saw" and you'll find some electric models for $100 or less. You'll spend a bit more in total, but have a much better setup.
5 stars for the saw and two Gross Stabil clamps, 1 star for the tool case, 0 stars for the miter table attachment.
Not quite what I had in mind. 2004-05-01
I am a home repair contractor and I have several other Bosch tools, and nothing bad to say about any of them. This tool I'm not so sure about yet. I bought mine today to cut oak coveing to trim a countertop. I did not have my 10" Bosch Slider with me and I really wanted to get this project done.
It did not do too bad a job on the 45 degree angles, and it was not too difficult to clamp down on the top 2x6 rail of a deck where I was working.
The problem I had was holding the stock in place from vibrating.
I had cut some materials to a 42 in length but could not hold it down on the miter table to make a full cut or to finish the angles. It vibrated out of my hands and onto the floor about three times before I finally got it cut.
I was short a few feet of finishing the job so I'll get a chance to try it again later.
I would never try to do any major trim work with it. Like I said I have a slider for that. But for smaller jobs of cutting a few pieces, it could be a suitable alternative. It sure takes up a lot less space in my truck and can be kept there full time.
Bosch 1640VSK 2007-12-28
Very good tool for cutting in pleces where it is difficult to reach with other tools. The miter is also good, but it is less accurate than a circular saw. The tool is good considering that is also inexpensive compared to other, more precise and professional solutions. The tool is a must have for difficult to reach places. Bosch 1640VSK Fine Cut Finishing Saw Kit with Miter
bogus 
2007-12-05
This is actually a review I wrote for the Bosch planer. But as I already had written a previous review It would not allow a 2nd one. So I am writing it here.
I think some of these reviews are fake. After cmy problems with this planer I noticed that some of the other reviews were so glowing. so I clicked on " Ted Peterson".
Surprise, surprise. He has made 8 reviews. All 8 were Bosch products!! All 8 were rated 5 star!! And all 8 were gushy in their praising of Bosch perfection. All 8 repeatedly mentioned the Bosh name and could not find ONE bad thing to mention in the performance of 11 tools. Have you ever bought 11 perfect tools?
Same for " Skip Morris". 9 reviews. 9 Bosch tools ( and nothing else). Nine 5 star reviews. Nine Bosch love affairs.
I think they work for Bosch.
Not that Great 2007-10-30
I've read most of the reviews on this saw and had to add my two cents. I've owned this saw for almost 5 years and used it quite a bit each year - until I got exasperated with it each time. Each time I've ended up regreting using it, primarily on the bottom of door jambs where it is supposed to excel. The problem I have with it, is that it is TOO powerful and despite the appearance of being "variable speed", it isn't. It can easily rip up a jamb if you don't get it just right and you must hold it VERY firmly or it will tear out your hands as well. It does a decent job on smaller trim work, working with it in the miter box. Here the miter box attachment helps control this beast. Still, it needs a true variable speed control. It could also use thinner blades, more in line with the Japanese pull saws. The thickness of its blades and its un-variable speed make for burning of the blade and/or the jamb, as well as sticking in the jamb cut while you are doing it. I've often resorted back to my Japanese pull saw after starting a cut with this. Anyway, that's my two cents. It sounds like other do like this, but after 5 years of experience with it, I just don't use it any more because of these problems and unreliability.
Awesome saw and miter box 2007-08-01
I am a contractor and I use this Bosch saw regularly. We use it on the job for cutting door jambs and casings to allow flooring to fit underneath. The miter box is a great addition to the saw, especially for small and/or delicate trim. Regular saws just chew them up, but this saw makes fine cuts easily.
Bosch hand power saw with Miter 2007-04-09
The saw works great. However, the miter kit is a different matter. It does not give you the height adjustment for the type of moldings you want to cut. Also, the miter angles, I am not sure they are totally accurate. For small molding, I think it works. It not the best in terms of the miter kit.
