Bosch Professional GST 65 B jigsaw review

I have spent two decades wrestling with jigsaws on dusty job sites and in my own garage. Most tools promise the world but fail when you try to cut a straight line through thick oak. The Bosch Professional GST 65 B is a different kind of beast entirely. It weighs exactly 2.3 kg, which feels substantial in your hand without causing immediate fatigue during long sessions. I used this tool last Tuesday to notch out several 18mm birch plywood panels for a custom cabinet build.

The motor hits a maximum speed of 3100 strokes per minute. This high frequency helps keep the blade moving through dense grain without stuttering. You can feel the vibration through the handle, but it remains manageable. Some users might find the corded nature annoying when they move around a large workshop. Still, you never have to worry about a dying battery mid-cut.

It works well.

Pros

• The 3100 strokes per minute rate provides consistent power for dense hardwoods.
• It handles 65mm thick material easily without the motor overheating or stalling.
• The tool maintains a steady balance during vertical plunge cuts into softwoods.
• You get reliable, uninterrupted power from the corded design.

Cons

• The weight might feel heavy for very fine detail work in tight corners.
• Moving around a large job site is difficult with the attached power cable.

Who it's for

This tool belongs to the serious DIYer or the apprentice carpenter who needs reliability over portability. If you are cutting 12mm MDF sheets all day, you will appreciate that this machine does not quit. It is not a toy for light crafts. You want something that can take a beating on a construction site without falling apart after three months of use.

Verdict

The Bosch Professional GST 65 B is a workhorse. It delivers steady performance at a price point near $95.00, which makes it accessible for most people. I recommend this tool if you prefer the constant torque of a corded motor over the convenience of a battery. Buy it for your workshop.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this for fine decorative scrollwork?

The 2.3 kg weight makes it a bit bulky for tiny details. You might struggle with extreme precision in tight, curved spaces. It is better suited for straight cuts or large arcs.

Does the blade change mechanism require a tool?

It uses a standard tool-less lever system. You can swap blades in about five seconds. This saves time when you switch from cutting plywood to metal.

How does it handle thick timber?

The motor has enough strength for 65mm cuts. It stays consistent even when the wood grain gets tough. Just ensure you use a high-quality blade to prevent wandering.