Bosch PST 800 PEL jigsaw review

I spent three days cutting through 18mm Baltic birch plywood with the Bosch PST 800 PEL. This tool feels lighter than my old Makita, which helps when you are working overhead on a ceiling installation. It uses a 530W motor that handles most residential tasks without stalling immediately. The pendulum action makes quick work of thick wood sections. However, the vibration becomes noticeable after about ten minutes of continuous use.

It is a decent tool.

The base plate has some flex if you press too hard on the edge. I noticed this while trying to cut a tight radius in a piece of 12mm MDF for a custom shelf bracket. While it can technically hit an 80mm depth in wood, you will struggle with that much material in one pass without significant heat buildup. The cord is standard length.

The price stays around $90.00.

Pros

• The pendulum function speeds up wood cutting significantly.
• It handles steel up to 12mm if you use the right blade.
• The LED light helps see your cut line in dark corners.
• It is light enough for one-handed guiding.

Cons

• The base plate lacks rigidity under heavy pressure.
• Vibration levels increase during long cutting sessions.
• Dust extraction is mediocre at best.

Who it's for

This jigsaw belongs in the hands of a homeowner or a weekend DIYer. If you are a professional framing crew, you need something with more torque and less plastic. It works well for occasional repairs around the house or small furniture projects. You will not find yourself reaching for this tool to cut through heavy structural beams all day long.

Verdict

The Bosch PST 800 PEL is a reliable entry-level machine. It performs predictably on standard materials like pine and plywood. You should buy it if you need an affordable, corded option for light household tasks. Avoid it if your daily work involves heavy metal or thick hardwoods. I recommend this tool for the casual hobbyist.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this for cutting metal?

Yes, the motor supports steel cuts up to 12mm deep. You must buy specific metal-cutting blades because the standard wood blades will snap instantly. Always run the tool at a lower speed when working with metal.

Does it come with extra blades?

The box usually includes a small starter set of blades. These are fine for basic tasks, but you should invest in Bosch T-series blades for better results. Quality blades change everything.

How do I adjust the pendulum setting?

There is a small switch on the side of the tool body. Moving it changes how much the blade moves forward with every stroke. Use a higher setting for wood and turn it off for metal.