There's a strange disconnect between European and American DIYers when it comes to

the jigsaw. Europeans love jigsaws and use them all the time to work with metal and
wood—a craftsman is not considered competent unless he or she can handle one of
these power tools as well as any other machine. I often tell them that in America
there's a cultural bias toward speed and brute strength more than precision. I mean,
just look at the way people drive here.

So the jig saw remains under-appreciated in America, which is a shame. No other

power tool can do curved, straight, and bevel cuts, act as a hack saw, a reciprocating
saw, a band saw or a circular saw merely by changing its blade.

Bosch gets it, and the company's latest offering is a case in point. The JS120BN is a
petite (3.3 lb.) but very solidly built 12-volt saw with features that speaks to the
company's institutional regard and expertise with this power tool.

It starts with proprietary software the company developed to optimize motor, switch,
and battery performance. When combined with a counter-balanced drivetrain, you get
the smooth motor performance and flawless cut that Bosch's jigsaws are already
known for. A discreetly positioned speed-adjustment dial at the rear of the tool and
three orbital settings further improve your likelihood of getting the right motor speed
and blade orientation for the work.

Although the saw is small, Bosch expects it to do serious work. It's rated to cut 1/8-inch
mild steel and 2 1/2-in. thick wood. Cutting 1/8-inch steel seems outlandish for a 12-volt
tool, but Bosch accomplishes it by making specific blades for whatever you're cutting.
Having the right size and type of blade greatly increases the tool's ability. The company
makes 27 metal cutting blades, for ferrous and non-ferrous metal, and 40 blades for
cutting hardwood, softwood, composites, and plywood. If you can't find a blade to
match your job, then you're probably cutting something you shouldn't.

Another benefit of the Bosch is a tool-free blade chuck. Simply press a blade in until it
seats. To eject it, move the chuck lever to the left and the blade pops out like a spent
shotgun shell.

This thing is not cheap, but considering all it can do, it's not outlandish either. The new
saw by itself costs $120. That makes it a great fit for owners who have already invested
in Bosch's well-regarded 12-volt system. And if you were looking for a 12-volt platform
to invest in, this would be a great choice. Maybe you'll begin to appreciate the the
humble but handy jig saw a bit more.