BOSCH RS428 14 Amp Reciprocating Saw

Nice - a smooth, easily controlled, powerful saw Bosch produced here. Haven't managed to bog it down through fir framing & nails which, admittedly, isn't the most challenging material.I came into this saw directly from Bosch's old 13 Amp RS20 Reciprocating Saw, which maintained only a 3-star reviewer's average rating (mainly because of complaints of excessive vibration), yet somehow managed a #16 ranking on Amazon's "bestselling recip saws" list.I chose the RS428 instead of Bosch's new 12-Amp RS325 mainly because the RS325 offers no anti-vibration system, and has a fixed foot. I've also been looking at the usual suspects from Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, Makita and Dewalt but really liked what I saw from Bosch in their RS35 15 Amp Demo Saw -- it appeared that they listened to their customer critiques of the RS20 and made the necessary changes, changes which are incorporated in the RS428. (The RS35 wasn't on my list because it's simply too big and heavy for my needs.)My new RS428 is nearly identical in size to the RS20 -- in fact, it's about an inch shorter and actually appears to be a bit leaner around the motor housing. But it's over a pound heavier (9.58 lbs vs. 8.46 lbs on my Feedback hanging scale, and that extra weight is clearly evident when I pick the saw up. Though it's important to mention that the RS428 includes 8 feet of attached power cord, whereas the RS20 had no cord but instead a socket for an extension cord to plug directly in to (another common reviewer complaint of that model). The cord accounts for about half a pound of the added weight.The RS428 does away with the RS20's always-on LED headlights (which I found mostly useless), the toolbelt hook and the hi/low-speed selector switch (something I *never* used). Instead, the new saw has a trigger lock to lock the saw ON in its maximum 2,900 strokes per minute cutting rate (I'm questioning the usefulness of that feature!).Here's my list of the RS428 improvements:+ Soft start - the saw speeds up slowly, mostly eliminating the "wrist twist" that occurs with an instant-on saw+ Vibration damping - this seriously works; quite pleased; no more jerking+ Orbital cutting action - though I can't say I've noticed any improvements in cutting+ Better ergonomics - the redesigned rubber grip behind the blade is much more comfortable; perhaps narrower, too+ Front grip rubber - gone is the hard, slippery, "armor-like" plastic of the RS20; now grippy rubber is used+ Foot doesn't jiggle - it's secure and wiggle-free in its sliding mount, though still a copy of the RS20's design+ Quieter - probably no difference when wearing hearing protection and cutting wood, but just running side-by-side compared to the old RS20, its volume is a couple of notches lower+ Attached cord - not a huge deal as I left a "permanent" short extension cord plugged in a to my RS20Bosch kept a couple of things that worked well:- The foot position is adjusted via a simple button press; no tools nor twists required- Build quality, including the type of plastic and the integration with the rubber grips, appears as good if not better as the RS20, which is great since the RS20 held up well- They kept the 1- or 2-finger trigger -- with good spring resistance -- which I prefer over the whole-hand/4-finger triggers- The popular tool-less quick blade change is similar, yet different. The RS20 one-handed operation energetically ejected the blade with a twist of the spring-loaded collar, and a firm press in clicked the blade into place without having to twist anything. The modified 2-handed design of the RS428 requires a twist and a pull, or a twist and a push. While the old design worked pretty well, this modification means no more blades shooting across the floor -- which wasn't the worst way to deal with them when they were hot!If there's one thing Bosch missed that ought to have been included, it's a speed limiter dial, but that's never been a critical item for my use (I still can't figure out why they included a trigger lock, but not a limiter).A few random thoughts:The vibration of the RS20 never overly bothered me, but I really became intrigued with the anti-vibration system after using another saw with it. In a promotional video from a tool website, this saw is shown being used one-handed to cut an arc through a sheet of ply. "How silly!" I thought, until today when I was trimming out a doubled stud to make room for some duct work, and had to cut through two final nails up at the nine-foot height. Instead of dragging over the ladder, I reached one arm up high and finished my cuts, and the saw just behaves itself -- no twisting or jerking. Not to make a case for one-handed saw usage, but it really is an appreciable difference in comfort and control.If you're a previous RS20 owner, you might be pleased to know this RS428 fits in the RS20's plastic case IF the foot is clicked all the way forward. (The saw comes with a fabric bag, which would have been perfect for the old RS20 due to the matter of extension cord storage -- I was never a fan of disconnecting/reconnecting the cord from that saw.)The foot adjusts a total of one inch, from about 1 3/4" out to 2 3/4" as measured from the face of the fully-retracted blade lock -- about the same range as the RS20.The always-on orbital action has me wondering if my ability to perform an "up cut" (blade installed upside-down) was hindered. The cut was moving impossibly slowly enough that I gave up, flipped the blade, and instead held the saw upside down to complete it. But the RS428's manual gives a thumbs-up to mounting the blade in either orientation (in fact, suggests it for plunge cuts), and doesn't make any mention of the orbital feature affecting the saw's ability to cut in the upward direction.The specs of these two saws are close, but not identical:1-1/8" stroke (RS428) vs. 1-1/4"2900 strokes per min vs. 280014 Amps vs. 13 Amps (RS20)I have no problem starting out with a 5-star rating for this saw, based on my usage so far and experience with other Bosch power tools (I'm not a dedicated Bosch guy; I have my share of Dewalt, Milwaukee and Ryobi, too). I'll be sure to provide any updates should I run into any problems as my work with this tool progresses.

A bit heavy as it said in a review, but I like how it performs, and I'm not a professional where I'm using it for hours at a time. I also like that you can remove the pivoting foot plate. It allows one to get more saw in a tight place.

I originally bought this saw for boat work based on a few recommendations and very quickly learned to hate it. It lacks the precision and ability to get into compact spaces. After sitting in the garage for a few months I began some remodel work on the house. It wasnt my go to at first but I quickly found its strengths cutting through walls for window openings, floors, joists, studs, nails, screws, pipes. Its able to get a bit tighter in to corners and edges than a circular saw. Just about anything I threw at it was handled with ease. Blades change easily (which is good because they also bend easily). Its comfortable to use with minimal vibration even for prolonged periods.Right now my single complaint is a bit nitpicky. While its not common for most US power tools to have user replaceable cords, I've been spoiled by Festools and, wish they would. It's the part of the tool that is most susceptible to damage.

For my purposes, this tool is a WOW. I'm a senior granny but like to trim tree branches and overgrown shrubs, plus a few little home wood projects. The Bosch cut like butter through two to four inch branches and small trunks. I have a long dead palm trunk that is next when I get a longer blade. I have one bad shoulder and was worried about the weight but it was not a big problem and there was very little vibration. I like the short cord used with a long extension cord if necessary so I can quickly disconnect it for safety reasons. Also no annoying batteries to charge. Probably an overkill tool for my needs but at 80, I want tools that make quick work of my projects.

the shock absorption is shockingly effective. i was assuming it was a gimmick, but it actually makes the thing so much better. i'd still keep two hands on it...wish it came with a case, but i modified the case of the one it replaced, so problem solved.it's a recip saw. it's powerful. i like it

I needed a new reciprocating saw to replace the one I sold (prematurely when I thought we were moving). I like all my Bosch tools as they work better than most and last a long time. I did not want another battery powered tool. I have too many different batteries already and they cost a small fortune to replace and they die if you use them a lot and they die if you don't use them much. The AC cord for the saw is long and for my purposes it is easy to use an extension cord if needed.The saw is heavier and more powerful than I really needed. It is pretty heavy in fact. The power is there to spare. It feels good in your hands and will cut through most anything. I like the quick release/install feature so a tool is not required to change blades. I was cutting some hard maple tree limbs and you definitely need to get the foot up against the surface if the material isn't held firmly in place.I like the saw. I expect it will last longer than I will. It will be suitable for anything I can imagine needing it for. I would like a lighter saw for smaller projects though.

Works well,, thank you

i have two of these i bought in 2019 the RS428 and the have 1/3 more power than these two do and i am using them side by side i feels like the power is reduced in the 2021 models not happy with the performance