BoschGSA18V-083B 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw - Lightweight & Compact, 0.83" Stroke, 3,050 SPM, Variable-Speed Trigger, Toolless Blade Change, LED Light (Bare Tool)

Yes I originally gave this tool one star. You can read my original review, below. So what's changed?Well, I now have a lot more experience with the saw, and understand that it all depends on how you plan to be using it.Bosch makes 3 different cordless recips and I have the luxury of owning all three (see attached pic). I use all three regularly, for very different purposes.The 12V is terrific for light duty trimming, landscaping, etc. - very lightweight and portable.The 18V "conventional" is hands down the best for demolition or other construction work. If you will own only one 18 / 20V max (which are both the same thing) cordless recip I feel strongly this is the one to own.However, this 18V "compact" saw is used a lot in the course of my volunteer work at state parks. I use it for trail maintenance and also for the removal of invasive and harmful species. The lighter weight and somewhat smaller size is a real advantage when walking for miles through the woods!In conclusion, this is a really great saw. Whether it's the best saw for you depends on what you need done.ORIGINAL REVIEWYeah, I am a Bosch fan. So why 1 star?It's because you definitely don't need this.If you are doing real demolition work, get the "regular " saw, it's a lot better. If you need smaller, are space confined, get the 12v version. It is better for that job.This saw is not bad tool, in fact far from it. The cutting speed and power are everything I had expected. However, its size and weight were definitely not. It fills a tiny niche, at best.

This thing works fantastic, the battery has a long charge, and is interchangeable with the other batteries for large tool Bosch tools I own. It is ergonomic to use (I have very small wrists and hands) and cuts through nails like butter. It is lighter than the old electric saws and that is why I choose it.

Works great and is lighter and easier to work with then traditional sawsall style saw

I’m a homeowner, not a professional. It took about an hour to fill my pickup with branches and tree limbs, and the battery still had 2/3 lights. The saw cuts so much faster than my 20 year old Milwaukee sawzall, that I just used the Bosch. 1-5 seconds and done. One-handed cutting on top of a step ladder is a life saver. I no longer dread spring or storm cleanup. Best tool upgrade for homeowners.Make an excuse to get one. Father’s Day? Birthday? Tuesday?

**Update 4/26/2018** Contrary to Derf's comment below, it was most definitely an issue with the tool. Have finally had a chance to use this saw some more after Bosch replaced the electronic module. The saw now cuts great, without any of the issues it was having before. It cuts just fine though large boards (up to 4x4 so far), as well as nails, screws, and larger bolts (with appropriate blade). Have also cut all of the same materials with the different size batteries (1.5ah slim, 2ah slim, 6.3ah core) and all worked fine. I am updating review to 4 stars since Bosch has seemed to fix the issue.**Update 2/15/2018** I ended up sending the saw in to a Bosch service center, when it was returned (2/14/2018) it noted they had replaced the electronic module so hopefully that was the issue. I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but am bumping up to 3* for now due to customer service. If it does perform fine here on out I will come back and update again.**Original Review**I purchased this August 2016, and have only used it a few times since. This saw is seriously under powered. It is great on PVC, It is OK when used on small branches (1" or less), and usually ok on 2x4's, though I have had it stall/stop on a couple boards. Where this saw really falls short is if you need to cut through nails. Using the appropriate metal blade it stalls about 4 times cutting through a single 16 penny nail, which is very disapointing. I love the size and weight, but the saw seriously under performs for it's price.

Very strong build

Where portability is important this is the right tool for the smaller jobs. We have a number of Bosch tools so batteries of different sizes and charging stations are already in use, so this bare tool works well for us. For large heavy-duty applications we still prefer corded tools but to take up a ladder to trim something, or to clean up a bush or tree the BOSCH GSA18V-083B 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw is the better choice. Stock blades fit but we suggest you do not overload with a full-size blade. This little saw works great with a higher stroke rate of 3,050 SPM than our corded RS325 Professional which has 2,800 SPM but at 12 Amps and a stroke length of 1" verses 0.83" it has significantly more power and runs as long as you want on 120 volts. We can recommend both but if you only want one, we suggest the corded model it is bigger, heavier, and surprisingly less expensive at $100. So, as they say more bang for the bucks.

Well made and a breeze to use