Hi again everyone,

This month I’d like to talk about a new tool on the market instead of doing a review of an existing tool. I know this is not the norm, but this new tool excited me to such an extent that I just had to tell you about it. This is a tool unlike anything else on the market. I love it when companies use their research & technology to invent one of a kind tools, and Bosch has come up with a real winner. It is the Model 1640VSK, Fine Cut Finishing Saw.

Let’s first talk about the tool itself, then we’ll switch to its many accessories and uses. The tool is a 3.5 HP, 120 volt motor with a variable speed range of 2,000 to 2,800 rpm. The saw follows the same motion as a hand saw, back & forth. The stroke length is 5/8", and at that speed, it would be an aggressive electric hand saw by itself, but as you are about to hear, it does a whole lot more.

The saw blade is offset so that the saw can be used for flush cutting applications. Think of the possibilities this offers you. How about flush cutting dowels, or how about using it as an undercut saw when installing tile to cut the door jambs to install tile. Being a flush cut saw, you simply lay the tile against the door jamb, and set the saw on the tile. Pull the trigger and push against the door jamb, and in seconds you have cut away the section of door jamb necessary to the place the tile into place. You can use this saw as you would use a reciprocating saw or a jig saw for cutting 2 x 4’s, plywood, pvc, mouldings, plastics, and countless other materials.

I’ve now given you enough reason to add this tool to your ever growing tool inventory, but we are not through yet. With the kit, you also get a miter table attachment that allows you to take your flush cut saw, and mount it to a tool holder. This tool holder is spring loaded, and allows the blade to go up and down to use as you would a miter saw. Their are built in stops that are very accurately set at 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 degrees both left and right. You can cut materials up to 3 1/2" high stood up against the fence, and up to 2 1/4" thick. There are two blades included in the kit for use on the miter saw attachment, with one being an 8 tooth general purpose blade, and the other a 20 tooth fine cutting blade. You will be amazed at the smooth, clean finish this blade provide, with virtually no chip out at the bottom of your cut, as you normally get from a miter saw. Although this setup does not kick up a lot of dust, there is a built in dust port, ready to hook up to your dust collector. This entire mitering attachment can easily be attached to any work surface with the use of the two clamps provided with the kit. There is a third clamp included that is used to clamp your material prior to cutting.

The bottom line is that this tool is incredibly versatile, with countless uses. In summary, the kit comes with the tool, the miter saw attachment, undercut blade, two miter saw blades, three clamps, all in one carrying case. The first one I sold was to a carpenter that told me what a pleasure it was to walk into a remodel with a small carrying case, as opposed to carrying a jamb saw in one hand and a miter saw in the other.

Down the road, Bosch will make available other saw blades to add to this tools versatility. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail or call me.

Till next month,

Dean "The Tool Guru" Barnett, President

International Tool Corporation

Email the Guru.

Read previous months' tips:

Production Routers
Circular Saws
Biscuit Joiners updated 1/13/99
Cabinet Tablesaws updated 1/13/99
Slide Compound Miter Saws
Mid-Sized Plunge Routers
Cordless Drills
Detail Sanders
Random Orbit Sanders
Brad Nailers
Hammer Drills
Saw Blades
Reciprocating Saws
Routers