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The short answer: To get perfect cuts with the Bosch GST 160 CE, you need to choose the right blade, set the orbital action and speed correctly, and use a guide or fence for straight lines. Always clamp your work securely and cut on the waste side of your line. With these basics mastered, you’ll achieve clean, splinter-free cuts in wood, metal, and plastic.
The Bosch GST 160 CE is a powerful, corded jigsaw with a 1600-watt motor and variable speed control. It features an orbital action selector (0-3), a pendulum action for aggressive or fine cuts, and a dust blower. Before you start, take a moment to understand its controls:
1. Choose the right blade. For wood, use a T-shank blade with a large tooth count (10 TPI or more) for fine cuts, lower TPI for rough cuts. For metal, use a bi-metal blade with TPI around 24. For plastic, use a blade with fine teeth and a negative rake to avoid melting.
2. Insert the blade. Unplug the saw. Push the blade release lever, insert the blade with teeth facing forward, and release the lever to lock it in place. Give the blade a tug to ensure it’s secure.
3. Set the orbital action. For straight, clean cuts in wood, set it to 1 or 2. For curves, start at 0 (straight up and down) to have better control. For quick cuts in softwood, use 3. For metal, use 0.
4. Adjust speed. For wood, set the dial to 5-6 (around 3000 SPM). For plastic, use a medium speed (4-5) to prevent melting. For metal, use low speed (1-2) with cutting oil.
5. Adjust the base plate for bevels. If you need a bevel cut, loosen the screw underneath, tilt the base to the desired angle (up to 45 degrees), and retighten.
Mark your line clearly. Use a pencil or a knife to score a line. For splinter-free cuts, apply painter’s tape over the cut line.
Start your cut. Place the front edge of the base on the material, align the blade with the waste side of your line, and squeeze the trigger. Let the saw reach full speed before you begin cutting. Guide the saw slowly, letting the blade do the work; do not force it.
Use a guide for straight cuts. The GST 160 CE has a slot for the guide rail (not included). You can also clamp a straight piece of wood as a fence. For circles, you can use a self-made jig or a circle cutting guide.
Handle curves and tight corners. For curves, slow down and keep the orbital action at 0. For tight corners, drill relief holes at the corners to make turning easier.
Control splintering. Use the anti-splinter insert that comes with the saw, or put the saw on the side that faces the “good” side of your material. For laminate, use a fine-tooth blade and cut from the backside.
Always unplug the saw before changing blades or adjusting settings. Keep the sole plate clean and smooth to avoid scratching your work. After each use, blow out dust from the vents.
Wear safety glasses and ear protection. Use a dust mask if cutting wood or plastics. Keep your hands away from the blade and never reach under the work.
If the blade becomes dull or breaks, replace it immediately. A dull blade will overheat and produce rough cuts.
Too high speed for metal: This can cause the blade to overheat and break. Always use low speed and cutting oil.
Forcing the saw: This can bend the blade and cause inaccurate cuts. Let the saw cut at its own pace.
Ignoring the orbital action: Using a high orbital setting on fine cuts can cause tear out. Switch to lower settings for better control.
Not securing the work: A loose piece can shift and ruin your cut or cause injury. Use clamps to secure the material.
For more tips on choosing the best jigsaw for your needs, see our jigsaw buying guide.
A: Orbital action moves the blade in a forward/backward motion in addition to up and down. It increases cutting speed but leaves a rougher edge. Use it for rough cutting in wood, and turn it off (0) for fine, clean cuts or when cutting metal.
A: You can use a circle cutting guide accessory or make a simple jig: clamp a piece of scrap wood to the saw base, drill a hole at the desired radius from the blade, and insert a nail or screw into the center of your circle. Slowly guide the saw around the pivot point.
A: This often happens if you are forcing the saw, using a dull blade, or cutting with the wrong orbital action. For metal, use low speed and oil. For wood, make sure the blade is sharp and designed for the cut. Also, ensure the blade is properly locked in place.
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