I think every woodworker or shop has will have used a circular saw. They are a very multi-purpose tool and, for those who may not have a table or a mitre saw the circular saw ends up performing a lot of different tasks.
One common problem that I have see, but so far not replicated, is the sawing through the power cord. First point of detail for the Bosch GKS 18v-68 GC Professional Circular Saw is that it is cordless and runs on Bosch’s 18v battery system. Perfect. No cord to cut.
The Bosch GKS 18v-68 GC Professional Circular Saw is part of the BiTurbo Burshless range of tools and so it equal to a 1,800W corded tool so you do not need to worry about that.
“But the batteries don’t last” I hear you shout
First, their ProCore batteries are powerful, they do not fade as the battery drains, they work in varied climates and you can now get up to 12Ah batteries so, I assure you that providing you have a few batteries to rotatae and charge, there will be enough power to last a job.
Second, the tool connects with Bluetooth to the Bosch My Tools App where you can refine and adjust the various speed settings. Once set in the app, you can use the simple one button selection on the tool to choose the RPM you want to cut with. This means, you could perform a series of shallower cuts at a lower setting and the battery will last a little longer.
NB There is also an ECO setting which I have used a lot when cutting insulation boards or softer items. While the cutting disc is rotating slower, the battery lasts up to 30% longer.
The GKS 18v-68 GC also carries one of my favourite Bosch Pro safety features – KickBack Control. You’ve heard me talk about it before but I will continue to spread the good word about it. It is a simple principle. If the sawblade binds or hits something that it cannot cut, it will immediately cut power to the motor. This does two very simple things.
1 – It will protect you, your wrists, elbows, shoulders back and neck from possible jarring or twisting injuries
2 – It will protect your valuable accessory so serious damage or even worse – breaking completely and sending shrapnel around the workspace.
If the kickback control intervenes, I always remove the battery and then carefully check the blade for damage.
A few other excellent details
The depth control switch is located on the handle so you can adjust the depth with one thumb
The saw has a soft start and a motor brake so the blade is not jerking at the start and stops spinning quickly after you release the two power switches.
It is track compatible. I am a convert. Tracks make things easier. I need to remind myself that I do not need to use the track for every cut.
You can buy the saw with an L-BOXX. This makes it easy to carry around and then it is safe and secure to store either to your Bosch vacuum or on top of another L-BOXX.
As always with Bosch, you are buying quality and likely buying a tool for life. I sound like my Dad, but he did have a 20 year old Bosch jigsaw that still works like new so I think he knows what he’s talking about.
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