Battery power continues to amaze in terms of the power it brings and longevity it delivers to tradies.
Bosch’s 18V Brushless Cut-Off Saw (GCS 18V-230) is an epic example, bringing big-time power to large commercial builds and demo jobs.
SEE MORE: Tradie Tough Tests
Tradies cutting into metal or concrete on the big jobs need big time cutting power and longevity.
The GCS 18V-230 delivers both in spades, as concreter Scott Macdonald found on his site at Mount Eliza to Melbourne’s South-East.
He was cutting concrete on a large driveway at a new property, and needed a cut-off saw that could handle business.
This cut-off saw is one of the latest tools to use Bosch’s powerful 18V battery system.
Test #1: SMOOTH CUTTING
A C1000 brushless motor ensures the GCS 18V-230 has more than enough power to saw through most concrete, metals and masonry materials with little resistance.
For something like Scott’s driveway – it was a piece of cake.
“The power was so good, it did exactly what I needed it to do,” he said.
One thing that caught Scott’s attention was the quality of cuts as well.
“We compared this with a petrol-powered cutoff saw, and this was much less aggressive on the concrete,” he said.
“That was good because the concrete we cut was still very green and hadn’t reached its MPA strength yet.
“The petrol-powered saw was flicking out plenty of stones, but when we swapped to Bosch’s GCS 18V-230, the cuts were much cleaner.”
Not only are the cuts quick and clean, but Scott could also swap out the discs super fast thanks to the Bosch’s patented spindle lock lever.
Test #2: Super charger
Scott loved how easy it was to handle the GCS 18V-230 from an ergonomics point of view.
Not only was he a fan of the weight, but also the positioning of the disc and guard when it came to
making cuts.
“I’m stoked with just how light it is,” Scott said.
“I was a big fan of having the blade on the front and the guard on top. A lot of cutoff saws will have the guard tilted on an angle, and when you try cutting in, the guard gets in the way.
“Using the GCS 18V-230, it was all done in one clean go.”
Safety is always top-of-mind for Scott, and he appreciated the cutoff saw’s rapid brake function which almost instantly stops the blade upon releasing the trigger.
He also loved the tool’s dust reduction system, which connects to a hose and helps keep the concrete/masonry wet while cutting.
“Obviously it helps keep things clean, including your lungs because you’re not cutting that dust up into your face,” he said.
The work might get messy, but the batteries won’t thanks to the sealed battery compartment which keeps them protected from debris, dust and moisture.
Cut through
Lightweight, clean and powerful – Scott had no complaints about the GCS 18V-230.
“Concreting is a hard enough job as is and lugging around a 25kg petrol-powered saw is no good for my back, so having something nice and light is perfect for prolonged use, and a prolonged career in the trades,”
he said.
“We’re here for a good time and a long time.”
Check it out
Find out more by searching the Bosch Power Tools Finish cut-off saw online
