For tradies using a circular saw on a number of applications, and for a long amount of time, they can look no further than these two beauties.
Bosch has brought in the GKS 18V-57-2 GX Cordless Circular Saw as well as the new EXPERT 18V Battery Pack range – both providing power and versatility valued by a busy tradie.
It’s often the case of convenience vs power when it comes to circular saws. Historically, you couldn’t have one with the other.
Bosch has proven otherwise with this new cordless cutting saw — capable of making cuts as deep as 57mm accurately, and at a variety of angles.
Making this saw all-the-more tantalising is a pairing with Bosch’s new EXPERT 18V batteries, which provide epic longevity and consistent power.
SEE MORE: Tradie Tough Tests
Concreter Scott McDonald from Inspire Concrete has been a Bosch user since day dot.
“Bosch was the first toolkit I ever bought and I’ve stuck with them since,” he said.
“I bought my first saw about seven years ago.”
He thought he was due an upgrade, so he tested this new Cordless Circular Saw at a residential site in Ashwood to Melbourne’s east.
Test #1: The right cut
The GKS 18V-57-2 GX Cordless Circular Saw is suitable for cutting wood or wood composite for things like flowing, trims, wall framing … you name it.
“Most of my work is floating steps and architectural concreting. We use form ply every day when we’re boxing up before a pour,” Scott explained.
“For example, this job here is a set of about nine or ten floating steps.
“Every set requires brand-new form ply, and we only use it once, so the saw gets used constantly.”
Scott made cuts with and without a compatible Bosch guiderail, and loved the accuracy and ease either way.
“Before testing this tool, this is how I would normally cut strips for face boards or float boards,” Scott said.
“First I’d measure the board, then add 37.5mm to account for the blade so I could get an accurate cut line. Then, I’d clamp one end — measure the other side — clamp that end as well — and then run the saw along the guide. All that would give me one cut.
“With the guiderail system, I simply measure the board to 150mm, mark both sides, double check the measurement, and run the saw along the guide. It’s much quicker and a lot easier.”
The quick depth adjustment also had Scott singing the praises of this saw.
“My favourite feature is definitely the quick depth adjustment. With the work I do, I’m constantly switching between materials like 17mm form ply and 90×45 timber. Being able to quickly adjust the cutting depth with one hand is huge.”
Test #2: Battery beasts
Bosch’s EXPERT 18V batteries batteries can produce up to 2,400W of corded equivalent power.
The range comes in three variants, with Scott trying out the 8Ah EXBA18V-80.
It runs an impressive 120 per cent longer than your standard 4Ah battery.
“We did multiple cuts with it already and it’s still reading full charge,” Scott said.
“That’s impressive because normally by this point, I’d already be down a couple of bars on the older batteries.”
The tables design used in this battery range reduces internal resistance which is how each battery is able to output more power, for longer.
As a big-time Bosch user, Scott appreciated these EXPERT batteries could be used with his other Professional tools — as well as various other brands — thanks to the AMPShare system.
All Rounders
Scott couldn’t get enough of the GKS 18V-57-2 GX Cordless Circular Saw.
Combined with the awesome power of the new EXPERT batteries, and each cutting job was easy, smooth and accurate.
“My old saw has done really well — seven years and it’s still going strong — but Bosch has clearly upgraded the design with this one,” Scott said.
“I’m confident this saw will last even longer, and it’s definitely going to speed up my work and improve the quality of my cuts.
“Both of these products are great tools to add to
the kit.”
