While there are plenty of metal chop saws on the market, there aren’t many cordless options available. The launch of another is news in itself, but a new model opened our eyes to greater possibilities. We’re teaming up with Bosch to take a deep dive into their innovative 18V Dry Cut Saw and show you why it’s different from anything else we’ve seen.
Developing a Solution
Before we jump into the Bosch 18V Dry Cut Saw’s design, let’s consider what problems the product team set out to solve.
First and foremost, Bosch designed the GCD18V-14N in the United States, relying heavily on feedback from professional contractors. That’s a really big deal. While Bosch is headquartered in Germany and they develop some darn fine tools there, this saw was purpose-built for the way North American contractors use it with our jobsite demands and pain points in mind.
We’re so used to cordless drills, circular saws, and other tools that it’s easy to take for granted that this is another type of tool that cuts the cord. Think about how you currently use your benchtop metal cutting saw, though.
You need a power source, whether that’s on-site power or a portable generator. Wherever your power source is located, you have to run an extension cord to your tailgate, portable workbench, or wherever you’ve set up your saw.
Before you even start cutting, you have to manage the extension cord so it’s not a trip hazard. Then you have to bring the material over to be cut before walking or driving it over to where it’s going to be used.
Bosch solves these problems with their 18V Dry Cut Saw. Thanks to high-capacity Core18V batteries, you have all the power and the all-day runtime you need directly on the tool. Plus, at 44 pounds and designed to carry, you can easily take the saw anywhere on site to perform your cuts right where the material is needed.
The Dry Cut Difference
Among the few cordless metal chop saws currently available, Bosch’s is the first in the cold cut class. It uses a carbide tooth blade instead of an abrasive wheel and cuts at a much slower RPM.
Don’t equate that to slower cutting, though. Driven by a powerful brushless motor, the blade’s carbide teeth smoothly slice through metal, outpacing abrasive saws by a significant margin on most cuts. It also cuts cleaner with less burring, produces far fewer sparks, and leaves the material cool to the touch when your cut is complete. Plus, you don’t lose capacity as you cut since the wheel doesn’t wear down over the course of its life.
There are a few thin materials with shapes, like steel drywall studs or 20 – 25-gauge track, that cut better with an abrasive saw. However, the vast majority of the time, Bosch’s 18V Dry Cut Saw offers a superior cutting experience. It can even handle materials like 4-inch schedule 40 pipe with ease that would take an abrasive saw an annoyingly long time to get through.
Built Like a Bosch
One of the first things I noticed when I took this saw out of the box was how well built it is. Many metal chop saws I’ve used are fine as a benchtop tool in your shop, but they’re just not built for the frequent transportation, movement, and abuse jobsite saws experience. Looking all around the Bosch 18V Cry Cut Saw, I found components that were more robust and an overall construction that’s designed for greater durability.
Several convenient features are also on board to make the job go more smoothly for you. For starters, there’s a tool-free vise stop that pivots up to 45° for miter cuts. There’s also a K-adapter to hold round material between 2 and 4.5 inches in diameter.
One feature Bosch includes that you don’t normally find on other metal chop saws is a laser cutline indicator. Intentionally chosen over shadow cutline indicators they tested during development because the laser is easier to see in the sun, it’s a huge benefit when you’re aiming for precise, installation-ready cuts.
While you’re cutting, an LED indicator to the left of the trigger gives you feedback. If you push the saw too hard, it lights up to let you know to back off on the pressure. This ensures that you’re letting the motor and blade do the work, and that you get the best runtime from your battery and life from your blade.
The sensor adjusts to the battery you’re using. You’ll notice that the overload indicator triggers with less pressure if you’re using a smaller pack, like the 4.0Ah Core18V, than it does with the 8.0Ah or 12.0Ah packs.
Upgrade Your Jobsite
When you bring the Bosch 18V Dry Cut Saw onto your jobsite, you’re getting more than just the only cordless cold saw on the market. You’re getting a tool specifically designed for the way professional tradesmen work in the North American market. It has the power, runtime, and durability to meet the demands of today’s jobsites with features that make your crew more productive.
Ready to take the plunge into more convenient metal cutting? You can order the Bosch 18V Dry Cut Saw for $649 as a bare tool, and it’s backed by an impressive 5-year warranty.
The saw works with any Bosch 18V battery, but for the best experience, pair it with an 8.0Ah or 12.0Ah Core18V battery. In most cases, that will give you enough runtime for a full day’s work. Remember, Bosch is part of the AMPShare system, so your Bosch 18V batteries are not only compatible with other Bosch 18V tools, but they also power tools from more than a dozen other brands.
