Bosch Compact Band Saw Makes Pro Cuts in Tight Spots
Working in corners and overhead is now a lot less taxing with the Bosch Compact Band Saw. That’s because the Bosch GCB18V-2N weighs 60% less and takes up 40% less space than your standard deep-cut band saw. The last compact band saw we saw from Bosch appeared back in 2010. This new model weighs less, costs less, and cuts a lot faster!
Light and Ready To Work
At 7.3 lbs. without the battery, the Bosch Compact Band Saw probably weighs less than the cordless saw you’re currently using. A 2-1/2″ cut capacity lets you breeze through thicker conduit, uni-strut, threaded rod, copper, and even black pipe. Its light weight lends this tool to easy overhead use as well.
The 18V motor helps this saw cut at a rate of 530 surface feet per minute. Band saws are popular among plumbers and especially electricians. They make very clean cuts in pipe—along with fewer sparks. That means you spend less time grinding and deburring after the cut.
The Bosch GCB18V-2N features a tool-free blade guard to help protect the blade from flying debris. Coupled with a tool-free blade change, you’ll have no problems with accessing and changing the blade out.
Bosch has paid some attention to the ergonomics on this tool. It includes an enhanced soft grip on the main handle, and the pommel handle is centered for better control and comfortability. We’ve seen this general design before—but that pommel handle looks smartly placed. Bosch then makes sure you can see what you’re doing with an LED light that turns on when you squeeze the trigger.
This model seems to replace the existing Bosch BSH180 which we used back in 2011 and reviewed as part of our best cordless band saws article. It certainly seems to supersede that saw with equal capacity but slightly better ergonomics. Our guess has the Bosch BSH180 band saw phasing out shortly.
Pricing
You can pick up the Bosch GCB18V-2N 18V Compact Band Saw as a bare tool for $189.99. It comes with Bosch’s 1-year limited warranty.
Bosch 18V Compact Band Saw Specs
- Model: Bosch GCB18V-2N
- Battery: 18V
- Blade length: 28.875 in.
- Speed: 530 sfpm
- Dimensions (HxLxW): 8 x 13.5 x 5.5 in.
- Weight: 7.3 lbs.
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $189.99
