We were fortunate enough to be invited to a private media event at Bosch’s booth following Day 2 of the 2015 World of Concrete expo in Las Vegas. Bosch brought all of its new tools to the show, including a couple we aren’t at liberty to discuss at present, but it was great to see representative tools and accessories from woodworking and metalworking interspersed with the new concrete tools and accessories. At last year’s 2014 Bosch Media Event we were shown a lot of new concrete tools, but this year seemed to highlight cordless and woodworking products. We’ll move through our product coverage in the order it was shown to us.
Bosch PL1632 3-1/4″ Planer
The Bosch PL1632 3-1/4 in. planer has both an ambidextrous “lock-off” release button to turn the tool off quickly regardless of which hand it’s in, and a lock-on button for when you need to use it for extended periods. Also, while most fences have a single mounting point, Bosch used a dual-mount guide fence (with mount points at the front and back of the tool) with a protective shield that you can use for planing door edges. A plastic overshoe is also included to help prevent marring door facets. The PL1632 3-1/4″ planer includes a single blade drum and has a 1.6 mm depth of cut. Retail for this tool is $119 including the fence. The upcoming Bosch PL2632 3-1/4″ planer is going to be the step up model with a full 2.6mm depth of cut, more advanced dust control system, and a two-blade drum for better wood removal.
Bosch PL1632 Planer Specs
- Motor: 6.5A
- Certifications: CSA
- Cord Length: 10 ft
- No Load RPM: 16,500
- Planing Depth: 0″ to 1/16″ (1.5 mm)
- Planing Width: 0″ to 3-1/4″
- Rabbet Depth: 5/16″
- Rabbet Width: 3-1/4″
- Warranty: 1 year limited
- Weight: 6.3 lbs
- Shoe Length: 11-1/8″
- Dimensions: 6.5″ H x 6″ W x 11.4″ L
- Price: $119
- Warranty: 1 year
Bosch JS12o 12V Barrel-Grip Jigsaw
The Bosch 12V Max Compact Jigsaw has a 3/4″ stroke that’s designed to be optimal for both wood and
metal. We really like the simple, but effective, blade ejection system that pushes the blade out forcefully (but doesn’t shoot it across the room), so you don’t need to handle a hot blade when changing it out. An LED light also illuminates the cutting area, and the feel of the barrel grip is very comfortable—particularly for a one-handed design. The new compact jigsaw has a steel-reinforced die-cast aluminum base plate and weighs a little over 3 lbs. It will be sold as a bare tool only, retailing for just $129.
Bosch JS12o 12V Barrel-Grip Jigsaw Specs
- Motor: 12V
- Cutting Depth: 2-3/4″
- Stroke Length: 3/4″
- Dimensions: 9.4″ L x 6-3/4″ H
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Price: $129 (bare tool)
- Warranty: 1 year
Bosch CM12SD 12 Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Bosch’s CM12SD 12″ Sliding Miter Saw launches in May as a replacement to the 5312 with a redesigned gear drive that uses a chain to increase capacity with 6-3/4″ upright trim or crown in left or right miter positions. Part of Bosch’s self imposed requirement for using a chain in the system was to insure that absolutely no oil would leak out of it.
The side-mounted bevel lock lever is also nice, borrowed from Bosch’s glide miter saw, which keeps you from having to reach behind the saw to adjust the blade left or right. They actually looked to the automotive side of their company and used their brake caliper system to set the bevel. It also features a maximum 60 degree miter, which—while nice for a dramatic cutting angle—is also nice for storing the tool. A pair of dust collection points behind the blade help to direct more of the mess into the dust collection port. Look for the CM12SD to carry a $549 retail price when it hits store shelves in May.
Bosch CM12SD 12 Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw Specs
- Motor: 15 amp
- No Load Speed: 4000 RPM
- Crosscut Capacity: 14″
- Max Cut Depth: 6-3/4″
- Weight: 65 pounds
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $549
Bosch RH328VC-36 Bulldog 1-1/8″ SDS-Plus 36V Rotary Hammer
Mitch Burdick demoed the new Bosch Bulldog 36V Rotary Hammer, which beats their best Bulldog rotary hammer. In internal testing, Bosch was able to drill a 1/2″ bit 3″ deep 150 times on a single charge with the 4.0 amp hour battery. Active Response Technology (ART) is built into the new 36V Bulldog. This is a sensor based safety feature that shuts off the tool in a bind up situation. Utilizing a 70% soft start, Electronic Precision Control (EPC) helps eliminate walking or skating on surfaces when you start drilling. It is also useful when the amount a concrete or brick that needs to be removed in demo applications has to be controlled. The Bosch RH328VC-36 is kitted with a pair of 4.0 amp hour batteries and the new fast charger.
Bosch RH328VC-36 Bulldog 1-1/8″ SDS-Plus 36V Rotary Hammer Specs
- Motor: 36V
- Speed: 0 – 1150 RPM
- Beats: 0 – 4170 BPM
- Impact Energy: 2.4 foot pounds
- Concrete Capacity: 1-1/8″
- Brick Capacity (thin wall core bits): 2-3/4″
- Steel Capacity: 1/2″
- Wood Capacity: 1-1/8″
- Weight: 9.9 pounds
- Length: 13.5″
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $749
Bosch CSG15 Surface Grinder
The really big deal with Bosch’s replacement for the 1773AK Surface Grinder isn’t the motor. It’s the shroud. The Bosch CSG15’s shroud opens at the front to allow for flush grinding in applications where you need to do surface prep all the way to the edge. The speed is down a little on this model, but it’s not a reduction in power. Bosch has channeled some of the power of the 12.5 amp motor to provide additional torque; a critical need when grinding concrete. Bosch also noticed that double sealed bearings just aren’t enough to protect the tool to their expectations. In response, they developed a 4 stage dust collection system to improve the lifespan of the CSG15 Surface Grinder.
Bosch CSG15 Surface Grinder Specs
- Motor: 12.5 amp
- Wheel Size: 5″
- No Load Speed: 9300 RPM
- Dust Port: 1-3/8″
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $399
Bosch HD18-2 Hammer Drill
Corded drilling and driving tools don’t make the news nearly as often as their cordless counterparts these days. Bosch’s HD18-2 Hammer Drill gives us something to talk about though. You’ll notice an increase in rotational and hammering speed in this 8.5 amp drill. Weight is the word with the HD18-2. Even with outstanding power, this hammer drill still weighs in under 6 pounds. Look for the Bosch HD18-2 Hammer Drill to show up in June.
Bosch HD18-2 Hammer Drill Specs
- Motor: 8.5 amp
- No Load Speed: 0 – 1200/0 – 19,200 RPM
- Beats: 0 – 3200/0 – 51,200 BPM
- Chuck Size: 1/2″
- Wood Capacity: 1-9/16″
- Metal Capacity: 1/2″
- Cement Capacity: 3/4″
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $129
Bosch CV300 Concrete Vibrator
Many people mistakenly think that you just pour concrete and walk away until it dries. Pros know that properly settling the concrete results in stable and strong concrete. The Bosch CV300 Concrete Vibrator does the job while offering higher performance than most systems. The 15 amp motor produces 20,000 vibrations per minute while other vibrators tend to be in the 15,000 VPM range. A GCFI breaker on the cord protects the motor against electrical overload. There is also a fuse in the housing as an additional layer of protection. The CV300 is expected to be available in July.
Bosch CV300 Concrete Vibrator Specs
- Motor: 15 amp
- Vibrations: 20,000 VPM
- Available Shaft Lengths: 4-1/2′, 10-1/2′. 13-1/2′
- Applications: Medium and Large Jobs
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $899 (with 13-1/2′ shaft)
Bosch DG300LPD Die Grinder
Bosch’s DG300LPD Die Grinder breaks through the norm with a stronger 4.8 amp motor borrowed from Bosch’s AG series. A paddle switch allows for a variety of grip locations. This is particularly handy in tight reach spaces. Service Minder carbon brushes and an intentionally directed airflow help to improve the life of this die grinder.
Bosch DG300LPD Die Grinder Specs
- Motor: 4.8 amp
- No Load Speed: 3800 RPM
- Switch Style: Paddle
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $239
Bosch CSM 180 18V Metal Circular Saw
The new Bosch CSM 180 18V Metal Circular Saw features the smallest design in the industry. At only 5.8 pounds with the 4.0 amp hour battery, it’s ideal for vertical and overhead metal cutting applications. The CSM 180 has been designed with an ergonomic housing around the powerful motor. A small, but very helpful, addition is the rafter hook, which Bosch tells us is currently an industry exclusive on this class of saw.
Bosch CSM 180 18V Metal Circular Saw Specs
- Motor: 18V
- Arbor: 20 mm
- No Load Speed: 3800 RPM
- Dimensions: 14″ L x 7″ H
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
- Capacity: 2″
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $349
New Bosch Batteries
Bosch is also updating their battery arsenal this year. We reported earlier on the European launch of Bosch’s 6.0 amp hour battery, and it’s finally here! The new 6.0 has the same dimensions as the 4.0 and 5.0 amp hour batteries. It will be priced at $129, while the 5.0 drops to $109. One of the reasons that Bosch is able to keep their battery footprint the same size is the Cool Pack technology and by housing all of the electronic safety communication inside the tool.
The 36V platform now features a 2.0 amp hour ($149) and 4.0 amp hour ($209) batteries along with a 35 minute charger ($79). The new charger features faster charging and active air cooling. The active air cooling system helps bring down the temperature of the battery to extend life and allow charging to begin more quickly. Mercifully, the new charger will also work with the 18V lineup. This should significantly reduce the charge times that both 18V and 36V users currently experience.
Bosch has played with the chemistry in this generation of batteries. As a result, the runtime is improved even more than what the increase in amp hours would normally provide.
Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System
We reviewed the Bosch Power Ready System just a couple of weeks ago. In Las Vegas, we had the opportunity to dig deeper with one of the product managers to get an idea of the vision moving forward. One of the questions that people are asking is “If Bosch has it, why doesn’t anyone else?” The answer may surprise you. Bosch owns the patent on the protection system that in place. This prevents the charger from sending it’s inductive current into anything other than the battery it is designed to charge. That protects the system in the case that something like a washer falls onto it and and causes damage from becoming a stove top.
Currently, only a 2.0 amp hour battery is available, but the 4.0 amp hour addition is expected in the Spring. There won’t be any change to the charger itself. The downside to inductive charging is that it isn’t as fast as our traditional chargers. The 2.0 amp hour batteries currently take about 50 minutes to fully charge from empty. However, by placing the Power Ready Pack on the charger between uses, you’re constantly topping off the charge. As an added bonus, charging more frequently and with less discharge actually extends the life of the battery.
Look for a couple of additions to the Bosch Power Ready in September. We’ve been told to expect 12V batteries and a charger that plugs into your cigarette lighter.
Bosch XL Cart
Bosch’s collapsible dolly style cart has been updated to improve capacity. It now boasts the ability to haul 300 pounds. We did see a pretty big guy being wheeled around on it in addition to supporting more loaded L-Boxxes than could be carried on the previous model. Another improvement is a larger cargo platform that helps to stabilize the load. The handles can swing out for even more stability with larger loads. Although is carries a more robust construction, the Bosch XL Cart still folds up flat for easy storage. The XL Cart replaces the previous model that will be discontinued. Expect a retail price of $159.
Bosch SGH182 18V EC Brushless Screw Gun
If I had one word to describe Bosch’s SHG182 18V EC Brushless Screw Gun, I would have to go with “runtime”. Using a 4.0 amp hour battery, Bosch is getting over 3400 drywall screws driven on a single charge. It’s a lightweight and ergonomically designed tool that really makes drywall installation a lot more pleasant. The depth of drive adjustment is easy to adjust giving the user better control.
To maximize the working potential of the SGH182, add in the MA55 Auto Feed Attachment ($99). This will accept just about anyone’s 1″ – 2-1/8″ collated screws. When using the attachment (or without it for that matter), drywall installers will also appreciate the lock on switch to keep the job moving quickly.
Bosch SGH182 18V EC Brushless Screw Gun Specs
- Motor: 18V Brushless
- Fastener Size: 1″ – 2-1/8″
- No Load Speed: 4200 RPM
- Torque: 221 inch pounds
- Weight: 2.9 pounds (with 2.0 amp hour battery), 3.5 pounds (with 4.0 amp hour battery)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $249 (bare tool), $349 (kit with 4.0 amp hour battery, charger, and bag)
New Bosch Cutting and Drilling Accessories
Bosch OCS134C Carbide Tip Multi-Material Oscillating Multi-Tool Blade
Bosch showed off a pair of new cutting accessories. First up are the carbide cutting blades designed for oscillating multi-tools. The Bosch OCS134C features carbide teeth on a High Speed Steel blade that improves life up to 30x over traditional bi-metal. Also to help it cut faster and more efficiently, the Oscillating Multi-Tool Blade is 1-3/4″ long. It uses the Bosch OIS interface so you should be able to install it on anyone’s multi-tool. Each blade will retail for $24.99 and is rated for the following materials: metal, wood, fiber board, cement board, plaster and lathe, ceramic tile, nails, bolts, screws, sheet metal, copper pipe, cast iron and hardwoods.
Bosch Daredevil Hole Saws
We’ve seen a couple of recent innovations in hole saws in the past few months. While Bosch isn’t the first to come up with a carbide tooth style, they’ve introduced their’s into the Daredevil lineup with best in class speed. I specifically asked if they had been tested against Spyder’s Pro TCT Hole Saws. They had. And Bosch was still faster. The Bosch Daredevil Hole Saws don’t look like traditional hole saws thanks to only having a couple of carbide teeth on the smaller models. The tooth design (that resembles a circular saw blade tooth) absolutely chews through wood though.
The Bosch Daredevil Hole Saws features extremely fast cutting and greater cutting depth (2-3/8″). The combination means that you should be able to create a 2″ hole in 2x material attached to sheet material in well under a minute. The Bosch HDM200 (2-1/2″) Daredevil Hole Saw has a retail price of $24.99.
A close cousin to the Bosch Daredevil Hole Saw are a pair of recessed lighting models. These are shallower at 1-1/4″ and come in 4-3/8″ or 6-3/8″ diameters to cover 4″ and 6″ standard lighting placements. The Bosch HMD636RL (6″ model) is expected to retail for $49.99.
Bosch Speed Clean Bits
The need to comply with concrete dust collection requirements on the jobsite has led to the development of Bosch’s Speed Clean Bits. The way they improve dust collection is through a hollow internal chamber that brings material down to the dust extractor attachment near the chuck of the drill. This lightweight bit produces up to 25% greater cutting speed than standard bits using a solid carbide tip with four-cutter geometry. It also offers durability that is comparable to Bosch’s SpeedX and Bulldog bits. The Bosch Speed Clean bits are available in a variety of sizes and in SDS-Max and SDS-Plus connections. Each one comes with a rubber dust extractor adapter.
Bosch Laser and Scanner Products
Bosch GLM 35 and GLM 40 Laser Distance Measures
Bosch is expanding on the easy to use GLM 15 Laser Distance Measure with the new GLM 35 ($79) and GLM 40 ($99) models. Beginning with accuracy, both new measures are now accurate to 1/16″. The GLM 35 has a range of 120′ while the GLM 40 will get you out to 135′. The feature set is also improved. Both models still produce a constant measure and hold measurements (up to 10). They now will be able to calculate area, volume, and indirect measurements.
There are a few more buttons than the one button GLM 15, but they are still very easy to use. Bosch is keeping the price down on these compact models, making them more affordable as tape measure replacements. They are powered by two AA batteries. Look for the GLM 35 and GLM 40 to be released in April.
Bosch GLL 2-20 Horizontal Cross Line Laser
Bosch’s focus on making laser products easy to use is extended with the GLL 2-20 Horizontal Cross Line Laser. The ease of use comes in the form of a one time set up and automatic leveling after that. The horizontal line features 360 degrees of coverage from anywhere in the room. The vertical line will illuminate at a 120 degree angle from the unit. The GLL 2-20 has a diameter range of 65′ and accuracy of 3/16″ at 30 feet.
Bosch’s Smart Pendulum System takes care of leveling issue warnings and protecting the system’s most sensitive parts. For more convenient use, the GLL 2-20 is compatible with Bosch’s BM3 Mounting Device. The GLL 2-20 will retail for $249.
Bosch GRL 500 HCK Self Leveling Rotary Laser
Bosch’s newest rotary laser boasts a very impressive feature set. In what will likely be one of the most popular features for jobsite managers, the GRL 500 HCK has a built in theft deterrence system. If the LR 50 remote is not present with the laser unit, it simply will not work. Your manager will also appreciate the integrated Lithium-ion battery to help keep consumable costs down.
Users will like the functionality of the system. Aside from self leveling capabilities, you can manually dial in a slope up to 10 degrees. The laser doubles as a benchmark for finding a center line. It will also remind you when it needs to be recalibrated in the case of drop, extreme temperature, or simply long run time. The GRL 500 HCK has an accuracy of of 1/16″ at 100′, a range of 1650′, and will retail for $1299.
Bosch D-Tect 120 Wall Scanner
Typically, wall scanning requires at least a couple of passes to really dial in where an object is located. Bosch’s D-tect 120 can detect an object the moment it hits the surface. There’s an intuitive LED system built in to this wall scanner. Green, there’s nothing there. Orange, an object is close. Red, you’re right on top of it. The unit needs no calibration, so the user can get right to work.
The D-tect 120 has two optimized modes: drywall and concrete. When the material is unknown, or is layered, a universal mode is available. Any of these modes have the ability to scan in materials up to 4-3/4″ thick. It will detect water filled plastic pipes, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, wood studs, and live cables. The D-tect 120 has a list price of $299.
