|
        
|
|
Executive Report: Bosch joins the race Phil Mist reports on the power tool manufacturer’s latest plans to target the woodworking equipment market more closely. Bosch
Power
Tools’
heavy-duty
angle
grinders,
jigsaws
and
rotary
and
demolition
hammers
have
frequently
set
the
standards
to
which
other
manufacturers
have
aspired.
However,
the
company
has
always
failed
to
make
much
of
an
impression
in
the
woodworking
industry.
Despite
launching
several
circular
saws
and
buying
Skil
(which
had
a
reputation
for
top-quality
circular
saw
manufacture),
It was something of a surprise, therefore, to attend a new product presentation at Bosch, during which the company unveiled several new tools and explained some of the background thinking in the tool development process. It takes months, if not years, to design, manufacture and prove a new portable electric tool. The return on the investment must be deemed to be substantial and Bosch obviously sees considerable potential for its latest machines, which are said to have been designed with the UK market in mind. The line-up includes two reciprocating saws. The GSA900E has a 900watt motor, variable speed, keyless blade change, and weighs only 3.4kg. It is described as ideal for plumbers and electricians, and has a 360° scroll collar. The second saw is the extra heavy-duty GSA1200E, which is powered by a 1200watt motor. It weighs 3.7kg, and has a number of additional features, including a shorter length of stroke at 19mm, a slightly higher top speed of 2,800rpm and the Bosch Lockjaw blade change system that is designed to ensure the operator does not have to handle the hot blade when fitting a new one. In brief tests carried out at the launch, the GSA1200E proved to be both powerful and efficient. Also new is the GKS65 circular saw, a 190mm-blade saw powered by a 1600watt motor. Weighing only 4.8kg, the machine is designed without a riving knife and is suitable for plunge cutting. With a maximum depth of cut of 65mm, the saw is well balanced, has a die-cast aluminium lower blade guard and has been developed with fast cutting in mind. It has a low centre of gravity, which helps to make it comfortable to hold and easy to use. To complement its existing heavy-duty, 135mm capacity jigsaw, Bosch has now introduced a 90mm-capacity saw, namely the GST75BE. Incorporating a 650watt motor, tool-free blade change, variable speed switch and electronic speed control, the machine has all the features of larger saws without the additional weight and extra cost. It is said to be suitable for general-purpose use by carpenters, renovators and general building workers, giving high performance for only a small outlay. Weighing only 2.4kg and featuring a soft grip area on the body, the GST75BE can easily be used in an inverted position, even though it is a top-handle jigsaw. The design is also eye-catching, with a slightly ‘rakish’ appearance, much in keeping with the recent trend amongst manufacturers of designing tools with a slightly ‘swept-back’ look. Two new routers have also been introduced. The GMF1400CE is a combination router suitable for either plunge or fixed base routing, while the other, the GKF600, is a palm router. Also new is the GCM8S mitre saw, which is powered by a 1400watt motor. It has a 60mm x 270mm cutting capacity and a laser for accuracy. Together with the other launches, it provides further evidence that Bosch may have finally started to spend serious time and effort in raising the stakes in the woodworking power tool race. • Executive Hire News › Archives › October 2006 › Executive Report › Bosch joins the race
|
