Bosch?

[Badgerstate]

So, Ive always been a big Ryobi tool user but have lately been looking at getting better quality power tools.
I recently bought and returned a Ryobi brushless circ saw and cordless router because the saw had a crooked shoe and the router just felt kind of cheap.
So, Im at HD, thinking about what route I want to go and I see Bosch. Being an American of German and Swiss descent and a fan of German cars I think, "OK."
So, I pick up the Bosch CS10 circular, the Bosch 1 1/4hp router, Bosch top handle jig saw, as well as the Bosch 1/4 sheet sander. Yesterday, I used the circ saw to cut some plywood for shelving and it cuts like a dream, I love the side exit dust port and the fact that its a 7 1/4 saw with a magnesium shoe and upper guard for $100. It would be nice if it had a blade brake and a light but its great, basic, no-frills workhorse saw and would cut circules around the Ryobi.
Today, I used the jigsaw to rough the plywood top of a table I made for my Ryobi miter saw and used the router to trim it flush. Normally I would just use the jigsaw to do it all but the router with a flush trim bit makes it so much easier. By no means am I an expert with a router but that thing is so easy to set up and use.
I used the sander to sand the legs and table top. At first I thought the sander wasnt working very well, until I went to empty the dust box and found it was half full. Ive got a Ryobi random orbital sander and you pretty much have to wear a dust mask with that thing because it puts more dust in the air than it does in the bag, it seems. A couple months ago I bought a Milwaukee 1/4 sheet sander but that thing had some virbation issues. Sometimes its like it would just start vibrating so much that it was diffucult to control. Its almost like it had the death wobble that Jeeps are known for. LOL I returned it and bought a Ryobi Corner Cat, which is an OK sander but the lack of a dust containment system really hurts it. It puts a lot of dust in the air and after a while, if you dont stop and blow the dust off whatever you are sanding, you are just sanding sawdust. This Bosch seems to outwork the Ryobi, without the vibration issues the Milwaukee sometimes had.
Im currently pretty deep in the Ryobi One+ battery line but in 5 years or so, when Im looking at replacing batteries, I may look at going Bosch for the impact driver and hammer drill and going Stihl for my mower, trimer and blower.
So, my question is, what does everything else think of Bosch? It seems like Festool is the height of German engineering in tools but what about Bosch?

 

[TailGunner3000]

First off, I love the Bosch tools I have. I find them to be well made and well designed.

Second, why do you feel the need to forgo good tools just because they use a different battery. I know there is a convenience factor to keeping all tools within one battery ecosystem, but I would rather have the tool I want for the job rather than the tool I have to settle for.

 

[Badgerstate]

First off, I love the Bosch tools I have. I find them to be well made and well designed.

Second, why do you feel the need to forgo good tools just because they use a different battery. I know there is a convenience factor to keeping all tools within one battery ecosystem, but I would rather have the tool I want for the job rather than the tool I have to settle for.

Good point but Ive got $400 worth of Ryobi batteries. Ive got a Ryobi mower, blower, string trimmer, orbital sander, impact driver, hammer dril and little shop blower.
I just cant see the sense in going all-in on new tools when my old stuff works and I have so many batteries.
I am looking at getting a Bosch random orbital sander though. Its pretty inexpensive and Im sure it would work better than the Ryobi does. Not to mention its corded, like all my other Bosch tools are, so no concern with battery cost.
Like I said, Im probably going to run my Ryobi stuff until I either wear the tools out or have to replace the batteries and then replacing the Ryobi impact and hammer drill with Bosch versions and replacing the Ryobi trimmer, blower and mower with Stihl lawn equipment.
I used to have a bunch of Stihl equipment but Im pretty much exclusively into electric lawn equipment and felt like Stihl just wasnt good enough to warrant the cost. It seems like the cost of Stihl's electric equipment has come down enough to where its not that much more expensive, if not any more expensive and its great quality.
Anways, Im glad to hear someone else who likes Bosch. It seems like they get great reviews on the Google and on Youtube but you never know whats real and whats a paid review.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I'm using the Milwaukee M18 system and love it. Just today received their small battery powered portable shop vac.

BUT, I replaced my old ginormous (for my space) Delta table saw for a Bosch contractor's table saw and it works great. But I'm NOT building fine furniture.

Mine is the older version of this saw and I have the GTA500 folding table not this gravity rise thing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0851KL858/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

AvE once said the most difficult engineering was in mid priced tools like DeWalt, Bosch or Makita. With Hilti or Festool, their cost constraints easier to work with. Bosch does good job at that mid point. My latest Bosch was made in China. It was 1/2 the price of a German one.

 

[mykvr6]

I use Bosch but the 12v stuff. Love it, for most stuff it works great and are light weight. For bigger stuff I have a 18v Makita brushless circular saw, brushless 1/2" Impact wrench and a brushless impact driver. I actually have Ryobi stuff for lawn care stuff - cordless trimmer and blower.

 

[Cgw1984]

AvE once said the most difficult engineering was in mid priced tools like DeWalt, Bosch or Makita. With Hilti or Festool, their cost constraints easier to work with. Bosch does good job at that mid point. My latest Bosch was made in China. It was 1/2 the price of a German one.

Ya, but AvE is borderline retarded. Believe 1/2 of what he shows, and absolutely none of what he says. Bosch is a great tool line. Ive got a corded circ. Saw, and that thing is a beast!

 

[lardy1]

I've been using Bosch tools in a commercial cabinet shop and my own home shop since the mid 80's. Excellent tools both corded and cordless. But, since they really don't cater to auto mechanics and their limited (by comparison) line, they tend to get passedover by a lot of people. Their marketing campaign isn't as aggressive as Milwaukee and DeWalt and they don't seem intent on invading every single arena the way Milwaukee does.

I have several of my own and highly recommend them.

 

[Qualitytools]

All of the Bosch tools I own are corded and older models, they are all made in Switzerland. I don't use them on a daily basis and compared to others they are awesome. I have the circular saw, the jigsaw and a oscillating saw.

Have a look at "The Bosch Addiction Thread " found here in GJ

 

[MushCreek]

Over the years, I've learned that different brands excel at different tools. For corded drills, SawZalls, and cordless, I go Milwaukee. Bosch has the best routers and jigsaws. I bought a corded Milwaukee circular saw, but I should have bought the magnesium Makita. I also love my Makita belt sander and oscillating multi-tool. I like Hitachi nail guns. I recently bought a Bosch angle grinder. We'll see how it holds up. I've fried a Milwaukee and a DeWalt rather quickly. It's interesting watching home improvement shows. It looks like they're using my tool collection.

 

[brickG-man]

It could just be my taste or just what I got used to however, I have yet to find another brand of worm drive circular saw that fit me or that works as well as Skilsaw. The newer models are lighter with a magnesium case but still modeled after the rock solid Skilsaw model 77. I have never used a battery powered worm drive so I can’t compare any brands for them.

 

[BarryWells]

I run a Bosch worm drive where the cord plugs into the handle end and has a retainer...it's at the shop, dont recall the #. That cord retainer saves me from knotting an extension and the rafter hook is great too.

 

[AldeanFan]

I like my Bosch tools, I find they are an excellent value.
They don’t have as many bells and whistles as some others but they are solid hard working tools at a good price.


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[jonshonda]

Bosch fan here, and my honest opinion. I started out with a Bosch drill and impact driver, as when we bought our house we got a nice gift card to Menards (bosch is the only decent brand they have at menards). I really liked them, and it did everything I asked of it for 7 years. As projects came along that required new tools, I looked for Bosch or other used deals. I did pick up their high end 6" sander, and JS572 jig saw, as well as their oscillating tool and 5" RO sander (all corded). They have all been great tools.

After 7 years of use the chuck on the drill started to perform poorly, so I started shopping for replacements. What drew me away from Bosch is their lack of versatility in their cordless line. I knew I wanted to expand into more then drills/drivers, which lead me to Milwaukee. While I do like the Milwaukee (I went for their higher end combo, the 2997-22 which is a $400 setup), the Bosch was a lot more polished in use and design.

Bosch had rubber in a lot of places to protect both the tool and the workpieces. The batteries on the M18 Milwaukee tools jiggle when in use, which makes it feel cheap. The trigger on the M18's is sometimes not responsive to small inputs. Sometimes the drill is unresponsive, and needs to be taken off and put back on for the tool to work again. I never had those issues with my Bosch cordless stuff.

But for $400 my kit came with a free M18 fuel hacksaw. I also bought a M12 drill for pilot holes, and an M12 stapler. I "plan" on getting the M12 right angle die grinder, rocket light, and maybe Circ saw.

 

[IndyGarage]

I'd guess all the 18V tools from Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita and Bosch are probably made in the same Chinese factories. Different designs, but the quality level is probably similar across all. I think they are all a step up in power, ergonomics, and durability over Ryobi one tools. Pick one line and go for it.

I have the compact 12v tools from Bosch, Makita and Milwaukee. Bosch invented that category and their tools are very good, but they all work equally well .

I especially like Bosch jigsaws and random orbit sanders, but I have the corded versions.

The only Bosch tool I would not recommend is their angle grinders - I had two of them, and they were very noisy and not well built. The ones I had used straight cut bevel gears instead of spiral bevels. They felt like they had gravel in the gearbox. (I notice somebody above said they just got a Bosch angle grinder - sorry for you) I abuse my angle grinders, and I've only burned up one of the two Bosch's, so they are relatively durable, but they just aren't in the same league as Makita or Metabo.

 

[Trapps]

I am an admitted Bosch fan. Largely because I used a 'Freak' and then committed to their 18V battery platform. The guys I occasionally work with are TEAL and RED, so I also wanted to be complimentary and make identification quick...

Prior to that I had only had a 1587 Jigsaw. It was, to me, and widely regarded, as one of the best jigsaws out there. I felt that Milwaukee's SuperSawzall was the best recip going and I loved (still love) my Dewalt D378G sidewinder.

I've now got a pretty strong showing of Bosch in my arsenal including a router table (with a Porter Cable router in it), small medium and large hammer drills - which I think are top notch tools, especially the 11265EVS which is an absolute beast I'd have no issues putting up against a comparable Hilti as an equal.

As others have said or implied, Bosch has several 'levels' of tools ranging from entry line consumer to full on pro stuff. It's a solid brand but pay attention to origin and do your homework on specific tool reviews. Some companies excel in certain tools more so than others.

Battery convenience is up to you. There are more tool options available with RED, YELLOW and TEAL (the primary competitors to BLUE). I've personally been very happy with the Bosch 18V environment and now with the CORE and newest BiTurbo technology (what is it with Germans and BiTurbo?) it's even better. And they are slowly adding content. You can always find a GJ friend to help with an import market option if needed.

In your place my strategy would be to choose a battery platform and then add/replace as needed unless you can unload all your Ryobi stuff at a decent price - then make a wholesale change.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[oflannabhra]

Bosch makes great tools, as others have noted. I personally use their 12V line, as it has incredible value. For a long time it was light years ahead of other brands lines, but it has started to fall behind.

The thing that drives me crazy about Bosch is how they handle the NA market. Their 18V tools are great (and can be had very cheaply), but their positioning in the market is incredibly confusing. They announced several tools for years and have not released them.

They also have several great 12V tools that they haven’t brought to NA, which blows me away.

Their corded tools all have great reputations as well, and they have significant innovations in several tool types (like their axial glide miter saws).

They essentially own the pro EU market, maybe shared with Makita.

 

[M6erfan]

When I started on a battery platform about 6 years ago I went with Bosch. I have their 12v 1/4" impact driver and drill along with their 18v Hammer Drill, 1/2" impact wrench, LED work light, and reciprocating saw. Everything has been fine and holding up great. I have a couple of their corded tools too, oscillating multi tool and the JS572 top handle jig saw. Both are great.

 

[MushCreek]

The only Bosch tool I would not recommend is their angle grinders - I had two of them, and they were very noisy and not well built. The ones I had used straight cut bevel gears instead of spiral bevels. They felt like they had gravel in the gearbox. (I notice somebody above said they just got a Bosch angle grinder - sorry for you) I abuse my angle grinders, and I've only burned up one of the two Bosch's, so they are relatively durable, but they just aren't in the same league as Makita or Metabo.

Funny, my Bosch grinder is much smoother and quieter than the Milwaukee and DeWalt predecessors.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

In my opinion Bosch power tools are great. When I was in school we used their screw guns and had no issues with them. I would not have returned those other things lol only because I don’t return things I would of just sold them on my own. I’d definitely go with Bosch though if you have found that they work good for you because I know I really like them.


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[macgee]

One of the best things about Bosch that hasn’t been mentioned yet, is there warranty and customer service it's phenomenal compared to the others, its worth it and there prices are not too different either form the other big box brands. I recently had an issue with one of their brushless drivers, I contacted them they asked for photos and four days later I received a new one. When you contact customer service, you reach a real person that is knowledgeable and professional here in the states and they pay for shipping.

There brand new 2020 model 12V brushless screwdriver with adjustable torque settings is now one of my favorite tools and highly recommended.

 

[IndyGarage]

Funny, my Bosch grinder is much smoother and quieter than the Milwaukee and DeWalt predecessors.

I have probably 15 different angle grinders in various sizes.

One of the two Bosches mentioned above - not very good. Milwaukee 4 1/2 is OK. Dewalt 4 1/2 is dangerous to use because of the paddle switch but works fine. I would put all of them in middle of the road.

I have a couple Cheap Chinese ones that are worse - including a couple Harbor Freights.

All my 9 inch ones are great, including Dewalt, Hitachi, Makita and Metabo

In my opinion Hitachi (now Metabo HTP), Makita and Metabo (in order, with Metabo best) make the best small grinders.

 

[finn]

I have Bosch, Milwaukee, and Dewalt battery tools, as well as Bosch corded.

I prefer the Bosch.

Europe, specifically Germany, has Bosch only tool storefronts, and the selection in their home improvement stores dwarfs what is available here.

I think that both Milwaukee and DeWalt are going after the low cost / low quality price point market here, and with a few exceptions, that’s not Bosch’s thing.

The complaints about the grinders, as voiced in this thread, probably refer to the promotional double pack of entry level grinders offered once in a while.

My Bosch grinder is smooththan my Milwaukee. It’s not the entry level model, though.

 

[Farmall450]

I would not have returned those other things lol only because I don’t return things I would of just sold them on my own.


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Yeah, it is kinda lame to return used tools because "they didn't feel right."

It's not a car where you can take it on a test drive...

**

On a separate note, unless you want to spend a lot of money to get out of the first two lines, the comparable DeWalt 20v/60v tools way outperform their Stihl counterparts.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Yeah, it is kinda lame to return used tools because "they didn't feel right."



It's not a car where you can take it on a test drive...



**



On a separate note, unless you want to spend a lot of money to get out of the first two lines, the comparable DeWalt 20v/60v tools way outperform their Stihl counterparts.

Well I was always told never to return something just sell it or hold onto it and give it to someone. That’s what I would of done.


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[Farmall450]

Well I was always told never to return something just sell it or hold onto it and give it to someone. That’s what I would of done.


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I agree. Obviously new and unopened sure, but not something used that is not between you and the manufacturer.

 

[theoldwizard1]

First off, I love the Bosch tools I have. I find them to be well made and well designed.

Their power tools are definitely aimed at the wood workers.

They are VERY EXPENSIVE !

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

My comments refer to corded tools . Bosch woodworking tools are not very expensive, merely expensive. Around here in the big box a Bosch #1617 router is the same price as a Porter Cable #690, the new B&D made in Mexico model,. Both have 1/2" collets The Bosch is at least twice the router. I have both. I got a deal on the #690 which replaced a 1/4' Sears Craftsman, barely. I leave a router set up in the table with a bit.

Top of the line portable power tools are not that much more than your run of the mill. say the difference between $125 and $200. Within a couple of years I was changing out the $100 tool for the $200.

If you want very expensive woodworking tools look at Festool.

 

[CTyankee]

I haven't used many of their tools. Jig saws are top notch. The trim routers, I've never seen one where the adjusting mechanism didn't screw up, and I've seen quite a few. Maybe they changed, but with how superior the Ridgid is, I don't really care. JMO.

 

[blarf]

What's the consensus on Bosch corded circular saws? I'm eyeing the Makita 5007 mag, but at $50 less the Bosch CS10 looks awful tempting but it's hard to find reviews other than a couple people on GJ complaining about it.

 

[macgee]

They are VERY EXPENSIVE !

Not sure what your comparing these to being very expensive? Compared to Milwaukee, DeWalt; Bosch is similarly priced if not sometimes cheaper depending on item. Their warranty service is better and that adds value as well.

If you're going to compare prices to Ryobi, HF and B&D, well then almost all power tools will seem VERY EXPENSIVE.

 

[RTM]

It's disheartening to see the Bosch cordless tools available in Europe vs here. Seen lots of great gardening tools I would love to have, but not available here. Used a friend's to confirm. Next trip the suitcase may be a bit heavy on the trip home.

I have the corded jigsaws, and an old roto hammer that I love.

I have not tried any others.

 

[Badgerstate]

Thanks, everyone. I picked up a Bosch 5" random orbit sander today, so now Ive got a Bosch jigsaw, circular saw, router, 1/4 sheet sander and this random orbit.
Im tempted to buy the Bosch 18v hammer drill and impact driver but until my Ryobi tools die or the batteries wont charge any more, I hate to just throw them away and its not like theyre worth anything anyways.

 

[Bessy]

I too have the 5" R/O sander (corded) and I have been plenty happy with it. I was looking at their palm/trim routers but ultimately went with Rigid as it was a better deal $99 CAD for a router and 1/4 sheet sander. I only received the orange tools the day before yesterday, so I haven't put them through their paces yet, but so far, so good.

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[Skiff Builder]

I've had good luck and enjoy the following Bosch corded tools:
5" Random Orbit Sanders, Powerplane, 4.5 Angle Grinder, Jigsaw.

I bought all of them reconditioned, from CPO Tools back in 2008 -2012. Saved $, all appeared to be as new, no issues with any. Have purchased other brands from them also- all good.
Skiff Builder

 

[FunkyYota]

I’ve got a Bosch 4.5” angle grinder, big corded drill, 18v drill/impact combo. All the stuff has been great.

A story about their warranty:
I dropped the grinder and cracked the plastic. I sent them a warranty claim with a picture. They mailed me the new part - I had that thing back up in and running 3 days later.

 

[nmk_61802]

I had Bosch 12v tools and 18v tools. I ended up selling them off after being disappointed that they did not seem to be interested in expanding the line-up in the US.

I liked the tools themselves, but I could get the same and much more from Milwaukee.

 

[Qualitytools]

I've had good luck and enjoy the following Bosch corded tools:
5" Random Orbit Sanders, Powerplane, 4.5 Angle Grinder, Jigsaw.

I bought all of them reconditioned, from CPO Tools back in 2008 -2012. Saved $, all appeared to be as new, no issues with any. Have purchased other brands from them also- all good.
Skiff Builder

Care to share the model number for the Random Sander? Thanks

 

[Skiff Builder]

Care to share the model number for the Random Sander? Thanks

Not near it at the moment, but I believe one is the the 3107dvs with the front loop adjustable handle and or the3725devs front removable knob handle/ rectangle shape dust cannister.

 

[Skiff Builder]

CPO factory reconned tools at hand.