Why not Bosch?

[rharman]

Have to say that Bosch never enters my mind when thinking about corded or cordless tools.

DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Porter-Cable - never Bosch.

 

[jbtvt]

Their cordless tools used to be a contenda back in the day. Like Panasonic. Then they just got left behind. Bulldog SDS drills still set a standard, bang for buck wise. Also own a jigsaw from them Swiss made, nice tool.Their grinders are still OK, if you need something in a hurry from a Big box store but wouldn't' go out of my way for them.

 

[lardy1]

I'm fighting the urge to purchase a 1/2" drive torque wrench that I really don't need. Being pretty well aware of my weaknesses, I fully expect to lose this fight.

A few years ago I bought an 18v Bosch cordless drill and I really like it. Although I never owned much Bosch, I always held it in high regard. The cordless drill wasn't a disappointment.

So...here I am with an 18v battery system (likely outdated), a very limited budget and a longing for a cordless impact wrench. I see the Bosch IWBH182B for about a hundred bucks. Anyone have experience with that model?

 

[Ton ton]

I don't see Bosch advertised much. All I see is DeWalt and Milwaukee, some Makita.

 

[Ton ton]

Keystone Air Power has exactly 2 Bosch products listed. A table saw and a hammer drill. Both corded. Cordless Bosch is a little bit like Bigfoot.

 

[HondaCBMan]

The Bosch Freak impact driver/wrench in one is awesome.

 

[acer66]

Keystone Air Power has exactly 2 Bosch products listed. A table saw and a hammer drill. Both corded. Cordless Bosch is a little bit like Bigfoot.

Primary local hunting ground for Bigfoot seems to be Lowes these days.

 

[Ton ton]

I try my best to stay out of Lowe's. Maybe Bigfoot hangs out @Lowe's.

 

[mrspeed]

I wondered this myself in the past and spent a little time searching through GJ posts to figure it out. The conclusion I came to is pretty much what everyone here has already said. Bosch generally has great quality, but they're not as well advertised in the States, and I think more importantly, they lag on innovation. They took several years longer to introduce brushless motors in their cordless drills than the other major brands, regardless of whether the benefit of brushless matches the hype, and their cordless lineup is more limited. When going cordless, the real cost tends to be in the batteries, and so people want to pick the tool line that will share their batteries, meaning they'll pick the one with the most options even if they never ever need most of the tools offered. You know, just in case.

Even with the technology behind a few years, I think the 12V line of Bosch is especially great. They perform well, have good reliability, and a nice compact form factor that makes them easier to use for longer stretches of time and in more situations. I know I love my 12V drill, impact driver and oscillating tool.

I also have the 12" gliding miter saw, table saw, gravity rise stands for both, router table and large router, though I went with the Makita palm router over the Bosch Colt, and many other Bosch tools and drill and router bits. They've all been great.

Dad got a 12" bosch sliding miter a while back that uses linkages instead of rail (so you need less clearance behind it). Does anyone else do that?

I bought it mostly to save space, and it has been a really good miter saw for me, though I don't have much to compare it to. I only use it for home woodworking, but have built a fair number of things with the help of this miter saw.

^Their gravity rise miter saw and table saw stands are unmatched also.

They are expensive compared to other stands, but they are really convenient and save a lot of space.

Not sure, any problems with the linkages?

I feel like I remember hearing a very few reviews about some slop in the linkages compared to rail systems, but I and many others have never had that problem

I believe that slide design for the saw is patented.

It would be kind of silly to be able to patent using a linkage invented in the 18th century, but they do grant patents for pretty zany stuff...

it's some variation on this, anyway:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarrus_linkage

This looks like the patent to me. https://patents.google.com/patent/US20140133900

Sent from my Pixel 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Robinson1]

Well, they do have the impact driver/wrench combo with a 1/2" square drive and 1/4" hex, if you're into that sort of thing...

I've worn two out. Best deck building tool ever

 

[lardy1]

I looked at that model with the combination type driver. Not sure I want a 1/2" impact anvil hollowed out. I haven't looked closely but that was my first impression.

 

[Robinson1]

To answer the OPs question. Bosch atleast in the US is mainly seen as a woodworking tool company. They make the best jigsaws and jigsaw blades in the industry. Most of their innovation is going towards things like jobsite table saws and hybrid sliding miter saws that dont require rails. They have gravity rise saw stands that have set the industry standards for years.

Their cordless line is limited and while some of it is dated again its aimed at woodworking and wood shops. Their 12v line is comprised of a small lineup of purpose built tools to address issues commonly encountered while building and installing cabinets and Millwork. You wont find a smaller 12v impact on the market.

Bosch is slow to innovate in the cordless sector. They were among the last to bring out brushless tools. And still are producing and pushing brushed tools as their standard offering.

My one gripe with Bosch is they are still selling the same cordless reciprocating saw and circular saw that they were 10 years ago. While the competition has been introducing bigger and better Bosch has left good enough alone. And while both tools will still get the job done a brushless Dewalt or Milwaukee fuel will laugh while doing it better.

And to contradict all this Bosch makes some of the best rotary hammers on the market. The Bosch bulldog line is pretty much the tools that everything else gets judged by.

I'm a Bosch fan but availability and lack of innovation in the cordless sector has made me adopt alot of Dewalt 20v tools

 

[Robinson1]

I looked at that model with the combination type driver. Not sure I want a 1/2" impact anvil hollowed out. I haven't looked closely but that was my first impression.

It's never been a problem for me but I view it as a carpentry tool instead of a mechanics tool. It does a good job running lags and tightening bolts on large structural hardware. (Think timber framing)

The older version was 3 speed and you could get alot of control when dialed down.

It's no true 1/2" drive impact by any means. I cant remember numbers off hand but it's more in the mid range 3/8" impact class as far as nut busting goes.

Again comparing apple's to oranges. It's meant for construction fasteners not rebuilding a CAT D9

 

[Crabman]

Over on the Hot Deals threads a Bosch sander went on sale:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=433513&highlight=bosch

A lot of people seemed to really like it, pricey and German made. This is consistent with what a lot of you all are saying that it is really more oriented to woodworking tools.

I missed the deal, although I need to consider updating my sander game. Do any of you have experience with this sander. At this price point I am somewhat reluctant to pull the trigger, although I have a couple of projects where it could be promptly deployed.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Bruce

 

[lardy1]

I'm of a carpentry/cabinetmaking background. That led me to the drill/driver I have now. So that may answer how I got where I am.

I'm hearing your views, Robinson1. I am retired and won't be rebuilding too many bulldozers anytime soon. Looking for something for the occasional rusted not, mower blades, whatever my old beater truck leads me into, etc. And already having batteries and a charger make it affordable. Never have I doubted the quality of Bosch tools. Just looking for insight and I thank you.

 

[jonshonda]

I think I have mentioned it before in this thread but it doesn't hurt to say it twice. It is tough to be a Bosch cordless fan if you expect them to roll out new stuff like Milwaukee or Dewalt does. Like others have said the variety just isnt there.

You want a Bosch miter saw...you have one option and it's $650. Tough pill to swallow for a hobbiest Bosch fan who really shouldn't try justifying the price just cuz it's a Bosch. Trust me I have tried!! I have 18V drill/driver combo and like them very much. Got my mom thr 12v drill and it feels really good even in my XXL glove sized hands. I have the JS570, and 1250DEVS and both are great. But I also have corded Milwaukee and Porter Cable and enjoy using them as well.

 

[jseymour]

I don't know about Bosch's cordless tools, but my Bosch Bulldog Xteme rotary hammer is a beast. Used it to drill a boatload of holes in which to sink spring spikes for a basement room remodelling project. Like a hot knife through butter, and those walls are hard. A next door neighbour does lots of construction/remodelling and he uses one. The crew that remediated the two cracks in our basement walls used one. They drill into that kind of thing all day long, day in, day out and swore by the thing.

I also purchased a Bosch tripod atop which to mount a laser level. Price wasn't exorbitant and the thing's pretty darn robust.

I'm not married to a particular brand, but instead go out, do my homework, and buy the brand for the tool which seems to get the highest marks for what that tool does. Thus I have Milwaukee, Makita, Delta, Hitachi/Metabo, Bosch, Porter Cable, Ridgid and DeWalt. Heck, even a Harbor Freight Hercules chop saw stand, because it appeared to out-perform everything everybody else had at that price point--and even above. (Surprised the bejesus out of me, I'm here to tell ya.) I'm this >< close to buying a Jet drill press.

If I had a need for a new cordless tool I'd definitely consider Bosch.

 

[Aaron_W]

The one area I can recall seeing Bosch tools recommended is their routers and biscuit joiners.

Just a guess is that cordless tools are a crowded market and there are many good options. Specialized wood working tools are still an area where a company can hang onto a niche and stand out from the crowd.

 

[acer66]

To answer the OPs question. Bosch atleast in the US is mainly seen as a woodworking tool company. They make the best jigsaws and jigsaw blades in the industry. Most of their innovation is going towards things like jobsite table saws and hybrid sliding miter saws that dont require rails. They have gravity rise saw stands that have set the industry standards for years.

Their cordless line is limited and while some of it is dated again its aimed at woodworking and wood shops. Their 12v line is comprised of a small lineup of purpose built tools to address issues commonly encountered while building and installing cabinets and Millwork. You wont find a smaller 12v impact on the market.

Bosch is slow to innovate in the cordless sector. They were among the last to bring out brushless tools. And still are producing and pushing brushed tools as their standard offering.

My one gripe with Bosch is they are still selling the same cordless reciprocating saw and circular saw that they were 10 years ago. While the competition has been introducing bigger and better Bosch has left good enough alone. And while both tools will still get the job done a brushless Dewalt or Milwaukee fuel will laugh while doing it better.

And to contradict all this Bosch makes some of the best rotary hammers on the market. The Bosch bulldog line is pretty much the tools that everything else gets judged by.

I'm a Bosch fan but availability and lack of innovation in the cordless sector has made me adopt alot of Dewalt 20v tools

Their 12V is pretty good and my go to battery platform
and you are right the 18V circular saw is a very old design
but they also came out with a bigger one.

I checked their web page and there is quite a lot going on.
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/

 

[ChrisLS8]

I like Bosch overall. I use several of their distance lasers all day. My GLM-20 that rides in my front pocket of my bibs started flickering and eating batteries after a few months and they sent me a new one priority shipping without a receipt or anything

 

[Ton ton]

CPO has some Bosch tools for sale.

 

[CGarage]

I 'm just a homeowner hobbyist, but I prefer Bosch. They are my default. I think their drills are excellent and they make great laser levels too. And I really like their hand held cordless vacuum. But some of their cool stuff is hard to get in the USA.

I agree totally. I am biased towards Bosch, too. Their 12 volt line is fantastic. The cool stuff is hard to find in the US.

 

[acer66]

I am looking forward of getting my 12V router which seems to get only good reviews.

The 12V planer looks also tempting but I can not justify it yet.

I also just bought the old style of their corded festool rotex competitor roc sander when the price dipped way below $200 but I did not have a chance to use it yet.
A friend has one and he is super happy with it.

The 12V brushless drill is as good as it gets imho.

While the 12V multi head is not brushless it is a great tool too.

Love my 12V jig saw and the reciprocating saw.

 

[Joebass]

I own about 10 Bosch angle grinders. I used to use Metabo, but actually these last longer.

 

[Qualitytools]

Resurrecting an old thread here, I have the corded oscillating tool and jigsaw both made in Switzerland, absolutely great tools

 

[JeffDM]

I know this thread was started years ago, but in January, I bought the Bosch GXL18V-224B25 drill/impact kit because of the hybrid socket/hex impact drive tip and 4Ah batteries. Both units are brushless motors, Bosch calls this EC for Electronic Commutation. The batteries use the newer 21700 cells. For auto and machine work, the impact really delivers everything I wanted. There was only one bolt it couldn't loosen and that required a breaker with a 4ft cheater, I think someone overtorqued that bolt, I'm surprised it didn't break. The batteries store charge for a long time. The drill and impact with 4Ah batteries is really well balanced in the hand.

The only thing I don't like about Bosch cordless (12V or 18V) is a lower selection of available tools. They serve me well but I'm buying into other battery ecosystems now. I do think this one kit is worth breaking battery ecosystem exclusivity.

 

[jonshonda]

^Jeff I was a Bosch man until it came time to replace my 7yo drill. I looked elsewhere because the numbers just didn't add up regarding claimed power output and price, as well as variety.

I went with Milwaukee and I am already noticing things the Bosch did better. My Milwaukee stuff is only 4-5 months old, but is already showing a lot more cosmetic wear then my Bosch stuff. Bosch just put rubber in the right places to protect the tool and the work piece. The battery interface is also very sloppy on the Milwaukee, and it has lost contact a few times requiring me to remove the battery and slide it back on for the tool to work.

Only time will tell how they hold up, but I am excited to expand on the Milwaukee platform as they seem to be innovating and adding at about 10x the pace of Bosch. But I still own a few corded Bosch tools, with plans to add the 12" miter saw and stand in the future.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

The Bosch products definitely do not lead when looking at the cardboard box specifications. Fortunately for us in the know the cardboard box doesn't mean much once the tools are in use.
You will find in a lot of reviews that Bosch performs just slightly above middle place.
Where they really shine is in real world use. Ergonomics, reliability, actual performance in the real world. Definitely not top of the line for power. But for the same watt/hrs of battery I seem to get more work done than Milwaukee or Makita.

I remember my first time using a Milwaukee sawzall with a 8.0 High Output battery. The battery overheated within 10 minutes. I went an used my older Bosch sawzall with 4.0 Procore battery and emptied the battery. No overheating issues. Although the battery felt very hot on the outside. This is just a testament to the battery casing providing proper cooling for the battery cells. The Milwaukee was battery case only felt mildly warm when it stopped working due to overheating.
Just one example of the Bosch outperforming other tools (Just not on the cardboard box).

 

[Higgins]

Not entirely in agreement here. I've been to factories in China financed by major European brand names, with their name on the buildings, with European QC inspectors there every day. The resulting products were just as good as anything made in the home country.

However, for those brands who try to cheap out by contracting to the lowest Chicom bidder, by not having their own on-site QC, no surprise the products don't always perform.

jack vines

Have a few left over from the 70s -80's and still working.

Bosch makes a small selection of their tools in the US, which is strange given that they are a German company, and even Makita, a company from Japan, outsources some production to China!

AL

 

[Monte]

I don´t know ...but i like the Bosch tools i have

 

[tarbellb]

I like when Monte shows off.



Thats premium Euro gear right there. Bosch pre "world market" was amazing.

 

[Hephaestus29]

A lot of guys at work use 12 V Bosch
cordless for removing sheet metal from
the cnc machines quickly. I bought the
12 V Milwaukee just to be different.
Bosch was cheaper at Lowes though.