When carrying out construction work, it often becomes necessary to work with wood. For example, it is impossible to build a private house, a barn or a bathhouse without adjusting timber or boards to a certain size. Accordingly, there is a need for a powerful power tool that is able to cope with the tasks. Bosch GKS 190 falls under this definition. This is a circular saw designed for making cuts and trimming edges. Considering that the construction tool market is filled with circular saws from various manufacturers, it makes sense to take a closer look at the features of Bosch products. In particular, consider the strengths and weaknesses of the GKS 190 model.
First impression
After being taken out of the package, the Bosch GKS 190 saw makes a good impression. Ergonomic shape and convenient handle positioning make the tool easy to use. It is worth noting that the saw is network: it works from the home electrical network. For connection there is a power cord, about four meters long. Bosch GKS 190 belongs to the category of professional power tools. This is evidenced by the Professional marking and the blue color of the product. For reference: Bosch circular saws designed for domestic use are usually green. This feature allows the buyer to immediately determine the performance of the saw: professional products are usually more powerful. Let's move on to the technical specifications of the Bosch GKS 190 Professional:
- Structural weight - 4.2 kg.
- The length and height of the tool are 380 and 242 mm, respectively.
- Saw network, rated power consumption: 1 400 W.
- The maximum rotational speed of the saw blade is 5,500 rpm.
- Tool design: manual.
- The depth of cut is variable, ranging from 50-70 mm. It depends on the angle of setting the disk to the material: 45 or 90 degrees.
- The place for landing the disk is 30 millimeters, while the diameter of the cutting element is 190 mm.
- Spindle lock available. This greatly simplifies the process of changing the saw blade.
It is necessary to mention additional elements that are typical only for the Professional category of circular saws. For example, a parallel stop is supplied as standard. This allows you to cut the timber into equal segments without the use of measuring devices.
An interesting solution is the function of blowing dust from the treated surface. In addition, manufacturers have provided the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner (there is a special socket), which will simplify the cleaning of the premises after work.
The circular saw is produced in China, manufacturers give a one-year warranty on their product. Spare parts for the model are supposed to be purchased from authorized dealers. The price for the Bosch GKS 190 varies between 6,000-8,500 rubles, depending on the region of sales.
Advantages
Any product has its advantages and disadvantages, which can be determined only with prolonged use. We decided to simplify the task and present to potential buyers the strengths and weaknesses of the Bosch saw, which consumers managed to identify. Let's start with the sweet.
The first thing that users note is the high build quality, which is unusual for Chinese products. Durable plastic and no backlash indicate that you are dealing with a quality tool. Considering that we are talking about a network hand saw, we can note the length of the cord: 4 meters allow you not to be tied to an electrical outlet and perform work without using extension cords. This reduces the risk of getting tangled in the wires while using the tool and causing injury.
The quality of the cut can also be noted: when working with any material, there are no chips, the disc goes like clockwork.Please note that Bosch GKS 190 equally confidently copes with material of any thickness: plywood or timber. The accuracy of the saw during operation is also pleasing. It should be noted that for an accurate cut, the thickness of the cutting element must be taken into account. By the way, a cutting depth of 7 centimeters at a disc angle of 90 degrees is almost never found among a similar tool.
The ability to connect a vacuum cleaner looks good. This makes it possible to use the saw not only in the private sector, but also in residential areas of apartment buildings. Manufacturers have not forgotten about safety either: a thoughtful arrangement of the shaft lock key.
Flaws
There are negative reviews about the Bosch GKS 190. In particular, some users complain about the high cost or the lack of a special tool storage case. We note right away that these are far from the main disadvantages that users managed to find. So, the Bosch circular saw model GKS 190, according to reviews, has the following disadvantages:
- During operation, excessive overheating of the saw blade was noted. Accordingly, you have to take forced breaks in work, which reduces overall productivity.
- Manufacturers do not provide a device for soft start. The saw immediately starts working at maximum speed, although when the disc is immersed in the material, the number of revolutions decreases slightly.
- The weight of the tool at 4.2 kilograms causes difficulties if you have to work with one hand.
- Unreliable fastening of the key designed to change the disk. If handled carelessly, the key may fall on the rotating surface of the cutting element.
- It can be difficult to get spare parts, in particular, a replacement disk. Cutting elements with a seat of 30 millimeters are available with a diameter of 160 or 210 mm. The Bosch GKS 190 has a disc diameter of 190 millimeters, a 20 mm seat is suitable for this size. Therefore, if the blade is mechanically damaged, you can not do without contacting the dealership to purchase a suitable blade for a circular saw.
- The built-in fan not only cleans the surface to be treated, but also inflates sawdust at a distance of 3-5 meters from the place of work. According to most users, this is a rather significant drawback: when connected, the vacuum cleaner becomes useless. By the way, some reviews point to the inconvenient location of the socket for connecting a vacuum cleaner.
- There is no riving knife, so when working, the disc jams in the material. The problem is solved by using homemade T-shaped wedges.
Conclusion
Despite the existing design flaws, the Bosch GKS 190 disk model is very popular among consumers. Due to its features, the network saw from this manufacturer is used at almost all stages of construction: formwork manufacturing, board sawing, batten installation, interior and exterior decoration. The saw works confidently in any conditions, while coping with wood of any structure. The declared capacity is quite enough for private construction. Despite the fact that the model belongs to the category of a professional tool, it is suitable for domestic purposes, while special skills in handling power tools are not required.
In terms of price / quality ratio, the circular saw surpasses models of other manufacturers of similar power. However, the lack of a dust bag, which is the main focus, somewhat overshadows the pleasant impression that the saw makes. According to the product on a ten-point scale, Bosch GKS 190 deserves a solid 8 points.