Bosch Track Saw Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- Bosch GKT 13-225L Track Saw
Purchase Link: shrsl.com/1om3v
Read FULL Review here: www.toolboxbuz...
Bosch GKT 13-225L Track Saw Specifications
• Amperage 13
• Arbor Size 20 mm
• Blade Diameter 6.5
• Case Type L-BOXX-4
• Saw Cord Length 12'
• Country of Origin Germany (DE)
• Height 9.45 inches
• Length 14.4 inches
• Width 9.5
• Weight 10.34
• No Load RPM 3,600-6,250
• Voltage 120V
• Warranty 1-Year Limited Warranty
• Depth Scale Units Metric and Imperial (inches
Changing My Perspective On Track Saws
When I purchased a track saw three years ago, I thought I was all set with this type of tool. And for three years, I was satisfied with my purchase. I began to use my track saw instead of my table saw for cutting down sheet goods to size. Now, I even use a track saw to make a precise cross cut when a table saw is not available.
My experience with the Bosch GRK 13-225L has changed my perspective on track saws. The Bosch unit is a step up in precision, usability, power and features.
Stand Out Features
The things that stand out for me are the following:
• Precise fit between the track and the saw body with no backlash
• Track end caps that make the cords and hoses less tangle prone
• Track end caps with an indicator for where the track clamps attach
• Single pivot point so that bevel cuts use the same track strip cut position as non-bevel cuts
• Bevel cut extensions that allow -1 degree undercuts and up to 47 degree bevel cuts
• Track connectors that positively align the track sections
• Track connector that does not interfere with track clamps
• Electronic power control for constant blade speed under load and motor protection
• 12 foot long cord.
• Excellent dust control with an adjustable dust shroud at the blade exit location
• Plunge adjustment indicator that adjusts for conditions with and without tracks
• Saw body that adapts to work with Makita/ Triton/ Festool tracks
• Parallelanschlag that allows ripping small pieces without tracks.
This is the very best tool review site on the web in my opinion. I love how thorough you are with your testing methods while you don’t have a “real” lab you put it to the test like a real person and try to give honest unbiased opinion. Again I just want you to know, for me, you’re the best in the business. If I want a review on a tool, this is where I come to first.
I've owned both the Festool TS55 and now the Makita Cordless Tracksaw. Both are great and have their own quirks. I'm glad to see Bosch enter into the track saw world. I think power tool companies are really pushing the bounds on their tools and there are many great brands now that can give great results. I'm still a Makita, Milwaukee and Festool guy. But it's nice to know they aren't the only options. Great quick review Rob. Thanks
The caps at the end of the track seems like a minor thing, but if it does a good job of keeping the cord/hose from binding up on the end, it would be my favorite feature. Had a T55 ten years ago and the cord was the only thing I hated about it.
Glad to see you guys liked the new Bosch!
I've got a new uncle Festool vac hose and it's decent at not binding.
Great, now there’s another piece of power equipment that I have to buy, I do like the fact that I could substitute for a tablesaw which I don’t have room for.
I've got this saw, great bit of kit. Also got the 18v circular saw that bosch made to fit their guide rail, and it also fits Festool rail.
What's the model number of the 18v if you will. Thanks
@@Issac_G it's
GkS 18v - 57g it can be picked up for £118 Without an L box or about £170 with an L box. That's a bare tool , I always buy the bare version because all my tools are Bosch, so I have the batteries already . It takes the new 8ah Pro core batteries too.
@@Issac_G there is a brand new better one coming out in October
@@garradmiller5025 appreciate that! Ill keep an eye out, I did just buy a corded cs10 and in the market for a cordless track saw
Brilliant review, Rob. You got a fan here in Ireland 🇮🇪
Great review, many thanks! This is a pricey saw! Here are the costs:
$600 for track saw alone
$264 for 2 tracks + connector + carry bag
$77 CA sales tax at 9%
$941.76 Total price.
What I would love to see is a comparison between Bosch and Festool Track saws.
Thanks a lot for this in-depth and concise review!
9%*
100 x .09= 9
@@TimOertel Ok, so I said 0.09% instead of 9% or 0.09. Minor typo. My calcs are correct. Women can do math too, dude!
@@lass-inangeles7564 I don't recall saying you couldn't? You've edited it, so now I can delete my comment.
Mafelle make the Bosch tracksaw to a basic design, leaving out all the really cool things on a Mafelle saw
Like what?
If you want the premium features, go ahead and pay the premium price. The Bosch is a very good offer at it's price point
@@ThekiBoran mico adjust of depth, offset 1/10mm score cut, better rubber on the track, better plastic, higher tollorance in all parts, blade change is different. Better balance when cutting at 45. Better paint. Im sure there are more but thats what i saw for myself. I ordered the bosch, makita, festool and mafell and tried them over a week. At the end the mafell was better then all of them by a mile.
@@josephv5346 the Mafell is the very best, yes; but it is the most expensive too - you have to decide what you want to pay and what you need. Also for some the Festool is the better choice because you can cut near the wall...
Great review! I was leaning towards the Makita or Kreg but this video may have pushed me towards the Bosch. I like the track connector and it's flexibility allowing it to follow a drooping board so you get a complete cut all the way through. I do not know if this saw has a riv knife or anti-kickback feature but I would assume it has one or both.
I’m stuck between this and the Makita. Too, I hear the makita tracks have better grip and that this saw sticks out beyond its track making it impossible to use MFT like stops/jigs
Love my Makita track saw. Used it to trim a door today. Hate the short cord it has though. Brutal when cutting long sheets of plywood. Looking to go cordless with my next saw.Will consider this one if they make a cordless version.
nastythomashobbs makita makes a battery track saw
@@texascraftsman7215 I know but it is basically the same saw I bought 8 years ago but with batteries. Looking for some improvements especially with rail connector tech.
Wow. Looks like Bosch has another nice product. I like the plunge adjustment knob. Super quick to do a scoring cut then adjust for full plunge. I wish my Makita cordless had that. I also like the track connector. That is super smart.
When my TS75 blows up its bye-bye Festool. Festool service in Indiana blows chunks!!!
I would assume Bosch will offer this in a cordless model at some point. Cordless has come a long way and it's only going to get better. The only tool I wouldn't buy cordless right now is a table saw, and cordless belt sanders are few and far between. The only one I've seen is Ridgid and I'm kinda not a fan of Ridgid.
There's a small plunger on the top of your Makita, just to right of your trigger finger. Pull that out, and you automatically make a scoring cut. Push it back in and then make your full depth cut
Super detail in review
I like your reviews !
From Europe with love! Best tool review channel on the internet 👍🏻
Really enjoyed your review. Thanks for making the video. This is the first one of your videos I’ve seen, love it. And your shop looks great! 🤩
Thanks for watching!
Uhhhhg, that track connection is how it should be done. I have the 18V Makita and it is awesome, but I do make sure the two tracks are even every time...makes me want to get a single track one day...$$$
Totally, that track connector is the shiznit.
Thank you for the excellent and thorough review. I always enjoy the detail and knowledge you impart in your reviews.
Excellent, I've been looking at track saws and this looks like the one.
Thanks for the video content! Apologies for chiming in, I would appreciate your opinion. Have you thought about - Schallingora Dexterous Programme Scheme (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? It is a smashing one off product for taking a drawing and turning it into wood minus the normal expense. Ive heard some super things about it and my cousin finally got cool success with it.
purchased this saw a few years back , from the start it has been back cutting,,, the back of the blade is cutting slightly after the front ,, allignment of the base parrallel to the blade seems to be off
Good video Rob. Are you guys going to do a test on the Kreg ACS track saw full kit with portable work table (with wheels) and all the accessories?
I hope you do as if is as good as I think it is I am selling my Festool TS55 and rails. Please look at it for us! 😊😊😊😊
😊 Ron
I love my Bosch tools and consumables. I also hear that this saw is “made in the same factory as the Mafell” ... my question would be, for $600-$1000 when all is said and done for accessories and such. going with what is regarded as best hands down kitted right around that price space +-$200 (corded version)if I’m right. I cannot see how It wouldn’t be worth it to go with with the Mafell particularly as a shop insvestment. The Mafell is more feature rich and intuitive as far as I know. Someone help me understand this beyond servicing I guess? Thanks for the Great review!
Drew T go with the tool that can be serviced if needed
I have the Mafell, but if it breaks - I’ll definitely buy this Bosch. The early batch of the Bosch saws had a bent base issue, but they fixed it I believe. One particular thing is great about the Mafell saw - it’s so easy to change the blade.
@@y0utube5uxx thanks, I appreciate your hands on insight.
Very Cool Bosch tool.
Rob,Great video the saw has some great functionality, Festool will have to respond.
Even if Festool responds I wouldn't buy another Festool product outside of the Domino XL.
ron do you know if i can use another brand of blade on this saw ?
I think there are 6.5” Freud and Makita blades that fit. Check arbor diameter, I think they are 20mm.
Another first class review. Up front. To the point.
this is a great saw and track system which i use most days,,,but there is an issue with the base twisting when returning to 90 degres from 45,,,,, it is a dissapointment that bosch hasnt got on top of this issue.
Love to see you do a Head-2-Head on battery performance???
Um..... The Bosch saw is a corded saw, not cordless, and I'm pretty sure they were comparing it to other corded saws, not cordless models.
@@ChristopherGoggans my comment was unrelated to the video.
@@jacobhandyside5863
Maybe move your comment to the appropriate video? One that reviews a cordless tool?
Christopher Goggans correct
Just ordered one!
My best investment ever, must to have tool in shop.
I love it too, the way tracks connect is amazing. Do you have the OFA 32 system too?
@@thulegezelschap5884 no i have two rails and fsn wan angle attachment, works great.
Im from the uk and have the mafelle saw. It replaced the makita and in my opinion is a far better saw.
One thing that wasnt mentioned in the review and any other comments was a scribing feature. My mafelle has it and i use it loads for cutting laminated kitchen worktops and veneered ply etc. Has the bosch got it? I know you can get a makita tracksaw without this feature.
It looks like a winner! You might want to correct the specification. I thought I heard you say 12 inch long cord? My eyes 👀 deceive me but not my ears 👂. At 1:31 on the timeline. How does it stack up to the Festool TS-55? The tracks look better than the Festool? Micro adjustment for depth settings? Blades interchangeable with the TS-55?
You forgot to mention that it did not have a riving knife. Great review as always though.👍🏾😊
P F great point and an oversight on us - thx
It is a shame they did not go with a standard 7.25 saw blade.
it has a more standard blade size than 184mm...
Why wouldn't you want the quick release clamps? Seems like you would definitely need those all the time?
I really like this review. Good job (as always). Ordering one now.
When you cut a sheet make sure your track and saw on the part that is supported not on the part to fall off, that is how my dumbass messed up the track.
Live and learn.
How do you feel about this saw now having used it for even longer? What do you think about the Kreg track saw with the left blade?
Great review
Are the depth adjustment increments "clicking" into place, thus forcing us to use 1mm-2mm-3mm-4mm etc depths, or is it infinitely variable?
They do index at the mm marks which should be fine for setting a quick depth for through cutting imperial sheetgoods. I literally just got this saw in the mail yesterday and thought i remembered there being a micro adjust allenkey or something but am not seeing such feature on the saw...?
Excellent review and you look like Joe Pesci brother
This or the Mafell? Which one would you take if price wasn’t an issue?
Really?
I own this track saw and a major drawback of the track is the lack of T track on its side. Although it's a nice saw, the ecosystem is incomplete making it less than what it really is. The parallel guide "Bosch GKTPA" is nothing but a joke.
It looks awesome but I don't think the price makes sense for a lot of people. My jobsite tracker saw and kreg track saw combined were less than this thing. I guess I'm not the target audience lol.
Would be nice if they had a cordless version?
I've got this saw and the 18v circular saw which bosch made to fit the guide rail and it also fits Festool. Plunge saw is excellent, circular saw is great for quick cuts using the rail
Think they have just brought one out
Is this corded Bosch plunge saw more powerful than the Makita corded plunge saw?
How deep will the bosch cut at 45 degrees?
Fantastic review as usual! One critique, the track is made of aluminum exTRUsion, not exCRUsion.....
Will Tourtellot I know how to spell it when talking fast it comes out different - sorry
Ha! I figured that was the case. I didn’t mean to be an asshole! I just have a tendency to try and correct people I like so they don’t continue to make the same mistake. I expect my friends to do the same to me! Cheers!
I have a Makita 36 v. I don't like it ,, had 3 tracks all 3 were off .. want to upgrade to festool of Bosch... Can anyone recommend. I herd festool also has track quality problems.
I'm have Makita 2 48 tracks connected with festool connectors.
That's interesting ,,good to know, thanks.
I've got the Bosch plunge saw, brilliant t bit of kit, someone I work with has the Festool and he prefers the bosch rails
@@sparx2391
The track connectors on the Bosch are a huge selling point, for me anyway. Also the plunge adjustment knob. Good for doing a scoring cut then quickly setting it for a full plunge cut.
I use the cordless Makita with Festool guide rails. Have not had an issue since switching over to Festool.
Same as me,best tool ever. 👍
What is the name of the mode
Changing blades? Score cuts?
Hi rob I was looking at the festool STM 1800 workbench what do you think of that bench. Would you buy one?
Nice!!
Why go with corded tools when the tendencies now is to go all cordless???
At least I am trying to get cords out of the way around my shop. Safety for one and if you only have one platform every tool is a power source so less looking around.
Just something that came to mind when watching the video.
Answer is 42 good point, I’m still mostly corded in the shop
@@ConcordCarpenter all my stationary tools are plugged in a wall. Planner, jointer, table saw, chopsaw, big router, drum sander, ext...
Everything I use on the bench is usually battery with a few exceptions. Random orbital sanders and jigsaw. I do own a cordless sander and i find it's not controllable so it's in my tool pouch when I deliver something just in case but it's rare I ever pull it out. The jigsaw is just because it's a tool that I rarely use and didn't do the upgrade to battery.
There is no comparison how much power you can get out of a cord compared to a battery. A cord is essentially infinite amp hours. A cord should outlast a battery too. A cord will never go dead on you.
If you don't use your batteries regularly they die. Then you're out of luck. I'm replacing my cordless tools with corded. I do not work on things every week...
@@stevescuba1978 batteries have a limited lifespan no matter what you do with them. Batteries are chemical devices. But proper care can maximize battery life. You should work on things regularly too. Always keep a hand in. Skills also die if not exercised.
wanted to buy it, but Bosch's North American marketing strategy confuses me...UK/Eu version comes with 2x1600mm track kit includes connector and a transport bag, and stock blade is much nicer(Bosch branded Freud). so why we are paying same money for just the saw with a junk blade? Yes, Festool is pricy, but at least they offers identical package and 3 yrs warranty.
Amazing rewiew thank you
Better than Makita?
Wow, 12 inch long cord.
did I say inch vs foot?
@@ConcordCarpenter you did and I'm teasing 😂 I love your videos. Keep it up you're helping millions of people worldwide
Can u also get attachments for say routers? And or a system similar to the festool lr32
Yes, both are available
Solid review.
Is the price premium for this saw worth it over the Makita and DeWalt corded and cordless versions?
The track connector that also aligns them and the super quick plunge adjustment knob make it worth it to me.
That’s a personal choice = I’m not a huge fan of the Dewalt. I like the Makita very much. The BOSCH tracks are better
Anyone know if the Makita saw can run on the Bosch track?
No. The Bosch can run on the Makita/Festool track though
Watch out as there's a battery-powered one on the way
I don't get why anybody would be looking for something that plugs in today.
You go on a job site and you don't have a place to plug in... You basically paid 700 dollars for a paper weight.
@@answeris4217 from what I can tell based off of what my co-workers say is that they are afraid of the battery dying mid cut and getting blowback because of it, most of the older guys in the field seem against battery tools that require a lot of power (E.g. DeWalt mitre saw, Milwaukee table saw etc)while shop guys prefer cordless. The fear of "I just destroyed this piece and wasted a lot of money" makes the older field guys hesitant.
@@answeris4217
I've never been to a jobsite without temp or house power. What are you working on?
Not everyone works on a jobsite
@@garradmiller5025
You mean like installing wood fences on a ranch?
Hi.
Rob, I personally own the makita track saw, my partner has the festool track saw, and I tested the bosch track saw at a tool show, the bosch is a very good saw, and very smooth, but I've gotta tell ya , for $ 600.00 plus track ( sold separately), my makita at $ 400.00 ( plus track) is just as good for roughly $ 200.00 less. have you field tested the Makita track saw yet ?
Mike
Michael Mancini I have a cordless @Makita in my trailer
As someone that does full relamination jobs of entire Banks, and has been doing them for the better part of 7 years, I assure you the Makita is just as good (with a new blade) as the festool at cutting laminate, Though I agree the customer service isn't the best
@D G
Chipping can be eliminated by doing an extremely shallow scoring cut then doing a full plunge cut.
I dont like they close
Most of parts and service center !
I just thought of something. What about parallel guides? Festool has their parallel guides and Seneca also makes parallel guides that work for both Festool and Makita track saws.
Looking at the Bosch track, which looks really good with its connector/alignment plate that ensures straightness, it doesn't look like it can be used with any aftermarket parallel guides.
Anyone know of available parallel guides for the Bosch?
.
This track saw is garbage, I've used the corded festool, the corded Makita and battery Makita, the corded and the battery DeWalts, and this Bosch garbage. It rattles on the track, leaves jagged edges on everything it cuts and seemed weaker than other models. Not only that but Bosch kept with it's tradition of using a blade size that no other brand uses, the DeWalt blades might fit but I don't know, and that isn't sold in most stores (in Florida anyways) the only good thing about this system is the track connector
Odd...sounds like you have a lemon. There are shims and stuff to adjust for a more accurate fit perhaps you need to readjust it. I actually went from the Dewalt to the Bosch and now to the festool TS75 track saw due to poor dewalt build quality and lack of functionality. I was really disappointed with the flexvolt runtime and the dust collection/functionality on both corded and cordless models. I had a hell of time with my dewalt and its warranty. Hands down the worst warranty experience I have had in Canada.
jason dean I’m thinking you didn’t adjust the cams???
@D G I literally put a 6 1/2 Makita blade into the Bosch two days ago and while it did fit on the arbor the blade would only spin until it made contact with the melamine we were cutting. I think the issue with the blades is that the Makita blades are thinner than other blades which means the arbor isn't clamping on them tight enough, which is why I also said that maybe DeWalts blades would work because they are thicker
@@ConcordCarpenter the Bosch belonged to a co-worker so there's a chance it was misaligned, but I honestly doubt it because he's the type of guy to read the instructions and do everything to make the product work. It's very likely he received a lemon as he pre-ordered it the moment he heard they were bringing it to the states and waited months for it. Even the DeWalt cordless track saw with its awkward plunge is better received. Great video btw, while I disagree with this saw being good I still love you guys and your videos!
@@ConcordCarpenter he put bubble hash oil in the tracks it should have worked.
how about the fact that it is a 100% copy of festool? no innovation. disappointing.
So what, Festool service blows.
Its not the track alone is 100x better