Bosch GKT 55 GCE Plunge Saw/ Track Saw Review.

[@garryholmberg6502]

Thanks for the review, I got my Bosch GKT recently and rough cut 6 sheets of 3/4 and 1/2 ply to make 14 drawers for my shop cabinets. The cut was great and once I developed a process for marking the sheets and moving the track the cutting went perfectly. I did buy the Bosch clamps but didn't use them at first as I didn't think they were needed. But what I found (at least for me) is that I would move the track at one end to get on the mark and unfortunately the track at the other end would then move of fthe mark. at the opposite end of the sheet. I tried various tactics like moving the track while holding the center but felt I was still needing to fiddle too much. But then I decided to use the clamps and I really liked them. First, it reduced the amount of fiddling to get the track on the marks. And then I found that the clamps had the unexpected advantage of stiffening the ends of the tracks. As you mentioned the tracks are long, 10.5 feet. And when you place the saw at the start of the track it bends under the weight of the saw. But once I used the clamps the track was stiff enough to easily support the saw without any bend. Manufacturing quality, and attention to detail--I ordered my saw from Amazon and I am not sure if it was the shipping process or what but the plastic case for the saw doesn't shut properly and you can see white stress marks on the teal blue case. I also found that when I removed the plastic ends of the tracks there were lots of metal filings from the manufacture process. And the process they use to cut the tracks left rough and sharp edges once the plastic ends were removed. I used some sand paper to softened the sharp edges being careful not to allow the process to cut through the sandpaper. I didn't use a file because the tracks contours. All of that is really just nit-picking. When you spend this kind of money I expect attention to details and quality in execution. The saw was perfect. It is just the plastic case and the ends of the tracks that annoyed me a bit. All that said, I think this is a great saw and I am super happy with my purchase. The dust extraction was great (I did put a piece of blue painters tape over the arbor hole window), the cut was perfect, no tearout when ripping ( not as perfect on crosscut), and the track coupling and alignment were just as awesome as you describe. Thanks for the review, and especially the info on the router attachment, I will definitely be putting that on my Santa wish list:)!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks for taking the time to write your comment

[@Sir_Pants_Alot]

Awesome. I also sold my table saw and use a mft style table with a track saw for nearly everything. I couldn’t agree more that people push the giant cabinet saw as the biggest necessity in ALL wood shops and that’s just not the case. I’ll admit a table saw is frequently the fastest way to do things. But if it’s a hobby a track saw can do just about anything a table saw can and in some cases it is faster and easier. Jointing, working with live edge slabs, cutting large sheet goods, tapering, these are all things a track saw is as good or better than a table saw. Also if you want to be a mostly hand tool woodworker or a hybrid woodworker a track saw is much more versatile addition that doesn’t take up half your shop. A table saw is not a magic tool that makes you a woodworker.

[@kenzaphilips3418]

Is it also good for cutting joints? Like tenons, grooves and rabbets?

[@bettermodelling]

As a GKT 55 owner I totally agree with what your saying. I use my tracksaw way more than my tablesaw . Every tool excels in certain areas but for a small workshop the combo of a tracksaw and good bandsaw are ideal. I also have the router kit and the smaller 80cm track that it comes with is fantastic for cutting smaller parts across the bench. Using the clamps also secures the whole lot so nought is moving. On kickback, there is a device for the saw that protects you from kickback. I haven’t fitted mine but I believe it stops the saw going backwards along the track. Enjoying the videos.

[@UndieingLust]

Hey John, just wanna say that I finally got an apprenticeship as an electrician! And you're one of the people that inspired me to get into it! Keep pumping out the great content!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

That is awesome!

[@williamn01]

Well done Tim 👏

[@bobp3738]

Your review is just as spot on today. Thank you. First time watching your videos and it took me a few seconds to get my yank ear in tune with your very cool brogue, but very much enjoyed listening. Your teaching style is very good. Well done, sir! 👍

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@BeagleFerretTime]

Great, video thanks! Just fyi, the slow (clunky) start of the motor is their "soft start" feature that limits power consumption to enable operation from a 13 amp fuse.

[@Annaisineire]

Would love a workshop with that set up in it, great work John :)

[@The9q11]

Hello John. Good review. As an owner of this saw I confirm it, s a great product for the price it costs. I don't have a problem with depth adjustment. Mine is running smooth. But I found that it can go 1 millimeter down when you use it intensively. I've watched users testimonies saying that this saw could be a bit off of 0 degree right from the box. Mine was like that. I've done first two cuts and found that edges had 1-2 degree bevels. To my bad I found that only after I glued and nailed my cutted pieces in its places. I believe your saw does not have that issue but check an angle of a blade before cutting. It's easy to fix. I'm glad to have this saw as I doing woodworking on a balcony and could not afford table saw and a band saw. Plunge saw can replace these equipment without a doubt!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks I'll check the angle to be sure.

[@devscally]

That is one sexy track. I certainly don't need a track saw but you know what they say, 'It's better to have one than be looking for one!'

[@rickzwolinski]

Yes, im considering buying this saw. Visited other sites that weren't very good, lots of fluff etc. thanks for your presentation

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad I could help

[@boblaw6534]

Thank you John, very nice Review. I just retired from Bosch Power Tools last year. If you stand in front of the saw depth of cut is better to use, but you are correct, small point could be improved. The 18v Battery track saw is now available, and I can assure you that it is very powerful.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks for the info!

[@pearceclayton8614]

I have been struggling to cut longish MDF sheets especially lengthwise. Also the longer the sheet the more an inaccurate fence will produce unsquare cuts.

[@tracer1127]

Cannot recommend this tool enough. As a kitchen and bathroom fitter I use this tool all the time. I’ve had it for about 6 years and it still looks and works like new. The rail and joint system is awesome, it literally takes seconds to set up. The only mod I made was to fit a much longer extension cable as I found the standard wire kept getting caught up on longer cuts, but that’s because we’ve all been spoilt with cordless tools. If I was buying a new one it would be the cordless version if available. Worktops, end panels, wet wall panels are a breeze. The ability to cut out hobs and sinks in situ with very good dust extraction is awesome when you work alone.

[@glenmcarroll]

Thanks for your tips, I just took mine out of the box for the first time tonight. I’m definitely going to buy the accessory for router

[@daverobinson6384]

8:48 This kit is awesome, and well worth the money!!

[@WasimBarri]

I had to rip 10 x 65mm wide boards, 900mm long to 30mm. Using a table saw I set the fence to 30mm and away I went. All done in a few minutes. How do you do repeatable narrow cuts on narrow pieces using a track saw? Also dado blades can almost be infinitely adjusted through the use of shims but a router has set size bits and will require multiple passes, so I won't be selling my table saw. I take your point about track saws being great for large sheets but in my view that's all. Each to their own. Great video BTW.

[@garyblake3130]

Hi John, I have a table saw and never use it, so totally agree. With regard to dado stacks I just do not see the attraction and for many years they were rightly outlawed in the UK. I think it's mainly Americans that base everything around a table saw, and they try to get more out of the machine than what it was intended for, it is also the most dangerous machine in the workshop statistically speaking. For the record I have the TS55 by Festool and really love it, but for the casual user I guess some of these cheaper alternatives would be fine, they just need to get a decent blade for them. My first jigsaw was Bosch and its 28 years old and still going strong and believe me I really gave that some stick in the early years so good brand.

[@luhannbrink]

Hey John, I am an absolute newbie with woodwork. Asked a few youtubers for advice in buying a saw... funny advise was to buy a table saw hmmm. Newbie?? I am super scared for cutting off my fingers. So happy i saw your video now. And by the way I didn't buy a table saw! Went for a jigsaw and circular saw....Bosch!!

[@williamcarpenter569]

Thanks, John. This review is near-perfect timing for me. I sold my table saw and have been wrestling with purchasing a SawStop or a bandsaw and a tracksaw. My decision will be more informed now.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad I could help!

[@hard2flipdan]

I did it!! I caught up to your current videos! Started watching your channel since right around the time you moved into the new shed. Awesome content man!!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@thulegezelschap5884]

I have this one too, the way the rails fit together is amazing. I also have the accessory that lets you put a router on it. If you get the track with the holes instead of the normal one for 10,- more, you can use the ‘click system’ to make holes for pins. I use a 20mm router bit to make MFTs with that rail

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I'll have a look for that

[@gregdee530]

The noisy start is typical of any soft-start motor, my Makita drop saw for example is just like it.

[@Flotschki]

Hey John i Life in Germany and there ist a cordless Version of the GKT :) i have both of them corded and cordless . The cordless Version ist called GKT 18 v 52 . ITS a great saw , very compact and Lots of Power behind that . Greetings from Germany

[@alexwood020589]

I just ordered one of these saws. Thanks for a really informative review! In response to your comments about the table saw vs. track saw argument - I went with "why not both..?" haha. I did the exact same thing you did though, I bought a table saw thinking it would be my main tool, and then found myself using my dads knackered old skillsaw far more often.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Best of luck with your new saw! I just got the router attachment for the tracks which is also great!

[@davidwilburn6314]

Good review, however you only briefly mention the clamps designed for the T-slot and I really like using mine. They deserve being shown and worth the extra $60. I'd also say that a table saw AND a track saw are needed because one bad shortcoming of the track saw is working with materials narrower than say 3", especially if you want to use the clamps. That's one place where a table saw is better, if a shop and budget has room for both.

[@theoberfaust]

Just bought this set up today, looking forward to giving it a go.

[@tracer1127]

You should love it mate, I’ve had mine for years and don’t know how I got work done without it. The rail system is great just line up with a couple of pencil marks and away you go. I bought the end clamps but never use them, the way the rails grip most clean surfaces is brilliant. Enjoy.

[@Welshrugbyfan101]

Hi John, thanks for another great review. Looking for a more budget solution I bought the Rutlands track saw in their sale and the evolution tracks from screwfix. Also invested in a good blade. 1400 watts (and looks and operates exactly like the bosch) and enough track to break down sheet material. Been using it for 9 months and pleased with the power and accuracy for £145 all in. Not using it professionally but no signs of wear yet! Hope this helps your viewers who do not want to spend Bosch money.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Great suggestion!

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi The Festool track saw has a larger hole in the side and most people have to put tape over it so that the hose can suck up the sawdust. Is the Bosch the same?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Dust collection works fine

[@jeffreypursley1914]

John - Wanted to let you know that thanks to your review and several others here on KZbin, I purchased this saw, the FSN1600X2B Track and Connector kit and the FSNKZW track quick clamps. Had to wait a week for the track to arrive but I think it was worth the wait. Put the tracks down on a sheet of plywood, trimmed up the anti-splinter strip and proceeded to join the tracks together and cleaned up the really nasty 8' edge on the sheet. Very smooth! I'm looking forward to making great use of this tool and also considering selling the table saw in time. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad you found the review useful Jeffrey

[@EdwardT9]

Just when I thought I’ve decided on the Makita I see this review... now I’m not sure what choose. Great review, thanks!.....edit, just watched the later update on this saw, maybe it’ll be the Makita after all?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

If you plan on using it with the mft table then yes but other then that the bosch is great

[@carlb401]

Nice review. BTW only Dewalt saws fit dewalt rails, no other saws will fit as dewalt guide section is in the centre of the rail.

[@jgemeinhardt3955]

John, great review, I also have the Bosch track saw and it has performed flawlessly as I've cut miles of sheet goods! I noticed you mentioned ordering the router guide attachment for Bosch's track system and try as I might I can't find the part number for that attachment here in the U.S. It might be Europe only availability, I'm not sure, but if you do track it down, please share it with me as it would have really been an advantage to have on several past projects.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I just got the router attachment I used it in my latest video its very good, I have no idea if its Europe only, don't see why it would be. Its called Bosch Professional FSN OFA 32 Kit 800 FSN System Package.

[@jgemeinhardt3955]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed Thanks John for your quick response, really appreciate it! I called Bosch USA with that part number and of course that accessory isn't available here in the states yet. I have the Bosch MRP23EVS router which is probably exactly the same unit in Europe with just a different model number but according to them it's not compatible which is a little hard to believe. Anyway, thanks again and love your channel!!

[@mrt076]

@@jgemeinhardt3955 I live in the USA - go to Axminster Tools website in the UK and search for the “Bosch OFA” router adapter and they will ship to USA for reasonable cost. It’s well made and works great and will also accept some other non Bosch routers.

[@jgemeinhardt3955]

@@mrt076 Michael, thanks so much for your referral to Axminister, I will definitely check them out and get one of these shipped state side.

[@rickzwolinski]

Really good review. Informative and easy to watch

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad you liked it!

[@PrettyGreenMonk]

I made the mistake of buying a 110v one of these as i thought i would use it on site , wish i had the 240v

[@kevocos]

Do you find the 110v underpowered? That would put Bosch out of the running for me.

[@harrygirgin9093]

You need to lock the bore aswell when changing the blade.

[@Jesusistheonlyway549]

Would you recommend this saw still?

[@dan__________________]

Interesting, my Bosch router runs rough as well. I have also seen other people mention that Bosch tool motors run rough.

[@SirBenJamin_]

Good review! .. I always find it funny the way you walk into each shot :P ... I don't really understand the Table Saw vs Track Saw argument ... two completely different tools for different jobs in my opinion, and should not be compared. Track saw for sheet goods, and table saw for making joinery.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I'm always in a hurry lol

[@colinjmartin1132]

Nice wee review John, to the point no BS as always, can't wait to get started with my new piece of kit ;)

[@Dickie2702]

One word of warning. If you intend to use this saw on an MFT style table you will have to invest in dogs that fit the underside of the track. This is because the Bosch Saw overhangs the track and it will hit regular dogs, the motor will also hit taller dogs. This is a real shame as I love Bosch kit. John if you mentioned this I apologise, good review overall but for those people looking to base their workshop around an MFT and track saw combo you need to be made aware of this fact. Friend has one and it is a very good saw and the tracks are great and definately the best for joining and aligning.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I'm in the middle of a MFT table build series and have shown this problem it is quite annoying!

[@Dickie2702]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed Apologies I hadn't seen those videos yet.

[@michaelplays2449]

Great review John, thanks

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Very welcome

[@jasonbabila6006]

I’ve been thinking about getting a plunge saw for the past 6 months, I’m still in the decision stage between Makita, Bosch, and Festool, I would prefer a cordless version.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

the cord can be very annoying

[@richardclarke9966]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed I've mounted a track overhead and suspend the cord above so it doesn't interfere with the cut. A hose sleeve is also very useful to prevent snagging on the bench/workpeice.

[@thulegezelschap5884]

If you ever want to connect rails, but Bosch. If you want to use your touter with the rail later, buy the rail with the holes when you buy the saw

[@bobberry1669]

Very imformative review John thanks might even get one now. On a completely different note did you draw the dog pictures on the wall?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

No they were gifts, they are my dogs but they are no longer with us sadly.

[@brentfowler2317]

Your a pro man. I appreciate your reviews. And I'm not sure. But I'm assuming that Bosch makes an imperial track saw? I'm in the US so that's why I'm asking. Dude a router attachment for the Bosch track. That's awesome. I had no clue. Thanks John.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

😂🤣

[@michaelgleeson5849]

hi John really enjoy your videos ,can you tell me where can you buy the bosch plunge saw /track

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

got it here www.caulfieldindustrial.com/

[@ssmith954]

Great review, many thanks!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

My pleasure!

[@markarmstrong2592]

Cheers John a very good review and honest opinion as normal

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks Mark

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty nice tool, John! 😊 Great and honest review! Thanks a lot! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks 👍

[@michaelward2532]

The bosch is great saw but the mafell is prefecton love mine

[@tonyconnolly5385]

Great stuff John. Subbed to both your channels.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thank you kindly

[@tomeggen5621]

I have the same saw and you are spot on on the review! The depth adjestment is a bit hard to use indeed, but stil better than te makita and dewalt witch you need to unscrew to adjust. The blade change is almost as you told, you do need to push the red button under the red lever to lock the arbor. Corection Only the dewalt and the festool have a riving knife the mafel an makita dont.

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

Hi there, do you think the tracks are perfectly straight?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

the tracks are straight I have had no issues so far with that

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed thank you, i am just weighing up between this and the festool plunge saw,,,around £200 diff . I know the festool has a easy adjust for the right angle so you get a perfect cut, not sure if this bosch has one?

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed thanks for the reply

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Pretty sure a track saw is safer than a table saw. Nice reciew

[@stefanleijon9637]

Great video mate! I have been waiting for a review for this one since I watched you cutting that 2" live edge with it like nothing, really impressed by the power. And now seeing this I am even more impressed, especially by the tracks! Both the length, the easy and accurate joining and especially the router attachment! Cant wait to see that one. I can only imagine what a smooth and joyful operation it would be to rout a dado or something with it! Personally I think its a pain in the butt to set up a fence for routing a dado. Lots of fiddling and measuring to get it accurate. One thing that got me thinking, regarding the joining of the tracks. I was thinking that the track eventually will wear out on the point where the cams push, what do you think about that?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Its is possible that the tracks could wear especially for the professional user but that's true off all professional tool use

[@stefanleijon9637]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed Maybe there is a little bit more to give on the cam? So even if it wears a bit its still possible to lock it in place. In that case you could probably go a really long time without having to change the track anyway. Seems like an overall kickass plunge saw regardless of possible cam wear on the track.

[@lynjermey6423]

8 minutes in and no thumbs down lol

[@lynjermey6423]

Duct tape fixes hoses too!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

wait for it lol

[@JStegelmann]

Hi John, You are not the only one bothered by the dust attachment. If you use a Bosch mouthpiece on your dust extraction, then can modify the dust attachment like Bosch_PT_Fan did in his video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5CrkneLjdyAapo). It is in German, but the video is self-explanatory. I have done the modification myself. It is fairly easy and prevents the hose from popping out.

[@myfaceback100]

I got the Makita 36v model and have found it great for cutting down sheets my advice to anyone getting a track saw is a Makita or Festool saw and get the Festool rails. The Festool rails work preface with Makita saw. I only say use the Festool rails as they have more accessories like a parallel guides a must have cabinet makers as it speeds up your breaking down also I found a handy app called www.cutlistoptimizer.com/ you just put in the sizer and number of pieces and the size of the timber you have and it will come up with the cut list while saving material. and time

[@rorymccann9198]

Setting the saw back to zero is a bit of a bollocks,,, it twists the base and needs some attention, I have since purchased the mafell which is a similar design but superior in quality.

[@konamanstudio2447]

🍻🍺🎄☕

[@katherineablett728]

Hi again John, I just came across this video about the Mafell but solves your dog interference issue kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ6uq3WEma-tZ9k . If you go straight to about 6m20s it should be about right. I’ll be getting me some of the guide rail dogs! About £22. Cheers, Katherine.

[@projectwood7221]

You are like a child at christmas John