Bosch 18V BITURBO 184mm Circular Saw / 7-1/4" Brushless GKS 18V-68C & 68GC [2021 review]

oztooltalk review a couple more tools in Bosch's BITURBO line, their 184mm circular saws. These 18V tools boast a power equivalent to 1800W and have excellent features and ergonomics. But oztooltalk aren't easily pleased with one our favourite tools!
Common specifications of both saws GKS 18V-68C and 68GC:
1800W power
184mm blade size
68mm depth of cut
5000 RPM (no-load)
Curved auxillary handle for excellent control
Fast brake
Extra features only found on the track-capable GKS 18V-68GC:
Plunge feature with simple, accurate depth adjustment
Control panel with 5-speed settings (2,500 - 5,000 RPM)
ECO Mode
Compatible with tracks from Bosch, Festool, Makita and Mafell
www.totaltools...
www.totaltools...

[@raindropsrising7662]

Love the short motor.. visibly convenient to line up a square on left or right of the saw. Appreciate the time putting this video together. Will grab this soon.

[@OZToolTalk]

cheers mate, you'll love it

[@raindropsrising7662]

Just bought it. You are right, loving it heaps ❤️

[@dragogranic8171]

G in the name stands for compatibility with the tracks, a C stands for bluetooth conectivity

[@teepatchong5668]

I love my 68GC. Been waiting for 2 years for this since it was shown in the US in 2019 October.

[@OZToolTalk]

its been a long wait!

[@natepostill]

Had mine for 2 months now lovin it great review

[@OZToolTalk]

Cheers Nate.

[@d7a7s7]

You guys do the best tool reviews - thanking you - and yes I love Bosch tools .

[@OZToolTalk]

thanks Pat, appreciate it.

[@adroid1127]

In europe bosch is 3 yrs warranty after registration. I envy you Australians ;-) Got the saw, and I love it. All the best from Poland.

[@OZToolTalk]

Interesting! Yeah 6 years is a LONG time!

[@macvos]

On the other hand, I can get the GC body + L-Boxx for €270 delivered. That's less than 425 AUD.

[@dragogranic8171]

One thing worth mentioning is that bosch is actually owner of diablo. They bought Italian company that manufactures both bosch and diablo blades.

[@cameronryan8684]

Awesome video fellas 🤙 would love to see a comparison to the Makita 40v, thinking of buying one 😎

[@5yearshed]

Just bought it..lovely piece of kit

[@OZToolTalk]

Glad you like it!

[@tdavey96]

I've got the non track compatible one and love it with the 8Ah batteries, I'm considering the Bosch 18v plunge saw so I can't wait for the video!

[@OZToolTalk]

awesome Tom :D plunge saw comparison is imminent on youtube :D

[@themarinerajdean]

Loving the cut always shots to seeing it in use

[@OZToolTalk]

thanks

[@whateyatalkinabout4972]

Dewalt should hopefully make their flex volt circular saw come with a track compatible baseplate option... and hopefully they ditch their track to be more in line with festool makita and Bosch tracks

[@jackoneil4164]

That handle is genius!

[@OZToolTalk]

Right?!

[@kylestewart698]

Got the GC last month and love it. Bosch had an offer on. if you buy tool over £130 you get a procore battery. Which made it worth it for me but if they didn't I would of probably not bit the bullet. Grate saw. Fyi Bosch own diablo.

[@OZToolTalk]

cheers Kyle, yeah we are well aware ;)

[@brianb1179]

Great review , love my Bosch tools up here in Canada , but I see you guys using the Dewalt framing nail gun , hope Bosch would come out with one soon , especially with the core batteries ,

[@GumbootZone]

10:16 "You have to reach-around and hold the knob at the front". Most Australians like that.

[@OZToolTalk]

who doesn't like it? :P

[@barttrahan7037]

Makita 08 goes on a track but no plunge the moffell KS 18 LTX 57 goes on a track that fits many tracks. The Makita was $325ish the moffell was $200. DeWalt just came out with one for the flex volt but I don't know anything about it yet. This is good they all should do this and they should all have a dust port that can fit a dust bag instead of the cheap plastic add-on that gets clogged up

[@mikemorgan5015]

Great review of obviously solid saws. That sole plate that will work with multiple mfgrs tracks is HUGE. On that note, do you know of any aftermarket plates that do the same for other saws? I've been way too patient waiting on Milwaukee to come out with a track saw. I don't "need" a dedicated track saw for 99.9% of what I do, but have almost jumped on the Makita 36v several times. The fever soon passed and my wife is none the wiser. Haha! But then last week I caught the Milwaukee 7 1/4 M18 compound miter saw on sale and bought it. As it was on sale, she had no issues with it. Women... You never know what surprises await you. Haha!! I LOVE how light that saw is. Plenty of power and can handle almost all of what I use a miter saw for. Highly recommend it. Cheers guys! Keep up the great content.

[@OZToolTalk]

thanks Mike, love the feedback. I couldn't tell you much about aftermarket base plates soz...

[@FixitFingers]

If I was just starting out again I think the Bosch Bi-Turbo range would sorely test my Teal preference... every one I see is dead sexy.

[@OZToolTalk]

you're not wrong there!!

[@OnlyThisWasFree]

I would really like to see if there is noticable difference In power output between 8Ah and 12Ah. If it is better to go with 2x 8Ah and eliminate charging breaks. Or to go with 12Ah and get that extra power. Especially that 12Ah costs almost double the 8Ah battery.

[@OZToolTalk]

I don't think there is a power difference on the circular saws, but I think there is on the large drop saw.

[@Falcon500xw]

Maybe I've missed a couple of comparisons, but my dewalt flexvolt saw (dcs576) is track compatible and I can use it like a plunge saw (although if I'm plunging from too high up, shi'ite will get serious). The dust collection on it is a token effort though...

[@OZToolTalk]

Ooooh is it? I've been hoping to review the DCS576 for a while!!

[@Falcon500xw]

@@OZToolTalk it's ballsy as hell. Mind you, I don't get the opportunity to compare it to other saws like you guys do. I watched the video again, and the dewalt doesn't have the plunge button like the Bosch does. But with a bit of finesse, you can plunge it just fine. I'm gearing up to make some outdoor furniture with red ironwood, so that'll put it through the ringer!

[@brianb1179]

Awesome review , love my Bosch tools up here in Canada , I'm thinking about either one of those saws or the plunge saw , not sure what one would be better for me. And hopefully Bosch will come out with the cordless framing gun so you don't have to use the DeWalt 😅LoL. Love watching your videos keep it up.

[@robertrada4783]

Having cut down to Mafell (nothing wrong with Festool), I was looking forward to this saw in 2019. That October, I gave up on Bosch for good. 90% is just showing up as scheduled.

[@OZToolTalk]

bummer

[@ProxyFinal]

Perfect for cutting plexiglass

[@leighgray8537]

Can you guys please do a video on air compressors, i didn't see one in the last 4 years unless i over looked a video, love your work.

[@OZToolTalk]

sorry mate, not really our jam

[@sparx2391]

I think the depth adjustment is just a better way of adjusting it, I don't think they intended it to be a plunge saw,

[@OZToolTalk]

could well be right, but its awesome depth control in both settings

[@gsadlerdavid]

Nice video guys. I have the corded bosch track saw (from TT)) and It is a absolute pleasure to use (based on Mafell), but for cordless circular saws Makita can't be beat, I would love to see a comparision of with the 9 1/4 brushless Makita.

[@OZToolTalk]

Thanks!

[@robertcasey3528]

Gotta love the Aussies!!🤘🤘 Great video. Been wondering what the difference was between the 2 saws. Waiting for the US version gks18v-25gcn of 68gc to get released since 2019. Wasn't sure at first but it's a definite go now if they ever arrive. They have a whole new line up I'm interested in incuding 18v grinder and 18v 150 nm drill driver that just came out.

[@OZToolTalk]

Cheers Robert, yeah Bosch are releasing some cracking tools!

[@davetaylor4741]

Bosch are getting better at circular saws. I currently have the smaller cordless finishing size saw and happy with it. Years ago the ergonomics were terrible and you couldn't see where you were cutting I hated them. Ran Hitachi or Makita instead. Wouldn't mind trying those two out. One thing I usually find these days in our WHS world is the stupid safety switches on tools in general. Engineers must all have huge hands. More often than not I am all set to cut and can't reach the safety. I have to use my left hand to operate it thus starting the cutter one handed which is more dangerous. Procore batteries the same. Good batteries and I have a few but the release is crazy unless you have big hands. I really struggle to get them off my Bosch tools. Dewalt battery release ergonomically perfect for little hands. Not impressed with Bosch warranty service. Their mandate says turn around in 10 days. More like 40 days. Could be worse Dewalt you may as well just buy another tool.

[@OZToolTalk]

Bosch certainly seem to be upping their woodwork tool game ey?!

[@noskills9577]

Seems to be a good time for newish circular saws. Makita 40v (just need a 40v 680z!!) - metabo with an 18v plunge and a new 18v circular saw coming - dewalt with flexvolt advantage and a brushless left bladed 18v at last. These new Bosch as well. Need Hikoki and Milwaukee to pull their fingers out 😂

[@OZToolTalk]

yeah it sure is. Hikoki have a pretty recent 36V saw, and Milwaukee are one of the circ saw leaders that everyone is catching up to really. Who has a BL left blade?

[@noskills9577]

@@OZToolTalk dewalt have updated their blade left - brushless motor/led light etc. Waiting for it’s release over here.

[@OZToolTalk]

@@noskills9577 finally!! Can't wait

[@legallyfree2955]

13:00 regarding lower speed, I wonder if that means you can throw a metal cutting blade on it and use it for mild steel and aluminium...

[@OZToolTalk]

not sure?

[@legallyfree2955]

@@OZToolTalk I went and had a look after I posted my comment, it will void your warranty but it is physically possible.

[@jeromeborle564]

Aluminium no problem even to keep guarantie, it's planned for but no ferrous metal even if you can get blade for that and even if in the lowest speed you could do it.

[@0832014]

if you buy a special base from dewalt, dewalt 56v can use in dewalt track

[@OZToolTalk]

54v? I didn't know that.

[@lukecauson2700]

Purchased the gc model earlier this year, love and hate it. Awesome for doing cuts of larger timber, really stable with the big base plate and a smooth cut. But its too big for alot of jobs, the included guide wont even let you rip a 90mm piece of timber in half (can do it with a dewalt guide as it loops around more) the handle is good but makes it hard to see the blade from the left hand side as you cut and there is no light for the cut?? Love bosch tools but this isnt a carpenters all rounder like the dewalt flexvolt , it is more precise and great for many jobs but i have also got a milwaukke 165mm cordless circular saw for quick cuts and roof work as it has the rafter hook. Wish bosch would make something decent to compete with that as there last attempt was gutless.

[@OZToolTalk]

hmm I see some of your points there. I think the little 6.5" m18 makes a great compliment to this saw now that you mention it.

[@lukecauson2700]

@@OZToolTalk looking forward to what you think of the cordless plunge saw, have the corded version but dont think i would bother switching until they can sort out a way to get the vacuum to start with the cordless saw like makita and festool have. Love the videos guys, keep it up 👍🏻

[@OZToolTalk]

yep fair enough luke

[@sparx2391]

The G means it is compatible with guide rails

[@OZToolTalk]

ah of course!

[@jaguarchua]

I wonder how this Bosch Pro Factor CS model fare, compared to Makita's 40V Brushless XGT CS

[@OZToolTalk]

I don't think it would be far behind if at all.

[@Tech_Built]

Nice work gents as always. Cracking saw as you both pointed out however... the one gripe I have with it and previous bosch cordless saws is the rip guide. Whoever is responsible for only allowing it to rip 50mm should be beaten with a hose. As soon as I got this saw I went to the base plate with a angle grinder and cut out a section to allow the guide to go tight to the blade. Now it's pretty much perfect, if I can modify it in less than a minute, why is it coming from the factory like that?

[@OZToolTalk]

yeah that's weird. didn't even use the guide :/

[@spencerp7048]

Did you run it on the standard 5ah? How did it run?

[@AI-ub3hc]

Would appreciate much your opinion about Makita XGT HS004GZ 190 mm saw with guide rail support Vs the Bosch 68 GC ?

[@OZToolTalk]

we haven't played with the XGT saw sorry, would love for Makita to send it to us!

[@IvanR3]

I use the corded GKS 190 . How is it comparing with the power of 1400W ? Cheers from Austria

[@OZToolTalk]

Haven't tested sorry. I think it'll just about keep up with a 1400W electric though...

[@carterscustomrods]

Can't wait for Left sided blade here in the US. A right sided blade with a track capable saw is worthless.

[@OZToolTalk]

why do you think that?

[@carterscustomrods]

@@OZToolTalk oops.. I forgot to put a " 😆😂 " in at end. Nevertheless, it is true. The reasoning, from my experience is this. Most people are right handed. Most tools are designed that way, if not universal. While as a circular saw doing cutoffs, a right sided blade is often, and understandably, better. (Although I like to keep an eye on my blade as it cuts.) So for a track saw, I've experienced and seen these as factors... 1- Where the weight of the saw motor rests. : Having a left sided blade allows you to rest it on the workpiece, as opposed to resting it on your cutoff area. (This also relates to reason 2.) Then you can place saw trigger in right hand and have your workpiece on your right side as you rip cut. 2- Track placement : As I just stated, having the track on the workpiece will make it more stable, obviously. And if ripping sheet goods, or long boards, you can walk them with your right hand on saw. (I see soooooo many people struggle with this as the lean over boards trying to stretch from the end, to make the cut.) So if they have their blade on right, in order to make a rip, they will need to walk with the saw on their left side. (This will still keep the blade closest to them, and mean their left arm is in control, and often reach over with right arm, and put themselves in a danger zone. If it's on the left side, they can simply walk down board with it on their right side. But the MOST IMPORTANT reason is this... ... I only have use of my right arm. Lmao. My left is a limp noodle. Lol. But even taking my limitations away, I see people constantly struggle with a right sided blade on a track saw. And when you try using one with a Left sided blade... it becomes a game changer. So in conclusion, I guess the reason companies sell more right sided blade Track Saw's is the same reason they limit so many to a 6½ inch blade... Because they can. Lol. (But seriously, a 6½" blade? They couldn't make them more universal and go the extra ¾" ??? I mean, that's just silly. And as anyone who has done a beveled rip on a "2x_" board (like making French cleats) that ¾" makes a big difference! Lol. My name is MrCartersRods, and thank you for coming to my TedTalk. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jeromeborle564]

Bosch have good original blades because bosch and diablos' blades are freuds' blades witch belongs to bosch so coming out from the same manufacture.

[@N1rOx]

Hi what 54v saw was this in compaeison to, 575 or 578

[@OZToolTalk]

I've only used the 575

[@michaelbamber4887]

Well, bosch blades best be good because they own diablo blades and feine tools. They look like very good saws.

[@OZToolTalk]

I think they were already good before they bought Diablo. I don't think Bosch own Fein. Why do you think that? Dwain

[@michaelbamber4887]

Yeah, my cock up, I didn't mean that. It's freuds. Stupid phones!

[@ED-yy1rl]

You two crack me up 🤣 4:43. 5:00

[@OZToolTalk]

haha we aim to please ;)

[@legallyfree2955]

5:10 "Now put it away, leave it for the next video". Shooting an OnlyFans video right after this are you? ;)

[@OZToolTalk]

you've figured us out ! :P

[@andybarker5552]

4:14 Mayfell who are they never heard of um? ;-)

[@OZToolTalk]

Mafell

[@brendancredlin2060]

Would've stayed with bosch but they dragged their arses far too long getting these out.

[@OZToolTalk]

bummer

[@davetaylor4741]

Totally agree hence my big cordless saw is Dewalt.

[@MrHowieZ1973]

Bosch is going out of business in the United States. Their tools are harder and harder to find.

[@OZToolTalk]

they drastically cut down the amount of retailers they use here in Aus. Maybe it's the same there? I highly doubt they are failing in NA.

[@robertrada6040]

Not failing, but just don’t care about North America. The thing that irked me the most was they’d often announce a firm release date for a product and then the product never comes or comes two years late with zero explanation. With Bosch Tools NA, 90% of the products don’t come here or they’re here after being on the world market for five to six years or they’re here for a month and then immediately discontinued. I was a big Bosch fan. I’m still a big fan of their tools. But I just can’t let them disappoint me with their no-shows anymore. They don’t seem to have a problem pumping out dishwashers and parts for my car... no excuse. I’ll forgive smaller firms like Lamello and Festool when they have issues. Bosch? They’re a huge company. Heck, Festool always makes a release date...

[@OZToolTalk]

Yeah that's annoying. I have heard others saying that Bosch don't seems to put their best foot forward in NA. I wonder why that is ....

[@robertrada6040]

@@OZToolTalk Meh, we’re spoiled for choice, and in the US, these bigger brands are ridiculously inexpensive. Outside of driver bits, Bosch basically owns the consumable market, here. Aside from OEM and Bosch brand, they’ve also been really focusing on the “Diablo” brand for years which is a mix of Freud’s contractor blades and router bits, and Bosch’s usual suspects. So, they’re always present in that regard.

[@galvanizedgnome]

I'm my day, men were men and track saws weren't bi!

[@OZToolTalk]

on all counts, no.

[@arifranklin4664]

Using a fain saw to do chisels job. Semi skilled blokes.

[@OZToolTalk]

I have checked out posts with a saw and chisel many many times. But since I tried the starlock max Bosch OMT, i think I get better results than a chisel, sometimes faster too, depending on the job. I don't think it indicates a lack of skill to use power tools mate. i recently switched to a router for my door hinges too, doesn't mean I don't know how to use a chisel.

[@georgedavall9449]

Semi skilled at speeeling, (sic) and grammar there, ari mate??

[@arifranklin4664]

No I can’t spell that well. But I do build houses well. I’ve got an Electritan with hand problems from these fain saws. I’ve got to keep shouting at boys who use the thing to cut out shit It was never designed to do. The tools are great for cutting finishing little things, or shitty little jobs you can’t get to well. The truth is people want to pick it up and use it because they think it’s easy. but it’s not quick. it’s not neat. It’s fucking loud! And it fucks your hands up. They look at me like I’m stupid. But I jump over there heads everyday.

[@smyteyouall8256]

@@arifranklin4664 kind of agree with you. Multi tools are amazing at the awkward little area jobs. But they are horrible to be around. Loud, and they are awful for your hands. That being said, if they want to use them instead of a chisel then it's upto them. I find it more satisfying with a chisel and always a cleaner finish.

[@macvos]

@@arifranklin4664 try a Fein. They don't mess your hands up. Vibration control is what sets these apart from the other brands.

[@S7tronic]

Grinder videos, eh? 🤣

[@OZToolTalk]

we're very open-minded ;)