Gary Fisher casts a critical eye on the latest cordless Bosch Sabre Saw. Let’s find out if it makes the cut.
When you see the vast range of battery tools available today, working on-site has got to be easier. Some tools you won’t need as often as others, but just having the cordless option can help solve a lot of
potentially awkward situations on-site.
While the tool is powerful enough to to cut through wood (200mm) and metal profiles (100mm) it is designed for easy, one handed use.
Fitting and inter-changing the blades is a straightforward process, just twist the tool shank and insert blade, SDS style; easy and effortless. The cutting speed can be varied by using the trigger switch accordingly, start off slow by easing the switch in and then gradually pulling in the switch to speed things up.
Other notable features include the integrated LED light (which now seems to be compulsory on all power tools) and a safety switch to prevent the tool activating accidentally, endangering those around you (and wasting battery life).
As with all tools with a cutting edge, when they are new they are a dream to use. Maintenance is important, so sourcing the right blades for the job, and regularly checking they are in good condition, is a good habit to get into; Your work will be a lot sweeter and the tool will last longer.
“The cutting speed can be varied by using the trigger switch accordingly, start off slow by easing the switch in and then gradually pulling in the switch to speed things up.”
This is not a tool for everyday use, but when its moment comes, you will be glad you have it. Bosch describes this tool as a ‘compact powerhouse’ and it certainly packs a punch. While its quite easy to control I probably wouldn’t recommend it for delicate precision cutting jobs. This saw is ideal for cutting pipes and wooden joists when space is limited and a multi-tool just isn’t up to the task.
I had to cut out a tongue and groove piece of board which was vertically fixed onto a panelled wall. With a firm grip on this saw I could, make a clean and controlled cut through the groove like a hot knife through butter.
In my next job I found myself stuffed in a loft to cut away some chipboard where some recess lights were to be positioned. Once again the saw gave me the angle and reach to do a clean and accurate job but in this particular instance I think a multi-tool would have been the better option.
Pros
● Plenty of battery power
● Batteries inter-changeable with other Bosch tools
● Blades easy to change
● Low vibration when in use
Cons
● Could be clumsy to use in a small area
● May not be used on a regular basis
The saw can be used either with one hand or both, either way it is very comfortable to handle, with a good weight to hand ratio- although I wouldn’t use it with one-handed for too long. I used the saw in a variety of different scenarios, both overhead and at low level and using different blades at different speeds. It was comfortable to use throughout with very little noticeable vibration or strain.
This is a powerful and practical tool. You may only need it in one in every five jobs, but when its moment comes along it doesn’t disappoint.
