Well, surprise! Overseas, Bosch has announced a new 12V [Max?] brushless cordless edge router.
The translation is a little uncertain, but this seems to be an edge cutter. That doesn’t make me any less excited – that’s still quite the feat.
There are several noteworthy aspects to the new GKF 12V-8 edge cutter’s design. Is it okay if I just call it a router?
To start, it’s designed for one-handed use. It has a low weight, small grip, and “ideal equilibrium point,” not to mention a unique shape.
It’s compact, and powered by a brushless motor.
There’s an attention to user-friendliness and safety, such as a large foot plate, depth adjustment, and a fall detection sensor that shuts off the tool if it falls.
The translated product description also mentions an “extra edge” for safety, which I gather is meant to help prevent finger-bit contact.
Specs
- 12V Max system
- Kitted with 3.0Ah compact battery packs
- Up to 13,000 RPM no-load
- Collet?: 6mm/8mm
- Weighs 1.1 kg (~2.43 lbs) without battery
I say “chuck?” because the translation of “Gereedschapsopname” spits out “tool shot.” That doesn’t make sense, so let’s just say it’s the collet size, unless or until we learn better.
There’s no mention what the depth range is.
ETA: Late September 2017, in Europe
First Thoughts
Nice!
This is somewhat of a surprise, but it’s a welcome one. There’s no indication about if or when it will be released in North America. But like many of Bosch’s more innovative releases of the past few years, it probably won’t be.
It’s a one-handed edge cutter, but I’d still consider it a cordless brushless router. There’s a product image showing it being used to round-over a long board.
No dust collection?
I wonder how powerful it’ll be, and how long the battery will last.
No LED worklight? (Should we even care?)
Here’s the “wireless side cutter” in action.
Despite my excitement, I don’t think this is something I would use. There are a few 18V cordless routers on the market, and we’ll probably see a few more models in the next few years.
What kinds of tasks might this router excel at?
As an aside, Bosch’s international shift from 10.8V to 12V still has me a little on alert. Here in the USA it’s “12V Max.” But overseas, it’s just “12V” now? I prefer that over 12V Max, but dropping the “Max” can lead to problems if other brands follow suit. 18V and 20V Max could become 18V and 20V, which could cause even more confusion.
Even though this isn’t something I would add to my tool box – well except at the right price – it looks like it could be handy. I do still think that an 18V model would be more universally appealing, or at least more appealing to a much larger group of potential users.
An 18V cordless trim router or edge cutter would be more capable and more versatile, but also a lot larger and heavier.
This is indeed a unique tool.
Too bad we’re unlikely to see this sold in the USA. Maybe it will be, but I’ve learned not to hold my breath.