A couple of months ago, we talked a little about Bosch’s 12V brushless cordless angle grinder, but there was very little official information available at that time.
We’ve just learned a lot more about the new 12V Max brushless grinder, thanks to Bosch’s European announcements. Bosch USA has not yet indicated any plans to bring this to the USA.
The new Bosch GWS 10,8-76 V-EC is said to be the world’s first 10.8 volt angle grinder for professionals, and we believe this to be true.
As a reminder, 12V Max and 10.8V are the same thing. 12V Max is used in North America marketing, 10.8V everywhere else.
The new mini Bosch brushless angle grinder works with a 76 mm cutting disc (3-inches), and has a maximum cutting depth of 16 mm (~0.63″).
Bosch says that its new small powerhouse grinder can be used anywhere, such as tight spaces or hard-to-reach areas. Indeed, it looks really compact, and might be the smallest Bosch 12V tool ever.
The disc is attached to the tool vertically, rather than horizontally as with 18V and corded grinders, and Bosch says this provides an ergonomic advantage, due to how the grinder can be used with precision and control.
Bosch even goes so far to say that this can replace other tools, such as hand saws.
The brushless motor provides high power efficiency, and is also said to be maintenance-free. Additional features include the blade guard, and an electronic brake that can stop a cutting disc in less than one second.
Bosch will offer a range of accessories for the new grinder, including:
- Metal cutting disc
- Multi-material cutting disc
- Diamond cutting disc
Specifications
- 19,500 RPM no-load speed
- M5 spindle diameter
- 76 mm wheel diameter
- 10 mm arbor hole
- 160 mm grip circumference (6.3″)
- Weighs 900 g (~1.98 lbs) with 2.5Ah battery
(Have you ever seen a manufacturer mention grip circumference before?)
ETA: Feb 2016 (Europe)
Price: 239 euros, excl. VAT, for the 2x 2.5Ah battery kit
First Thoughts
The new brushless angle grinder, which really seems to be more of a cut-off tool to me, looks to be a great addition to the Bosch 12V Max (10.8V) lineup.
It’s built with a brushless motor, making this Bosch’s first-ever non-drill/driver brushless 12V-class tool, and it’s also their first-ever 12V-class grinder or cut-off tool.
There’s at least one DIYer brand that has made 12V-class angle grinders in the past, which is why Bosch specifically mentions this as being the world’s first professional use 12V Max/10.8V angle grinder.
But… don’t start saving your pennies just yet. Who knows if or when Bosch will bring their new compact brushless angle grinder to the USA. There are several other cordless tools that we have yet to see here, and might never see here, such as their brushless impact drivers, 18V FlexiClick modular drill, and their 12V circular saw and rotary tool.
If this is destined for release in North America, maybe the USA model will have a 3/8″ arbor size. 3″ cut-off wheels with 3/8″ arbors are readily available through industrial suppliers, but those are abrasive wheels, whereas the Bosch grinder is shown with steel abrasive-bonded wheels.