Bosch - GRRRRRRR

[kmcleod]

OK, after much checking and wanting to take advantage of Axminsters 10% offer I bought a Bosch GCM 10SD SCMS...

Saw arrived, cant fault Axminster, and works fine,,,only thing missing as a feature on the machine - a laser....

Now I know there are differing opinions on the use of laser...but bottom line it don't have one,,,,where as the same saw sold in USA does, (the 4410L)

So I called Bosch to find out if it was an after market add on in the UK,,,and can only say that the After Sales and Technical department are rubbish,.,,,

Spent a total of 45mins being bounced around from one to another, having to explain the same thing over and over,,,,eventually was told - No, not sold and no plans to,,,it may be added as a feature on later versions....

I am fan of the tools, have always found Bosch a case of 'does what it says on the tin' but this experience with their after sales has really soured my view of them,,,,

Thankfully I know where else to buy Bosch spares, and as for the laser - well if I really want one I'll go buy something like a Laserkerf,,,

 

[wizer]

That's a shame about their customer service. Don't let it get you down as that saw is the bees knees.

FWIW: I bought an aftermarker laser. After I set it up, I promptly never used it again.

 

[Mcluma]

That's a shame about their customer service. Don't let it get you down as that saw is the bees knees.

FWIW: I bought an aftermarker laser. After I set it up, I promptly never used it again.

I bought the original laser for my EB kgs saw, and agree, total rubish

took it off and sold it.

A pencil line works best

 

[OPJ]

I also try and work to a pencil line, but I've found that inserting a zero-clearence plate to my saw also works pretty well. After the first cut, it'll tell me precisely where the blade is going to cut each time. 8) :wink:

I'm really pleased with my Bosch GCM 12 SD. My only grumbles are that it's a bit tricky to get everything set at 90º and, with regards to the vertical setting, it's very easy to knock the lever and unlock it, if you're transporting it around a lot (not me though).

I'm waiting for a reply from Bosch myself to see if I can blag a dust bag/extraction adapter for my saw, as mine came without and I currently cannot fit a 32mm hose to it (mess everywhere!). I bought the saw off an eBay seller in November. They said it was only months old, so I'm hoping it's still covered by some kind of warranty or something...

 

[Shrubby]

It's a bit harsh slating Bosch UK for not being familiar with Bosch US products - the markets are completly different. Lasers are usefull on setting out tools but on a saw? there are quick reliable methods like sacrificial linings on the fence and Flipstops.
Opj Lawson-His have a lot of usefull adapters under 'accesories' with handy pictures of each part.Good luck controlling the spray from an scms though they are notorious. Its's the blade over the workpiece that blows the dust around as the airstream hits the wood and the fence (turn the machine upside down and encase it in a push-pull and its's a much cleaner and more accurate business)
Matt

 

[kmcleod]

Shrubby - explain to me how the markets are completely different ??

In both countries the saw is sold as being a 'professional' power tool, so therefore would expect it to be aimed at the professional market in both countries,,

Apart from the powerpack, and laser, it is an identical bit of kit, and is all likelyhood made in the same factory, right up to assembly, where part assembled for uk goes one direction, the US the other, to have different power packs installed....

My gripe isnt about their knowing the USA equipment, its about bad customer service, bad communication and an atitude that does not seem to give a monkeys about the customer..

And as a footnote,,,to get me of the phone I was told the After Sales manger would call me back within the hour,,,,and yes,,,I'm still waiting,,,,

 

[OPJ]

Shrubby, thanks for the tip; I'll be taking a look at the Lawson-His website shortly then.

Bosch cannot help me unfortunately. Well, I've been advised to speak to their warranty department to check validity as I bought this second-hand, so it'd probably be a lot quicker and easier just to buy something suitable from elsewhere!

 

[Benchwayze]

So I called Bosch to find out if it was an after market add on in the UK,,,and can only say that the After Sales and Technical department are rubbish,.,,,

My first 'powered screwdriver' was a Bosch. Not good. I tried four replacements and still wasn't happy. The fixing for the bit was sloppy and it was about as much use as a rubber chisel. In the end I opted for a B&D. When it finally died, I got the B&D Drill/Driver. Very happy with it.!

For the house tool-box, I have a JCB power-driver. It's a solid, reliable little driver. It has a hinged body, so it can be used like a small pistol driver and there's a useful halogen light, on the top of the body.

Bosch? Hmmm... I am very wary.

£20.00 at B&Q!