Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

A few days ago Mr. Golden Maranan of Bosch asked me if I wanted to try out their new abrasive chop saw. I did agree since I wanted to see for myself if what they offer would be better than what I already have. Surprisingly the one that he gave me was a GCO2 Professional 14" Abrasive Chop Saw. It looks identical to the GCO2000 that I have except for a few minor differences.

Both chop saws have the same specs.

Power input 2000 w
No load speed 3500 rpm
Blade diameter 355 mm. (14")
Arbour size 25.4 mm. (1")

The GCO2 was already with me before I knew it was a similar model than what I have ( was kind of expecting the 2400 watts model instead ). Still I decided that I'll give it a spin later and see if one is better than the other or at par with each other.

I would be updating this thread as time permits to show the slight differences in the two Bosch models as well as do some live testing. In doing so I hope that those wanting to get an abrasive chop saw might get a better view of one of the many brand choices available in the local market.

The new Bosch GCO2 is the one with the Black Colored Base.

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

Except for some changes in colors which is immaterial from a usage standpoint here are are few other differences I've seen.

The underside of the Base

New GCO2 Professional - looks like the underside of the base was beefed up a bit.

GCO2000 Professional

Mechanism to lock the saw for carrying position

GCO2 uses a chain

GCO2000 uses a locking pin

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

The lever to lock the motor for blade removal or installation.

GCO2 is slightly longer

GCO2000

To be continued ....

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

Here are some more shots of the GCO2 Professional

The 2000W Motor. The high torque it delivers can be felt immediately upon start up.

Bottom motor heat exhaust in addition to the one on the front housing.

Blade spin can be locked by this small red button. To release the spinning blade the trigger has be be pulled and the saw reverts back to manual triggering.

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

The quick release clamping system

Pivoting jaw

Adjustable fence. 0 ~ 45 degrees angle left or right. A 15mm wrench is needed for this but it can use the supplied blade wrench too.

The fence can also be moved back to accommodate thicker or bigger metal stocks such as larger diameter pipes.

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

Spark deflector. Can be adjusted using a No. 2 Philips screwdriver.

Depth of cut ( stop ) adjustment screw. 13mm bolt. Set so that the blade won't get passed the table or floor where the base stands.

The return spring is beefy enough but not excessively hard.

This saw's first cut.

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

The blade wrench

Wrench storage at the back of the base

The supplied 14" abrasive blade

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

The blade arbor

Will try the saw on more metal cutting later. On first impression I noticed more start up torque on this one compared to my GCO2000 chop saw. I was surprised as I was expecting the same results as both saws are rated at 2000W.

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

Maybe some dusk or nighttime pictures? I'm wondering about the size and shape of the shower of sparks a.k.a. blast zone, and what effect the deflector has if any. Also how hot the workpiece gets and quality of cut.

I understand those are some of the issues of abrasive/chop/cut-off saws as compared with cold/metal cutting saws.

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

Maybe some dusk or nighttime pictures? I'm wondering about the size and shape of the shower of sparks a.k.a. blast zone, and what effect the deflector has if any. Also how hot the workpiece gets and quality of cut.

I understand those are some of the issues of abrasive/chop/cut-off saws as compared with cold/metal cutting saws.

Thanks Guad for helping me figure out how to further check this saw. One other issue I have here is that I don't have any other brand or model to compare it since the only one I have is almost the same like this GCO2. Your suggestions came in timely.

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

Spark deflector setup.

The test piece 11.15 mm x 63.35 mm flat bar

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

The test cuts

Operator side

Splash sparks

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

The cuts / normal pressure feed rate / locked spinning blade

Re: Bosch GC02 Professional Abrasive Chop Saw

Blade deflection check

I did not have an infra red thermometer to check the metal temperature but I'm sure the abrasive metal cutting process made the cut pieces very hot.