Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Reciprocating Saw GSA 18 V-LI C (compact version, 3 x reciprocating saw blades, excluding rechargable batteries and charger, L-BOXX)

I already own the Bosch GSA 1100 E which is the corded 240V 1100W version and is a formidable reciprocating saw. I purchased this item (Bosch GSA 18V – LI C) to compliment it’s mains-powered big brother so I could have the best of both worlds; raw power for bigger demolition jobs and a lightweight, compact, battery option for convenience, portability and one-handed operation in tighter areas. There is no denying that the mains version is significantly more muscular, but I admit the GSA 18V – LI C has greater cutting power than I anticipated and will steal more territory from the plug-in goliath than I had thought. The GSA 18V does not suffer from vibration. It is a refined product, comfortable to use with a decent LED light and as I say, plenty of power. Highly impressive and recommended.This saw is very flexible in the sense that a multitude of different blades are available for different applications. It is essential that you use the correct blades for the job, e.g. don’t think that if a blade is labelled for ‘wood’ that it will work well for (small) tree branches. Green wood and timber require wholly different blade types, as of course do plastic and metal, so if you are new to reciprocating saws, expect to build up a collection of blades and interchange them accordingly. Changing the blade is very simple and the locking sleeve for the blade is strongly constructed of metal and seems very tough. The blade can be mounted either way up, i.e the blade teeth can face up or down.The GSA 18V has terrific build quality, it feels sturdy and well-engineered but it is not a ‘heavy duty’ saw and no amount of macho Bosch videos can change that. In tight corners, up a tree or in areas where portability is essential, it is fantastic. However, if demolishing a wooden deck for instance, I would reach for the 1100 E to deal with the boards and joists with more authority, though the 18V would ultimately do the job.The one area where reciprocating saws offer surprisingly inferior performance is when cutting thick timber. The blade oscillates 21mm, so when applying to a 50mm (2 inch) timber joist, much of the blade will remain within the wood and clog up in the waste produced from the cut. A technique of tilting and moving the blade whilst cutting helps remove the sawdust slurry, but for instance if faced with the need to cut a number of joists before installation, I would never consider using a reciprocating saw, and opt for a mitre saw instead. However, if the joists were already installed and required removing, then the reciprocating saw is a good option. So this is very much a tool that you take to an existing already build item for demolition rather than a tool you’d use to prepare material for installation.In summary, very well engineered, powerful, ergonomic, compact and recommended.

The tool itself is fine functionally and really decent quality but I was definitely a bit disappointed with the condition it arrived in. It was covered in small scuffs suggesting previous use. Not what I’d expect from any item straight out of the box. That being said it registered for the additional guarantee without any issues and you don’t buy these things to look pretty.

Have yet to use to any extent, but the build quality looks very good typical of all the Bosch Professional Range.The batteries from my drills and other tools are interchangeable for the Prof Range, a real bonus when batts can cost almost as much as the tool.I have Bosch tools that are old enough to vote and are still going strong. A very happy user.UpdateI have used this tool all day and it is wonderful.. It requires both hands for operation but cut through the quite thick branches of self seed sycamores easily and quickly. Love the fact that I can work anywhere without cabling. You will need a couple of batts to swap if you are using for a longish period. It is well balanced and great to use. Being able to cut metal will be very useful to me. A+++

This is a Bosch product that in its self says everything without any additional waffle but I will just add this is a great addition to my tool kit small light and flexible and can be used with one hand that’s me done need say no more.

Saw far, saw good!! Does just what I want. The inner moulding of the carry case was a bit cracked, presumably from rough handling in shipment, but no detriment to the saw itself.

I have swapped to Bosch for almost everything 18v now, I like the quality and handling. This is a very controlable saw, the low speeds allow considerable precision. It is not robust enough to use as a heavy demolition tool, it is more for fiddly cut outs and the odd bit of chopping. It is nicely ballanced and very convenient esp. up a ladder. It has enough power but of course much depends on the blade. I haven't used it on metals but small gauge pipework etc should be no prob.

The media could not be loaded. If you can't always use a regular recip saw, this one comes in handy. It can be easily operated one-handed which sometimes is the only option. It cuts fast and it has a comfortable grip, it's also well-balanced.

I like it takes blades and cuts things. It basically does what it is supposed to with trigger handle and weight that loads the blade to keep it on the cutting surface. I only give it 4 as not used much as got yesterday but seems pretty maneuverable unit dependent on the space available of course. Simple locked or on with trigger. Sds blade attachment is as easy as twisting a lid a quarter turn. Works with my current 18v batteries so no need to have more chargers and batteries due to incompatible.