Bosch has launched two new 18V cordless circular saws, GKS18V-22 and GKS18V-22L. Both feature brushless motors and a 6-1/2″ blade size and have one big difference.
One of the new Bosch cordless circular saws is “blade-left,” and the other is “blade-right.”
Many users have preferences regarding circular saw blade direction.
Blade-left saws, for instance, tend to offer better cut-line visibility for right-handed users. Similarly, left-handed users might prefer the better cut-line visibility of right-handed saws.
I have also heard opposite preferences, such as where right-handed users prefer blade-right designs. Such users might prefer saws that can be held and used without having to cross their arms over the path of the blade.
Many users have preferences that come from long-time use of corded saws.
Bosch is not the first brand to offer blade-left and blade-right versions of the same circular saw, but this is the first time I have seen this done in the cordless realm.
You might also have noticed that cordless 6-1/2″ circular saws tend to be blade-left, and 7-1/4″ circular saws blade-right.
With these two saws, users have a choice.
The blade-right model is GKS18V-22.
The blade-left model is GKS18V-22L.
Features & Specs
- 6-1/2″ blade size
- 0-5,000 RPM
- 50° bevel range
- Bevel detents at 0, 22.5°, 45°
- Pivoting dust shoe
- Electronic brake
- Cut-line LED light
- Weighs 6.1 lbs (tool-only)
Tool-Only Model Numbers: GKS18V-22N, GKS18V-22LN
Kit Model Numbers: GKS18V-22B25, GKS18V-22LB25
The kits come with a charger and 2x Core18V 4Ah batteries.
Price: $199 for tool-only, $349 for the kit
