GCB 18V-2 Professional - Saw BOSCH - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL GCB 18V-2 Professional BOSCH

IMPORTANT Read Before Using

IMPORTANT Lire avant usage

IMPORTANTE Leer antes de usar

Icon of a person reading a book inside a circle (no text or symbols)

Operating/Safety Instructions Consignes d'utilisation/de sécurité Instrucciones de funcionamiento y seguridad

GCB18V-2

Technical illustration of a mechanical device with lever and base components (no visible text or symbols)

BOSCH

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1-877-BOSCH99 (1-877-267-2499) www.boschtools.com

For English Version See page 2

Safety SymbolsThe definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the manual and pay attention to these symbols.
	This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
	DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
	WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
	CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious

injury.

SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

▶ Work area safety

Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

▶ Electrical safety

Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.

Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.

Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord

for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.

When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.

If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

▶ Personal safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.

Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and / or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

▶ Power tool use and care

Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.

Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool.

Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.

Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

Battery tool use and care

Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.

Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.

When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.

Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery, avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Safety Rules for Cordless Band Saws

Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring. Cutting accessory contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.

Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.

Secure material before cutting. Never hold it in your hand or across legs. Small or thin material may flex or vibrate with the blade, causing loss of control.

Do not use a damaged blade. Before each use inspect the blade for cracks, chips or other damage. Replace a damaged blade immediately.

Do not apply cutting lubricants or oil to the blade of this tool. Lubrication will cause blade to slip within tool.

Wipe excess oil from workpiece before cutting. Lubrication will cause blade to slip within tool.

Hold the saw firmly to prevent loss of control. Figures in this manual illustrate typical hand support of the saw.

Keep hands away from cutting area. Do not reach under the material being cut. The proximity of the blade to your hand is hidden from your sight.

Keep hands from between the blade and material guide. Always start cut with workpiece on the material guide. When tool starts work will be pulled to the material guide and can pinch your fingers.

Before starting to cut, turn tool "ON" and allow the blade to come to full speed. Tool can chatter or vibrate if blade speed is too slow at beginning of cut.

Do not touch the blade or the workpiece immediately after operation. Blade and workpiece will be hot.

When removing the blade from the tool avoid contact with skin and use proper protective gloves when grasping the blade or accessory. Accessories may be hot after prolonged use.

Do not "jam" the blade or apply excessive pressure to the tool when cutting.

Overstressing the blade increases the loading and susceptibility to twisting or binding of the blade in the cut and the possibility of blade breakage.

Do not operate saw without cover plate secured on the saw. Contact with moving parts may result in serious personal injury.

Additional Safety Warnings

GFCI and personal protection devices like electrician's rubber gloves and footwear will further enhance your personal safety.

Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery hands cannot safely control the power tool.

Develop a periodic maintenance schedule for your tool. When cleaning a tool be careful not to disassemble any portion of the tool since internal wires may be misplaced or pinched or safety guard return springs may be improperly mounted. Certain cleaning agents such as gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ammonia, etc. may damage plastic parts.

Ensure the switch is in the off position before inserting battery pack. Inserting the battery pack into power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

WARNING

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing,

grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

• Lead from lead-based paints,
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Symbols

Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

Symbol Designation / Explanation
V Volts (voltage)
Ah Amp hour (measurement of battery capacity)
A Amperes (current)
Hz Hertz (frequency, cycles per second)
W Watt (power)
kg Kilograms (weight)
min Minutes (time)
s Seconds (time)
∅	Diameter (size of drill bits, grinding wheels, etc.)
n_0	No load speed (rotational speed at no load)
n Rated	speed (maximum attainable speed)
.../min	Revolutions or reciprocation per minute (revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc. per minute)
0 Off position (zero speed, zero torque...)
1, 2, 3, ...I, II, III,	Selector settings (speed, torque or position settings. Higher number means greater speed)
0	Infinitely variable selector with off (speed is increasing from 0 setting)
→	Arrow (action in the direction of arrow)
~	Alternating current (type or a characteristic of current)
---	Direct current (type or a characteristic of current)
~	Alternating or direct current (type or a characteristic of current)
□	Class II construction (designates double insulated construction tools)
⊕	Earthing terminal (grounding terminal)

Symbols

Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

Symbol Designation / Explanation
	Alerts user to read manual
	Alerts user to wear eye protection
	This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.
	This symbol designates that this component is recognized by Underwriters Laboratories.
	This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories, to United States and Canadian Standards.
	This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association.
	This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association, to United States and Canadian Standards.
Intertek	This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Intertek Testing Services, to United States and Canadian Standards.
	This symbol designates that this tool complies to NOM Mexican Standards.
	Designates Li-ion battery recycling program
	Designates Ni-Cad battery recycling program

Functional Description and Specifications

WARNING

Disconnect battery pack from tool before making any assembly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures

reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

AUXILIARY HANDLE LED WORK LIGHT BATTERY PACK BATTERY PACK RELEASE BUTTON BLADE TENSION LOCK LEVER SAFETY SWITCH TRIGGER HANDLE RUBBERIZED GRIP VENTILATION OPENINGS H3508 COVER PLATE LATCH (x2) MATERIAL GUIDE BLADE COVER PLATE COVER PLATE BLADE GUIDES-BLADE GUIDES Fig. 1

Cordless Band Saw GCB18V-2
Voltage		18 V---
No load speed (n0)		530/min (SFPM)
Blade Size		28-7/8" x 1/2" x .020"
Capacities	Round stock 2-1/2"
	Rectangular 2-1/2" x 2-1/2"
Allowed ambient temperature	– during charging– during operation– during storage	32...113 °F (0...+45 °C)-4...122 °F (-20...+50 °C)32...122 °F (0...+50 °C)

Battery Packs/Chargers

Please refer to the battery/charger list, included with your tool.

Assembly

WARNING

Disconnect battery pack from tool

before making any assembly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

▶ Inserting and Releasing Battery Pack

Your tool is equipped with a secondary locking latch to prevent the battery pack from completely falling out of the handle, should it become loose due to vibration.

To remove the battery pack, press the battery pack release button and slide the battery pack forward.

Press the battery pack release button again and slide the battery pack completely out of tool housing (Fig. 2).

▶ Removing Blade

1. Place the saw on a flat sturdy surface. Turn the blade tension lock lever 180^ clockwise to release blade tension (Fig. 2).
2. Release the cover plate latches and open the cover plate completely. (Fig. 2 and 3).
3. Pull blade out of the guides and

remove blade from the pulleys (Fig. 3).

Fig. 2 BATTERY PACK BATTERY PACK RELEASE BUTTON BLADE TENSION LOCK LEVER COVER PLATE LATCH (x2)

▶ Installing Blade

1. Firmly press the blade between the guides and route the blade around the pulleys. Note: be sure teeth face up and point in the same direction as the rotation arrow. (Fig. 3).
2. Turn blade tension lock lever 180° counter-clockwise to tighten the blade on the pulleys (Fig. 2).
3. Be sure the blade lies freely within

Fig. 3

DRIVE PULLEY BLADE BLADE GUIDES DRIVEN PULLEY BLADE ROTATION BLADE ROTATION CORRECT

Assembly

the blade track before starting the saw.

1. Close the cover plate.

▶ Blades And Blade Selection

The blade dimensions required for this saw is: .020" thickness, 1/2" wide and 28-3/4" in length. The .020" thickness reduces blade fatigue and provide maximum tooth life. To maximum cutting life, use a blade with correct pitch (teeth per inch) for the specific cutting job.

Blade are available in several pitches. To select the proper blade, three factors should be considered: The size, shape, and type of material to be cut.

The following suggestions are for selecting the right blade for various cutting operations. Keep in mind that these are broad guide lines and that blade requirement vary depending upon specific size, shape and type of material to be cut.

10 Teeth per inch

For tough stock 3/16" up to 3-1/4" in diameter or width.

14 Teeth per inch

For tough stock 5/32" up to 3/4" in diameter or width.

18 Teeth per inch

For thin-wall tubing and thin sheets heavier than 21 gauge.

24 Teeth per inch

For thin-wall tubing and thin sheets heavier than 21 gauge.

Generally, soft materials require coarse pitch blade and hard materials require fine pitch blades. Use coarse pitch blades for thick wood and fine pitch blades for thin work. It is important to keep at least three teeth in the cut (see "Typical Application".)

Operating Instructions

WARNING

Disconnect battery pack from tool

before making any assembly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

▶ Auxiliary Handle

The tool must be supported with the auxiliary handle (Fig. 1).

▶ LED Work Light

Your tool is equipped with a light that turns on automatically when the switch is activated for better visibility during operation.

The light is maintenance free and was designed to last the life of your tool (Fig. 1).

▶ Safety Switch

The safety switch is designed to prevent accidental starts. To operate safety switch, press the release button with your thumb on either side of handle to disengage the lock, then pull the trigger (Fig. 1). When the trigger is released the button will engage the safety switch automatically, and the trigger will no longer operate.

▶ Switch

WARNING

When starting the tool, hold it with

both hands. The torque from the motor can cause the tool to twist.

To turn tool "ON", squeeze the trigger switch. To turn the tool "OFF", release the trigger switch, which is spring loaded and will return to the off position automatically.

Your saw should be running at full speed BEFORE starting the cut, and turned off only AFTER completing the cut. To increase switch life, do not turn switch on and off while cutting.

▶ General Cuts

Always hold the saw handle with one hand and the auxiliary handle with the other (Fig. 4).

Maintain a firm grip and operate the

Line drawing of a mechanical assembly with hands operating a component (no text or symbols)

BLADE DIRECTION CORRECT INCORRECT Fig. 5

switch with a decisive action. Never force the saw. Use light and continuous pressure.

▶ Typical Application

1. Keep the blade off the workpiece until the motor has reached full speed.
2. Start cutting on a surface where the greatest number of teeth will be in contact with the workpiece at one time (Fig. 5).
3. Place the material guide against the workpiece and lower the moving saw blade into the cut.
4. Do not apply pressure when cutting. The weight of the tool will supply adequate pressure for the fastest cutting.
5. When completing a cut, hold the tool firmly so it will not fall against the workpiece.

Maintenance

WARNING

To avoid accidents, always disconnect the battery pack from tool before servicing or cleaning.

▶ Storage

When storing the tool for a long period of time, turn the blade tension lock lever 90° clockwise to release blade tension (Chapter “REMOVING BLADE”). This will extend the life of the blade.

When returning the saw to operating mode, remember to turn blade tension lock lever 90° counter-clockwise to tighten the blade on the pulleys. Open the cover plate to inspect and make sure that the blade lies freely within the blade track before starting the saw. Close the cover plate. See chapter "INSTALLING BLADE" for more information.

▶ Service

WARNING NO USER SERVICE - ABLE PARTS INSIDE.

Preventive maintenance performed by un authorized personnel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components which could cause serious hazard. We recommend that all tool service be performed by a Bosch Factory Service Center or Authorized Bosch Service Station.

▶ Batteries

Be alert for battery packs that are nearing their end of life. If you notice decreased tool performance or significantly shorter running time between charges then it is time to replace the battery pack. Failure to do so can cause the tool to operate improperly or damage the charger.

▶ Tool Lubrication

Your Bosch tool has been properly lubricated and is ready for use.

▶ D.C. Motors

The motor in your tool has been engineered for many hours of dependable service. To maintain peak efficiency of the motor, we recommend it be examined every six months. Only a genuine Bosch replacement motor specially designed for your tool should be used.

▶ Cleaning

Ventilation openings and switch levers must be kept clean and free of foreign matter. Do not attempt to clean by inserting pointed objects through opening.

CAUTION

Certain cleaning agents and solvents

damage plastic parts. Some of these are: gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents that contain ammonia.

Line drawing of hands assembling a mechanical component (no text or symbols)

SENS DE MOUVEMENT DE LA LAME CORRECT INCORRECT Fig. 5

Line drawing of a robotic arm with hands operating it, no text or symbols present

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Robert Bosch Tool Corporation ("Seller") warrants to the original purchaser only, that all BOSCH portable and benchtop power tools will be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase. SELLER'S SOLE OBLIGATION AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY under this Limited Warranty and, to the extent permitted by law, any warranty or condition implied by law, shall be the repair or replacement of parts, without charge, which are defective in material or workmanship and which have not been misused, carelessly handled, or misrepaired by persons other than Seller or Authorized Service Station. To make a claim under this Limited Warranty, you must return the complete portable or benchtop power tool product, transportation prepaid, to any BOSCH Factory Service Center or Authorized Service Station. For Authorized BOSCH Power Tool Service Stations, please refer to your phone directory.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO ACCESSORY ITEMS SUCH AS CIRCULAR SAW BLADES, DRILL BITS, ROUTER BITS, JIGSAW BLADES, SANDING BELTS, GRINDING WHEELS AND OTHER RELATED ITEMS.

ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO ONE YEAR FROM DATE OF PURCHASE. SOME STATES IN THE U.S., SOME CANADIAN PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS OF PROFITS) ARISING FROM THE SALE OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT. SOME STATES IN THE U.S. AND SOME CANADIAN PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE IN THE U.S., PROVINCE TO PROVINCE IN CANADA AND FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY TO PORTABLE AND BENCHTOP ELECTRIC TOOLS SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO. FOR WARRANTY COVERAGE WITHIN OTHER COUNTRIES, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BOSCH DEALER OR IMPORTER.

GARANTIE LIMITÉE DES OUTILS ÉLECTRIQUES PORTATIFS ET D'ÉTABLI BOSCH

© Robert Bosch Tool Corporation 1800 W. Central Road Mt. Prospect, IL 60056-2230

Exportado por: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation Mt. Prospect, IL 60056-2230, E.U.A.

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2610052966

2610052966 08/19