Bosch GCB 18V-127 Professional Bandsaw

Safety Instructions

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" refers to mains-operated or battery-operated tools.

Work area safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres (flammable liquids, gases, dust). Sparks may ignite dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away.

Electrical safety

• Match power tool plugs to outlets. Avoid adapter plugs with earthed tools.
• Avoid body contact with earthed surfaces (pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerators).
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
• Do not abuse the cord; keep it away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts.
• Use outdoor extension cords for outdoor use.
• If operating in a damp location, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply.

Personal safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, use common sense. Do not use when tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
• Use personal protective equipment (eye protection, dust mask, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection).
• Prevent unintentional starting: Ensure the switch is off before connecting to power/battery, picking up, or carrying the tool.
• Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool on.
• Do not overreach; keep proper footing and balance.
• Dress properly; avoid loose clothing or jewelry. Keep hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
• Ensure dust extraction/collection facilities are connected and used properly.

Power tool use and care

• Do not force the power tool; use the correct tool for the application.
• Do not use if the switch does not turn it on/off.
• Disconnect from power/battery before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing.
• Store idle tools out of reach of children and untrained persons.
• Maintain power tools; check for misalignment, binding, or breakage. Have damaged tools repaired.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
• Use tools, accessories, and bits according to instructions, considering working conditions.

Battery tool use and care

• Recharge only with the specified charger.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs.
• Keep battery away from metal objects (paper clips, coins, keys) when not in use to prevent short-circuiting.
• Avoid contact with liquid ejected from the battery under abusive conditions; flush with water if contact occurs, seek medical help if it contacts eyes.

Service

• Have power tools serviced by qualified personnel using identical replacement parts.

Safety Instructions for Handheld Band Saws

• Hold by insulated gripping surfaces when cutting near hidden wiring.
• Secure and support the workpiece with clamps or other practical means.
• Bring the power tool into contact with the workpiece only when switched on.
• After the cut, switch off the tool and pull the blade out only after it has stopped.
• Hold firmly with both hands and ensure stable footing.
• Wait until the tool has come to a complete stop before placing it down.

General Base Unit Safety Warnings

WARNING: Read all safety warnings and instructions provided with the base unit and power tool. Failure to follow may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions.

• Disconnect from power/battery before adjustments or accessory changes.
• Properly assemble the base unit before mounting the tool.
• Securely fasten the power tool to the base unit before use.
• Place the base unit on a solid, flat, and level surface.
• Do not overload the base unit or use as a ladder or scaffolding.

Safety Instructions for Mounted Band Saws

• Correctly secure the base unit on a stable, even, and horizontal surface.
• Securely attach the power tool to the base unit before use.
• Never leave the tool unattended before it has come to a complete stop.

Additional Safety Warnings

• Keep hands away from the sawing area; do not reach under the workpiece.
• Use only undamaged, perfect condition band-saw blades.
• Keep lubricants or oil away from the blade; wipe off excess oil before cutting.
• Do not apply strong pressure to the blade during operation.
• After switching off, do not stop the blade by applying lateral pressure.
• Do not touch the blade directly after use until it has cooled down.
• In case of damage or improper use of the battery, vapours may be emitted; ensure ventilation and seek medical attention if adverse effects occur.
• Do not open the battery; risk of short-circuiting.
• Protect the battery against heat (sunlight, fire, dirt, water, moisture) to prevent explosion or short-circuiting.
• Only use the battery in the manufacturer's products to protect against overload.

Product Description and Specifications

Read all safety and general instructions. Observe illustrations at the beginning of this manual.

Intended Use

Bandsaw: The power tool is intended for sawing plastic, metal, and rubber, resting firmly against the material. It is suitable for straight cuts. Observe saw blade recommendations. When used in a fixed position, the power tool must be held by the GCB Base saw table.

Saw table: The GCB Base saw table is intended for mounting the GCB 18V-127 and GCB 120 bandsaws. Other tools may not be used. For GCB 120, follow its operating instructions.

Product Features

The numbering of product features refers to the graphic pages. Bandsaw and saw table are available individually.

Bandsaw (GCB 18V-127)

• (1) Toggle switch
• (2) Auxiliary handle (insulated gripping surface)
• (3) Battery release button
• (4) Rechargeable battery
• (5) Thumbwheel for preselecting the blade speed
• (6) On/off switch
• (7) On/off switch locking mechanism
• (8) Handle (insulated gripping surface)
• (9) Power tool hex key
• (10) Locking clip for cover
• (11) Guide plate for sawing close to walls
• (12) Guide
• (13) Bandsaw blade
• (14) Lever for bandsaw blade pre-tension
• (15) Utility hook
• (16) Worklight
• (17) Cover for bandsaw blade
• (18) Roller for bandsaw blade
• (19) Saw blade guide for standard cuts
• (20) Saw blade guide for sawing close to walls
• (21) Screw for guide
• (22) Locking nut for the blade tracking
• (23) Socket spanner
• (24) Screw for adjusting the blade tracking
• a) Accessories shown or described are not included as standard.

Saw table (GCB Base)

• (25) Tool arm
• (26) Setscrew for the tool arm
• (27) Power tool adjusting screw
• (28) Transport wheel
• (29) Mounting hole
• (30) Tool arm locking button
• (31) Material stop guide rail
• (32) Material stop clamping screw
• (33) Material stop
• (34) Power tool fastening screw
• (35) Quick-action clamp
• (36) Clamping spindle handle
• (37) Clamping spindle
• (38) Scale for mitre/bevel angles
• (39) Angle guide
• (40) Saw table hex key
• (41) Spring damping release button
• (42) Spring damping adjusting plate
• (43) Angle guide screw

Technical Data

Bandsaw

^A) Depends on battery in use.
^B) Limited performance at temperatures < 0 °C. Values can vary depending on the product, scope of application and environmental conditions. To find out more, visit www.bosch-professional.com/wac.

Saw table

Values can vary depending on the product, scope of application and environmental conditions. To find out more, visit www.bosch-professional.com/wac.

Maximum workpiece dimensions when used in a fixed position

Assembly and Operation

Inserting the Battery

Push the charged battery into the battery holder until it clicks into place.

Removing the Battery

Press the battery release button and pull the battery out. Do not use force. The battery has two locking levels to prevent it from falling out if the button is pressed unintentionally. It is held by a spring.

Battery charge indicator

The green LEDs indicate the state of charge. Check charge when the tool is not in operation. If no LEDs light up, the battery is defective.

• GBA 18V...: 3 LEDs (60-100%), 2 LEDs (30-60%), 1 LED (5-30%), 1 flashing LED (0-5%).
• ProCORE18V...: 5 LEDs (80-100%), 4 LEDs (60-80%), 3 LEDs (40-60%), 2 LEDs (20-40%), 1 LED (5-20%), 1 flashing LED (0-5%).

Charging the battery

Use only the chargers listed in the technical data. Lithium-ion batteries are supplied partially charged; charge fully before first use.

Recommendations for Optimal Handling of the Battery

Protect the battery against moisture and water. Store within -20 to 50 °C. Clean ventilation slots occasionally.

Assembly

Remove the battery before maintenance, changing tools, transport, or storage to prevent accidental starting.

Inserting/replacing the bandsaw blade

Wear protective gloves and safety goggles. Swivel the pre-tension lever (14) fully. Release locking clips (10) and lift cover (17). Guide blade (13) into guides (19) (standard cuts, Figure C) or guides (20) (close to walls, Figure D). Guide blade around rollers (18) (Figure E). Tension blade using lever (14) (Figure F). Check blade runs correctly on rollers (18). Close cover (17) and lock clips (10) (Figure G). Check blade seating; briefly switch tool on/off.

Removing the Bandsaw Blade

Swivel pre-tension lever (14) fully. Release clips (10), lift cover (17). Pull blade (13) out of guides (19)/(20) and rollers (18).

Adjusting the Guide

For freehand operation (except close-to-wall cuts), use guide (12). Loosen screws (21) with hex key (9), pull guide (12) to desired length (Figure H). For close-to-wall, fixed position, transport, or storage, push guide (12) fully back. Retighten screws (21).

Assembly Instructions for Sawing in a Fixed Position

Secure the saw table on a stable surface (Figure I). Lock the tool arm (25) in the lower position (Figure J). Screw the power tool to the tool arm (25) using fastening screws (34) and adjusting screw (27) (Figure K). Align the bandsaw blade perpendicular to the saw table by loosening setscrews (26) on the tool arm (25) and swiveling the arm (Figure L). Retighten setscrews (26).

Dust/Chip Extraction

Dust can be harmful. Ensure good ventilation and wear a P2 filter-class respirator. Observe national regulations. Avoid dust accumulation as it can ignite.

Operation

Notes on Sawing in a Fixed Position

Remove battery before work. Lock the tool arm for all work on the saw table or power tool.

Locking/Loosening the Tool Arm

Use the locking button (30) to lock the tool arm (25). Lower position: for fitting tool, transport. Upper position: for clamping/removing workpiece, before/after sawing. Detailed steps provided for locking in each position (Figure M).

Adjusting the Angle Guide

Set angle guide (39) for mitre/bevel cuts (up to 45°) by loosening screws (43) with hex key (40), setting angle on scale (38), and retightening screws (43) (Figure N). The angle guide can also be moved forwards/backwards.

Clamping the Workpiece

Clamp workpiece firmly using angle guide (39), clamping spindle (37), quick-action clamp (35), and handle (36) (Figure O). Support free end of long workpieces. Do not saw workpieces too small to clamp.

Sawing Workpieces to the Same Length

Use the material stop (33) with guide rail (31) and clamping screw (32) for repetitive lengths (Figure P).

Adjusting the Damping of the Tool Arm

Adjust spring damping of tool arm (25) using release button (41) and adjusting plate (42) for hard (a), moderate (b), or soft (c) damping (Figure Q).

Switching On and Off (Freehand Operation)

Ensure you can press the on/off switch (6) without releasing the handle. Push toggle switch (1) to 'I'. Press on/off switch (6) to start. Lock switch by pressing and holding it while pressing locking mechanism (7). Worklight (16) illuminates when switch is pressed. Release on/off switch (6) to stop. Press switch again to unlock. Push toggle switch (1) to '0' to prevent unintentional starting (Figure R).

Switching On and Off (Sawing in a Fixed Position)

Press on/off switch (6) and lock with mechanism (7). Push toggle switch (1) to 'I'. Worklight (16) illuminates. Push toggle switch (1) to '0' to stop. Press on/off switch (6) to release lock (Figure S).

Restart Protection

Prevents uncontrolled starting after power interruption. Set on/off switch (6) and toggle switch (1) to off, then switch on again.

Controlling/Preselecting the Blade Speed

Use thumbwheel (5) to preselect blade speed (1=30 m/min, 2=45, 3=65, 4=85, 5=100, 6=115 m/min). With switch locked, tool operates at preselected speed. Speed can also be varied by pressure on the on/off switch (6) in freehand mode.

Temperature-dependent overload protection

Electronics switch off if tool is overloaded or battery temperature is exceeded, until temperature returns to optimum range.

Working Advice

Lock tool arm for all work on saw table or power tool. Select sawing position for workpiece to maximize blade teeth engagement (Figure T). Work with moderate pressure and uniform feed.

Freehand Operation

Hold tool firmly with both hands, stable footing. Pull guide (12) out as needed. Switch on tool, wait for speed. Place tool on workpiece using guide (12) and lower blade (13) (Figure U). For sawing close to walls, position blade (13) to side of guides (20), push guide (12) back fully. Place tool with guide plates (11) flush against wall, lower blade (13) (Figure V).

Sawing in a Fixed Position

Do not stand in line with the saw blade; stand to the side. Lower tool with auxiliary handle (2) using one hand. Guide (12) must be pushed back fully. Switch on tool, wait for speed. Unlock tool arm (25). Push auxiliary handle (2) down, lower blade (13) into workpiece (Figure W). After cut, switch off tool, wait for blade (13) to stop. Push tool so auxiliary handle (2) faces upward.

Adjusting the Blade Tracking

Regularly check blade (13) height on roller (18). Max distance is 3 mm. To adjust: Loosen locking nut (22) counter-clockwise (spanner 23). Turn adjusting screw (24) one rotation (clockwise to lower blade, anticlockwise to raise) (Figure X). Set thumbwheel (5) to setting 1. Insert battery (4). Switch on tool, let blade run one rotation. Switch off, remove battery (4). Check height; repeat steps 2-5 if needed. Retighten locking nut (22) clockwise. Note: Screw (24) adjusts roller (18) height, affecting blade track.

Utility hook

(Not for sawing in a fixed position) Use hook (15) to hang tool when switched off. Ensure stable attachment and protect saw blade from accidental contact.

Transporting the Saw Table

If tool is fitted, remove battery (4). Lock tool arm (25) in lower position. Hold saw table by spindle handle (36) and remove using transport wheels (28).

Storing the Power Tool

For extended periods, release blade pre-tension by swiveling lever (14) fully. Before recommissioning, tension blade again by swiveling lever (14) fully. Check blade (13) runs correctly in guides (19) and on rollers (18).

Maintenance and Cleaning

Remove battery before maintenance. Keep tool and ventilation slots clean for safe and efficient operation.

After-Sales Service and Application Service

For questions on maintenance, repair, and spare parts, visit www.bosch-pt.com. Contact the Bosch product use advice team for product/accessory questions. Include the 10-digit article number in all correspondence.

Service addresses can be found at: www.bosch-pt.com/serviceaddresses

Transport

Recommended lithium-ion batteries are subject to dangerous goods legislation. Transport by road is permitted without special requirements. For shipping by third parties (air transport, forwarding agency), special packaging and labelling must be observed. Consult a hazardous material expert. Dispatch battery packs only with undamaged housing. Tape or mask off open contacts and pack to prevent movement. Observe national regulations.

Disposal

Dispose of power tools, batteries, accessories, and packaging environmentally friendly. Do not dispose of in household waste. Observe transport notes for Li-ion batteries.

Saw Blade Information

GCB Base Saw Table Accessories

GCB Base Saw Table Article Number: 1 600 A02 W14