Bosch GWS Professional Angle Grinder
This document provides comprehensive safety instructions, operating guidelines, and maintenance information for the Bosch GWS Professional series of angle grinders.
The product is an angle grinder manufactured by Robert Bosch GmbH.
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
Work Area Safety
- Keep work area clean and well lit.
- Do not operate in explosive atmospheres (flammable liquids, gases, dust).
- Keep children and bystanders away.
Electrical Safety
- Ensure power tool plugs match outlets; do not modify plugs.
- Avoid contact with earthed surfaces (pipes, radiators).
- Do not expose to rain or wet conditions.
- Do not abuse the cord; keep it away from heat, oil, sharp edges, and moving parts.
- Use outdoor-suitable extension cords when working outdoors.
- Use RCD-protected supply in damp locations.
Personal Safety
- Stay alert, use common sense; do not operate when tired or under the influence of drugs/alcohol/medication.
- Use personal protective equipment (eye protection, dust mask, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection).
- Prevent unintentional starting by ensuring the switch is off before connecting power or battery.
- Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool on.
- Do not overreach; maintain proper footing and balance.
Specific Safety Warnings for Angle Grinders
General Warnings for Grinding, Sanding, Wire Brushing, or Abrasive Cutting Off
- This power tool is intended for grinding, sanding, wire brushing, or cut-off operations.
- Operations like polishing are not recommended.
- Use only accessories specifically designed and recommended by the manufacturer.
- Accessory speed rating must meet or exceed the tool's maximum speed.
- Accessory diameter and thickness must be within the tool's capacity.
- Ensure correct spindle thread and flange mounting for accessories.
- Do not use damaged accessories; inspect before each use and test run.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Keep bystanders a safe distance away.
- Hold the tool by insulated gripping surfaces when contact with hidden wiring is possible.
- Position the cord clear of the spinning accessory.
- Never lay the power tool down until the accessory has stopped completely.
- Do not run the power tool while carrying it at your side.
- Regularly clean air vents; dust accumulation can cause electrical hazards.
- Do not operate near flammable materials.
- Do not use accessories requiring liquid coolants.
Kickback and Related Warnings
- Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched or snagged rotating accessory.
- Maintain a firm grip and position your body to resist kickback forces; use auxiliary handle if provided.
- Never place your hand near the rotating accessory.
- Do not position your body in the path of potential kickback movement.
- Use special care with corners, sharp edges, and avoid bouncing/snagging.
- Do not attach saw chain woodcarving blades or toothed saw blades.
Safety Warnings Specific for Grinding and Abrasive Cutting-Off Operations
- Use only recommended wheel types and specific guards.
- Ensure grinding surfaces of centre-depressed wheels are below the guard lip.
- Securely attach and position the guard for maximum safety.
- Use wheels only for recommended applications (e.g., do not grind with the side of a cut-off wheel).
- Always use undamaged, correctly sized wheel flanges.
- Do not use worn-down wheels from larger power tools.
Additional Safety Warnings Specific for Abrasive Cutting Off Operations
- Do not "jam" the cut-off wheel or apply excessive pressure.
- Do not position your body in line with and behind the rotating wheel.
- When wheel is binding or interrupting a cut, switch off the tool and hold it motionless until it stops.
- Do not restart a cutting operation in the workpiece; let the wheel reach full speed before re-entering.
- Support workpieces to minimize pinching and kickback risk.
Safety Warnings Specific for Sanding Operations
- Do not use excessively oversized sanding disc paper.
Safety Warnings Specific for Wire Brushing Operations
- Be aware that wire bristles can be thrown; do not overstress wires.
- If a guard is recommended, ensure no interference between the wire wheel/brush and the guard.
Additional Safety and Working Instructions
- Observe mains voltage; ensure it matches the type plate.
- Use suitable detectors or contact utility companies to identify hidden utility lines.
- Be aware of dust hazards from materials like lead coatings, wood, minerals, metals; use dust extraction and ventilation. Specialists are required for asbestos materials.
- Prevent dust accumulation; dusts can easily ignite.
- Secure the workpiece using clamping devices or a vice.
- If a grinding disc breaks or fixtures are damaged, have the machine serviced by an authorized agent.
- Adjust protection guard to prevent sparking towards the operator.
- Guard adjustment should only be done with the release lever.
- Do not touch discs before they have cooled down.
- Actuate the spindle lock button only when the spindle is at a standstill.
- After mounting a tool, check it is correctly mounted and turns freely without grazing guards or other parts.
- When using mobile generators, performance may vary.
- Avoid overloading the machine; run at no-load for a few minutes to cool down after heavy use.
- Do not use the power tool with a cut-off stand.
- Never use a cutting disc for roughing.
- Use quick-clamping nuts only for grinding or cutting discs; ensure they are flawless.
- Do not pull out the gear head while turning it.
- Switch off the power tool when not in use to save energy.
- Products sold in GB: Use BS 1363/A approved plug.
- Products sold in AUS and NZ: Use an RCD with rated residual current of 30 mA or less.
Symbols
The following symbols are important for understanding the operating instructions:
- Article number: [Article number]
- d1: Grinder spindle diameter
- D: Max. grinding disc diameter
- d2: Inner disc diameter
- [Read all safety warnings] Read all safety warnings and all instructions
- [Disconnect power] Before any work on the machine itself, pull the mains plug from the socket outlet
- ? [Wear protective gloves]
- ? [Wear ear protection]
- ? [Wear safety glasses/goggles]
- ➡️ [Movement direction]
- ? [Apply strength for the workstep]
- ? [Low speed]
- ? [High speed]
- ▶️ [Switching On]
- ⏹️ [Switching Off]
- ❌ [Prohibited action]
- ✔️ [Permitted action]
- ➡️➡️ [Next step of action]
- P1: Rated power input
- P2: Output power
- n: Rated speed
- nv: Speed control adjustment
- l: Grinder spindle length
- d1: Grinder spindle diameter
- d2: Inner disc diameter
- D: Max. grinding disc diameter
- [Speed preselection]
- [Constant Electronic Control]
- ? [Kickback stop]
- ?️ [Restarting Protection]
- ⚡ [Reduced starting current]
- [Surface grinding]
- [Grinding/sanding with sanding sheet]
- [Weight (vibration-damping handle)] Weight according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2003 with vibration-damping auxiliary handle
- [Weight (standard handle)] Weight according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2003 with standard auxiliary handle
- [Protection class] Symbol for protection class (completely insulated)
- LwA: Sound power level
- LpA: Sound pressure level
- K: Uncertainty
- ah: Vibration total value
Delivery Scope
- Angle grinder
- Protection guard
- Auxiliary handle
Special protection guards, application tools, and other accessories shown or described are not part of the standard delivery scope. A complete overview of accessories can be found in the accessories program.
Intended Use
The machine is intended for roughing metal, stone, and ceramic materials, and for drilling tiles.
For cutting with bonded abrasives, a special cutting guard (accessory) must be used.
When cutting stone, provide for sufficient dust extraction.
Together with the hand guard (accessory), the machine can be used for brushing and grinding/sanding with elastic sanding plates.
The machine is suitable only for working without water.
Technical Data and Noise/Vibration Information
The technical data and measured noise/vibration values are listed on pages 231-232 of the original manual. These values are typically valid for a nominal voltage of 230 V but may vary for different voltages or country-specific models.
The vibration emission level has been measured according to EN 60745 and can be used for comparison. It represents the main applications of the tool, but may differ based on application, accessories, or maintenance. Estimation of exposure should also consider times when the tool is not in use.
Additional safety measures to protect the operator from vibration effects include maintaining the tool and accessories, keeping hands warm, and organizing work patterns.
Declaration of Conformity
Robert Bosch GmbH declares that the product described under "Technical Data" conforms to standards like EN 60745 and directives 2011/65/EU, 2004/108/EC, 2006/42/EC. The technical file is available at Robert Bosch GmbH, PT/ETM9, D-70745 Leinfelden-Echterdingen.
Signed by Dr. Egbert Schneider (Senior Vice President Engineering) and Helmut Heinzelmann (Head of Product Certification).
Mounting and Operation
The following table outlines actions for mounting and operation. Instructions for each action are shown with corresponding figures and page references. Depending on the application, various instruction combinations are required. Always observe the safety instructions.
Action | Figure | Please Observe | Page |
---|---|---|---|
Grinding, preparation | 1 | [Safety icons] | 233-234 |
Cutting, preparation | 2 | [Safety icons] | 235-236 |
Cutting stone, brick and tiles, preparation | 3 | [Safety icons] | 237-238 |
Sanding with extraction hood, preparation | 4 | [Safety icons] | 239-240 |
Removing paint, preparation | 5 | [Safety icons] | 241 |
Removing rust, preparation | 6 | [Safety icons] | 242 |
Drilling tiles, preparation | 7 | [Safety icons] | 243 |
Mounting the quick-clamping nut | 8 | [Safety icons] | 243-244 |
Dismounting the quick-clamping nut | 9 | [Safety icons] | 244 |
Switching on and off | 10 | [Safety icons] | 245 |
Adjusting the speed preselection | 11 | [Safety icons] | 246 |
Rotating the Machine Head | 12 | [Safety icons] | 247 |
Working effectively with the angle grinder | 13 | [Safety icons] | 248 |
Grey-marked area: Handle (insulated gripping surface) | 14 | [Safety icons] | 248 |
Selecting the admissible grinding tool | 15 | [Safety icons] | 249 |
Selecting Accessories | 250–251 |
Note: The "Please Observe" column typically contains specific safety icons. These are represented here as "[Safety icons]" for brevity, as detailed descriptions for each icon are extensive.
After-sales Service and Application Service
For questions concerning maintenance, repair, or spare parts, contact Bosch after-sales service. Exploded views and spare parts information are available at www.bosch-pt.com.
Great Britain
Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.)
P.O. Box 98
Broadwater Park
North Orbital Road
Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ
Tel. Service: (0844) 7360109
Fax: (0844) 7360146
E-Mail: boschservicecentre@bosch.com
Ireland
Origo Ltd.
Unit 23 Magna Drive
Magna Business Park
City West, Dublin 24
Tel. Service: (01) 4666700
Fax: (01) 4666888
Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands
Robert Bosch Australia Pty. Ltd.
Power Tools
Locked Bag 66
Clayton South VIC 3169
Customer Contact Center
Inside Australia: Phone: (01300) 307044, Fax: (01300) 307045
Inside New Zealand: Phone: (0800) 543353, Fax: (0800) 428570
Outside AU and NZ: Phone: +61 3 95415555
www.bosch.com.au
Republic of South Africa
Customer service Hotline: (011) 6519600
Gauteng – BSC Service Centre: 35 Roper Street, New Centre, Johannesburg. Tel.: (011) 4939375, Fax: (011) 4930126, E-Mail: bsctools@icon.co.za
KZN – BSC Service Centre: Unit E, Almar Centre, 143 Crompton Street, Pinetown. Tel.: (031) 7012120, Fax: (031) 7012446, E-Mail: bsc.dur@za.bosch.com
Western Cape – BSC Service Centre: Democracy Way, Prosperity Park, Milnerton. Tel.: (021) 5512577, Fax: (021) 5513223, E-Mail: bsc@zsd.co.za
Bosch Headquarters: Midrand, Gauteng. Tel.: (011) 6519600, Fax: (011) 6519880, E-Mail: rbsa-hq.pts@za.bosch.com
Disposal
The machine, accessories, and packaging should be sorted for environmentally-friendly recycling. Do not dispose of power tools into household waste!