BOSCH GSA 18 V-LI C Professional Cordless Tail Saw User Manual

: June 10, 2024
: Bosch

Table of Contents

BOSCH GSA 18 V-LI C Professional Cordless Tail Saw
Product Information
Key Features
What’s in the Box
Product Usage Instructions
Safety Notes
Product Description and Specifications
- Product Features
- Technical Data
Declaration of Conformity
Assembly
- Battery Charging
Operation
- Starting Operation
Maintenance and Service
Accessories
References
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BOSCH GSA 18 V-LI C Professional Cordless Tail Saw

BOSCH-GSA-18-V-LI-C-Professional-Cordless-Tail-Saw-
product

Product Information

The Bosch GSA 18 V-LI C Professional is a cordless reciprocating saw designed for cutting through various materials such as wood, metal, and plastics. The saw is equipped with a powerful 18V battery, providing users with the freedom to work cordlessly, without being tethered to a power outlet. The saw’s optimized ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling while delivering reliable performance.

Key Features

Powerful 18V battery
Cordless mobility
Optimized ergonomic design
Easy-to-use blade change system
Variable speed trigger for controlled cutting
LED work light for enhanced visibility

What’s in the Box

GSA 18 V-LI C cordless reciprocating saw
Blade
Charger
Battery pack
Carrying case

Product Usage Instructions

Note:
Before using the reciprocating saw, carefully read and follow all instructions and safety precautions provided in the user manual.

Blade Change:

To change the blade, first, switch OFF the reciprocating saw and remove the battery pack.
Press the blade release button located on the side of the saw and remove the used blade.
Insert a new blade into the blade holder and push it in until you hear a click.
Release the blade release button to lock the blade in place.

Starting the Saw:

Ensure that the battery pack is fully charged and properly inserted into the saw.
Press the trigger switch located on the handle to start the saw.
To stop the saw, release the trigger switch.

Adjusting Cutting Speed:
The saw is designed to provide variable speed control for precise cutting. To adjust the speed:

Press the trigger switch to start the saw.
While holding down the trigger switch, use your other hand to press the speed selector button located on top of the saw.
The speed of the saw will decrease as you press the selector button. Release the selector button when you reach your desired cutting speed.

Note:
Always use the proper blade for the material being cut, and never force the saw. Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection when using the reciprocating saw.

Safety Notes

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING
Read all safety warnings and all instruc-tions. 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 and moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an exten-sion 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 residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD 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.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to a 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 re-duce 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 ac-cordance 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 manu-facturer. 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 the 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 Warnings for Sabre Saws

Hold the 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.
Keep hands away from the sawing range. Do not reach under the workpiece. Contact with the saw blade can lead to injuries.
Apply the machine to the workpiece only when switched on. Otherwise, there is a danger of kickback when the cutting tool jams in the workpiece.
When sawing, the base plate 2 must always face against the workpiece. The saw blade can become wedged and lead to loss of control over the machine.
When the cut is completed, switch off the machine and then pull the saw blade out of the cut only after it has come to a standstill. In this manner, you can avoid kick-back and can place the machine securely.
Use only undamaged saw blades that are in perfect condition. Bent or dull saw blades can break, negatively influence the cut, or lead to kickback.
Do not brake the saw blade to a stop by applying side pressure after switching off. The saw blade can be damaged, break or cause kickback.
Clamp material well. Do not support the workpiece with your hand or foot. Do not touch objects or the floor with the saw running. The danger of kickback.
Use appropriate detectors to determine if utility lines are hidden in the work area or call the local utility company for assistance. Contact with electric lines can lead to fire and electric shock. Damaging a gas line can lead to an explosion. Penetrating a water line causes property damage.
Secure the workpiece. A workpiece clamped with clamping devices or in a vice is held more secure than by hand.
Always wait until the machine has come to a complete stop before placing it down. The tool insert can jam and lead to loss of control over the power tool.
Before any work on the machine itself (e. g. mainte-nance, tool change, etc.) as well as during transport and storage, remove the battery from the power tool. There is danger of injury when unintentionally actuating the On/Off switch.
Do not open the battery. The danger of short-circuiting. Protect the battery against heat, e.g., against continuous intense sunlight, fire, water, and moisture. The danger of explosion.
In case of damage and improper use of the battery, vapors may be emitted. Ventilate the area and seek medical help in case of complaints. The vapors can irritate the respiratory system.
Use the battery only in conjunction with your Bosch power tool. This measure alone protects the battery against dangerous overload.
The battery can be damaged by pointed objects such as nails or screwdrivers or by force applied externally. An internal short circuit can occur and the battery can burn, smoke, explode or overheat.

Product Description and Specifications

Read all safety warnings and all instruc-tions. Failure to follow the warnings and in-structions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. While reading the operating instructions, unfold the graphics page for the machine and leave it open.

Intended Use
The machine is intended for sawing wood, plastic, metal and building materials while resting firmly on the workpiece. It is suitable for straight and curved cuts. The saw blade recommendations must be observed.

The light of this power tool is intended to illuminate the power tool’s direct area of working operation and is not suitable for household room illumination.

Product Features

The numbering of the product features refers to the illustra-tion of the machine on the graphics page.

Saw blade*
Base plate
Locking sleeve for saw blade
Stroke rod
Battery pack
Lock-off button for On/Off switch
On/Off switch
“PowerLight”
Handle (insulated gripping surface)
Battery unlocking button
Battery charge-control indicator
Saw blade holder $BOSCH-GSA-18-V-LI-C-Professional-Cordless-Tail-Saw-fig- $2$$

Accessories shown or described are not part of the standard delivery scope of the product. A complete overview of accessories can be found in our accessories program.

Technical Data

Limited performance at temperatures <0 °C

Technical data determined with battery from the delivery scope.

Limited performance at temperatures <0 °C

Technical data determined with battery from the delivery scope.

Noise/Vibration Information

Sound emission values are determined according to EN 60745-2-11.
Typically the A-weighted noise levels of the product are: Sound pressure level 82 dB(A); Sound power level 93 dB(A). Uncertainty K =3 dB.

Wear hearing protection!
Vibration total values ah (triax vector sum) and uncertainty K determined according to EN 60745-2-11:

Cutting board: ah=9 m/s2, K=1,5 m/s2,
Cutting wooden beam: ah=8 m/s2, K=1,5 m/s2.

The values given for sawing particle boards apply for a workpiece thickness of 20 mm.

The vibration level given in this information sheet has been measured in accordance with a standardized test given in EN 60745 and may be used to compare one tool with another. It may be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure. The declared vibration emission level represents the main applications of the tool. However, if the tool is used for different applications, with different accessories or insertion tools or is poorly maintained, the vibration emission may differ. This may significantly increase the exposure level over the total working period.

An estimation of the level of exposure to vibration should also take into account the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not doing the job. This may significantly reduce the exposure level over the total working period. Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration such as: maintaining the tool and the accessories, keeping the hands warm, and organization of work patterns.

Declaration of Conformity

We declare under our sole responsibility that the product described under “Technical Data” conforms with all relevant provisions of the directives 2009/125/EC (Regulation 1194/2012), 2011/65/EU, until 19 April 2016: 2004/108/EC, from 20 April 2016 on 2014/30/EU, 2006/42/EC including their amendments and complies with the following standards: EN 60745-1, EN 60745-2-11, EN 50581.

Technical file (2006/42/EC) at:
Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, PT/ECS, 70538 Stuttgart, GERMANY

Henk Becker Executive Vice President Engineering

Helmut Heinzelmann
Head of Product Certification PT/ECS

Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH 70538 Stuttgart, GERMANY Stuttgart, 01.01.2017

Assembly

Battery Charging

Use only the chargers listed in the technical data. Only these chargers are matched to the lithium-ion battery of your power tool.

Note:
The battery supplied is partially charged. To ensure full capacity of the battery, completely charge the battery in the battery charger before using your power tool for the first time.

The lithium-ion battery can be charged at any time without reducing its service life. Interrupting the charging procedure does not damage the battery. The lithium-ion battery is protected against deep discharging by “Electronic Cell Protection (ECP)”. When the battery is empty, the machine is switched off by means of a protective circuit: The inserted tool no longer rotates.

Do not continue to press the On/Off switch after the machine has been automatically switched off. The battery can be damaged.

Observe the notes for disposal.

Removing the battery (see Figure A)
The battery 5 is equipped with two locking levels that should prevent the battery from falling out when pushing the battery unlocking button 10 unintentionally. As long as the battery is inserted in the power tool, it is held in position by means of a spring.

To remove battery 5, press the battery unlocking button 10 and pull the battery out of the power tool toward the rear. Do not exert any force.

Battery Charge-control Indication (see Figure A)
The three green LEDs of the battery charge-control indicator 11 indicate the charge condition of the battery 5. For safety reasons, it is only possible to check the status of the charge condition when the machine is at a standstill.

Press button 11 to indicate the charge condition. This is also possible when battery 5 is removed.

Continuous lighting 3 x green >2/3
Continuous lighting 2 x green >1/3
Continuous lighting 1 x green <1/3
Flashing light 1 x green Reserve

When no LED lights up after pushing button 11, then the battery is defective and must be replaced.

Replacing/Inserting the Saw Blade

Before any work on the power tool, remove the battery.
When mounting the saw blade, wear protective gloves. The danger of injury when touching the saw blade.
When changing the saw blade, take care that the saw blade holder is free of material residue, e. g. wood or metal shavings.

Selecting a Saw Blade
Use only saw blades suitable for the material being worked. An overview of recommended saw blades can be found at the beginning of these instructions. Use only ½” universal shank saw blades. The saw blade should not be longer than required for the intended cut.

Use a thin saw blade for narrow curve cuts.

Inserting the Saw Blade (see Figure B)
Turn the locking sleeve 3 approx. 90° in the direction of the arrow and hold. Push the saw blade 1 into the saw blade holder 12. Release the locking sleeve 3 again.

Check the tight seating of the saw blade. A loose saw blade can fall out and lead to injuries.

For certain work, saw blade 1 can also be turned through 180° (with the teeth pointed upwards) and re-inserted again.

Removing the Saw Blade (see Figure C)
Turn the locking sleeve 3 approx. 90° in the direction of the arrow and hold. Remove the saw blade 1.

Dust/Chip Extraction

Dust from materials such as lead-containing coatings, some wood types, minerals, and metal can be harmful to one’s health. Touching or breathing in the dust can cause allergic reactions and/or lead to respiratory infections of the user or bystanders. Certain dust, such as oak or beech dust, is considered carcinogenic, especially in connection with wood-treatment additives (chromate, wood preservative). Materials containing asbestos may only be worked by specialists.
- Provide good ventilation of the working place.
- It is recommended to wear a P2 filter-class respirator. Observe the relevant regulations in your country for the materials to be worked.
Prevent dust accumulation at the workplace. Dust can easily ignite.

Operation

Starting Operation

Inserting the battery

Use only original Bosch lithium-ion batteries with the voltage listed on the nameplate of your power tool. Using other batteries can lead to injuries and pose a fire hazard.

Press the lock-off button 6 to the right to protect the power tool from being switched on unintentionally. Insert the charged battery 5 into the handle until it can be felt to engage and faces flush against the handle.

Switching On and Off (see Figure D)

Press the lock-off button 6 to the left.
To switch on the power tool, press the On/Off switch 7 and keep it pressed.
To switch off the machine, release the On/Off switch 7. Then press the lock-off button 6 to the right again.
To save energy, only switch the power tool on when using it.

Controlling the Stroke Rate
Increasing or reducing the pressure on the On/Off switch 7 enables step-less stroke-rate control of the switched-on ma-chine.

The required stroke rate is dependent on the material and the working conditions and can be determined by a practical trial. Reducing the stroke rate is recommended when the saw blade engages in the material as well as when sawing plastic and aluminum.

Temperature Control/Overload Protection Indicator
The red LED indicator 11 will help you in protecting the battery against overheating and the motor against overloading. When the LED indicator 11 continuously lights up red, the temperature of the battery is too high and the machine switches off automatically.

Switch the power tool off.
Allow the battery to cool down before continuing to work. The LED indicator 11 flashes red, the power tool is blocked and switches off automatically.
Remove the power tool from the workpiece.
As soon as the blockage is corrected, the power tool will continue to work at the set stroke rate.

Working Advice

Before any work on the machine itself (e. g. mainte-nance, tool change, etc.) as well as during transport and storage, remove the battery from the power tool. There is a danger of injury when unintentionally actuating the On/Off switch.

Tips

When sawing light building materials, observe the statutory provisions and the recommendations of the material suppliers.

Check wood, press boards, building materials, etc. for foreign objects such as nails, screws or similar, and remove them, if required. Switch the machine on and guide it toward the workpiece. Position the base plate 2 onto the surface of the work and saw through the material applying uniform contact pressure and feed. After completing the working procedure, switch the machine off. If the saw blade should jam, switch the machine off immediately. Widen the gap somewhat with a suitable tool and pull out the machine.

Plunge Cutting (see Figure E)

The plunge-cutting procedure is only suitable for treating soft materials such as wood, plasterboard or similar! Do not work on metal materials with the plunge-cutting procedure!

Use only short saw blades for plunge cutting.
Place the machine with the edge of the footplate 2 onto the workpiece and switch on. For power tools with stroke speed control, set the maximum stroke speed. Press the power tool firmly against the workpiece and allow the saw blade to slowly plunge into the workpiece. As soon as footplate 2 fully lays on the surface of the workpiece, continue sawing alongside the desired cutting line. For certain work, saw blade 1 can also be inserted and turned through by 180° and the sabre saw can be guided accordingly in a reversed manner.

Flush Cuts (see Figure F)
Using elastic bimetal saw blades, items still attached to a wall (e. g. projecting building elements such as water pipes, etc.) can be sawn off flush at the wall.

Pay attention that the saw blade always extends beyond the diameter of the material being worked. There is a danger of kickback.

Position the saw blade directly against the wall and apply some lateral pressure via the tool until the footplate faces the wall. Switch the power tool on and saw through the workpiece, applying constant lateral pressure.

Coolant/Lubricant
When sawing metal, coolant/lubricant should be applied alongside the cutting line because of the material heating up.

Recommendations for Optimal Handling of the Battery
Protect the battery against moisture and water. Store the battery only within a temperature range between –20 °C and 50 °C. As an example, do not leave the battery in the car in summer. Occasionally clean the venting slots of the battery using a soft, clean, and dry brush. A significantly reduced working period after charging indicates that the battery is used and must be replaced. Observe the notes for disposal.

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance and Cleaning

Warning! Before any maintenance and cleaning, switch the machine off and secure the lock-off button 6.
For safe and proper working, always keep the machine and ventilation slots clean.

Clean the saw blade holder preferably with compressed air or a soft brush. Remove the saw blade from the power tool for this. Ensure proper operation of the saw blade holder by applying a suitable lubricant.

Heavy contamination of the machine can lead to malfunctions. Therefore, do not see materials that produce a lot of dust from below or overhead.

After-sales Service and Application Service
Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning the maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. Exploded views and information on spare parts can also be found under:
www.bosch-pt.com
Bosch’s application service team will gladly answer questions concerning our products and their accessories.

In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10-digit article number given on the nameplate of the product.

Great Britain
Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.)

P.O. Box 98 Broadwater Park North Orbital Road Denham Uxbridge UB 9 5HJ
At www.bosch-pt.co.uk you can order spare parts or arrange the collection of a product in need of servicing or repair.
Tel. Service: (0344) 7360109
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 the 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.

Transport
The contained lithium-ion batteries are subject to the Dangerous Goods Legislation requirements. The user can transport the batteries by road without further requirements. When being transported by third parties (e.g.: air transport or forwarding agency), special requirements on packaging and labeling must be observed. For the preparation of the item being shipped, consulting an expert for hazardous material is required.

Dispatch batteries only when the housing is undamaged. Tape or mask off open contacts and pack up the battery in such a manner that it cannot move around in the packaging. Please also observe possibly more detailed national regulations.

Disposal
The machine, rechargeable batteries, accessories, and packaging should be sorted for environmental-friendly recycling. Do not dispose of power tools and batteries/rechargeable batteries into household waste!

Only for EC countries:
According to the European Guideline 2012/19/EU, power tools that are no longer usable, and according to the European Guideline 2006/66/EC, defective or used battery packs/batteries, must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.