Here are some new details about Bosch’s upcoming brushless-motor cordless sanders, models GEX 12V-125 and GEX 18V-125, which are coming to their 12V Max and 18V cordless power tool systems, respectively.
We reached out to Bosch USA, asking if these sanders will be launching in North America, but have not heard back.
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Bosch 12V Cordless Sander (GEX 12V-125)
- 125mm (5″) sanding pad diameter
- Brushless motor
- Easy-reach power switch
- Variable speed dial with 6 settings
- LED battery status indicator
- Unique ergonomics and tool design for well-balanced workflow with reduced fatigue for longer usage times
- Integrated dust extraction port, compatible with dust bag and Bosch’s Click & Clean vacuum system
Bosch 18V Cordless Sander (GEX 18V-125)
- 125mm (5″) sanding pad diameter
- Powerful EC Brushless motor
- Easy-reach power switch
- Variable speed dial with 6 settings
- Unique, well-balanced ergonomics derived from pneumatic sanders for enhanced length of use & comfort
- Robust metal housing for increased working stability
- Integrated dust extraction port, compatible with dust bag and Bosch’s Click & Clean vacuum system
A UK-based seller is saying that these new sanders will be exclusive to Europe, but we’re waiting on Bosch USA for a response.
Source: Adzy’s Goods via Facebook
AC
Weird that Bosch vacillates between giving tools away seemingly to anyone who wants them on social media and making enthusiasts jump through hoops to buy grey market goods.
fred
Nothing surprising here. Bosch (either Bosch USA or their Parent in Germany) continue to either misread or shrug off the North American market for reasons best known to them.
Julian Tracy
I bought their 12v jigsaw almost as soon as it came out. Damn thing barely cut through three-quarter inch plywood. I returned it and lost faith in the entire platform.
John
I do agree that the 12V jigsaw is weak. The 12V drills and drivers are great along with the magnetic LED lights. I have a bunch of all that plus a dozen batteries. Where I’ve been very disappointed is with the jigsaw, underpowered, the router is blah with a slow rpm for 1/4” bits and the 12V planer I bought crapped out after a year and a half. I like the Bosch 12V lineup mostly but innovation is very slow. If these sanders aren’t offered in the U.S. then I probably won’t bother again with importing tools early, no way to get warranty repairs.
JD
That’s a shame to hear. The router and the planer were the only tools that made me regret switching to M12. I can’t see the sander providing much run time in a 12V platform. It might be useful for touch up work to finish carpenters working on-site.
Bosch seems to really nail the ergonomics. I’d like to see TTI copy some of their designs.
fred
I like the little router and planer for what they are – but they are NOT general purpose tools. I use them for fine inlay work and trim – and they are fit for that purpose.
As far as grey market tools not qualifying for warranty repair – that is indeed a risk. If your tool suffers from “infant mortality” – as the QA guys call it – then you are out of luck. But if the tool soldiers on and reaches its normal life expectancy – you probably would not think about repairing. We found that the ugly truth of many cordless tools was that they were not economic to service beyond their warranty period – parts and service labor cost almost as much as or more than a new tool. And then after the service you were still left with an old tool.
Ivan
When I asked Bosch USA about these new sanders , this is their response: “The new sanders that will be released in US and Canada are corded. The cordless sander are for the international market”
Bosch Spain didn’t day anything they just sent me a list of stores where I can buy Bosch tools
James
I have cut hundreds of window sills with it, HPL on PB. Have also used it a ton for trim and jut now noticed I have no clue where it is. It’s either walked or it’s hiding. It’s 12v you use it for the task that you know it would work well with. Same thing goes with the 12v router I use it to break an edge it has a 1/16 round-over on it full time.
Julian Tracy
If you’re referring to the 12v jigsaw, my only intended use was actually for coping crown molding… it couldn’t even reliably handle that simple task, even in pine. Damn shame considering Bosch’s fine legacy in Jigsaws. No one was trying to trim Oak stair treads with an undersized tool…
Steve G
Most Bosch tools I’ve bought have failed early. Except jam saw. Jam saw is allowed to stay.
Peter
I also have the 12v jigsaw and could not be happier and mine does 3/4” with no problem.
Their 12v router is my go to router for small round overs.
Tom D
A huge HUGE thing with “underpowered” tools is to make sure you have the right blade and a high-quality blade. A corded tool can cut through with a dull blade eventually, but a cordless will noticeably bog down.
(For fun look up that ship in Georgia they cut apart with a “chainsaw” – https://www.thedrive.com/news/37499/capsized-cargo-ship-in-georgia-with-4200-cars-aboard-will-finally-be-chopped-up-with-a-giant-chain )
Peter
Yes, fresh blades are a must and even on 18v tools I always try to have sharp blades or at least a batch of fully charged batteries.
I used to set fences and all we had to cut things were chainsaws.
We often had to cut roots in the ground and that dulled the chains so bad and fast that even our gas powered chainsaws needed sharpening often.
Fortunately with the current cordless generation we could switch to battery powered reciprocating saws.
Will check that link out later that looks very interesting.
Thank you.
HH
Also ich bin mit allen 12 v Geräten von Bosch die ich habe (darunter auch Stichsäge) sehr zufrieden. Sie funktionieren alle sehr gut.
Tom D
I have not been able to make heads nor tails of Bosch’s US strategy. If they have one.
The pricing isn’t low enough to be bargain basement – and the selection isn’t high enough to be prosumer or pro.
Peter
I am remodeler and somewhat aspiring wood worker and while they are slow, were is a 18v 6&1/2” brushless circular saw I ask?!? :-p
Would I like more offering?
Sure but right now I am pretty much set with what they offer in the US.
Frank D
It is a real shame how Bosch USA ends up treating NA customers and brand fans. Why in this day and age can they still not bring more products to the NA market? I am ready to buy more 12v kit, have debated about importing … but either shipping to NA is flat out prohibited with big retailers or one would have to pay $50 shipping per bare tool from a small shop or individual. Right …
And I can’t make head nor tail from their strategies, promos, …
I am really starting to second guess my support for them based on the flexi click and half a dozen other 12v tools I bought … because it has just been a dead end street, while red keeps bring on more tools, has their various promos ( one Bosch tool I paid retail for would have netted a substantial red combo kit … sigh )
TR
I bet these will be fantastic wherever they are in the world. I have a couple Bosch sanders, and the newer one (GET75-150) in particular is my favorite sander I’ve used.
Agree, though, I wish Bosch would bring more products to the US. Most of my corded stuff is Bosch, but I just couldn’t bring myself to commit to their cordless system such that it is here.
A-A-Ron
Will Bosch’s US division add a goofy, eye-rolling name to these tools like they did a couple years back (on tools that STILL haven’t showed up) or cook up some equally lame social media gimmick to further promote these?
Oh wait, that’s assuming they even come to the US.
Toolfreak
These will not be coming to the US. nor will the other 12V tools that exist and are EU-market only.
My guess is Bosch Global’s current management has reduced the tool division down to where it is now, only occasionally releasing new products that were in development for years, and just making money mostly by continuing to have the overseas factories produce the same core power tools they have been selling for years.
Bosch Global seems to be focusing on ‘mobility solutions’ i.e. automotive, more than their consumer goods offerings which is what the power tools fall under.
It’s still a considerable chunk of their business though.
The explanation may be as easy as most everyone involved is comfortable with their jobs and the way things are now, and they just aren’t listening to the customers who want more tools and have no desire to increase production or compete more broadly in the US market with a wide selection of 12V/18V tools.
I’m still keeping my Bosch 12V stuff for when I need a quality compact tool, but I jumped ship to the 24V stuff for now since there is so much that Bosch doesn’t offer and I don’t really expect they ever will.
Sean
I’m very happy I jump from the 12v Bosch tools to the Milwaukee M12 platform.
I liked the drill/driver and impact from Bosch but wanted to expand to other tools which Bosch didn’t offer. The main reason was the 12v impact wrench which took forever to come to the US.
Now that I have the M12 platform, I’m always finding new tools that I “need”! I’m really thinking of the M12 Surge next!
Perk
The more they do this, the more I look at other 12v brands. I have been buying Milwaukee 12v but not replacing what I have in Bosch 12v.
If they want to be a European brand only, fine. I won’t buy another Bosch product after screwing me over when I invested in their 12v platform and lBoxx storage.
Looks like Team Red from this point forward.
Peter
Want to sell your investment?
Ross
I love my Bosch 12v Flexiclick. I haven’t bought anything else in the 18v or 12v line as it’s non existent here in Alaska. The only major retailer in my city that carries it is Lowe’s and their selection is a joke. I have an 18v 4amp starter kit that I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a bare tool for but can’t justify what Lowe’s wants for what little selection they have. I doubt this is Lowe’s fault and more to do with logistics and market conditions.
Ivan
When I asked Bosch USA about these new sanders , this is their response: “The new sanders that will be released in US and Canada are corded. The cordless sander are for the international market”
Bosch Spain didn’t say anything they just sent me a list of stores where I can buy Bosch tools
Robert
18V announced in Australia Bosch website
12V also shown inside
https://www.bosch-pt.com.au/au/en/products/gex-18v-125-0601372200