Bosch GCM 8 SDE Professional Sliding Mitre Saw Instruction Manual

BOSCH GCM 8 SDE Professional Sliding Mitre Saw

BOSCH-GCM-8-SDE-Professional-Sliding-Mitre-Saw-image

Safety Instructions

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below 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 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 a 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 power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising 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 and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery 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.
Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

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 remove the battery pack, if detachable, 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 and accessories. 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.
Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

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 Mitre Saws

Mitre saws are intended to cut wood or wood-like products, they cannot be used with abrasive cut-off wheels for cutting ferrous material such as bars, rods, studs, etc. Abrasive dust causes moving parts such as the lower guard to jam. Sparks from abrasive cutting will burn the lower guard, the kerf insert and other plastic parts.
Use clamps to support the workpiece whenever possible. If supporting the workpiece by hand, you must always keep your hand at least 100 mm from either side of the saw blade. Do not use this saw to cut pieces that are too small to be securely clamped or held by hand. If your hand is placed too close to the saw blade, there is an increased risk of injury from blade contact.
The workpiece must be stationary and clamped or held against both the fence and the table. Do not feed the workpiece into the blade or cut “freehand” in any way. Unrestrained or moving workpieces could be thrown at high speeds, causing injury.
Push the saw through the workpiece. Do not pull the saw through the workpiece. To make a cut, raise the saw head and pull it out over the workpiece without cutting, start the motor, press the saw head down and push the saw through the workpiece. Cutting on the pull stroke is likely to cause the saw blade to climb on top of the workpiece and violently throw the blade assembly towards the operator.
Never cross your hand over the intended line of cut-ting either in front or behind the saw blade. Supporting the workpiece “cross-handed” i.e. holding the workpiece to the right of the saw blade with your left hand or vice versa is very dangerous.
Do not reach behind the fence with either hand closer than 100 mm from either side of the saw blade, to remove wood scraps, or for any other reason while the blade is spinning. The proximity of the spinning saw blade to your hand may not be obvious and you may be seriously injured.
Inspect your workpiece before cutting. If the workpiece is bowed or warped, clamp it with the outside bowed face toward the fence. Always make certain that there is no gap between the workpiece, fence and table along the line of the cut. Bent or warped work pieces can twist or shift and may cause binding on the spinning saw blade while cutting. There should be no nails or foreign objects in the workpiece.
Do not use the saw until the table is clear of all tools, wood scraps, etc., except for the workpiece. Small debris or loose pieces of wood or other objects that con-tact the revolving blade can be thrown with high speed.
Cut only one workpiece at a time. Stacked multiple workpieces cannot be adequately clamped or braced and may bind on the blade or shift during cutting.
Ensure the mitre saw is mounted or placed on a level, firm work surface before use. A level and firm work surface reduces the risk of the mitre saw becoming unstable.
Plan your work. Every time you change the bevel or mitre angle setting, make sure the adjustable fence is set correctly to support the workpiece and will not interfere with the blade or the guarding system. Without turning the tool “ON” and with no workpiece on the table, move the saw blade through a complete simulated cut to assure there will be no interference or danger of cutting the fence.
Provide adequate support such as table extensions, saw horses, etc. for a workpiece that is wider or longer than the table top. Workpieces longer or wider than the mitre saw table can tip if not securely supported. If the cut-off piece or workpiece tips, it can lift the lower guard or be thrown by the spinning blade.
Do not use another person as a substitute for a table extension or as additional support. Unstable support for the workpiece can cause the blade to bind or the workpiece to shift during the cutting operation pulling you and the helper into the spinning blade.
The cut-off piece must not be jammed or pressed by any means against the spinning saw blade. If confined, i. e. using length stops, the cut-off piece could get wedged against the blade and thrown violently.
Always use a clamp or a fixture designed to properly support round material such as rods or tubing. Rods have a tendency to roll while being cut, causing the blade to “bite” and pull the work with your hand into the blade.
Let the blade reach full speed before contacting the workpiece. This will reduce the risk of the workpiece be-ing thrown.
If the workpiece or blade becomes jammed, turn the mitre saw off. Wait for all moving parts to stop and disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack. Then work to free the jammed material. Continued sawing with a jammed workpiece could cause loss of control or damage to the mitre saw.
After finishing the cut, release the switch, hold the saw head down and wait for the blade to stop before removing the cut-off piece. Reaching with your hand near the coasting blade is dangerous.
Hold the handle firmly when making an incomplete cut or when releasing the switch before the saw head is completely in the down position. The braking action of the saw may cause the saw head to be suddenly pulled downward, causing a risk of injury.
Do not let go of the handle once the saw head has reached the lowest position. Always guide the saw head back to the top position by hand. There is a risk of injury if the saw head moves in an uncontrolled manner.
Keep your work area clean. Material mixtures are particularly hazardous. Light metal dust may catch fire or explode.
Do not use dull, cracked, bent or damaged saw blades. Unsharpened or improperly set saw blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
Do not use saw blades made from high speed steel (HSS). Such saw blades can easily break.
Always use saw blades with correct size and shape (diamond versus round) of arbour holes. Saw blades that do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run off-center, causing loss of control.
Never remove cuttings, wood chips, etc. from the cut-ting area while the power tool is running. Always guide the tool arm back to the neutral position first and then switch the power tool off.
Do not touch the saw blade after working before it has cooled. The saw blade becomes very hot while working.

Products sold in GB only:
Your product is fitted with an BS 1363/A approved electric plug with internal fuse (ASTA approved to BS 1362).
If the plug is not suitable for your socket outlets, it should be cut off and an appropriate plug fitted in its place by an authorised customer service agent. The replacement plug should have the same fuse rating as the original plug.
The severed plug must be disposed of to avoid a possible shock hazard and should never be inserted into a mains socket elsewhere.

Never make warning signs on the machine unrecognisable.
The power tool is delivered with a laser warning sign (see table: “Symbols and their meaning”).
Do not direct the laser beam at persons or animals and do not stare into the direct or reflected laser beam yourself. You could blind somebody, cause accidents or damage your eyes.
If laser radiation hits your eye, you must close your eyes and immediately turn your head away from the beam.
Do not use any optical instruments such as binoculars to view the radiation source. Doing so can damage your eye.
Do not direct the laser beam at persons who are looking through binoculars or similar instruments. Doing so can damage their eye.
Do not make any modifications to the laser equipment. The setting options described in these operating instructions can be used safely.
Do not use the laser goggles (accessory) as protective goggles. The laser goggles make the laser beam easier to see; they do not protect you against laser radiation.
Do not use the laser goggles (accessory) as sunglasses or while driving. The laser goggles do not provide full UV protection and impair your ability to see colours.
Warning! If operating or adjustment devices other than those specified here are used or other procedures are carried out, this can lead to dangerous exposure to radiation.
Do not replace the integrated laser with a laser of another type. A laser that is not compatible with this power tool could pose a risk to persons.

Symbols

The following symbols may be important for the operation of your power tool. Please take note of these symbols and their meaning. Correctly interpreting the symbols will help you to operate the power tool more effectively and safely.

Symbols and their meaning

Product Description and Specifications

Read all the safety and general instructions. Failure to observe the safety and general instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Please observe the illustrations at the beginning of this operating manual.

Intended Use
The power tool is intended as a stationary machine for making straight cuts in wood with and against the grain. It is possible to cut mitre angles of -52° to +60° and bevel angles of 47° (to the left) to 47° (to the right).
The power tool is designed with sufficient capacity for saw-ing hardwood and softwood as well as chipboard and fibre-board.
When using appropriate saw blades, sawing aluminium profiles and plastic is also possible.

Product features

The numbering of the product features refers to the diagram of the power tool on the graphics page.

Slide device
Chip ejector
Transport handle
Depth stop adjusting screw
Laser protection cap
Guide roller
Lock-off function for on/off switch
On/off switch
Handle
Protective guard
Retracting blade guard
Saw blade
Saw table extension
Fence
Adjustable fence
Saw table
Clamping lever of the saw table extension
Scale for mitre angles
Insert plate
Locking clamp
Locking knob for various mitre angles
Mitre pre-setting lever
Tilt protector
Angle indicator for mitre angles
Detents for standard mitre angles
Mounting holes
Recessed handles
Screw clamp
Standard bevel angle stops 45°, 22.5° and 33.9
Scale for bevel angle
Angle indicator for right-hand bevel angle range
Depth stop
Locking screw for slide device
Hex key (5 mm)
Holes for screw clamp
Length stopa)
Transport safety lock
Speed regulator
Laser warning label
On/off switch for laser (cutting line indication)
Clamping lever for all bevel angles
Angle indicator for left-hand bevel angle range
Chip deflector
Stop for standard 0° bevel angle
Spindle lock
Hex socket screw for mounting the saw blade
Clamping flange
Laser beam outlet aperture
Inner clamping flange
SDS bolt
Locking screw for the adjustable fence
Threaded rod
Locking screw for length stopa)
Clamping screw for length gaugea)
Screws for insert plate
Set screw for laser positioning (parallelism)
Screw for bevel angle indicator
Stop screw for 0° bevel angle
Stop screw for left-hand bevel angle range
Stop screw for right-hand bevel angle range
Set screws for mitre angle scale
Screw for mitre angle indicator
Hook-and-loop strap
Laser lens cover

a) Accessories shown or described are not included with the product as standard. You can find the complete selection of accessories in our accessories range.

Technical data

Permissible workpiece dimensions (see “Permissible workpiece dimensions”, page 34)
The specifications apply to a rated voltage [U] of 230 V. These specifications may vary at different voltages and in country-specific models.

Noise Information

Noise emission values determined according to
EN 62841-3-9.
Typically, the A-weighted noise level of the power tool is: Sound pressure level 98 dB(A); sound power level
108 dB(A). Uncertainty K = 3 dB.
Wear hearing protection!
The noise emission value given in these instructions has been measured in accordance with a standardised measuring procedure and may be used to compare power tools. It may also be used for a preliminary estimation of noise emissions.
The noise emission value given represents the main applications of the power tool. However, if the power tool is used for other applications, with different application tools or is poorly maintained, the noise emission value may differ. This may significantly increase noise emissions over the total working period.
To estimate noise emissions accurately, the times when the tool is switched off, or when it is running but not actually being used, should also be taken into account. This may significantly reduce noise emissions over the total working period.

Assembly

Avoid starting the power tool unintentionally. The mains plug must not be connected to the power supply during assembly or when carrying out any kind of work on the power tool.

Items included

See the list of items included at the start of the operating manual.
Check to ensure that all the parts listed below have been supplied before using the power tool for the first time:

Sliding mitre saw with mounted saw blade
Screw clamp (28)
Hex key (34)
SDS bolt (50)

Note: Check the power tool for possible damage.
Before continuing to use the power tool, carefully check that all protective devices or slightly damaged parts are working perfectly and according to specifications. Check that the moving parts are working perfectly and without jamming; check whether any parts are damaged. All parts must be fitted correctly and all the conditions necessary to ensure smooth operation must be met.
If the protective devices or any parts become damaged, you must have them properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service centre.

Extra tools required (not included in the delivery):

Cross-headed screwdriver
Ring spanner or open-ended spanner (size: 10 mm)

Stationary or flexible mounting

To ensure safe handling, the power tool must be mounted on a flat, stable work surface (e.g. work bench) before use.

Mounting on a work surface (see figure A1−A2)

Use suitable screw fasteners to secure the power tool to the work surface. The holes (26) are used for this purpose. or
Firmly clamp the base of the power tool to the work surface with commercially available screw clamps.

Mounting on a Bosch saw stand
With the height-adjustable legs, Bosch GTA saw stands provide firm support for the power tool on any surface. The workpiece supports of the saw stand are used for underlay-ing long workpieces.

Read all the warnings and instructions included with the saw stand. Failure to observe the warnings and follow instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Assemble the saw stand properly before mounting the power tool. Correct assembly is important to prevent the risk of collapsing.
Mount the power tool on the saw stand in the transport position.
Flexible installation (not recommended) (see figure A3)
If, in exceptional circumstances, it is not possible to mount the power tool on a flat and stable work surface, you can improvise by setting it up with the tilt protector.
Without the tilt protector, the power tool will not be stable and can tip over especially when sawing max-imum mitre and/or bevel angles.
- Rotate the tilt protector (23) inwards or outwards until the power tool is positioned straight on the work surface.

Dust/Chip Extraction

The dust from materials such as lead paint, some types of wood, minerals and metal can be harmful to human health. Touching or breathing in this dust can trigger allergic reactions and/or cause respiratory illnesses in the user or in people in the near vicinity.
Certain dusts, such as oak or beech dust, are classified as carcinogenic, especially in conjunction with wood treatment additives (chromate, wood preservative). Materials containing asbestos may only be machined by specialists.

Use a dust extraction system that is suitable for the material wherever possible.
Provide good ventilation at the workplace.
It is advisable to wear a P2 filter class breathing mask. The regulations on the material being machined that apply in the country of use must be observed.

Avoid dust accumulation at the workplace. Dust can easily ignite.

The dust/chip extraction system can be blocked by dust, chips or fragments of the workpiece.

Switch the power tool off and pull the mains plug out of the socket.
Wait until the saw blade has come to a complete stop.
Determine the cause of the blockage and eliminate it.

External Dust Extraction
You can also attach a dust extraction hose (35 mm dia-meter) to the chip ejector (2) for extraction.

Connect the dust extraction hose to the chip ejector (2). The dust extractor must be suitable for the material being worked.
When extracting dry dust that is especially detrimental to health or carcinogenic, use a special dust extractor.

Changing the Saw Blade

Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.
Wear protective gloves when fitting the saw blade. There is a risk of injury when touching the saw blade.

Only use saw blades that have a maximum permitted speed higher than the no-load speed of the power tool.
Only use saw blades that match the specifications given in this operating manual and that have been tested and marked in accordance with EN 847-1.
Only use saw blades that are recommended by the power tool manufacturer and are suitable for use on the material
you want to saw. This will prevent the saw teeth overheating when sawing.

Assembly with hex socket screw (see figures B1−B4) Removing the saw blade

Bring the power tool into the work position.
Turn the hex socket screw (46) using the hex key (34) while pressing the spindle lock (45) until it engages.
Press and hold the spindle lock (45) and loosen the screw (46) by turning it clockwise (left-hand thread).
Remove the clamping flange (47).
Swivel the retracting blade guard (11) backwards as far as possible.
Hold the retracting blade guard in this position and remove the saw blade (12).
Slowly push the retracting blade guard back down.

Fitting the saw blade

When fitting the saw blade, make sure that the cutting direction of the teeth (arrow direction on the saw blade) matches the direction of the arrow on the protective guard.

If required, clean all the parts you want to fit before installing them.

Swivel the retracting blade guard (11) to the back and hold it in this position.
Place the new saw blade on the inner clamping flange (49).
Fit the clamping flange (47) and the hex socket screw (46). Press the spindle lock (45) until it engages and tighten the hex socket screw by turning it anticlock-wise.
Slowly push the retracting blade guard back down.

Assembly with SDS bolt (see figure C)For bevel cuts when using the SDS bolt (50), before sawing, first make sure that the SDS bolt cannot come into contact with the surface of the workpiece at any time by making a suitable adjustment to the depth stop (32). This prevents damage to the SDS bolt and/or the workpiece.

Removing the saw blade

Bring the power tool into the work position.
Press and hold the spindle lock (45) and unscrew the SDS bolt (50) by turning it clockwise (left-hand thread).
Remove the clamping flange (47).
Swivel the retracting blade guard (11) backwards as far as possible.
Hold the retracting blade guard in this position and re-move the saw blade (12).
Slowly push the retracting blade guard back down.

Fitting the saw blade

When fitting the saw blade, make sure that the cutting direction of the teeth (arrow direction on the saw blade) matches the direction of the arrow on the protective guard.
If required, clean all the parts to be fitted before installing them.

Swivel the retracting blade guard (11) backwards. Hold the retracting blade guard in this position.
Place the new saw blade onto the interior clamping flange (49).
Slowly push the retracting blade guard back down.
Attach the clamping flange (47) and the SDS bolt (50). Press the spindle lock (45) until it engages and tighten the SDS bolt by turning it anticlockwise.

Operation

Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.

Transport Safety Lock (see figure D)
The transport safety lock (37) makes it easier to handle the power tool when transporting it to various working locations.

Unlocking the power tool (work position)

Press the tool arm down slightly by the handle (9) to re-lease the transport safety lock (37).
Pull the transport safety lock (37) all the way out.
Slowly guide the tool arm upwards.

Locking the power tool (transport position)

Loosen the locking screw (33) if it is clamping the slide device (1) in place. Pull the tool arm fully forward and tighten the locking screw again to lock the slide device.
Screw the adjusting screw (4) all the way upwards.
To lock the saw table (16) in place, tighten the locking knob (21).
Swing the tool arm downwards by the handle (9) until you can press the transport safety lock (37) completely inwards

The tool arm is now securely locked and ready for transport-ation.

Preparing for operation

Extending the saw table (see figure E)The free end of long workpieces must have something placed underneath it or be supported.
The saw table can be extended left and right using the saw table extensions (13).

Pull the clamping lever (17) upwards.
Pull out the saw table extension (13) to the required length.
To lock the saw table extension, push the clamping lever (17) back down.

Moving the Fence (see figure F)When sawing mitre and/or bevel angles, you have to pull the left-hand or right-hand adjustable fence (15) outwards depending on the cutting direction, or remove it completely. Clamping the Workpiece (see figure G)
To ensure maximum safety while working, the workpiece must always be firmly clamped.
Do not saw workpieces that are too small to clamp firmly.

Press the workpiece firmly against the fences (15) and (14).
Insert the supplied screw clamp (28) into one of the corresponding holes (35).
Adjust the threaded rod (52) of the screw clamp to the workpiece height.
Tighten the threaded rod (52) to fix the workpiece in place.

Setting mitre and bevel angles
To ensure precise cuts, the basic settings of the power tool must be checked and adjusted as necessary after intensive use.
Experience and suitable special tools are required for this.
A Bosch after-sales service point will handle this work quickly and reliably.

Always tighten the locking knob (21) and the clamping lever (41) firmly before sawing. Otherwise the saw blade can become wedged in the workpiece.
Note for adjusting mitre angles > 45°:
Before adjusting the mitre angle, pull the saw table extension (13) and the adjustable fence (15) all the way out.

For bevel cuts when using the SDS bolt (50), before sawing, first make sure that the SDS bolt cannot come into contact with the surface of the workpiece at any time by making a suitable adjustment to the depth stop (32). This prevents damage to the SDS bolt and/or the workpiece.

Setting Standard Mitre Angles (see figure H)For quick and precise setting of commonly used mitre angles, detents (25) are provided on the saw table:

Loosen the locking knob (21) if it is tightened.
Pull the lever (22) and rotate the saw table (16) left or right to the required detent.
Release the lever again. The lever must be felt to engage in the detent.
Retighten the locking knob (21).

Setting Any Mitre Angle (see figure I)The mitre angle can be set between 52° (left side) and 60°(right side).

Loosen the locking knob (21) if it is tightened.
Pull the lever (22) and at the same time press the locking clamp (20) until this clicks into the slot provided for it. This means the saw table can now move freely.
Turn the saw table (16) left or right by the locking knob until the angle indicator (24) shows the required mitre angle.
Retighten the locking knob (21).
To loosen the lever (22) again (for setting standard mitre angles), pull the lever upwards.
The locking clamp (20) springs back into its original posi-tion and the lever (22) can click back into the detents (25).

Setting the Complete Bevel Angle Range (see figure J)The bevel angle can be set between 47° (left side) and 47°(right side).

Pull the stop (44) all the way forward.
This enables you to use the complete bevel angle range (left and right).
Pull the right-hand adjustable fence (15) all the way out or remove it completely .
If you want to use the entire bevel angle range, you also have to pull the left-hand adjustable fence (15) all the way out or remove it completely.
Loosen the clamping lever (41).
Swivel the tool arm left or right by the handle (9) until the angle indicator (42)/(31) shows the required bevel angle.
Retighten the clamping lever (41).

Setting Standard Bevel Angles (see figure K)For quick and precise setting of frequently used bevel angles, stops have been provided for the angles 0°, 45°, 22.5° and 33.9°.

Standard 0° bevel angles:
Swing the tool arm by the handle (9) slightly to the left and swing the stop (44) all the way back.
Standard 45°, 33.9° and 22.5° bevel angles:
Turn the left-hand or right-hand stop (29) until the re-quired standard bevel angle engages at the arrow mark.

Start-up

Products that are only sold in AUS and NZ: Use a resid-ual current device (RCD) with a nominal residual current of 30 mA or less.
Pay attention to the mains voltage. The voltage of the power source must match the voltage specified on the rating plate of the power tool. Power tools marked with 230 V can also be operated with 220 V.

Switching on (see figure L)

To switch on the power tool, first slide the lock-off button (7) to the middle and then press and hold the on/off switch (8).
Note: For safety reasons, the on/off switch (8) cannot be locked; it must remain pressed during the entire operation.

Switching off

To switch off, release the on/off switch (8).

Starting current limitation
The electronic starting current limitation feature restricts the power of the power tool when it is switched on and enables operation using a 16 A fuse.
Note: If the power tool runs at full speed immediately after being switched on, this means that the starting current limitation has failed. The power tool must be sent to the after-sales service without delay.

Sawing

General sawing instructions

Always tighten the locking knob (21) and the clamping lever (41) firmly before sawing. Otherwise the saw blade can become wedged in the workpiece.
For all cuts, it must first be ensured that the saw blade at no time can come in contact with the fence, screw clamps or other machine parts. Remove any mounted auxiliary stops or adjust them accordingly.

Protect the saw blade against impact and shock. Do not subject the saw blade to lateral pressure.
Only saw materials which are permitted within the scope of the intended use.
Do not saw warped/bent workpieces. The workpiece must always have a straight edge to face against the fence.
The free end of long and heavy workpieces must have something placed underneath it or be supported.

Make sure that the retracting blade guard operates properly and that it can move freely. The retracting blade guard must open when the tool arm is guided downwards. When the tool arm is guided upwards, the retracting blade guard must close again over the saw blade and lock in the uppermost position of the tool arm.

Adjusting the speed

The speed regulator (38) enables continuously variable adjustment of the speed of the power tool even during operation.
Note: Always set the suitable speed for the workpiece material (see table below). This will prevent the saw teeth over-heating when sawing.

Position of the operator (see figure M)

Do not stand in line with the saw blade in front of the power tool. Always stand to the side of the saw blade. This protects your body against possible kickback.
- Keep hands, fingers and arms away from the rotating saw blade.
- Do not reach one hand across the other when in front of the tool arm.

Sawing with slide movement

For cuts made using the slide device (1) (wide work-pieces), loosen the locking screw (33) if it is clamping the slide device in place.
Firmly clamp the workpiece as appropriate for its dimensions.
Set the required mitre and/or bevel angle.
Pull the tool arm away from the fences (15) and until the saw blade is in front of the workpiece.
Switch on the power tool.
Slowly guide the tool arm downwards using the handle (9).
Now push the tool arm towards the fences (15) and saw through the workpiece with uniform feed.
Switch off the power tool and wait until the saw blade has come to a complete stop.
Slowly guide the tool arm upwards.

Sawing Without Slide Movement (cutting off) (see figure N)

To perform cuts without slide movement (small work-pieces), loosen the locking screw (33) if it is clamping the slide device (1) in place. Push the tool arm all the way to-wards the fences (15) and and retighten the locking screw (33) to lock the slide device in place.
Firmly clamp the workpiece as appropriate for its dimen-sions.
Set the required mitre and/or bevel angle.
Switch on the power tool.
Slowly guide the tool arm downwards using the handle (9).
Saw through the workpiece applying uniform feed.
Switch off the power tool and wait until the saw blade has come to a complete stop.
Slowly guide the tool arm upwards.

Practical advice

Marking the Cutting Line (see figure O)A laser beam shows you the cutting line of the saw blade. This allows for exact positioning of the workpiece for sawing, without having to open the retracting blade guard.

To activate this, turn on the laser beam using the switch (40).
Align your mark on the workpiece with the right-hand edge of the laser line.
Note: Before sawing, check whether the cutting line is still indicated correctly. The laser beam can be misaligned due to vibrations from intensive use, for example.

Permissible workpiece dimensions

Maximum workpiece dimensions:

Minimum workpiece dimensions (= all workpieces that can be secured left or right of the saw blade using the supplied screw clamps (28)): 100 x 40 mm (length x width)
Max. cutting depth (0°/0°): 70 mm
Adjusting the depth stop (sawing the groove) (see figure P)The depth stop needs to be adjusted if you wish to saw a groove.

Swivel the depth stop (32) outwards.
Swivel the tool arm by the handle (9) into the required position.
Turn the adjusting screw (4) until the end of the screw touches the depth stop (32).
Slowly guide the tool arm upwards.

Sawing workpieces of the same length (see figure Q)The length stop (36) (accessory) can be used for easily saw-ing workpieces of the same length.

The length stop can be mounted on either side of the saw table extension (13).

Loosen the locking screw (53) and move the length stop (36) over the clamping screw (54).
Re-tighten the locking screw (53).
Set the saw table extension (13) to the required length.

Special workpieces

When sawing curved or round workpieces, these must be es-pecially secured against slipping. At the cutting line, there should be no gap between the workpiece, fence and saw table.
If necessary, you will need to manufacture special fixtures.
Replacing the Insert Plates (see figure R)
The red insert plates (19) can become worn after prolonged use of the power tool.
Replace defective insert plates.

Bring the power tool into the work position.
Loosen the screws (55) using the hex key (4 mm) (34) and remove the old insert plates.
Insert the new right-hand insert plate.
Screw the insert plate as far as possible to the right with the screws (55) so that the saw blade does not come into contact with the insert plate over the entire length of the possible slide motion.
Repeat the work steps in the same manner for the left-hand insert plate.

Checking and Adjusting the Basic Settings

To ensure precise cuts, the basic settings of the power tool must be checked and adjusted as necessary after intensive use.
Experience and suitable special tools are required for this.
A Bosch after-sales service point will handle this work quickly and reliably.

Adjusting the laser
Note: To test the laser function, the power tool must be connected to the power supply.

While adjusting the laser (e.g. when moving the tool arm), never activate the on/off switch. Starting the power tool accidentally can lead to injuries.

Bring the power tool into the work position.
Turn the saw table (16) to the 0° detent (25). The lever (22) must be felt to engage in the detent.

Checking (see figure S1)

Draw a straight cutting line on the workpiece.
Slowly guide the tool arm downwards using the handle (9).
Position the workpiece so that the teeth of the saw blade line up with the cutting line.
Hold the workpiece in this position and slowly guide the tool arm back up.
Clamp the workpiece.
Turn on the laser beam using the switch (40).
The laser beam must be flush with the cutting line on the workpiece along its entire length, even if the tool arm is guided downwards.

Setting (see figure S2)

Turn the set screw (56) with a suitable screwdriver until the laser beam is parallel to the entire length of the cutting line on the workpiece.
One rotation anticlockwise moves the laser beam from left to right; one rotation clockwise moves the laser beam from right to left.

Setting the Standard 0° Bevel Angle

Bring the power tool into the transport position.
Turn the saw table (16) to the 0° detent (25). The lever (22) must be felt to engage in the detent.

Checking (see figure T1)

Set an angle gauge to 90° and place it on the saw table (16).
The leg of the angle gauge must be flush with the saw blade (12) along its entire length.

Setting (see figure T2)

Loosen the clamping lever (41).
Slide the stop (44) all the way back.
Loosen the lock nut of the stop screw (58) using a commercially available box-ended or open-ended spanner (size 10 mm).
Turn the stop screw as far in or out as needed until the leg of the angle gauge is flush with the saw blade along its en-tire length.
Re-tighten the clamping lever (41).
Then re-tighten the lock nut of the stop screw (58).
If the angle indicator is not aligned with the 0° mark on the scale (30) following adjustment, loosen the screw (57) us-ing a commercially available cross-headed screwdriver and align the angle indicator along the 0° mark.

Setting the Standard 45° Mitre Angle (left)

Bring the power tool into the work position.
Turn the saw table (16) to the 0° detent (25). The lever (22) must be felt to engage in the detent.
Remove the left-hand adjustable fence (15)
Turn the left-hand stop (29) until the standard 45° mitre angle engages at the arrow mark.
Loosen the clamping lever (41).
Swivel the tool arm by the handle (9) to the left until the stop screw (59) rests on the stop (29).

Checking (see figure U1)

Set an angle gauge to 45° and place it on the saw table (16).
The leg of the angle gauge must be flush with the saw blade (12) along its entire length.

Setting (see figure U2)

Loosen the lock nut of the stop screw (59) using a com- mercially available box-ended or open-ended spanner (size 10 mm).
Turn the stop screw (59) as far in or out as needed until the leg of the angle gauge is flush with the saw blade along its entire length.
Retighten the clamping lever (41).
Then retighten the lock nut of the stop screw (59).
If the angle indicators (42) and (31) are not in line with the 45° marks on the scale (30) following adjustment, first check the 0° setting for the bevel angle and the angle indicat-ors once more. Then repeat the adjustment of the 45° bevel angle.

Setting the Standard 45° Bevel Angle (right)

Bring the power tool into the work position.
Turn the saw table (16) to the 0° detent (25). The lever (22) must be felt to engage in the detent.
Remove the right-hand adjustable fence (15)
Pull the stop (44) all the way forward.
Turn the right-hand stop (29) until the standard 45° bevel angle engages at the arrow mark.
Loosen the clamping lever (41).
Swivel the tool arm by the handle (9) to the left until the stop screw (60) rests on the stop (29).

Checking (see figure V1)

Set an angle gauge to 135° and place it on the saw table (16).
The leg of the angle gauge must be flush with the saw blade (12) along its entire length.

Setting (see figure V2)

Loosen the lock nut of the stop screw (60) using a com-mercially available box-ended or open-ended spanner (size 10 mm).
Turn the stop screw (60) as far in or out as needed until the leg of the angle gauge is flush with the saw blade along its entire length.
Retighten the clamping lever (41).
Then retighten the lock nut of the stop screw (60).
If the angle indicators (42) and (31) are not in line with the 45° marks on the scale (30) following adjustment, first check the 0° setting for the bevel angle and the angle indicat-ors once more. Then repeat the adjustment of the 45° bevel angle.

Aligning the scale for mitre angles

Bring the power tool into the work position.
Turn the saw table (16) to the 0° detent (25). The lever (22) must be felt to engage in the detent.

Checking (see figure W1)

Set an angle gauge to 90° and position it between the fence (14) and the saw blade (12) on the saw table (16). The leg of the angle gauge must be flush with the saw blade (12) along its entire length.

Setting (see figure W2)

Loosen all four set screws (61) with a cross-headed screwdriver and turn the saw table (16) together with the scale (18) until the leg of the angle gauge is flush with the saw blade along its entire length.
Re-tighten the screws.

If the angle indicator (24) is not aligned with the 0° mark on the scale (18) following adjustment, loosen the screw (62) using a cross-headed screwdriver and align the angle indic-ator along the 0° mark.

Transport (see figure X)Before transporting the power tool, the following steps must be carried out:

Loosen the locking screw (33) if it is tightened. Pull the tool arm fully forwards and retighten the locking screw.
Make sure that the depth stop (32) is pressed all the way in and that the adjusting screw (4) fits through the recess without touching the depth stop when moving the tool arm.
Bring the power tool into the transport position.
Remove all accessories that cannot be securely fitted to the power tool. If possible, transport unused saw blades in an enclosed container.
Wind up the mains cable and tie it together with the hook-and-loop strap (63).
Carry the power tool by the transport handle (3) or hold it by the recessed handles (27) on the sides of the saw table.

Only use the transport devices to transport the power tool and never the protective devices.

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance and Cleaning

Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.
To ensure safe and efficient operation, always keep the power tool and the ventilation slots clean.

In order to avoid safety hazards, if the power supply cord needs to be replaced, this must be done by Bosch or by an after-sales service centre that is authorised to repair Bosch power tools.
The retracting blade guard must always be able to move freely and retract automatically. It is therefore important to keep the area around the retracting blade guard clean at all times.
Always remove dust and chips after working by blowing out with compressed air or using a brush.
Clean the guide roller (6) regularly.
To clean the laser unit, turn the laser cover (64) outwards and remove the dust with a paintbrush (see figure Y).

Accessories

After-Sales Service and Application Service
Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. You can find explosion drawings and information on spare parts at: www.bosch-pt.com
The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you with any questions about 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:
You can find further service addresses at:
www.bosch-pt.com/serviceaddresses

Disposal

The power tool, accessories and packaging should be re-cycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

Do not dispose of power tools along with household waste.

Only for EU countries:
According to the European Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its implementation into national law, power tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environment-ally friendly manner.
Only for United Kingdom:
According to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Reg-ulations 2013 (2013/3113), power tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Declaration of Conformity

Sliding mitre saw
GCM 8 SDE

Article number
3 601 M19 271

We declare under our sole responsibility that the stated products comply with all applicable provisions of the regulations lis-ted below and are in conformity with the following standards.
Technical file at: Robert Bosch Ltd. (PT/SOP-GB), Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ, United Kingdom

The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016
The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012
EN 62841-1:2015
EN IEC 62841-3-9:2020+A11:2020
EN 55014-1:2017+A11:2020
EN 55014-2:2015
EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019
EN 61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019
EN IEC 63000:2018

Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, Germany represented (in terms of the above regulations) by
Robert Bosch Limited, Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ, United Kingdom
Martin Sibley
Head of Sales Operations and Aftersales
Vonjy Rajakoba
Managing Director – Bosch UK
Robert Bosch Ltd. Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ, United Kingdom, as authorised representative acting on behalf of Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, Germany
Place of issue: Uxbridge
Date of issue: 06/05/2021

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Bosch GCM 8 SDE Professional Sliding Mitre Saw Instruction Manual

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