Product · Bosch Professional
Bosch GKS 18V-57-2 GX: rail ready saw in L-BOXX
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Bosch's GKS 18V-57-2 GX is for joiners, kitchen fitters and shopfitters who want accurate straight cuts in sheet material and worktops from a cordless saw. It is sold without a battery, in an L-BOXX 238 with a parallel guide. What sets it apart is compatibility with Bosch's FSN guide rails and the FSN X cross cutting rail system, which turns a handheld saw into something close to a track saw.
- Blade
- Not stated
- Depth at 90 degrees
- Not stated (57 class)
- Guide rail
- Bosch FSN and FSN X
- In the box
- Saw, parallel guide, L-BOXX 238 (no battery)
In its favour
- Compatible with the Bosch FSN guide rail and FSN X crosscut rail, according to Bosch.
- Brushless motor and accurate angled cuts in all positions are listed.
- One handed depth adjustment and a parallel guide are included.
Good to know
- No battery or charger in the box, so it suits Bosch 18 V owners.
- Exact cut depth is not given in this listing.
Our take
Listed features
Bosch describes a robust brushless motor and accurate angled cuts in all positions, with a bevel range up to 50 degrees and one handed depth adjustment. The supplied blade has 32 teeth, a sensible middle ground for clean cuts in timber and sheet material. The listing gives a weight of 3.4 kg and states the saw is made in Germany.
The listing does not give the blade diameter or cut depth. The 57 in the model name suggests a 57 mm class, but confirm this with Bosch before planning around it.
Guide rail system explained
With an FSN rail, the saw runs along a fixed straight edge, so long rip cuts in sheet material stay true without clamps and a homemade straight edge. The FSN X cross cutting rail adds a square cross cut function, useful for cutting doors or boards to length. Neither rail is included, so budget for one if precision cuts are the reason you are buying.
Without a rail, the supplied parallel guide handles narrow rip cuts parallel to a board edge.
Against other saws in the guide
The Bosch GKS 18V-57 is the older sibling, listed as working with third party rails. The Makita DHS660RTJ is a complete kit with two 5 Ah packs but its listing does not mention rail compatibility. If guide rail work is your focus, the GKS 18V-57-2 GX is clearer on that point than either.
For deeper framing cuts, the Milwaukee M18 CCS55 lists a 190 mm blade with 66 mm at 90 degrees.
Who it suits less
First time cordless buyers without Bosch 18 V batteries, and anyone who mainly cuts thick framing timber. Without a pack in the box, the real cost of entry depends on whether you already own Bosch packs, so price a battery and charger before deciding.
Verdict
Choose the GKS 18V-57-2 GX if you already run Bosch 18 V packs and want a saw that works with FSN rails for clean, straight cuts in sheet goods. Buyers without batteries may prefer the Makita DHS660RTJ kit, and heavy framing work suits the Milwaukee M18 CCS55 better.
Compared with alternatives in: Best cordless circular saws
Amazon listing title: Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Circular Saw GKS 18V-57-2 GX (incl. Parallel Guide, L-BOXX 238)