Bosch Professional 12V System GKS 12V-26 cordless circular saw (85 mm blade) – body only
Product description
The essentials
Bosch Professional’s 12V System GKS 12V-26 is a cordless circular saw aimed at people who value control and portability more than heavy, jobsite power. On paper it’s built around a compact design and easy handling, with a light overall feel for getting into awkward spaces or running lots of quick cuts in wood.
A big part of the appeal is that it sits in the 12V world: you get a tool that’s easier to live with around the workshop, at home, or on smaller sites. The “without battery/charger” note matters too—this model is really about the saw body itself, so your final experience depends on what batteries you already have (or plan to buy).
What to know before you buy
This is a circular saw designed for wood-focused applications, and the marketing angle is clear: compact handling and versatility in timber. You’re also given a practical battery charge level indicator, meant to help you check how much energy is left before you commit to a longer run of cuts.
One practical limitation to keep in mind: because it’s supplied without battery or charger, you’ll need to budget for that separately if you don’t already own compatible 12V hardware. That doesn’t make it a bad choice, but it does change the cost picture.
Key features that affect real use
You’ll likely notice the handling straight away. Bosch highlights a small grip circumference and a light weight of 1.4 kg, which tends to translate into less arm fatigue during repeated cuts or when working overhead or in tighter positions.
The saw blade diameter is 85 mm, which gives you a good “small-to-mid” cutting size for many woodworking jobs. If your work is more about trimming, making frames, cutting boards and sheet material in controlled conditions, this size class can feel more manageable than bigger cordless saws.
Where it shines (and where it may fall short)
It makes sense if you prioritise manoeuvrability and comfort, especially for woodwork where you don’t want a bulky machine hanging off your arm. The compact design is also the kind of detail that helps when you’re cutting in a workshop bay, working in a garage, or simply moving tool-to-tool.
It may not be the best fit if you regularly need deep, high-demand cutting or you’re expecting “everything on one charge” performance from a low-voltage setup. And again, the “without battery/charger” approach can be a let-down if you were expecting a complete kit.
Practical example: cutting timber in a tight space
Imagine you’re fitting skirting or making a small set of wooden shelves: you need to make several repeat cuts, but you also need to keep control. With a 1.4 kg saw body and a comfortable grip circumference, the task is easier to manage—especially if you’re working close to a wall or holding the material at an awkward angle. The built-in charge indicator helps you decide whether to keep going on a similar batch of cuts or swap batteries before the tool slows down.
Tech specs
- Name: Bosch Professional 12V System GKS 12V-26 cordless circular saw
- Type: Cordless circular saw
- Size: Saw blade diameter 85 mm
- Weight: 1.4 kg
- Format: Without battery/charger
Is it worth it?
It’s worth buying if you want a compact, comfortable cordless circular saw for wood and you already have compatible 12V batteries (or you’re happy to add them). The low weight and ergonomic grip details are the sort of advantages you feel every time you use it, and the battery charge level indicator adds a small but genuinely useful bit of control.
You may want to skip it if you expected a complete package, because this version is “without battery/charger”. It might not suit you if you’re chasing maximum cutting depth or long, demanding work sessions where a more powerful setup would better match the job.
Mini FAQ
Can I use this if I already own Bosch Professional 12V System batteries?
The description tells you it’s part of the Bosch Professional 12V System, but it doesn’t list specific battery compatibility. If you have a 12V setup already, it’s worth double-checking compatibility with your existing batteries before committing.
What’s the benefit of the battery charge level indicator?
It’s there so you can check how much energy is left at any time, which can help you plan whether to finish a batch of cuts or change batteries.
Is 85 mm blade diameter suitable for general wood projects?
An 85 mm class blade is typically aimed at lighter, more manageable cutting tasks in wood. If your projects are mostly about trimming and repeat cuts in timber, it fits the “compact and versatile” approach this model is built around.
Does it come with a battery and charger?
No. This specific listing is for the saw without battery/charger, so you’ll need to source those separately if you don’t already have them.
Who is this saw most for?
It’s most aligned with people who care about handling, comfort, and portability—whether you’re doing workshop woodworking or smaller site jobs where a compact cordless tool is easier to manage.