Start-Up
- 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.
- Products that are only sold in AUS and NZ: Use a residual current device (RCD) with a nominal residual current of 30 mA or less.
When operating the power tool using a mobile generator that does not have sufficient reserve capacity or an adequate voltage control system with inrush current boost converter, loss of performance or atypical behaviour may occur upon switch-on.
Please check the suitability of the power generator you are using, particularly with regard to the mains voltage and frequency.
To start the power tool, push the on/off switch (3) forward.
To lock the on/off switch (3) in position, push the on/off switch (3) forward and down until it clicks into place.
To switch off the power tool, release the on/off switch (3); or, if the switch is locked, briefly push the on/off switch (3) backward and down and then release it.
- Always check abrasive tools before using them. The abrasive tool must be fitted properly and be able to move freely. Carry out a test run for at least one minute with no load. Do not use abrasive tools that are damaged, run untrue or vibrate during use. Damaged abrasive tools can burst apart and cause injuries.
The electronic soft start limits the torque when the power tool is switched on and enables a smooth start-up.
Note: If the power tool runs at full speed immediately after being switched on, this means that the soft start and restart protection mechanisms have failed. The power tool must be sent to the after-sales service immediately (see the "After-Sales Service and Application Service" section for addresses).

The power tool is fitted with the electronic Bosch Brake System. When it is switched off, the abrasive tool is brought to a complete stop within a few seconds. This means that the run-out time is significantly shorter than for angle grinders without a run-out brake and enables the power tool to be set down sooner.
The following tables describes the LED status indicators (4) on the power tool.
Status indicator (LED) (4) | Meaning/cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Green | Status OK | – |
Flashing red | Power tool has overheated and will switch off. | Leave the power tool to cool down. If the status indicator (LED) lights up green, the power tool can be switched on again. |
Illuminated red | Kickback shutdown,restart protection or overload protection has been triggered, the power tool will switch off. | Turn the power tool off and on again. |
You can select the required speed using the speed preselection thumbwheel (5), even during operation. The information in the table below describes the recommended values.
Material |
Application |
Application tool |
Thumbwheel position |
---|---|---|---|
Metal |
Removing paint |
Abrasive disc |
2 − 3 |
Wood, metal | Brushing, removing rust | Cup brush, abrasive disc | 3 |
Metal, stone | Grinding | Grinding disc | 4 − 6 |
Metal | Rough grinding | Grinding disc | 6 |
Metal | Cutting | Cutting disc | 6 |
Stone | Cutting | Diamond cutting disc and cutting guide (cutting of stone is permitted only with a cutting guide) | 6 |
The values specified for speed levels are guide values.
- The rated speed of the accessory must be at least equal to the maximum speed marked on the power tool. Accessories running faster than their rated speed can break and fly apart.
Level | GWS 20-125 SB |
---|---|
1 | 2800 |
2 | 4300 |
3 | 5800 |
4 | 7400 |
5 | 8900 |
6 | 10500 |
The values specified for speed levels are guide values.