Bosch Surface Grinder CSG15 Review

Sick of hearing about OSHA’s silica dust requirements for concrete? They’re not going away anytime soon, but we’re committed to keeping you up to speed on products that will help keep you compliant and away from those pesky fines. Today’s muse is the CSG15 – a Bosch surface grinder that includes an integrated shroud for dust collection.

Pros

• Integrated dust collection
• Shroud front slides away to grind against walls
• Shroud brushes are easy to replace
• Service Minder brushes alert you before brushes are shot

Cons

• Handle could be thinner

Key Features

Integrated Guard/Shroud System

Easily the biggest feature in our current Table 1 world is the integrated shroud system that this Bosch surface grinder includes. It’s built right into the guard, so there are no additional accessories to fool with when it comes to dust collection. When you need to grind against a wall, you can slide the front of the shroud open to get all the way to the edge.

A Bosch dust extractor will be your best bet since the nozzle locks in place. However, you can also use other brand’s vacuum hoses, though you may need an adapter.

The difference between surface grinding with and without a shroud is incredible. Just pull the trigger without collection and you’re pretty much out of compliance with how much dust this kind of tool kicks up. Bosch’s integrated shroud brings that down to almost nothing.

Pro Tip: Remember to have 25 CFM for every 1″ of grinder wheel diameter on your dust extractor when you’re surface grinding.

Constant Response Circuitry

Bosch’s electronics may not be the only ones to perform their functions, but they’re awfully nice to have. When you flip the switch on, the motor gives you a soft start and the electronics will push up to 12.5 amps to keep the wheel spinning as close to 9,300 RPMs as it can muster. The circuitry will also provide overload protection so the tool shuts off before you damage the motor.

Service Minder Brushes

It’s inevitable that you’ll have to replace the brushes sooner or later. The Bosch CSG15 gives you a heads up so you can swap them out before you have to take the tool out of service and lose productivity.

Additional Features

• Sealed switch
• Double-sealed ball bearings
• Two lip-sealing rings
• Lock-on/off switch
• Auxilliary handle

Performance

A 12.5-amp motor spins the grinder up to 9,300 RPM and the integrated dust collection is a nice luxury. That only tells part of the story, though. If the grinder doesn’t have enough power or vibrates the snot out of you, you’re going to have some resistance from your crew in using it.

Starting with a double row segmented wheel and then moving to a turbo row, it’s clear that the Bosch surface grinder has plenty of power and takes down the concrete surface layer quickly. I wouldn’t want to do 2000 square feet of concrete on my hands and knees, but there’s no doubt I can turn to the CSG15 for areas large floor models won’t reach.

Ergonomics

At 5.95 pounds, this Bosch surface grinder is pretty reasonable for a tool that can get away with more weight since it’s primarily used on floors.

To make room for the motor, Bosch has a larger handle diameter than I prefer. It’s not so wide that I ever felt out of control when using it, though.

You’ll feel some vibration when you’re using the tool. This doesn’t come as a surprise and it’s not outside the spectrum of what any Pro should expect for surface grinding with a handheld grinder.

Price and Value

The Bosch surface grinder can be yours for $359. It’s pretty much ready to go with a 5″ double row segmented diamond cup wheel for aggressive removal. You’ll need other cups during your process, of course.

Most other brands just have attachment shrouds to go on their existing grinders. Those are still OSHA-compliant, but Bosch’s dedicated system is awfully convenient for concrete work.

By the time you take a quality 5″ grinder ($120 – $200) along with a shroud ($60 – $130) and aggressive diamond cup wheel ($80 – $140), you’re going to shell out somewhere in the $260 – $470 range or more. Considering the package that Bosch puts together, $359 is a fair price.

Included in the Set

• Auxilliary handle
• Flange kit
• Spanner wrench
• 5″ diamond cup wheel
• Surface Guard with vacuum connection
• Blow-molded carrying case

The Bottom Line

Bosch’s integrated dust collection shroud and grinder performance share the spotlight in a system that makes a lot of sense for a dedicated concrete surface grinder. If you have room for one, you’ll enjoy the performance and convenience that the CSG15 Bosch surface grinder offers. The remaining question is whether or not it makes sense to target a cordless version using the Core18V battery. For now, this is a product you don’t have to think hard about pulling the trigger on.

Bosch Surface Grinder Specifications

• Model: Bosch CSG15
• Power Source: 120V AC
• Motor: 12.5-amp
• No Load Speed: 9,300 RPM
• Wheel Diameter: 5″
• Spindle: 5/8-11 UNC
• Weight: 5.95 lbs
• Height: 6.0″
• Length: 13.75″
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: $120 – $370