Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP40-30 Review

Tool Box Buzz rating:

Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP55-36

4.5/5
Manufacturer: Bosch
Model number: GOP55-36
Price: 185.00
Power source: Electric -Corded
Motor size: 4.0 Amps
Weight: 3.3 lbs.

Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP40-30

So what’s all this talk about Starlock?  Starlock is Bosch’s’ newest approach to high-performance, application-based multi-tool interface that is “stupid simple” to use. That means more power, precision and performance. So say hello to the Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP40-30!

Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP55-36

How the Starlock Interface Works

The Starlock interface system works off of accessory blade contact.  Typical blades attachment will contact the tool in two locations, whereas the Starlock accessories have a three-dimensional connection, making it way more secure and able to get more cutting out of the tools motor / oscillations.

Starlock features a no-touch quick change when used with a Bosch tool featuring the Snap-In System. Blade changing is fast and blade removal is easy with auto-ejection.  The best part is that Starlock blades are backward compatible with OIS systems and OIS-compatible tools.

The Bosch goal was to create a more  aggressive line of multitool accessories and larger contact surfaces for faster cutting applications. The interface system was jointly developed by oscillating tool market leaders Bosch® and Fein®.

Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP55-36

Blade grades for Bosch Starlock include

_ Starlock. These universal blades for everyday use, fit all Starlock interfaces and are backward compatible to Bosch OIS™ systems (Bosch, Fein, Makita®, Milwaukee® and other pro tools).

_ StarlockMax. These are extreme-duty blades for the toughest professional applications, including cutting through a 2×4 in one pass. Extra-long 80mm blades offer the fastest speed, deepest plunge cuts and best overall performance available.

Starlock is Progress

According to Jared Schmidt, multi-tool accessories product manager, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation:

“The Starlock interface represents a significant step forward in the multi-tool market. Power transmission makes all the difference in heavy-duty and industrial applications. Starlock gives professional users that additional level of performance they’ve always wanted from these tools. By matching appropriate accessories to the tool, we believe multi-tool life will be extended as well.”

Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP55-36Starlock Color Code

Bosch color coding system for each Starlock blade allowing you to choose the proper blade for the correct application.

  1. White is for all-purpose applications, including wood with nails
  2. Gray is for wood and laminate applications
  3. Blue is for cutting metal and other tough materials
  4. Purple is for soft materials, including sealants, caulk and carpet
  5. Brown is for grout removal and abrasive applications, including grinding and sanding

Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP55-36

Using the Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP40-30

The Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool Bosch GOP40-30 has a comfortable grip, the barrel shaped body is small enough to maneuver in your heads when working. It’s compact and weighs only 3.5 pounds.  The housing is rugged with ample rubber over-mold in the usual locations.

The 13-foot sort and ball-joint cord swivel is useful and appreciated, especially since most interior applications have an outlet nearby.

The tool has a slide on/off switch and a soft start, the speed is controlled by a variable speed dial 1 through 6 that controls the oscillations from 8,000 to 20,000 OPMs. The tool is not overly noisy and I immediately noticed that there was no metallic sound as the blade oscillated back and forth. I’m guessing that the Starlock design better grips the blade and there is more torque transfer and way less slop to make that sound.

This tool has a ton of power and easily cuts metal, wood, plaster and plastic. I did not use it to sand material since we primarily use this tool as a cutting tool on our remodeling projects.

What I liked!

My favorite feature of this tool, next to its powerful cutting capability, is the snap in accessory feature.  A simple push of the blade, in any position, snaps in in place. Similar to a socket snapping onto a ratchet wrench.   the quick release lever ejects the blade nicely as well.

The Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP40-30 is fairly quiet as far as decibels go, and has a “shit-ton” of cutting power.  When combined with a Bosch aggressive wood blade I was able to quickly and cleanly make plunge and scribe cuts in 100 year old baseboard trim.

Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP55-36

GOP40-30 StarlockPLUS Oscillating Multi-Tool for Heavy-Duty Applications

  • Weighs just 3.3 lbs.
  • 13-foot cord
  • Constant Response circuitry
  • 3-degree oscillating arc
  • Variable speed settings,
  • LED lighting
  • 4.0 amp motor
  • Works with both the Starlock and StarlockPLUS heavy-duty accessory range.

GOP55-36 StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool for Extreme-Duty Industrial Applications

  • Top-end, industrial-grade tool
  • 5.5 amp motor
  • Large 3.6-degree oscillating arc
  • Reinforced metal gearing
  • Constant Response circuitry
  • Variable speed settings
  • Weighs 3.5 lbs.
  • Works with the entire Starlock family of accessories: standard Starlock, StarlockPLUS and StarlockMAX extreme-duty blades.

How Much and Where To Buy

The Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP40-30 sells for $199.00 online here: GOP40-30C-StarlockPlus-Oscillating-Multi-Tool-Attachment

Bosch StarlockMAX Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP40-30Video Review

 

 Bosch Starlock Oscillating Multi-Tool Fact Box

ProductRatingOscillations per min.WeightOscillating ArcBlade CompatibilityAvailabilityPrice
GOP30-404.0 120V8,000-20,0003.3 lbs3.0°StarlockPLUS, StarlockMAXJune 2016US:  $179-$199

Canada: $249-$269

GOP55-365.5 120V8,000-20,0003.5 lbs3.6°Starlock, StarlockPLUS, StarlockMAXAugust 2016

US: $259-$399

Canada: $349-$549

About the author

Rob Robillard

Robert Robillard is a remodeler, general contractor, and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts, and serves as the Editor of Tool Box Buzz and founding editor of A Concord Carpenter . Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review - Tool and Product Review - Video Channel, , where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the remodeling industry. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/@https://twitter.com/robertrobillardRob Robillard

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