I fell in love with this saw first time I saw it, lol. I have a very small wood shop and the rails on traditional saws have always been such a waste of space. I love all my Bosch tools. They’ve always had great innovations as far as I’m concerned. My 2005ish GMC’s saw’s motor ‘finally’ fried so now I have an excuse to tell the wife why I need this. One thing I don’t like is I really wish it had the integrated wings the 12” has and then also the lack of a shadow line too. Guess they need to leave something for their newer upgraded saws. Idk. Nice review, thanks!
*Works great. First thing I did was use it to build a stand for it **MyBest.Tools** Added 2 4X4 to both sides of it to get more surface area to hold the larger boards. Instructions are easy to read and follow to set up.*
After a year with my 12” Bosch here are my thoughts: There is definitely a decent amount of deflection on hardwoods. But I’m running a thin kerf blade. I’m sure most would go away with a full kerf or blade stabilizers. The dust collection is BAD. But I bought this for the small foot print. It hasn’t grown in size 12 months so I’m pleased with that aspect. I think you’re smart with a small cart. My miter station is too big.
Good note on the deflection with hardwoods - I haven't had any noticeable deflection on 4/4 hardwood, but there was some when I cut through some 8/4. I chalked it up to a potential twist in the board, but it might have just been a bit of a workout for the saw. Dust collection is definitely not great (far better than my DeWalt, though). The Festool CT MIDI does a bit better job than my shop vac, but I think I might fashion a bit of an extension to the existing rubber shroud, which helps direct the dust into the piping.
@@MasonWoodshopCheck out Ridge Carbide blades! I haven't used them but Spencer Lewis of Finish Carpentry TV seems to swear by the quality of the carbide teeth (and how many times you can sharpen the blades). They have full and thin kerf, neg hook angle, AR/ATBR teeth.
A very well detailed review. I’ve been eyeing this saw forever now. A bit confused though by some say they have some issues with this saw but others saying they have none to little at all. I guess it’s matter of user preferences?
I definitely agree that reviews/thoughts on this saw (and 12” version) is inconsistent. Mine has been great with no adjustment needed from how it was factory set. The good news is that everything is easily adjustable if adjustment is needed.
I’m in the same boat… trying to decide on a saw… and I’m starting to wonder if a lot of the “won’t cut straight” reviews are from people who don’t know how to calibrate it.
i have the 12" 18V Version. Its a beast, beside the Dewalt and new Makita the best battery miter in my option. Yes the dust extraction is horrible but the Bosch miter tables are so optional, the slide arm is just super smooth and it has unlike other 12" adjustable RPM. If they fix the dust extraction, switch from double Laser to shadow i would Upgrade. Anyways Bosch blades are made by Freud "made in Italy" and Bosch is the main share holder of Freud. And Diabolo is just rebranded Freud blades
Great insight on the blades, I never knew that! I've always been impressed with Bosch blades in their other tools, so the Freud connection makes a lot of sense. I generally flip all of my DeWalt tools over to Freud Diablo blades.
No laser on this saw, although I do believe that Bosch either offers (or did in the past) a laser ring that can be attached to the blade mechanism. I don't find it too bad to line the teeth up with my mark.
It is a toss up on this saw and the Milwaukee. I haven't seen any direct comparison reviews on You Tube between these two saws. Anybody have any thoughts on the matter?
This saw has been terrible for me. Tuned it out of the box and replaced the stock blade. It leaves ridges on the ends of simple cuts. Sliding cuts exacerbates the issue. It’s to the point that I use it only for ROUGH carpentry. As a hobbyist, I’m not doing fine woodworking here but I would expect a smooth, clean cut from a $600 saw. My old DeWalt cms was perfect that way. Am I the only one seeing these issues?
You're definitely not the only one who has issues with this saw. There are a myriad number of fundamental design flaws that make this saw more of a toy than a professional woodworking tool. Here is just a partial list: 1. Significant blade deflection especially with cuts at full extension. 2. Rotating base not level with fixed base. 3. Plastic(!) detente system making repeatable accurate miter cuts nearly impossible. 4. Blade guard spring too tight causing vertical curve drift in chop cuts. 5. Unbelievably poor dust collection system. 6. Terrible work piece clamping system (though this is true of most miter saws). 7. Overly complex bevel cut system with terrible preset system. 8. Inability to lock saw at any distance other than closed position. There are those that argue that sliding CMS saws have a tough time with cabinetry-making because of their basic design, but this saw has such inexcusable flaws that it makes detailed work almost impossible. It is the one tool purchase I regret almost every time I use it.
Let me know what miter/mitre saw you use and what you think about it. How do you have it mounted?
I fell in love with this saw first time I saw it, lol. I have a very small wood shop and the rails on traditional saws have always been such a waste of space. I love all my Bosch tools. They’ve always had great innovations as far as I’m concerned. My 2005ish GMC’s saw’s motor ‘finally’ fried so now I have an excuse to tell the wife why I need this. One thing I don’t like is I really wish it had the integrated wings the 12” has and then also the lack of a shadow line too. Guess they need to leave something for their newer upgraded saws. Idk. Nice review, thanks!
*Works great. First thing I did was use it to build a stand for it **MyBest.Tools** Added 2 4X4 to both sides of it to get more surface area to hold the larger boards. Instructions are easy to read and follow to set up.*
After a year with my 12” Bosch here are my thoughts: There is definitely a decent amount of deflection on hardwoods. But I’m running a thin kerf blade. I’m sure most would go away with a full kerf or blade stabilizers. The dust collection is BAD. But I bought this for the small foot print. It hasn’t grown in size 12 months so I’m pleased with that aspect. I think you’re smart with a small cart. My miter station is too big.
Good note on the deflection with hardwoods - I haven't had any noticeable deflection on 4/4 hardwood, but there was some when I cut through some 8/4. I chalked it up to a potential twist in the board, but it might have just been a bit of a workout for the saw. Dust collection is definitely not great (far better than my DeWalt, though). The Festool CT MIDI does a bit better job than my shop vac, but I think I might fashion a bit of an extension to the existing rubber shroud, which helps direct the dust into the piping.
Once I heard the weight lost interest for the saw right away , thank you for the review
If you want a really fine blade, get the Forest Chop Master Signature. It is is very fine, perfect cuts. I have this same miter saw
That’s been on my list for a while. I should bite the bullet sooner than later! Thanks for the reminder.
@@MasonWoodshopCheck out Ridge Carbide blades! I haven't used them but Spencer Lewis of Finish Carpentry TV seems to swear by the quality of the carbide teeth (and how many times you can sharpen the blades).
They have full and thin kerf, neg hook angle, AR/ATBR teeth.
A very well detailed review. I’ve been eyeing this saw forever now. A bit confused though by some say they have some issues with this saw but others saying they have none to little at all. I guess it’s matter of user preferences?
I definitely agree that reviews/thoughts on this saw (and 12” version) is inconsistent. Mine has been great with no adjustment needed from how it was factory set. The good news is that everything is easily adjustable if adjustment is needed.
I’m in the same boat… trying to decide on a saw… and I’m starting to wonder if a lot of the “won’t cut straight” reviews are from people who don’t know how to calibrate it.
i have the 12" 18V Version. Its a beast, beside the Dewalt and new Makita the best battery miter in my option.
Yes the dust extraction is horrible but the Bosch miter tables are so optional, the slide arm is just super smooth and it has unlike other 12" adjustable RPM.
If they fix the dust extraction, switch from double Laser to shadow i would Upgrade.
Anyways Bosch blades are made by Freud "made in Italy" and Bosch is the main share holder of Freud. And Diabolo is just rebranded Freud blades
Great insight on the blades, I never knew that! I've always been impressed with Bosch blades in their other tools, so the Freud connection makes a lot of sense. I generally flip all of my DeWalt tools over to Freud Diablo blades.
Does anyone know what the distance from the fence face to the back of the axial glide mechanism?
On the 10”, it’s just under 14 1/2”.
@@MasonWoodshop Thank you! I couldn't find that dimension published anywhere.
Looking at pursuing. ? How is the lining up the blade with your mark? Is there a laser light line?
No laser on this saw, although I do believe that Bosch either offers (or did in the past) a laser ring that can be attached to the blade mechanism. I don't find it too bad to line the teeth up with my mark.
It is a toss up on this saw and the Milwaukee. I haven't seen any direct comparison reviews on You Tube between these two saws. Anybody have any thoughts on the matter?
I am absolutely clueless why my school replaced their Makita ls1219l with this.
Haha! I ended up moving to the Makita LS1019L after the deflection started to drive me mad. The Makita has been great in many ways!
@@MasonWoodshop being honest i just liked the makita more because it was what i started woodworking with. and the soft start.
This saw has been terrible for me. Tuned it out of the box and replaced the stock blade. It leaves ridges on the ends of simple cuts. Sliding cuts exacerbates the issue. It’s to the point that I use it only for ROUGH carpentry. As a hobbyist, I’m not doing fine woodworking here but I would expect a smooth, clean cut from a $600 saw. My old DeWalt cms was perfect that way. Am I the only one seeing these issues?
You're definitely not the only one who has issues with this saw. There are a myriad number of fundamental design flaws that make this saw more of a toy than a professional woodworking tool. Here is just a partial list:
1. Significant blade deflection especially with cuts at full extension.
2. Rotating base not level with fixed base.
3. Plastic(!) detente system making repeatable accurate miter cuts nearly impossible.
4. Blade guard spring too tight causing vertical curve drift in chop cuts.
5. Unbelievably poor dust collection system.
6. Terrible work piece clamping system (though this is true of most miter saws).
7. Overly complex bevel cut system with terrible preset system.
8. Inability to lock saw at any distance other than closed position.
There are those that argue that sliding CMS saws have a tough time with cabinetry-making because of their basic design, but this saw has such inexcusable flaws that it makes detailed work almost impossible. It is the one tool purchase I regret almost every time I use it.
@@HomeTheatreCanadian Thanks for the response. Yeah, I have regrets as well. Shame really. I wanted to love this saw.
No laser or shadow line feature for a $600 saw. . . Hummm...
It’s become a bit more limiting over the couple of years I’ve had. Very tempted to move to the Makita.
Haha what are talking about? No serious carpenter uses them
@@wewilltravelsoon2237 you’re right. Only real pros use them.
Hear me out…hot glue a small led to it
I wish it was a little lighter
Totally agree - this thing is heavy!