Bosch redefines sliding miter saw category with new "glider" system

comments (12) June 4th, 2010 in Blogs

Justin Fink, Senior Editor

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I give 'em credit. Bosch had what was arguably the best sliding compound miter saw in the industry. They came out in the top spot in many head-to-head reviews, and were responsible for innovations such as moving the bevel controls to the front of the tool where they are far more accessible. I give 'em credit because being a leader in the miter saw category and still deciding to try to improve is gutsy...especially when you challenge the very foundation of what makes a sliding miter saw so identifiable -- the sliding rails!

The new GCM12SD 12-in. dual-bevel GLIDE miter saw replaces the common pair of tubular rails with what Bosch is calling an Axial-Glide system. Similar to the linkage used in a four-bar suspension setup, the Axial-Glide system is sort of like a pair of hinges that allow the tool to glide forward to make deep cuts without sacrificing space at the back of the saw when retracted.

The saw has lots of great features to talk about, but there are only three that I think you need to know about right now:

Saves Space - The saw has no rails protruding from the back of the saw. This means it can be pushed up right to the wall - more room on the workbench. Less chance of damage to walls on a jobsite. More working space for everybody. Oh, did I mention it also does this while offering a 14-in. horizontal cutting capacity?

Stays True - One nice thing about aluminum arms instead of steel rails is that the slide...excuse me, "glide" mechanism...stays calibrated. Even on a fully extended bevel cut I saw VERY little deflection in the cutting motion.

Looks Cool - We can all pretend that the "cool factor" of a tool doesn't matter, but we all know it does. I bet if I took your favorite reciprocating saw and painted it bright pink you'd be a little less proud to pull it out of the case on the jobsite. A gliding miter saw looks sweet, nuff said.

For those of you wondering, Bosch tells me that the selling price will be about $700.

posted in: Blogs, miter saws

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Comments (12)

twong writes: Tried the new Bosch miter saw at the local hardware store. Glide action was as smooth as butter. Sweet!. Some of the controls such as locking down fence were not as convenient as compared to my 4410. Also, the handle is not adjustable. You'd have to try it and see if the ergonomics fit your needs. Otherwise it is a beautiful saw.
Posted: 11:57 pm on November 21st

EthanB writes: I have to say that the GLIDE mechanism looks pretty nice, and the low profile is a nice touch. I'm not sure about the dust collection though. I don't think that tiny flap with a vertical plastic tube is not going to catch a lot of dust no matter how strong the vac you attach to it is. But I guess we'll see when more hands-on reviews come out.
Posted: 10:33 am on October 12th

OutOfPlum writes: Specs and a somewhat more detailed review available here:

http://www.protoolreviews.com/reviews/power-tools/corded/saws-routers/bosch-axial-glide-12-miter-saw
Posted: 8:41 am on October 12th

captaindon writes: If it tests well, I'm in. Like my current 12" Bosch, but getting rid of the rails would be worth the investment. Easier to handle, and I would be able to use it on my work bench in my equipment trailer.
Posted: 7:41 pm on October 4th

Dreamcatcher writes: @OldRattler

Usually the cut capacity of a saw can be "extended" by lifting the board as you finish the cut and lift the saw head. For instance, my Makita slider has an official cross cut capacity of 12" but can be forced to cut up to 16" if necessary.

On the other hand my big old school DeWalt RAS has an official cross cut capacity of 18" which if I had the nuggets could probably go to 20" by lifting. It's just a much more dangerous operation on a 2HP RAS.

And no need to speak of coffins for the RAS, a machine that excels at dados, notches, and tennoning... which is impossible for a SCMS. It is only unfortunate that moving the 250lb beast makes taking it to the jobsite a task I don't care to overtake.

And @WallaWallaBuilder... since when is $700 MSRP too steep for a SCMS? My Makita was $650 when it first came out.

DC
Posted: 12:37 am on September 24th

OldRattler writes: I have to agree with other posters about substituting useful information like vertical cut specs, weight, and such for looks, though I suspect that was added with a bit of tongue in cheek. I expect the 14" width of cut spec will be the final nail in the radial arm saw's coffin. I have been buying Bosch tools for a couple of years now and if this is as good as the rest, you can't go wrong. Although Festool equipment is impressive and well-engineered, a friend who has a couple of their products is only just "satisfied" because the cost of them has not given him any edge whatsoever over the many other excellent tool makers' equipment available for considerably less money, e.g. Bosch in particular, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Delta, Porter Cable, etc. How about a Fine Homebuilding short demo link?
Posted: 9:30 am on September 20th

LocalHero writes: Looks cool doesn't matter much, I've already got that covered!
I'm more interested in weight, size and decibel levels. Nice that it cuts 14" across, but if that adds a lot of bulk/weight I'd rather see the same saw in a 10" model that's smaller and lighter.
Looking forward to the review!
Posted: 7:00 am on June 15th

WallaWallaBuilder writes: Great looking saw! Quite a steep price thought. I am curious what is the vertical cutting capacity.
Posted: 7:13 pm on June 12th

MikeGuertin writes: So when will FHB get a hard copy and do some video on how this model works? It would be good to see it in action.
Posted: 7:52 am on June 12th

willyinwhitby writes: Interesting that Hitachi's 12" sliding compound miter saw also goes right back against a wall because the slide bars can be locked either at the front or the back. I've had mine for several years and the nain reason I bought it was because of the reduced depth necessary for a bench against the wall.
It has been a great saw and has had absolutely no alignment problems.
Posted: 3:55 pm on June 7th

michael2160 writes: I bought my first sliding compound miter saw in 1988. It was a Hitachi and had the two bars sliding in a bushed boss. I had to use it on a set of horses since the bars traveled back and beyond the saw's base. I actually bought three as the first two were stolen by my framers. (has anything changed?)

I no longer work in the field and when I set up shop in my garage I was limited to using a Delta compound miter saw.

I have been slowing upgrading from my Delta/Porter Cable equipment to Festool and recently acquired their sliding miter saw as it took up the same room as the Delta but gave me a significantly wider cut.

The Festool uses the same technique as the original Hitachi except the motor rides on rigid rails. I really like the saw.

The Bosch seems to be a usable set up inasmuch as it can it be put close to a wall like a typical compound miter saw. I wonder if the "Looks Cool" factor may be a detriment as it appears to be a tad over engineered, almost Rube Goldebergish.
Posted: 4:41 am on June 7th

Dreamcatcher writes: Um, no "Looks Cool" is not on my list.

But motor specs sure are. Any clue what those are?

How about dust collection capabilities?

Weight?

DC

Posted: 10:30 am on June 6th

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