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Tools & Materials

Bosch CM12 Compound-Miter Saw

Perfect cuts right out of the box

By Paul Johnson

Price: $330
Weight: 43 lb.
Warranty: 1 year
Crosscut at 90°: 7-15/16 in.
Crosscut at 45°: 5-1/2 in.
Nested crown: 6-15/16 in.

 

Features  
The Bosch made perfect cuts out of the box without any adjustments. Instead of auxiliary extension wings, two portions of the saw table extend out and act as supports for longer stock. I like that when the supports are retracted, the saw’s footprint is smaller, which makes carrying the saw and storing it easier than with some of the other models.

The Bosch has a rear handle, so you can carry it like a briefcase, which prevents scraped knuckles when you’re moving the saw through narrow doorways, and it frees your opposite hand for carrying other stuff.

Unlike any of the other saws, the Bosch’s bevel lock is on the side of the saw arm, allowing you to change the bevel setting without reaching behind the tool. The detent override is also placed thoughtfully above the miter adjustment. Dust collection on the Bosch is noticeably better than on all the other saws. This saw collects about 75% of the sawdust without being connected to a vacuum and removes even more with a vac hooked up.

Flaws 
 
This saw is louder than other models, and the design of the blade guard makes it hard to see a pencil mark on your stock.

Bottom line
  
While I wish the saw were dual-bevel and quieter, these minor annoyances were overcome by its dust collection, perfectly placed controls, and easy blade changes.


Features that matter
 
With the cutting capacities so evenly matched, choosing the best saw in this group boiled down to identifying the model with the best features. Compared to the Bosch, all the other miter saws are playing catch-up.

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Editor Test Results:

Overall RatingBest Overall

Manufacturer Specifications:

ManufacturerBosch
Manufacturer's Web Sitewww.boschtools.com
Manufacturer's Phone Number877-267-2499
Weight43 lb.
Dimensions16" height, 19.6" length
Max Width of Cut (90/45 degrees)7-15/16 in. / 5-1/2 in.
Max Depth of CutN/A
Max Miter/Bevel0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45° (Left/Right)
Double BevelN/A
LaserN/A
Amps15
Volts120
Blade Size12
Blade TypeN/A

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