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Bosch GCM12SD Review – 12 In. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw

Table of Contents

Intro

Bosch-GCM12SD COMPOUND MITER SAWBosch is a reliable brand that provides power tools for all kinds of users. The Bosch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw seems to work for the professional as well as the users that would need a miter saw only on occasion. With a 12” miter saw, the dual bevel guide and smart fence; this miter saw is an option for more than just the simple jobs.

The Bosch miter saw weighs 65-lbs and is 12” in diameter with a corded, electric 120 volts. Other convenience features such as having a handle, dust chute, and fence, users can accomplish a lot when using this miter saw.

Pros

  • Dual-Bevel Guide

    A smartly designed miter saw can save on time and stress to the user. Bosch created a bevel guide that provides ease of use with upfront bevel controls. Bosch has also created an exclusive system, Axial Glide System, which serves as a space saver. The Axial Glide System helps with the miter compound to not have dust collet dust which will prevent the ease of movement for the saw. With this bevel system, cuts seem more effortless and can even perform under less ideal conditions such as more humid climates.
    The bevel guide will allow the user to have wider cross-cuts with a great stop on glide action. Bosch sliding glide has an easy to read bevel and miter scale with adjustments that are also larger and easy to read for the user. Bosch provides durable precision and complete control of its saw, which allows the user to tackle several different types of projects.

  • Fence

    Bosch has added the fence feature to be pre-aligned with square lock. The one-touch lock and unlock feature to slide fence for added support. By adding the fence feature in this miter saw aids in aligning fence 90 degrees to the saw’s table. When the fence is locked, it will require no adjustment from the user which means that the saw maintains precision. In addition to the fence, the glide arm on the Bosch Sliding Miter Saw is effortless and smooth. Within this Bosch model, the controls are upfront providing easier access than other miter saws of the like. Having easy storage and controls upfront also mean that when not in use, the saw can be conveniently stored against the wall, out of the way in the users’ shop.

  • Cutting Capacity

    The Bosch Sliding Miter Saw delivers smooth cuts with its 12” blade. With a 14-inch cutting capacity, this compact Bosch saw has a capacity of 6-1/2” vertical capacity and also 6-1/2” crown capacity. Bosch Sliding Miter Saw also has a 14-inch expanded horizontal capacity, which is one of the selling features-making Bosch a top selection for professionals as well. Having a large cutting capacity is not lost on this Bosch saw. With being able to cut more, the comfort of using the saw should never be forgotten. The handle on this sliding miter saw has a soft grip and is ambidextrous.

Cons

  • Blade

    What needs to be strongly considered when searching for a miter saw is the blade offered. While Bosch is a strong brand, the blade that the sliding miter saw originally comes with is not as sturdy or of the best quality of the rest of the miter saw. Since it is just the blade that would hold the user back from an otherwise strong saw, this is recommended to be replaced if the intent of this sliding saw would be for extensive use on larger projects. A finish blade is not what the user will receive with the original saw, so it should be noted that an additional blade should be purchased for that purpose.

  • Feature Challenges

    Other smaller issues experienced with this sliding glide miter saw would directly relate to the miter saw. The miter detents and stop nose are not made of the most durable material. With many miter saws being made of aluminum material, the Bosch Sliding Miter Saw is made of plastic. While this helps make this saw price friendly, it does make for the saw to not be as sturdy as others. The Bosch model also should consider updating its controls. Having rear controls appear slightly outdated and makes for difficulty in storing. With this saw being 65 pounds, it is not the most compact saw so any changes to the configuration would be ideal for the user.

There are certain features that could use a little more attention to make it easier for the user. The start is not ideal and many users question its ease of use. In addition to the start on this miter saw, the safety button is slightly more difficult to operate. It becomes a hassle because it has to be pressed for every use. The dust collection, similar to many other miter saws, has a less than compatible vacuum port. It does not seem to be a standard size in comparison to the size of the Bosch saw.

Don’t forget to check out our roundup of the top-rated sliding compound miter saws!

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Bosch Sliding Miter Saw had high expectations and there are a few shortcomings to this miter saw. For a saw of this size, users are looking to purchase something that can withstand heavy use and deliver accurate, precise cuts every time. With some challenges with the factory provided blade as well as a few other issues with other features, it seems as if the Bosch may be ideal within reason. It does have an exclusive sliding system and provides more than adequate cutting capacity so if the user can navigate around the few challenges, this Bosch Sliding Miter Saw would serve as a solid addition to their power tool collection.

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