Filed under: Dual Bevel Slide Miter Saw | Tags: 12-inch, bevel, laser, miter, saw, tracking
The Robert Bosch Tool Corporation enjoys a well-earned reputation for producing high-quality, well-engineered power tools. And we’re glad to report that the new Bosch 5412L 12-inch dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw is no exception. This remarkable tool combines unrivaled speed and power with impressive cutting capabilities. It’s also loaded with several innovative, user-friendly features, such as a laser that indicates exactly where the blade will cut. So, whether you’re a professional contractor or a serious do-it-yourselfer, the 5412L will handle virtually any cut, including square crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound angle cuts. In fact, the only type of cut this saw can’t make is a rip cut, but that’s true of any power miter saw.
The saw’s large 12-inch blade, powerful 3-horsepower motor and dual slide rail permits crosscutting boards up to 4-1/2 inches thick by 12 inches long. When set for a 45-degree miter-cut, it’ll cut up to 4 inches thick by 8-1/2 inches long. At a 45-degree bevel, the saw’s capacity is 2-3/4 inches by 12 inches. And when you set both the miter and bevel angles for a compound cut, the saw will cut up to 2-3/4 inches by 8-1/2 inches. This is the ideal tool for installing crown molding. It’ll cut crown up to 12 inches wide when the molding is laid flat on the worktable, and up to 6 inches wide when it’s held at an angle against the saw fence.
The 5412L also features convenient up-front adjustments of all bevel and miter settings, a four-position handle, work hold-down clamps, two sliding fences, dust-collection bag, and built-in sliding extensions that support boards up to 40 inches long. The motor is equipped with an electric brake that stops the blade within a split second of releasing the trigger. At 59 pounds, this isn’t the most portable miter saw on the market, but that small drawback is more than compensated by this tool’s superior performance and innovative features. — Joseph Truini
What’s in the Box
Bosch 5412L 12-inch dual-bevel sliding miter saw, 60-tooth carbide-tipped saw blade, blade wrench, flip-down crown molding stop, hold-down clamps, dust-collection bag, batteries for laser, instructional manual
Features:
- 12-inch dual bevel compound miter saw with laser tracking
- Wide miter range at 52 degrees left and right; 15 amp; 3,800 rpm; 3-horsepower
- Heavy cast-iron base; carbide-tipped saw blade
- Includes saw, blade, dust bag, elbow wrench set, flip-over crown stops
- 25-1/2-inch base and extenders to 40-inches long; 59 pounds; 1-year warranty
Batteries Included: 1
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Brand: Bosch
EAN: 0000346342727
Item Dimensions: 2225400083002150
Label: Bosch
Manufacturer: Bosch
Model: 5412L
MPN: 5412L
Publisher: Bosch
Studio: Bosch
I couldn’t wait to brag on this saw! Bought this saw just before Christmas and have done 2 major projects and numerous small jobs because I can’t take my hands off of it.
It setup in less than 15 minutes (and that consisted of screwing in the miter lock knob, installing the laser, and clearing a spot in the garage). Cut PERFECT 90 (zero) degree out of the box in locked position. I’ve now done everything this saw has to offer and it’s DEAD-ON as it FLOATS through the cut.
I’ve done depth-of-cut (dado) cuts at 45 degree bevel (left and right) to create shop jigs. Already done 4×4s and 1 x 12s at 45 degree bevel. Did floor molding miters standing upright against back fence (sliding arm feature is awesome for this). Cut free-form angle miters and 45, 22.5, and 60 all in the pre-set locking stops – this saw is TIGHT. No play in the dual arm slider – solid. Bevel and Miter functions both utilize pre-locking stops. Miter adjusts left and right by simple trigger button then locks into place. Table turns smooth and with little effort. There is NO play in the mechanism. The dual bevel and dual miter feature is a DEFINATE plus – have already used both when I wondered if it was ever necessary.
Back fence is single piece to maintain accuracy from left to right side as it goes around the blade. Left and right fences slide in and out independently to accommodate bevels/miters – but a short 1 inch piece (unifence) stays in place so you always have a true back plane to square the work piece. The top part of the fence adjusts easily by loosing one knob – slides very easily in a groove and stays TRUE. Doesn’t fall off and it’s not clumsy.
Have never had a cut-off jam in blade slot or against fence due to misalignment. Side extensions are helpful. Never had a work piece hang or snag on the side extensions or on the fence as I was sliding it across the table. Everything about this saw is clean and smooth and well aligned.
It’s got carry handles that seem to be placed in a balanced configuration although I’ve only moved it short distances (but MANY times). Has depth-of-cut setting (with quick release) which works on bevels and miters. Has a locking pin to lock the head in the down position for chop cuts or sliding cuts (or BOTH at the same time). Can also lock the slider at ANY distance from the fence. You can make any conceivable combination of cuts with this saw. This saw does not create saw dust – it creates saw “powder” and lots of it. Never seen anything like this before. RPMs are dead-on to make this saw glide through every cut. By the way, I used the standard blade that shipped with my unit in regards to all the comments in this review.
Laser is accurate but personally I line the blade teeth up on the cut line before powering up the saw. Blade guard has NEVER gotten in my way – including 45 degree bevels – will likely be the FIRST blade guard I’ve ever left in place. Blade brake is very nice! Base has numerous mounting holes for when the day comes. I’ve actually used the left handed operator feature a few times (which requires no adjustment – has dual buttons). This was handy when the best/safest way to hold the work-piece was on the right side of the table.
I built two large lofts for the kids’ rooms. Serious projects with large (4×4, 2×8) to small (3/4″ molding) lumber. Railings, ladders, bookshelves, tables, small hobby pieces, base molding (around 8 corners), and window sill – all using standard cutoffs to 45 degree bevels on up to 1×12″ deep shelving. Cedar, pine, MDF, oak. All with perfect accuracy and perfectly flush joints! Including a couple of butt joints which are never a good idea, but were dead square with flat faces on this saw.
I’ve been getting by for years with a top-notch table saw and circular saw – debating too long whether to add a radial-arm-saw or sliding-compound-miter. I grew up with a radial arm available for cross cutting – but have been paralyzed for some time to make a decision between the two. After reading NUMEROUS opinions on the web, I decided on SCMS. WOW! What a waste of time the last few years have been. The price of this saw is immeasurable to the headaches you will save and accuracy you will gain. I paid $560 with free shipping and didn’t have to pay sales tax. It was WELL worth it. Now I just noticed that Amazon has $110 discount for $500+ power saws. I used my hard earned Christmas bonus to help purchase the saw but missing out on the $110 savings doesn’t even phase me as this saw is a steal at $560 without any discounts.
I could write more, but I’ve already spent so much time with my saw that I need to spend some time with my wife…. Family time tonight consisted of the kids helping dad screw some new (Bosch) shelves together in the living room while mom watched from the couch.
Great saw. It took about one hour to align everything and now it cuts great. The blade that comes with it is ok but plan on buying a better one soon. The dust bag is a joke, but hook it up to a shop vac and it does a good job.
Highly recommended.
The saw is more than I need. A 10″ miter saw would have been enough, but, at $470.00 shipped with a DeWalt Reciprocating Saw and a Bosch Jig Saw it was too good of a deal to pass up.
I have three other miter saws in my shop, DeWalt, PC and Hitachi, none of them compare to the Bosch. I ordered the saw on Tuesday afternoon, saw arrived Thursday. All my men prefer the Bosch saw.
I am blown away by this saw. I am an avid do-it yourselfer and do some remodeling work on the side. After a few months using it, I realize this saw is more than I will ever need. Precise cuts, incredible construction…seriously built like a tank. Turned to Bosch from a friend’s recommendation, and I am sure glad I listened. You will not be sorry with this saw. If I had to find a flaw – it ain’t light.
There is an old saying “Things of Quality pass the test of time!” This is by far the best saw I have ever owned. Built like a tank and hyper accurate…if you demand qaulity this is the saw for you!
My last saw was a Delta 12″ laser it was adequate but this new Bosch 5412L 12″ Dual Bevel Slide Miter Saw with Laser Tracking ROCKS…as we used to say in the Marines… It’s a good piece of gear!
I’ve had this saw for six months now and continue to be impressed by its accuracy, features and quality of its construction. I bought during an Amazon 10% off tool sale. Combined with the rebate form that allowed me to get a free Bosch jig saw (also very nice, by the way), this was one of the best values I’ve experienced during extensive shopping at Tool Crib and Amazon over the last several years. Regardless, this saw is worth the price of regular admission.
I decided to add crown molding, chair rails to my entire home, I have absolutely no experience with electric saws of any kind and I had never used a compound miter saw before I purchased the Bosch 5412L, the saw was true and square with no need for adjustments, the only saw I ever used was a plastic miter box to do one window casing. I figured I would buy the best saw with good reviews. I also purchased the Bosch portable stand with it. The saw is huge and it was a bit of a pain mounting it to the portable stand but I was done in about an hour. I ordered some angle tools and DVD’s to help with the install. Two days after watching the Dvds and reading the books, I started installing 4.25″ crown molding in my bathroom, I made all the cuts and then painted the molding on the floor before hanging it, everything was going great until I went to hang it in the morning before work after the paint had dried, when I went to hang it I noticed I had to make a small adjustment cut(I think it was do to the two coats of paint) but I was in a rush and ran down to the basement to make a “QUICK” cut but thats when I made dangerous mistake, I was in such a rush before work that I forgot to slide the upper fence to the side for the crown angle, I set the angles with the saw pulled foward and went to make the cut, I cut the crown but when I was pushing it through the molding I also went through the metal fence, I had about 10 metal splinters all in my head and face, thank goodness it missed my eyes and for no permanant damage, I will never rush or not use my protective eyewear ever again! I was so upset with myself and for what I did to my saw. I figured it was going to cost me some more money to replace the blade and fence, I called Bosch that same day and explained what I did, they sent me a new fence overnight for FREE! the 60 tooth blade is fine but after speaking with the service rep, he took the time and explained that I should get a blade with more teeth for fine finish work. The saw is great and the service was better. I am embarrassed for what I did but I am hoping it will keep someone else safe and from making the same mistake. Aside from my mistake the saw and stand are great. The bathroom looks fantastic. I cant wait to start a new room.
Right out of the box the saw was dead on all the settings, but the cut just isn’t great. My test piece was a 1×4 maple filler. Good hard stait wood, but the cut wasn’t completely flat, after switching blades for a heavier stiffer blade, it got noticable better but not great, putting the cut piece on my table saw shoes little gaps along the cut, especially in the begginging of the cut. Tried 20 different was of entering the cut and altering speed and hand pressure on the saw, but nothing really changed, bad cut after bad cut…For comparison, my hitachi 10″ slider is dead on accurate and you couldn’t ask for a better cut. I have a similar problem with another Bosch 12″ dual bevel (no slide) which had severe arbor wobble when i first purchased it, warranty service took care of it but the cuts were never perfect. Guess its just a bad design, but even with this flaw this is one big awesome saw for 99% of all trim carpentry. Wouldn’t hesitate one second to trim a house out with it, just not cabinet and high end stain grade work. Even for large crown it’s accurate, i’m just talking about 1/64″ gaps in the cut, still tight enough to skip caulking if your good enough. Unfortunetly I wanted a large capacity saw to keep in my shop for furniture and cabinet work, and that demands only the best cut and although this saw doesn’t offer it, it’s still has plenty to offer especially for the price.
I recently upgraded from a DeWalt compound miter saw because I wanted the extra capacity that the slide provides and expected greater accuracy from the built-in laser then I was getting from an aftermarket bolt-on I had added to my old one. The Bosch was a better price then the equivalent DeWalt so I decided to take a chance on a different brand. I have had good luck with Bosch (worm-drive saw, jigsaw, and whatnot) in the past and was definitely not disappointed this time around. In fact, the saw performs better than my expectations. I have had it for about a month now and get great, clean cuts with exceptional accuracy every time. The stock blade is good enough to cut through exotic hardwoods and even brass bar stock with ease. The 3 HP motor runs smooth and powerfully. Blade changing is a bit of a challenge and the dust collector bag is darn near useless, but that is no different than I have found from other brands. Good price/great saw. I am very happy with this purchase.
