Bosch 5412 Miter Saw only $599.00

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.