Photo: Bosch
What We Like
- Smooth, compact, and precise axial glide system
- Precise square-lock quick-release fences
- Dual bevel with highly visible scales
- Dust chute and vacuum adapter
- Built-in sliding material supports
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy
- Expensive
Bottom Line
An innovative miter saw that packs in smoothness and precision in a compact design. If you are a professional carpenter, the Bosch GCM12SD is the perfect addition to your workshop because it will improve your woodcutting quality while consuming very little bench space.
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Bosch GCM12SD Review
Photo: Bosch
Bosch has been at the forefront when it comes to developments in tool technology and its products have gained a reputation of being innovative and highly precise.
The GCM12SD is no different because it features an innovative axial gliding system that replaces the conventional sliding rail system. This system is complemented by other very handy features, which are explained in detail below.
Performance: Smooth and Precise
The most distinct feature of this Bosch GCM12SD is its axial gliding system. Popular Mechanics stated that Bosch engineers redesigned the tool due after discovering that sliding rails limit motion. They fitted it with multiple limbs connected by a series of hinges.
According to the manufacturer, these limbs are made of cast aluminum arms while the hinges contain sealed ball bearings. Gliding on these sealed bearings makes the cutting process very smooth and the effect of this is greatly felt when making angled compound cuts.
Additionally, gliding gets rid of rail deterioration, which usually occurs after repeated use. As such, recalibration is not required overtime, which results in very high accuracy throughout.
This patented axial gliding system works in tandem with the saw’s powerful 15-amp, 3800 RPM motor to deliver superior cutting performance while two pre-aligned square-lock quick-release fences enhance the tool’s accuracy by locking at the right position all the time.
All in all, with its 12-inch blade, the saw offers a 14-inch horizontal cutting capacity and 6.5-inch vertical cutting capacity when making crosscuts. This means you can cut up to three 2 x 14 lumber when stacked on each other.
For crown molding though, the horizontal capacity reduces to 6.5 inches, which is still enough for most projects.
Design: Compact and Easy to Use
The axial gliding system is not only smooth and precise but is also very compact. It reduces the saw’s size by up to 12 inches as compared to other conventional sliding rail miter saws of the same capacity.
This reduces its footprint and therefore, less bench space is required to set it up on your workshop.
Apart from being compact, the GCM12SD is designed for easy use. It has upfront bevel lock controls that make bevel adjustments quick and easy. This means you don’t have to extend your hand to the rear to unlock the arm for tilting.
You get a miter detent override that allows you to easily set the angle close to the detents without falling in. That said, the miter range extends 52° to the left and 60° to the right with 10 positive stops in between.
These are set at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6° and 45° to the left and right, plus 60° at the right end. They allow you to easily adjust the head to the popular cutting angles.
The head bevels 47° on either side and it has a highly visible scale with 7 positive stops that are set at 0°, 33.9°, 45° and 47° on both sides.
On the back end, the quick-release fences have a 1-touch installation/ removal process, which makes them very easy to use.
Other features include an ambidextrous soft-grip trigger handle that can be used by either a right or left-handed person and sliding base extension supports that can be pulled outward to provide an additional 40 inches of support. This makes it possible to cut very long workpieces.
Safety Feature: Guard, Brake and Dust Collection
Safety is not compromised with this miter saw. It has a transparent blade guard that covers the blade whether it is spinning or not. This keeps the sharp fins from causing any accidents such as pricking or cutting your fingers if your arm gets too close.
By being transparent, the guard gives you a clear line of sight to the cutline, which allows you to remain alert and release the trigger if anything goes wrong.
That said, once you release the trigger, automatic braking kicks in, and it stops the blade just 5 seconds after. This minimizes the risk of injury in case the guard fails to deploy. However, it is recommended to let the blade stop first before raising it from the workpiece.
Lastly, dust collection plays a big role in safety because it minimizes the risk of it getting into your nose and eyes. This miter saw has a dust chute and vacuum adapter combination, which provides enough channels for debris evacuation.
Bosch categorizes this as one of the best dust collection systems because it gets rid of up to 90% of the produced dust.
Portability: Ideal for Stationary Use
Though compact, this Bosch GCM12SD is very heavy. It weighs 88.2 pounds and this weight is not ideal for transporting to different remote worksites. The best place to use it is in a workshop while stationary.
However, if you don’t mind carrying the saw, you can tag it along, provided there is a power outlet at the remote worksite because it is corded.
Price: Worthy of Its Price
Bosch’s GCM12SD is not exactly cheap. However, for the revolutionary axial glide system that it has, it is worth the price. As compared to other Bosch miter saws, this model is the largest (with a 12-inch size), and therefore, it is the costliest of them all.
On the bright side, it offers the largest cutting capacity and comes with multiple accessories, which include a 12-inch 60-tooth carbide-tipped blade, a wrench, a dust bag, a vacuum adapter elbow, and a toolless vertical work clamp.
Verdict
A revolutionary miter saw with a smooth, precise, and compact gliding system that is ideal for high-quality cutting in professional projects.
With its axial glide system, Bosch’s GCM12SD delivers unparalleled smoothness and precision. Combined with its easy-to-use design, the tool makes it to the list of some of the best dual bevel miter saws.
Therefore, it is ideal for professional workshop use as it makes work easier and creates very accurate cuts. As a beginner, the tool might not be the best because it is very costly. However, if you don’t mind the price, go for it.
Specs
- Product Name: Bosch GCM12SD
- Product Brand: Bosch
- Power: 15 Amps
- Max Speed: 3800 RPM
- Blade Size: 12 inches
- Miter Angle Range: 52° left, 60° right
- Bevel Angle Range: 47° left and right
- Positive Stops: 10 (Miter), 7 (Bevel)
- Dimensions: 32.4 x 26.5 x 27 inches
- Weight: 88.2 pounds
- Warranty: 1 year (30-day money-back guarantee)
Key Features
- Wide crosscutting axial glide system.
- Ergonomic soft-grip ambidextrous trigger handle.
- 15-amp, 3800 RPM motor.
- Miters 52° to the left and 60° to the right with 10 positive stops.
- Bevels 47° to the left and right with 7 positive stops.
- Miter detent override with miter and bevel lock handles.
- Two square lock quick release fences.
- Dust chute and vacuum adapter.
- 12-inch, 60-tooth carbide-tipped blade.