Bosch GCM12SD
Pros
- Double bevel
- Very large cutting capacity
- Robust build quality
- Great customer support
- Good dust management
Cons
- Expensive
- Very large saw
The Bosch GCM12SD Review
The largest capacity standard sliding mitre saw in the Bosch range is the Bosch GCM 12 SD. A real beast that will cut the biggest timbers with a real delicate touch. Built for trade use, this is a powerful saw that is probably overkill for most domestic users. Unless you have a big project on your hands!
Don’t be fooled by the sheer power of the GCM 12 SD, it will still cut perfect angles, leaving you with a fantastic finish every time. A real time saver on big jobs, although a very big saw. If you have the space in your workshop then click the blue button.
Features
The glide mitre saw has revolutionised the use of chop saws over the sliding variety with many benefits. We’ll have a look at some of the exciting features it brings to carpentry. These saws are ready for work straight out of the box, with loads of features that are required by professional tradesmen. Here we’ll go through them by giving you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision as to whether the GCM12SD is for you. Power mitre saws at this level have a lot to live up to, they have to speed up a process that the user is already an expert in, and add something extra. The features need to make the cut the best possible in terms of clean finish and accuracy, and the process as quick as possible so that the investment in saws like this can be justified.
The Cut
The new Bosch axial glide system allows saws to give a large and smooth cut in a tight space, the cuts are super accurate and smooth as there are no large rails like on the sliding varieties. The other big advantage over sliding mitre saws is that there is no rail wear which can lead to slightly inaccurate cuts and a lot of time recalibrating the unit. This saw has a smooth cutting action second to none.
A professional tool that is sat in a workshop or on a building site will be required to make a lot of high quality cuts all day long at good speed. The motor is a 1800 watt beast that delivers high power all day long for the toughest of cuts, and for longevity this motor will run over a long period with no effort. The top of the range Bosch mitre saws have very powerful motors to ensure they last the test of time under the toughest conditions. If you are going to work the saw hard, then a high level machine like this could well be for you.
The cutting capacity is a huge 11cm by 30.5cm, very impressive indeed. A combination of the cutting capacity and the power of the motor ensures this can take on some serious pieces of timber for construction jobs. This capacity is large compared to the lower end of the market, and as you go up in price range this tends to grow. This unit is at the top end of cutting capacity for a mitre saw.
With available mitre settings of 52 degrees left and 60 degrees right, and a double bevel setting of 47 degrees, this saw is truly versatile when it come to cutting the really tight angles that you need. With a fast push button angle setting, a number of cuts at different angles can be achieved very quickly.
Blade changes are also fast in the the GCM12SD, with an easy to use spindle lock to keep the machine working quickly.
Safety
There is a big possibility that this level of saw will be used in a workshop with many tools running. Safety needs to be taken very seriously and Bosch do this well. The blade cover is substantial and will keep the spinning blade away from the user. The handle can be locked into 4 different positions to suit left or right handed users, whilst also making it comfortable to use. Dust extraction is managed well with the ability to collect debris into the integral bag that is supplied with the saw. In a busier environment, it can be connected to an external dust extraction system which will be able to deal with collecting on a large scale. This is an important feature when it come to keeping the working environment clean and healthy. The saw’s controls are easy to access and simple to use without having to move around a lot, important if the saw needs to be altered a lot during the a job. All round, the safety features have been well thought about and are suitable for the job.
Spares and Repair
This is an expensive model that needs to keep running reliably to justify the investment. But with all things there can be parts that break or need replacing. A professional will need this dealt with quickly and effectively. Bosch have a large dealer network and a lot of readily available spare parts that can be acquired easily. If there is a problem, you need to know that it can dealt with quickly and cost effectively, not having to hunt around on the internet for spares.
More Features
One big bonus with this saw is the ability to deal with large lengths of timber. The saw includes forty inch integrated side supports that allow large pieces of timber to be well supported during the cut, saving the need to have another pair of hands to help.
The GCM 12 SDE has a lot of features, so to try and cover all the uses it could possibly be needed for would be impossible. The saw has many accessories available for different types of job. There are lots of different style blades available and attachments for cutting various materials including metals.
The arm of the saw is made from a really strong and rigid aluminium that gives maximum strength and no areas for flex while the saw is in operation. If the body even slightly flexes it will alter the angle of the intended cut which is not ideal when the cuts need to be accurate. A strong, rigid arm holds all of the parts of the saw and blade in place to give absolute accuracy.
Space saving is a big advantage of this saw as it will cut very large materials without the need for long rails. The arm on the Bosch Axial Glide System bends using a combination of high quality bearings and aluminium parts to keep the saw nicely compact. Compared to other saws like this on the market, it offers a considerable space saving for the smallest workshops and building sites.
The Bosch GCM12SD Glide Mitre Saw In Action
This saw can take on a lot of jobs that with speed and accuracy.
Roofers that need big timbers cut quickly will have no problem cutting through large beams with precision to get the roof structure well fitted and sound. It will speed up the process by having the saw on the scaffolding by the roof so that you can measure and cut as you go. With the easy lock handle for securing the angle it is fast to work with.
Building a stud wall inside a property is an absolute breeze with a saw like this. The GCM12SD can be situated where the job needs to be done and the timbers cut to absolute accuracy getting a great finish on your wall. Once the wall has been plastered you can then add the finishing touches around the door frames and the skirting boards. A truly versatile saw that will save you money and help get the job looking absolutely spot on.
A power mitre saw of this calibre would also be at home working hard in a carpenters work shop, churning out a high volume of accurate cuts for various projects. Carpenters and joiners are expected to produce the finest quality finishes so the professional saws need to assist in this and this saw certainly does that with ease.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I10K3N-UCnY
The Final Word
Hopefully our detailed Bosch GCM12SD review has demonstrated that this is a revolutionary saw that will change the way we all look at sliding mitre saws. The Bosch axial glide system offers space saving, large cuts with speed and total accuracy. This is something other saws on the market just can’t offer. Users of the saw give it fantastic reviews and it comes highly recommended for the tradesman wanting to work on construction timbers or on some nice finishing touches.
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