We think this benchtop is actually a cabinet saw in a compact, totally portable disguise. Its looks are completely deceiving, because it handles any job a big saw can, yet it’s compact for the home workshop and super convenient to take to a job site. First, it’s got the largest table surface in the worksite class, but lift the lock handle and open out the built-in extension rails and, believe it or not, you’re running sheet goods with a 25-inch rip capacity. The table surface is smooth as glass, and with a coat of wax on it, it’s superb. The extension rails ride effortlessly and lock securely, and the extension doesn’t give even under a full sheet of 3/4-ply. Bosch sells auxiliary left-side and rear supports for unbeatable capacity and stability.
The fence, not even considering that it’s on a benchtop, is awesome. It locks front and back, slides like a dream, detaches and seats without any struggle, stores neatly right on board, and the viewer has a great magnifying lens (though none of us will admit we need it yet) for ultra-accurate fence settings. Out of the box, our fence was totally true and perpendicular to the blade. We like the substantial height of it, and it will easily accommodate any type of auxiliary fence you might want to put on it. The miter gauge is sturdier than what we usually see on a benchtop, and it’s longer, too, for a little more room at the infeed and more stability, too. Positive stops were right on when we checked ours out of the box, but of course, you’ll want to check yours anyway. And like the fence, the miter gauge stores neatly right on the saw base.
Startup is jar-free, and it’s surprisingly quiet for a 15-amp saw, even under a full load. We didn’t experience any bogging down at all in our trials, and Bosch says that’s due to what they call Constant Response Circuitry. We’re just toolhounds here, not rocket scientists, but it has something to do with monitoring the torque demand on the machine and instantly adjusting to deliver enough power for a totally consistent speed. It’s direct drive, of course, yet we felt no-—and we mean zero—-vibration. Now, that could be because it’s heavier than you’d expect a worksite saw to be, but because of the wheeled stand, that’s definitely not a detractor.
Once the saw is mounted to this ingenious stand (and that’s not a taxing task), it only takes seconds to set up or break down with practically no effort. It actually uses the saw’s weight to raise and lower it, and it’s perfectly balanced and provides an ergonomically comfortable work height. Big, beefy, treaded pneumatic tires roll beautifully over even the most rugged jobsite surfaces.
Bosch probably intended this as a worksite saw, but we think it’s ideal too for the home woodworker and do-it-yourselfer, especially one who’s tight on space. The stand lets you fold it up and roll it out of the way when your work is done. Absolutely can’t go wrong with this one.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste
