Until now, some of the most frequently used controls on compound-miter saws have been awkward because they were on the back of the saw. On this new saw from Bosch, all the controls are on the front of the saw. The bevel lock, the double-bevel release knob, a switch for bevels beyond 45º, and a bevel-stop override are on the miter-table handle, leaving users with little reason to reach around to the back of the saw. In keeping with the idea of
up-front controls, Bosch also positioned a 33.9º bevel-stop pin just beneath the bevel scale.

While most of the saws have a detent override for the miter scale, this saw goes one step farther with a detent-override lock. The simple thumb-operated lever is great for one-handed operation and for preventing settings that are close to the detents from slipping into the detent position.

The D-shaped handle has a unique repositioning capability. It can be set horizontally, diagonally, or vertically, and there are conveniently located switches for both left- and right-handed operation. Most of the other saws cater only to right-handed operation. And all the operation knobs, buttons, and switches are spotted easily by their red color.

It is aggravating to have to bend down repeatedly to read a bevel scale from a particular angle. This saw’s bevel scale is angled upward toward the user’s line of vision, making it easier to read.

This saw was precise out of the box, and only the crown stops (for holding crown molding tight against the fence when cutting it in position) needed to be inserted before going to work. The saw has only average cutting capacities, but a superior miter-angle capability at 52º left and right.

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