I would like to get feedback from users on the stability of the rip fence on the Bosch 4100 table saws. I need a portable and had been looking at the Dewalt 744, but have found that with the fence locked down there is still a fair bit of deflection possible with modest pressure. I am having trouble finding any vendors with a 4100 set up (they’re all in sealed boxes). Other than googling for comments, the other feedback I’ve found was (1) the 2006 FW Tools issue that rates the fence on the Bosch 4000 (the same fence?) second only to the Rigid 2400 and (2) the 2007 Consumer Reports test (yes, I know…) that rated the ripping accuracy of the Bosch and the Rigid portables equally (filled circle) and rated the Dewalt two steps below (open circle).
Many thanks for your thoughts and time. I should add that I know a contractor’s saw would provide a superior fence, but for present purposes it is simply not an option. 🙁
Replies
It just so happens that I was in Lowe's yesterday, where they had the earlier model (4000) set up, and I walked by and pushed on the fence to see how rigid it was. It's the kind that locks at the back as well as the front, and it seemed to be pretty solid. I didn't whack it with a baseball bat, but I couldn't detect any slippage when I tried to move it, at either the front or the back.
-Steve
I have been using a Bosch 4000 for almost four years now and I am very happy with the saw. I also have a Makita SCMS, which is supposed to be one of the most accurate sliders, but for important cross cuts I still go to the Bosch. Build a good sled - it makes accurate crosscuts very easy.
As for the fence it is very solid. As the other poster mentioned it locks at both the front and back. I suppose this means it could lock at a slight angle but I am careful to "set" the front first and have never had a problem. For the price I don't think it can be beat.
Chris
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