Replies

1. 
   OverKnight | Aug 22, 2004 06:18am | #1

   I'm a homeowner, not a contractor, but I recently bought the Bosch 4000.  It's far smoother and quieter than my old 10" Craftsman, definitely a worthy upgrade.  The fence needed a slight adjustment when I got it, but otherwise, everything else was right on the money.  While the fence is decent, and is far better than the old Craftsman, you'll never mistake it for a Beisemeier (sp?).  The only thing I'm a little disappointed in is the miter fence; it wiggles a little more than I think a new saw should.  Also, don't bother with the dust collection bag; it useless.  I chose the Bosch over the Ridgid mostly because of past experiences with Bosch tools (all positive) and based upon reviews I had read; Bosch seemed to consistently score higher and have higher owner satisfaction than other saws.  Amazon has had specials where the right table extension and the rear outfeed table are included, which I feel are must-haves.  Porter-Cable recently came out with a portable saw, which I haven't seen yet but have heard good things about.  The Dewalt saw is popular with contractors, although I've heard both raves and hatred about the geared fence; the fence looked nice to me.

   You might try posting in Knots or Breaktime with this thread.  You'll likely find more traffic, and responses.  There are a few threads on these saws there.

   Good luck.

2. 
   jc21 | Aug 24, 2004 03:25pm | #2

   A vote for the Porter-Cable 3812S; it's worth a look. I looked at the Bosch 4000, DeWalt DW744, and the PC and wound up with the PC. All have their strong and weak points. DW- best fence, best motor- Bosch (it has electronic motor control),  and the best miter gauge setup- PC. What made me buy the PC? Several things. The PC uses a standard t-slot for the miter gauge, the Bosch and DeWalt don't. Not a big deal to some but it mattered to me. These saws have roughly half the distance (6") in front of the blade that a regular contractor or cabinet saw does so it's not uncommon for the miter gauge to hang off the table and try and fall when crosscutting wide stock. Having the t-slot makes life easier. The fact that the PC is a little less $ doesn't hurt either. I'd post in the Tools section of Breaktime- you'll get a lot more response.

1. 
   Dan019 | Aug 26, 2004 09:55pm | #3

   Hey TetTundra,

   If you get the BOsch 4000 I made a few jigs for it and posted them over in BT........ http://forums.prospero.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=44579.9 is the address to the link. Hope it helps. Dan 

3. 
   ravenwind | Sep 22, 2004 02:35am | #4

        I have the Rigid  on the stand with wheels and it folds up like a hand truck so its a dream to set up and move around.  Im sure everyone will tell you the bosch and DeWalt s are better saws but the Rigid is still a great saw and easy on the back . 

                                       Dogboy

1. 
   ikor | Oct 01, 2004 03:39pm | #5

   I have the Rigid also, and it has been flawless so far, but you might take a look at the newest Hitachi just out as well. My Lowes has them for $199...folding stand with wheels, botton dust chute, 15A with 10in. blade, what looks to be a decent fence, and a small outfeed support. Very small and light package, but I have NO idea of how well it cuts. Pretty tempting price and Hitachi is certainly not in the "junk" category.

1. 
   ravenwind | Oct 06, 2004 06:39am | #6

            Id like to see it but I havent seen it anyplace else and we dont have a lowes arround here yet. Where you ask dont they have a Lowes, Bangor Me.  There suposed to be building one accros the river from bangor, in Brewer.  thanks for the info.

                                               dogboy

4. 
   joinery45 | Oct 08, 2004 08:57am | #7

   I liked the Bosch because it was quieter than the 10" Makita, but the Makita had a really nice table with outfeed tables.

   Now I'm waiting for the new sawstop contractors saw to come out. I've been in the trades for thirty years, still have all my fingers. though I've had some close calls ( less than twenty stitches no micro surgery). The basic nature of this saw is so right I'll buy even if it has some problems. go to http://www.sawstop.com for more info.