Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jul 03, 2004 05:00pm | #1

   Makita and Bosch seem to be running neck and neck in the SCMS market these days, and I'm curious to know why you picked the latter over the former?

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Jul 04, 2004 01:02am | #2

   Nikkiwood,

   Well, I spent a lot of time comparing brands, as I always do before buying anything. Like I said, I once owned a Bosch 10" slider and really liked it a lot. That older model was smooth, accurate, and it came with a high-quality blade. So, when it came time to buy a new SCMS, I was biased towards Bosch.

   But I still did my research, because who knows, maybe things changed since I owned my last Bosch? After looking at all the features of Makita, Ridgid, DeWalt, Hitachi, and Bosch, I was most impressed by the Bosch. I like the up-front controls, the smooth operation of the miter adjustments, and again it comes with a high-quality blade. I also like the option to change the position of the handle.

   I will say one thing. The Makita does have a smoother slide mechanism. But not by much.

   The Bosch just felt more robust and more solidly built to me.

   I would suggest that you don't bother with the laser option. When I looked at the Hitachi laser SCMS, I found it to be clunky and inaccurate. I think there is a lot of hype around lasers. Why do you need this? It is so simle to line up your cut on a SCMS just with the blade edges.

   Of course, all of my opinions were formed from comparing capacities and playing with the saws in the tool store. I won't have a full assessment until I use the tool in my shop for a while.

   And that brings me back to my original question. Why is there such a delay in shipments of the Bosch saws?

1. 
   DB | Jul 09, 2004 08:58pm | #8

   I've actually found the laser feature to be quite helpful.  Could I do without it?  Certainly.  Does it save me time?  I think so, especially when a cut does not require absolute accuracy (i.e. cutting down moldings to within an 1/8" for test fitting, etc.).  I can place the stock, line up the laser in a quick second and make my cut.  It is also very helpful for making sure my pencil lines are parallel with the laser line.  For precision carpentry, I would not rely solely on the laser.  What dollar value would I place on it - not sure, and I don't think the lack of the feature is in any way a deal breaker.  But I must admit that it can be convenient.

2. 
   SRToolguy | Jul 05, 2004 05:24am | #3

   The sales rep say's it's high demand, but I take that as saying "are you placing an order". I think they are behind in production at Bosch since it seems we are having a problem getting a lot of their products.

   If I were you, I would go with the Makita LS-1212. I like it better and it got better reviews from everyone that tested it. It has all the bells and whistles you need plus dead on accuracy. The problem with the slide on the Bosch is not occuring on every one so I take that as a manufacturing problem. I do like the upfront controls of the Bosch but not enough to convince me that its better than the Makita. Mikita outsells the Bosch 10 to 1 but since I've only had one Bosch to sell that really isn't all that fair of a comparison, (or maybe it is).

   If you decide you want a laser, you can have one for about 75.00. There is one that replaces the outer flange washer and fits all the saws. In every case, cheap blades and laser guides are incompatable because if the blade isn't flat, the laser won't be accurate.

   Sincerely;

   The Tool Guy

1. 
   macalex | Jul 08, 2004 02:40pm | #6

   I'm with Tool Guy (I know it's not the question, but I gotta chip in).

   I've been cutting double-mitred corner blocks from 2 by 4 (50 by 100 for the metric guys) today with my Makita, using the two clamps, and they were all a perfect fit.

   Butter-on a bit of glue, push them into the corner, and the suction of the exact fit keeps them in place while I apply the clamp! Yes!

   It's a lovely machine, a pleasure to use, and the fit and finish is spot on.

   I'm nearly done on a dedicated stand on wheels for mine, so I can move it up to the current job and not have to walk pieces of wood to the saw ... what more could you ask.

   Oh, and by the way, I often have to fit lengths of wood snugly into existing frames and cabinets - by 'snug' I mean a kiss fit - push gently into place and they stay there. I do that usually within 2 or three cuts by starting a pencil-line oversize, test fitting, then pushing the piece of wood gently up to the stationary blade, lifting and switching on, then taking off a hair's breadth slice. It works, quickly and easily. Beat that with a mudflap laser! 

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Jul 09, 2004 08:14pm | #7

   Well, I got word today from Amazon that they have shipped the saw. So I will soon be able to report back on the quality and accuracy of the new Bosch.

   Stay tuned!

3. 
   toolpoor | Jul 07, 2004 05:44am | #4

   I ordered mine through Amazon.com (Tool Crib) about 2 weeks ago, they were in stock when I ordered. No one here (Central Maine) had them yet, so Amazon got the call. It was delivered last week via UPS, no shipment damage. The saw is very nice, needed only the fence squared to the blade for set-up. All other adjustment points  were fine. The saw is very well made, well designed, and adjustable everywhere. I am very pleased with it. It is, however, on the heavy side at 57 pounds but is a worthwhile concession for the saw's quality. The stock blade cuts pine butter smooth, the supplied manual is well written, and all necessary wrenches come stored on or in the saw. In my opinion, it's well worth the wait.

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Jul 07, 2004 02:24pm | #5

   I'm glad to hear it! I just checked Amazon yesterday, and my order is still pending. They say it will be shipped between July 20 - 23. I've never seen Amazon take so long to deliver something.

   The only thing I don't like is that when I placed the order, the item said, "usually ships in 24 hours" and then after I placed the order I found out it was more like 24 days.