On many jobsites the miter saw plays an essential role however their large size makes them very awkward to transport and set up. If you are concerned about the tool actually being there in the morning this probably also means you need to take it off the jobsite each night and then set up each morning. The new Bosch CM12 ($349, Ohio Power Tool) is designed specifically to be one of the most portable 12” jobsite miter saws without sacrificing the precision and quality you would expect from a Bosch saw.
Portability is key for this unit, at only 43 lbs this is a very light weight unit miter saw. It loses some functionality with obviously no slide or glide features as well as only a single side bevel. The one sided bevel however does make the bevel control much easier to see and reach as it is in clear view on the side that lost the bevel.
The miter saw also features 2 handle positions which we found both to do a very nice job of balancing the weight of the tool. The back handle however is definitely the preferred choice as it makes this job one handed really allows you to freely use the other hand to open doors, drop liftgates or carry more stuff.
Performance is not sacrificed for portability however as this miter saw still has the Bosch name on the side. The motor is a powerful 15 Amp, 4300 RPM with break and the cut capacity is as good as or better than any other single bevel miter saw on the market: 8” cross cut, 6” at 45 degree miter, 6” Crown nested, 6-3/4” vertical cut at fence. This saw also features the integrated expansion supports that go out to 37” which we really like on the Bosch miters and could have easily been sacrificed for another pound or two of weight.
We really think this saw has a very nice balance of performance, features, price and portability that make it ideal for jobsite applications but also one that would be an excellent choice for anyone looking for a solid miter saw around the house at a very nice price point.
For more questions about Bosch Miter Saws, Miter Saw Blades or any other Bosch products talk to the experts at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424. For more information the CM12 you can check out the video below from Tool Select and the official Bosch press release below that.
Mount Prospect, Ill. –The new Bosch CM12 12-Inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw is bringing innovation to the miter saw market with the first one-handed portable miter saw in the 12-inch segment. The CM12 also offers enhanced cutting capacity and boasts a strategically-located side bevel lock lever for quick easy adjustment and integrated expanding material support for un-matched cutting versatility.
Similar to the GTS1031 table saw, the CM12’s lightweight and compact design make its balanced one-handed carry handle the perfect addition. Whether navigating through doorways, stairwells or just moving back and forth from a vehicle, professionals always have a hand free making getting on and off the jobsite while transporting the saw easier than ever.
The CM12’s best-in-class, all-around cutting capacity allows remodelers, deck builders, carpenters and contractors alike to achieve accurate, efficient cuts at any angle. The new saw features nine adjustable miter detents and large miter and bevel scales with uniform markings, making them easy to read and providing users with a variety of angle options.
While most single bevel compound miter saws can handle basic cross cuts, the new Bosch CM12 offers users top crown/base and cross cut capacity all with the ease of a one-touch adjustable fence. Additional cutting capacity specifications include:
– Highest nominal capacity cross cut of 8 inches
– 6-inch cuts at a 45-degree miter
– Max base vertical cut against fence of 6-3/4-inches
– Crown nested cut of 6 inches
For professionals in need of quick and easy adjustments during a project, the new saw has a quick-reach bevel lock lever located on one side of the saw for fast and convenient bevel adjustments. A SquarelockTM Quick-Release Fence aligns 90-degrees to a table or workstation and requires no adjustments, while a one-touch lock/unlock lever allows users to easily slide the fence in place for added support.
Ideal for rough and finish carpentry applications, the CM12 offers users professional power and performance with its 15 Amp, 4300 RPM motor complete with a brake. An integrated, 37-inch expanding work piece support extends to the left or right of the saw to add material support, while an ambidextrous trigger handle allows users to comfortably operate the saw during extended use.
The Bosch CM12 comes with a vacuum-ready dust chute and an adjustable dust elbow vacuum adaptor attachment that connects the saw to a dust bag to ensure all dust created during use is safely collected. Bosch also offers several smart optional system attachments to improve productivity, including:
– LS010 Arbor Laser
– MS1233 Crown Stops
– MS1234 Length Stop Kit
– T4B Gravity-Rise Stand
– GTA3800 Folding Leg Stand with Wheels
The Bosch CM12 kit includes a 40T blade, blade wrench and dust bag.