Bosch GCM12SD vs Dewalt DWS780

[Real_PhillBert]

Hello all, New member here.

I'm a new homeowner and have been a general DIY guy for a while now. I'm planning on building a new shed (10'x12') this spring and a new garage (30'x28') next spring, so I find myself in need of a new miter saw.

I'm pretty well sold on a 12" slider, as I understand that they're really the best way to cut vinyl siding, which I will be doing on both the shed and garage. I'm hoping you guys could help me out with some opinions between these two saws, and any experiences will be greatly appreciated. These two saws aren't necessarily the only two I will consider, so if I'm missing another good contender, please point me in the right direction.

1) Dewalt DSW780

http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/dewalt-dws780-double-bevel-sliding-compound-miter-saw-12-inch

Pros: I've had very good luck with Dewalt tools in the past. My father has the non-sliding version, which we used to frame his basement, build his deck, and build his shed.

Cons: After the garage is complete, I intend to permanently mount it on a dedicated bench in the garage, but the design of the sliding mechanism requires a lot of space behind the saw.

2) Bosch GCM12SD

http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/bosch-12-inch-dual-bevel-glide-miter-saw-gcm12sd

Pros: The articulating arm design makes it so the saw needs very little space behind it, making it easier to mount on a bench.

Cons: I'm concerned about lateral play in the saw head at full extension, as there are a lot more bearings that could add play. This could be unfounded, so I would love some input.

I'm currently leaning slightly toward the Bosch, but wanted some educated opinions before I start throwing money at my local Acme Tool. Thanks in advance for all the advice and input.

Phill

 

[mike93lx]

I have a hitachi that i like a lot. C12RSH2, if i am not mistaken. Rails are fixed, so less depth is needed.

It's accurate and has maintained its setting well considering i have it on a portable stand and store is sideways. It is also relatively cheap at $400 or less

 

[jonshonda]

edit: I just discovered at work they have the sliding miter Bosch and I asked the guy who always uses it for some feedback. Granted, this saw gets used on a daily basis, so ymmv, but his feedback wasn't something Bosch should be proud of.

1) The fence was not only out of square w/ the saw, it wasn't square with itself. Meaning you can visibly see the that the left side of the fence was at an angle to the right side of the fence. He said they went round and round with Bosch, who eventually replaced the fence...but the new one wasn't much better.

2) The fence has marks indicating length to use for reference when cutting, he said they are roughly 1/16" off.

3) There are a few stripped nuts on the fasteners that are used to secure some of the stops for cutting material.

4) The blade guard is moves on a wheel along a rail, which is anything but smooth. When you pull the saw down to use it, there is a very noticeable increase in friction when the guard starts to move up in its travel. He said that has been like that since day one.

Now I have no idea if any the fence can be adjusted back into square, or shifted left to right to the marking are accurate. But it really didn't seem like a very well constructed unit imho, and I am used to using a fairly cheap older craftsman.

 

[tarbellb]

Bosch has reported play.

Dewalt is always a good option but clearance is a issue.

That Hitachi is ahead of the curve with the fixed rails (no back clearance required), quality is pretty good.

But I would seriously consider the newest Makita LS1019L, fixed rails, improved dust collection, excellent reputation. I love my previous gen to this saw, looks like it only got better.

Seems to only come in 10" right now (again, just hit market) -https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-15-Amp-10-in-Dual-Bevel-Sliding-Compound-Miter-Saw-with-Laser-LS1019L/302717166

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Both are very good saws. I prefer the Bosch by a little bit. I've cut on the Dewalt and a Milwaukee and Makita 12" sliders. Hitachi that mike93lx mentioned would be a good option as well. I'd go out and play around with as many of them as I could to see which one feels the best in your hands.

I just use my 8 1/4" Milwaukee worm drive saw in a home made jig to cut siding/sofit. A slider would make the gable cuts easier though.

 

[finn]

Bosch, but the 10” version because it is lighter and easier to handle.

A shed doesn’t require a 12 inch saw. In fact, not much does.

 

[Real_PhillBert]

Bosch, but the 10” version because it is lighter and easier to handle.

A shed doesn’t require a 12 inch saw. In fact, not much does.

I appreciate your input. The 12" blade size is required to get the extra cut depth you need for vinyl siding, which is anywhere from 10"-12" wide. I really dont want to have to cut siding twice.

 

[Sal Bandini]

Just cut it with circular saw. I regret having 12" instead of 10". Too big, too heavy, takes up too much room, blades considerably more expensive.

 

[ishiboo]

I have the Bosch GCM12SD, and the Milwaukee 10" slider. The GCM12SD replaced my old 5412L... ended up paying like $20 to upgrade.

Since getting the Milwaukee 10" cordless, I haven't taken the GCM12SD out of the box. I keep it around for when I *need* a 12" slider instead of the 10", but it hasn't happened.

My Milwaukee now sits on the T4B stand.

I keep thinking of selling the DB glide....

 

[Fbmoose48]

Second the Makita, on top of being rock solid and reliably accurate last I checked they were assembled in the USA.

 

[GarageGuy89]

The tools your asking about are top of the line name brands. I don't think you will have any regrets after buying one. Wish I had that budget.

I settled for the 12" sliding Kobalt saw for $199 (on sale). It has done everything I have asked it to do, no complaints. Built decks, sheds, framing/roofing, even chop fire wood to make artistic things for the wife.

I still get clean cuts after 3 years of abuse on the stock blade.

 

[shawhite]

I would look at the Bosch CM10GD. I can cut a 2x12 with mine with a single pass. No rails sticking behind the saw to take up room. Also get the gravity rise stand worth every penny

 

[signcrafter]

I have had the bosch for almost 2 years now and it's an amazing saw. Took some time to get it all dialed in when I got it and put a nice blade on it. It's been a great saw. I got it because I needed to cut some 1x10s on a 45 degree angle and it worked great. Have done all sorts of things with it and haven't had one issue. I too was worried about the play fully extended because if you pull the blade all the way out and wiggle you can feel play. But when cutting I have not experienced zero play. I'm sure if I tried to get play by pulling it left or right it would cut skewed but if you are pulling straight there is no issue with play. It is one heavy SOB though.

 

[James-W]

I have an older version of DeWalt DWS780 saw, not sure of the model number off the top of my head. The saw is at the house I am helping a friend build so I can't get you the model number right now. I bought the saw probably 10 or 12 years ago, can't remember just when it was, but in any case it has worked wonderfully all this time.

 

[Git]

edit: I just discovered at work they have the sliding miter Bosch and I asked the guy who always uses it for some feedback. Granted, this saw gets used on a daily basis, so ymmv, but his feedback wasn't something Bosch should be proud of.

1) The fence was not only out of square w/ the saw, it wasn't square with itself. Meaning you can visibly see the that the left side of the fence was at an angle to the right side of the fence. He said they went round and round with Bosch, who eventually replaced the fence...but the new one wasn't much better.

2) The fence has marks indicating length to use for reference when cutting, he said they are roughly 1/16" off.

3) There are a few stripped nuts on the fasteners that are used to secure some of the stops for cutting material.

4) The blade guard is moves on a wheel along a rail, which is anything but smooth. When you pull the saw down to use it, there is a very noticeable increase in friction when the guard starts to move up in its travel. He said that has been like that since day one.

Now I have no idea if any the fence can be adjusted back into square, or shifted left to right to the marking are accurate. But it really didn't seem like a very well constructed unit imho, and I am used to using a fairly cheap older craftsman.

I have had the Bosch for a couple of years now. I got rid of a perfectly good Dewalt DW708 to get the Bosch - primarily because the Bosch can just about be placed up against the wall - you still need a little bit of space behind it if you're going to make any angular cuts. I think that the two saws you are looking at are both good choices

1 - No problem what so ever with the fences not being co-planer and I just double checked with a straight edge

2 - Fence markings are on the money as you can see by this pic

3 - Not sure what you're talking about when you mentioned 'stripped fasteners'. My saw doesn't have any stripped fasteners and I would not use it to cut metal to begin with

4 - My blade guard feels smooth to me and to be honest I never noticed any 'increased 'friction'. Keep in mind you want the blade guard to firmly stay in contact with the work to prevent an accident

Lastly, I have no problem with blade play. I suppose if you were to wiggle the saw back and forth at full extension you would notice some, but when actually making a cut, mine all come out straight, clean and at 90 degrees (I am with signcrafter on this one)

To me - the only real negative is the weight, but I never move mine, it stays set up on my old Dewalt stand. I think it is a great saw and I currently can't think of any other saw on the market that I would rather have. The new Makita looks like nice, but I prefer a 12" slider for the cutting capacity

I also have the FastCap Best Fence system that I have been very pleased with - it mounts on top of my Dewalt Stand and looks like this (I was able to use it with the Bosch also). I just leave it setup against the sidewall of my garage

https://www.fastcap.com/content/compare-best-fence-versions

 

[CTyankee]

Bosch, but the 10” version because it is lighter and easier to handle.

A shed doesn’t require a 12 inch saw. In fact, not much does.

I strongly agree...

I appreciate your input. The 12" blade size is required to get the extra cut depth you need for vinyl siding, which is anywhere from 10"-12" wide. I really dont want to have to cut siding twice.

If you're talking sliders...most 10" saws would be capable of doing that.

The need to cut vinyl siding with a miter saw is another matter.

 

[BK13]

But I would seriously consider the newest Makita LS1019L, fixed rails, improved dust collection, excellent reputation. I love my previous gen to this saw, looks like it only got better.



Seems to only come in 10" right now (again, just hit market) -https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-15-Amp-10-in-Dual-Bevel-Sliding-Compound-Miter-Saw-with-Laser-LS1019L/302717166

If the 12” is out when I’m ready to buy, I’ll look strongly at this one. If I don’t buy a Bosch first.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Real_PhillBert]

I strongly agree...



If you're talking sliders...most 10" saws would be capable of doing that.

The need to cut vinyl siding with a miter saw is another matter.

Do you have a better way of cutting vinyl siding? I've never done it before and am only going off of what I've seen and heard from Youtube and friends that have used miter saws. If you know of a better way, I'm all ears.

Thanks

 

[finn]

I use my Bosch 10” slider to cut normal vinyl siding.

A fine tooth blade would be helpful, though.

 

[Sal Bandini]

Do you have a better way of cutting vinyl siding? I've never done it before and am only going off of what I've seen and heard from Youtube and friends that have used miter saws. If you know of a better way, I'm all ears.

Thanks

Carpenter's square or large speed square and circular saw. Saves you about $700 for a tool you will hardly ever need again.

 

[Real_PhillBert]

Carpenter's square or large speed square and circular saw. Saves you about $700 for a tool you will hardly ever need again.

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you on that one. With a garage to build, basement to finish, trim to install, and a shed to build. A miter saw will see a fair amount of use.

It can be debated if a 10" slider will fill my needs, but a miter saw is a necessity.

 

[Sal Bandini]

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you on that one. With a garage to build, basement to finish, trim to install, and a shed to build. A miter saw will see a fair amount of use.

It can be debated if a 10" slider will fill my needs, but a miter saw is a necessity.

I've done all of those tasks w/o any miter saw (minus the trim). It's a luxury, not a necessity.

And my $700 comment was directed at a sliding 12" specifically. You will save a bunch of money buying a 10".

 

[signcrafter]

I've done all of those tasks w/o any miter saw (minus the trim). It's a luxury, not a necessity.

And my $700 comment was directed at a sliding 12" specifically. You will save a bunch of money buying a 10".

A freaken circular saw is a luxury. Why not just use a hand saw for everything. I should throw out my my nailers also and go back to using just a hammer since they are just a luxury. Why stop there, don't need cordless drills or drivers, no more electric tools or air tools. Even the amish are using miter saws with generators. A horse and plow is a luxury over a shovel and pick axe. Where do we stop?

A broad statement about a tool being a luxury is pretty silly. A miter saw is a very handy tool for anyone doing work around the house. I use mine all the time. If it's going to be used then it's not a luxury, it's a tool.

 

[Real_PhillBert]

A freaken circular saw is a luxury. Why not just use a hand saw for everything. I should throw out my my nailers also and go back to using just a hammer since they are just a luxury. Why stop there, don't need cordless drills or drivers, no more electric tools or air tools. Even the amish are using miter saws with generators. A horse and plow is a luxury over a shovel and pick axe. Where do we stop?

A broad statement about a tool being a luxury is pretty silly. A miter saw is a very handy tool for anyone doing work around the house. I use mine all the time. If it's going to be used then it's not a luxury, it's a tool.

100% agree. All of these tasks can be done without a miter saw, but I dont want to spend that kind of time doing so if I dont have to. There's a reason no one frames a house with just hammers anymore.

 

[Sal Bandini]

A freaken circular saw is a luxury. Why not just use a hand saw for everything. I should throw out my my nailers also and go back to using just a hammer since they are just a luxury. Why stop there, don't need cordless drills or drivers, no more electric tools or air tools. Even the amish are using miter saws with generators. A horse and plow is a luxury over a shovel and pick axe. Where do we stop?

A broad statement about a tool being a luxury is pretty silly. A miter saw is a very handy tool for anyone doing work around the house. I use mine all the time. If it's going to be used then it's not a luxury, it's a tool.

You're just being silly. In the context of this thread, yes, buying a 12" slider to cut vinyl siding is a luxury.

I use my tools all the time too, doesn't mean they are necessities.

 

[LandofRath]

I have used both and no problems with either.. I own the Dewalt one currently and love it.
The biggest difference is how much space do you have and how often are you going to move it. The Dewalt sliding mech needs more room behind it than the Bosch which was designed to be able to sit pretty close to a wall. But the Dewalt is lighter. So if you plan on moving it often and not just mounting it to a bench you might put that into your thought process.

 

[Real_PhillBert]

I have used both and no problems with either.. I own the Dewalt one currently and love it.
The biggest difference is how much space do you have and how often are you going to move it. The Dewalt sliding mech needs more room behind it than the Bosch which was designed to be able to sit pretty close to a wall. But the Dewalt is lighter. So if you plan on moving it often and not just mounting it to a bench you might put that into your thought process.

Thanks for the post!

At the moment I'm a bit short on space, but once I build the new shop, it'll be fixed to a bench and then rarely moved again.

 

[LandofRath]

Thanks for the post!

At the moment I'm a bit short on space, but once I build the new shop, it'll be fixed to a bench and then rarely moved again.

Another point that a few here have pointed too..

I got the 12 inch because I cut 4x4 and thicker stock regularly.. the 12 will take a 4x4 in one cut. Its not hard to get good cuts with a 10 inch you just have to flip the piece which takes a little more time. If you don't cut larger stock very often the 10 inch will serve you great, be lighter and cheaper. But then again.. Bigger is better right? lol

 

[Hephaestus29]

Here's part one and two videos of my
Bosch power drawbar.

Bosch power draw bar

Bosch power draw bar part 2

 

[CTyankee]

Do you have a better way of cutting vinyl siding? I've never done it before and am only going off of what I've seen and heard from Youtube and friends that have used miter saws. If you know of a better way, I'm all ears.

Thanks

Not saying you can't or shouldn't....but I've always used a circular saw. Last few times using a cordless one..nice and light. I find it easier to bring the saw to the piece instead of the piece to the saw. Kind of like wrestling with a giant piece of linguini. Put the piece of siding on a couple of planks on horses and elevate it with a piece of 2x4.

I take a short piece of the siding with a machine edge and use it to mark the piece being cut, no need for a square. For angles, once you mark one and cut it carefully, you use the cutoff for a pattern for the rest.

Whether you should buy a slider or not, seems like a no brainer to me. One tool that can make cutting a straight end on a board a very simple task..especially for a regular HOer.

 

[Real_PhillBert]

Not saying you can't or shouldn't....but I've always used a circular saw. Last few times using a cordless one..nice and light. I find it easier to bring the saw to the piece instead of the piece to the saw. Kind of like wrestling with a giant piece of linguini. Put the piece of siding on a couple of planks on horses and elevate it with a piece of 2x4.

I take a short piece of the siding with a machine edge and use it to mark the piece being cut, no need for a square. For angles, once you mark one and cut it carefully, you use the cutoff for a pattern for the rest.

Whether you should buy a slider or not, seems like a no brainer to me. One tool that can make cutting a straight end on a board a very simple task..especially for a regular HOer.

I do have a Dewalt brushless cordless circular saw (not sure on the model # off the top of my head) and have been very impressed with it. It just seems easier to me to set up a miter saw on a stand, set your stops, and chop away than to cut each piece with a circular saw. Maybe I'm wrong on that front though.

 

[Git]

I do have a Dewalt brushless cordless circular saw (not sure on the model # off the top of my head) and have been very impressed with it. It just seems easier to me to set up a miter saw on a stand, set your stops, and chop away than to cut each piece with a circular saw. Maybe I'm wrong on that front though.

No - you're not wrong. I am sure there are a Zillion ways to cut vinyl siding - I am surprised someone here hasn't suggested a grinder with a cut off wheel and a framing square.... (The comments about the miter saw being a 'luxury' gave me a good laugh) Hey - I just had a thought - I am sure a utility knife would do it, it may take you a while to make one cut, but anything else is a luxury...

A miter saw will always come in handy. Your choice is buy a cheapie now and then later upgrade it to something nice (which I think would be a waste of money) or just go for it

 

[CTyankee]

I do have a Dewalt brushless cordless circular saw (not sure on the model # off the top of my head) and have been very impressed with it. It just seems easier to me to set up a miter saw on a stand, set your stops, and chop away than to cut each piece with a circular saw. Maybe I'm wrong on that front though.

I guess if you don't have to have any joints on your walls, you can set the stops and chop away..don't think I've ever found that to be the case. Also haven't found many homes that don't need the lengths adjusted as you move up the wall to maintain proper gaps. Then again maybe I'm just too fussy.

Since you're going to buy a miter saw regardless..you'll be able to find out if it works for you.

 

[LandofRath]

I am not sure how this went from educated opinions between Dewalt and Bosch's miter saws as he originally asked, to you don't need such luxuries..

I will say my Miter saw is one of the most used tools I own, especially in a wood working shop environment. Yes you can do it all with a good circular saw but the miter saw just does it better. Now buying it just for the siding is one thing, but he also stated he is going to build shed and a shop and it will be very useful during such tasks and STILL useful after he has it mounted in his shop. He also said TRIM.... I don't know anyone that does lots of trim without a compound miter saw..

So back on topic.. Just pick the one that best suits your needs long term and you will love it.
If mine broke today, there would be a new one in my shop the next day if I couldn't fix.

 

[James-W]

To cut vinyl siding I use a radial arm saw with a plywood blade installed backwards. I made two six foot extensions from square tubing that attach to the radial arm saw (one on each side) so I can lay the siding on the extensions and not have it hanging down to the ground while I am cutting it. The system works extremely well and makes cutting vinyl siding accurately simple and easy.

 

[signcrafter]

I do have a Dewalt brushless cordless circular saw (not sure on the model # off the top of my head) and have been very impressed with it. It just seems easier to me to set up a miter saw on a stand, set your stops, and chop away than to cut each piece with a circular saw. Maybe I'm wrong on that front though.

If you want to use your circular saw then you can make a cheap and easy cutting table like this, https://www.google.com/search?q=vin...G6wKHegCAREQ_AUICygC&biw=1517&bih=707#imgrc=_. I've made a few in the past, just threw one away that had been sitting in the garage. Usually make them from scrap laying around. A piece of plywood that the siding will fit on and then a couple of 2x2s on the edges. Then make a track for the saw and screw it down at a 90 to the table. Ride your saw on the track to make the first cut and that will be your cut line from there on out. For angles you have to set the track at the right angle and screw it down and your angle is set. This is how a lot of people have done it for a long long time. A radial arm and a delta sawbuck are also great siding tools.

But if you are going to use it no reason a miter saw won't be a good buy. The only thing I will say is that you can only do about 50 degree cut on the miter saw. So you can't do the gable on a 4/12 pitch roof wall.

 

[Real_PhillBert]

If you want to use your circular saw then you can make a cheap and easy cutting table like this, https://www.google.com/search?q=vin...G6wKHegCAREQ_AUICygC&biw=1517&bih=707#imgrc=_. I've made a few in the past, just threw one away that had been sitting in the garage. Usually make them from scrap laying around. A piece of plywood that the siding will fit on and then a couple of 2x2s on the edges. Then make a track for the saw and screw it down at a 90 to the table. Ride your saw on the track to make the first cut and that will be your cut line from there on out. For angles you have to set the track at the right angle and screw it down and your angle is set. This is how a lot of people have done it for a long long time. A radial arm and a delta sawbuck are also great siding tools.

But if you are going to use it no reason a miter saw won't be a good buy. The only thing I will say is that you can only do about 50 degree cut on the miter saw. So you can't do the gable on a 4/12 pitch roof wall.

You're right, there will be a few cuts that I wont be able to make with a miter saw, but I dont think that necessarily means it wont help speed up the process.

 

[shawhite]

Another point that a few here have pointed too..

I got the 12 inch because I cut 4x4 and thicker stock regularly.. the 12 will take a 4x4 in one cut. Its not hard to get good cuts with a 10 inch you just have to flip the piece which takes a little more time. If you don't cut larger stock very often the 10 inch will serve you great, be lighter and cheaper. But then again.. Bigger is better right? lol

I have cut several 4x6 with my 10in Bosch glider with one pass.

 

[tarbellb]

My Makita 10" slider has a full 12"+ stroke, and can easily cut a 4x4 in one pass.

 

[Mora44]

Great discussion,
I am professional carpenter and i am using miter saw, circular saw and table saw. But my favorite brand is Dewalt and bosch, these two brands have magnificent features and both are worthy for woodworking.
With my 8 years experience i will suggest these two brands because it has excellent cutting capacity and durability.
Thanks for focus.