Bosch’s Axial Glide 12″ Miter Saw, which made it to the number 5 spot in our kick-ass tool roundup is, believe it or not, even more kick-ass than it looks! I had the opportunity to check out the saw at a recent woodworking show, and the was absolutely floored at how smooth the saw’s sliding/gliding mechanism was.
Bosch Axial Glide Miter Saw with Arm Fully Retracted
We posted a Bosch promo video of the saw in action a while back, but it doesn’t seem to do the saw justice. There is virtually no friction in the saw’s unique arms, as the sealed bearings seem to be perfectly lubricated.
Bosch Axial Glide Miter Saw With Arm Fully Extended
Don’t forget that I’m talking about a floor model here that must have been through hundreds if not thousands of back and forth motions. Knowing that the tool wasn’t factory-fresh made its superb motions that much more impressive.
Bosch GCM12SD Axial Glide Miter Saw via Amazon
Bosch GCM12SD via Woodcraft
Product Info via Bosch
I didn’t have a chance to actually use the saw outside of extending and retracting the arm, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about Bosch’s miter saws and expect the same from this one.
Stuart,
Bosch is also running a free 96t blade with this saw now as well. Mail-in rebate so it’ll take a little time but still a hell of a deal. http://www.coptool.com/blog/2011/03/free_96t_pro_blade_with_the_bo.html
Jay
I’m testing one right now and you hit the head on the nail. It’s certainly the most impressive saw I’ve ever used period! It’s nearly impossible to describe how smooth the action is, you literally have to try it to have an understanding of how amazing it is. For me it’s the top power tool of the year if not the last 5 years!
Thanks, Jay, for the details about the free blade, and Todd for your own impression of the saw!
Nice saw. Do you recall how easy it is to replace the blade on it? I find that to be pet peeve on these saws and wish it there were easier was to change from a 40t for framing to say a 96t for finer lumber.
David, I had only checked out the axial-glide saw in passing, and didn’t think to see how easy it was to change the blade. I wouldn’t have thought that the process would be more involved than on an ordinary miter saw.
Chances are that if you’re frustrated by the process, others are as well. But I cannot imagine what the difference would be. Is it that the blade guard/housing gets in the way?
I meant the Miter saw blade changing in general. Not specifically this saw. I was hoping / wishing for an easy change out solution so I could replace my trusty but tire Ryobi model for something new and shiny.