Bosch GCM12SD Review : A Professional Dual-Bevel Gliding Miter Saw

Welcome to our Bosch GCM12SD Review — a 12″ dual-bevel miter saw with a unique axial glide system, unlike traditional sliding miter saws. Bosch has truly engineered a professional-grade miter saw designed with high-grade components and yet somehow they’ve manged to keep it very affordable considering what you get. To be honest, you won’t find a better value at this quality level.

And, in fairness and to give you another equal option, we’ve also chosen to review and compare it to the Delta 26-2250 CRUZER, another 12″ miter saw with a similar ‘gliding’ system that functions more like a robotic arm rather than a standard sliding system. Ultimately, the final decision is yours as to which of these miter saws matches your needs, budget and brand loyalty.

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A Miter Saw for All Seasons — Bosch GCM12SD

The Bosch GCM12SD is one of the most popular 12”, dual bevel glide miter saws on the market. There are several compelling reasons why this is so. For a very competitive price, the Bosch GCM12SD offers every feature that a woodworker could possibly want from a compound sliding miter saw. Great engineering and quality materials make this Bosch miter saw excellent value for money. While the Bosch GCM12SD has the same function as a conventional sliding miter saw, it doesn’t utilize sliding rails, like most others. They call it a glide saw because of the axial glide system. I explain this when reviewing the product.

Made With High-Quality Components | Bosch GCM12SD

In this review of the Bosch GCM12SD, I’m going to give you the information needed to make an informed decision as to whether this product is worth buying. I can say straight away that I feel it is. After reading the review, I think you’ll probably agree. As a very good alternative, at a similar price, the Delta 26-2250 – 12″ makes for an interesting comparison. Which of these two miter saws is the best? That can only be a matter of opinion and I’ll leave it for you to decide.

Personally, I have the greatest respect for Bosch as a high-quality, reasonably priced brand. So I can say that I’d probably favor the Bosch over the Delta. Though both these brands have a good reputation as being high-quality power tools that can compete, as equals, with some of the higher priced options.

In the end, it’s not my job to convince you which miter saw to buy. I’m here to present you with the facts. At times I’ll offer my own opinion, but that’s all it is, a personal observation and should not be taken as anything else. After reading the Bosch GCM12SD review, you can compare it to the Delta 26-2250 – 12″. It’s unlikely, in my opinion, that you’ll find a better deal than either of these highly competent miter saws in terms outstanding value for money.

A 12” compound miter saw with a sliding (or glide) action is never going to be cheap. These are powerful machines, with a large blade capacity. Moreover, they have more moving parts that any other power saw. These need to remain accurate, so skilled engineering and durable materials are key when selecting a saw of this nature. If there’s any tool that I would be prepared to pay extra for, it would be a sliding compound miter saw. It they’re built cheap, it’s going to be a huge disappointment. So beware of similar saws that are too cheap. If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t.

Then there are brands like DeWalt and Makita, not exactly cheap, but these are quality products and not the most expensive either. I’d review the Bosch GCM12SD alongside any DeWalt or Makita product. As much as I’m inclined to make DeWalt my first choice in most instances. I feel that the Bosch GCM12SD is the better saw. It’s rare for me to favor Bosch over DeWalt. Though I’ve heard from a number of guys that the DeWalt DWS780, double bevel sliding compound miter saw has slight accuracy issues. The discrepancies are minor and not a problem for everyone, but the Bosch GCM12SD doesn’t have the same issues.

While I have reviewed most of the miter saws from all of these brands, and more, I’m going to keep things simple this time around. Essentially this is a review of the Bosch GCM12SD, a noteworthy miter saw. As Delta tools has a large and loyal following, it seems fair to offer the Delta 26-2250 – 12″ miter saw as a good comparison. It is also one of the few miter saws with the pivoting glide system as opposed to regular rails.

If you’re curious about how the popular DeWalt DWS780 compares with the Bosch GCM12SD, we’ve written a full article in comparing these two 12″ miter saws. Many people consider these two saws as they’re both highly regarded and beloved. Which miter saw is better? And, which brand is better, Bosch or DeWalt?

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Bosch GCM12SD Review

15 Amp, 12″ Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw.

✓ Note : Also available as a 10″ model : Bosch CM10GD 

Features:

• The Bosch GCM12SD is a 12 In. Dual-Bevel Glide miter saw that features a smooth cutting motion, accurate performance and a space-saving design of the Bosch-exclusive Axial-Glide system
• Pre-aligned SquareLock fences help the saw maintain precision throughout its life
• A soft-grip ambidextrous handle along with a combination dust chute and vacuum adapter add to user comfort
• The saw also offers a large cutting capacity, easy-to-read bevel and miter scales with detents at common angles, and easy-access upfront controls
• Integrated expanding base extensions: 60% more left-to-right material support than leading competitor – 40 In. left to right
• Large easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales: 52° left/60° right miter capacity; 47° left/47° right bevel capacity with marked detents and roof pitch angles
• Adjustable miter detents: detents at 0°, 15°, 31.6°, 22.5°, 45°, 60° right super-accurate and durable design
• Push-button miter Detent override – easy-to-access thumb actuated control right up front for fine miter angle adjustment
• Bevel detents: 0, 33.9°, 45° left/right for accurate cuts
• Category best 90% dust collection – optimized for cutting 2x material with a vacuum
• Ergonomic ambidextrous trigger handle with soft grip – large form fitting ergonomic handle provides comfort for all-day use

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Bosch GCM12SD.

Includes :  GCM12SD 12 In. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw, Premium 12 In. 60-Tooth Carbide-Tipped Blade, Wrench,  Tool-less Vertical Work Clamp,   Dust Bag/Assembly, Vacuum Adapter Elbow

Overview

The first reason why I feel that the Bosch GCM12SD is far superior to most others, is the Axial Glide system. Instead of the saw moving along conventional rails, it has a hinged arm that guides the saw to extend the cutting width.

The most obvious advantage to this system is the space that it saves. You don’t need extra room behind the saw to accommodate guide rails. The Axial Glide system folds into position. What makes the Bosch system so exceptional is the ease with which the saw glides as you move the saw head backward and forward. It is also incredibly accurate and remains this way. You should never experience that inevitable wobble, or side to side movement that so easily happens with a sliding miter saw. So if there’s any confusion over the terminology used here. The Bosch GCM12SD glide saw is a sliding saw. They simply call it a glide saw because it has a smoother sliding action than those that use rails. It also doesn’t have the same issue of sawdust collecting on the rails, so it is more durable over time.

As far as power is concerned, the Bosch GCM12SD has what it takes. The 15A, 120V electric motor allows the Bosch to chew through hardwood of any thickness, with a blade speed of 3800 RPM (no load). When using a 12” blade, you really need that extra power. In addition to this, you can use a variety of 12” blades with this saw. What I find truly remarkable for such a powerful, large capacity miter saw, is how quiet this machine is. The spec sheet claims 65dBA, which is about the same as a normal conversational voice.

At a height of 27” and a length 32.38”, with a great blade travel distance, you have amazing depth and width cutting capabilities. Your maximum cutting capacity (0° miter and 0° bevel) is 3½” X 13½”, suitable for 4 X 14 dimensional lumber. With a 0° miter and 45° left bevel, you have a 2” X 13½” capacity. The right 45° bevel (at 0° miter) reduces your capacity slightly to 1½” X 13.5½. Though your left or right 45° bevel at 0° miter will be fine for 2 X 14 dimensional lumber.  A 45° miter with 0° bevel allows for a 3½” 9½” capacity (4 X 10 dimensional lumber). With both the miter and bevel set at 45°, capacity is 1½” X 9½”, which is sufficient for 2 X 10 dimensional lumber.

VIDEO | A Closer Look Bosch GCM12SD

The miter angle can adjusted up to 52° to the left and 60° to the right. This gives you plenty of range to allow for overcuts in either direction. Positive miter stops and detents give you plenty of hassle-free settings: 0°; 15°; 22.5°; 31.6°; 45° to both the left and right, as well as 60° to right which has a longer range. Bevel indents are 0°; 33.9° and 45° to the left and right. The curved, stainless steel miter guide has very easy to read markings for quick and perfectly accurate settings.

Adjustments are made really easy with a push button miter indent override, a convenient bevel selection, and all-metal bevel lock lever located at the front of the saw. I much prefer this to leaning over the back of the machine to make bevel settings. You can see clearly what you’re doing, so there’s less chance of an error and it is a lot less hassle.

The table and fences (which are on both sides of the blade) are nothing short of superb. They are excellently machined for perfect accuracy and grooves in the table maintain perfect fence alignment without any effort. An ultra-smooth polished table means that everything glides perfectly as you work. The table extensions are remarkable, proving up to 60% additional support for larger pieces. You have support for up to 40” to the left and right. These extensions slot easily into and out of position. You have a compact unit with loads of additional support when needed.

Another easy to use extra is the vertical work clamp that requires no tools to fit or remove. It has a fantastic clear blade guard and a soft-grip handle that is designed for both left and right-handed users. An electric brake for the motor is another great time saver. The vacuum dust extracting port is also one of the best. They’ve done a really clever job of positioning the dust extractor at the perfect angle for maximum efficiency. The guys at Bosch claim that it removes up to 90% of the sawdust, which is way better than most. A vacuum adapter elbow comes with the machine, along with a premium 60-tooth 12” carbide blade, tool-free vertical clamp, the wrench for blade changes, and a dust bag.

Although this is essentially a portable miter saw, it isn’t too light at 65 pounds. I guess all those durable metal components add up to some weight. Though a heavier saw has its advantages, particularly when working with larger pieces. The saw is more stable and won’t tip over very easily. There is a huge selection of optional extras available for the Bosch GCM12SD. These include a variety of miter saw stands, crown molding stops and a length stop. You will also find a large variety of vacuum hoses and adapters for basically any size vacuum hose.

Bosch tools seem to vary greatly. Some are cheaper options with a reasonable quality standard, whilst others are top notch tools that can compete with the very best from premier tool brands. The Bosch GCM12SD falls into the latter category. It’s priced alongside similar miter saws from brands like DeWalt. But, in my opinion, is only rivaled by the most expensive alternatives, like the Festool KS120, which costs more than twice as much.

Okay, I’m not suggesting that the Bosch GCM12SD is quite in the same league as Festool saws. But it comes pretty close and is much cheaper. Of all the 12” sliding compound saws in the same price range, I would pick the Bosch GCM12SD over any other. All Bosch power tools carry a standard 1-year warranty.

For 2023, if you’re interested in the latest and greatest miter saw from Bosch, look no further than this :

PRO-Grade Cordless Miter Saw : Bosch PROFACTOR 18V SURGEON

GCM18V-12GDCN : Various Kits Available. Stunning performance in a portable miter saw.

Features :

• Axial-Glide system – has an articulating arm
• Cut capacity of 3.5 In. depth and a 13.5 In. width/crosscut
• BITURBO Brushless Technology –   takes full advantage of the additional power generated by CORE18V PROFACTOR batteries
• High-power cells – use enhanced 21700 cell technology, combined with advanced battery design for greater efficiency
• Bosch-exclusive CoolPack 2.0 technology –   better cooling than  previous-generation CoolPack system
• Weighs only 59.3 Lbs. (tool only, not including battery). Battery : 2.1+ lbs.
• ECO mode – extends the battery runtime by up to 20%
• Connectivity (module sold separately) – link to connected device via Bosch Toolbox App to customize settings and receive detailed feedback
• Integrated base extensions – extend material support up to 43 In.
• Tall fence design – supports taller material for accurate cuts with 4-3/4 In. fences
• Accurate laser guide system – precisely aligns the cut line to the blade
• Upfront bevel control – located to make bevel adjustments easy left to right, keeping the user’s hands away from the blade

OVERVIEW : Pro-Grade Bosch

If you’re looking for cordless miter saw that can rival a 15A corded-electric then you must consider the PROFACTOR SURGEON engineered for the job site or for DIY hobbyists who want the best, and can afford it. The CORE18V battery technology is impressive, available in 8Ah or 12Ah. There’s a lot of power packed inside these batteries, and they’re designed to provide consistent power to eliminate slow down and to make you feel like you didn’t compromise anything by going cordless.

Battery technology has come a long way and in 2024 you don’t have to sacrifice performance for portability. With a battery the Bosch Surgeon CORE18V saw weighs around 60.5 lbs to 62 lbs., depending on the battery size. The features are impressive, as you can read in the features list. Bosch engineers have created an innovative power system to ensure you won’t be disappointed, with an advanced cooling system to maintain a healthy temperature and keep it operating efficiently and safe.

Another pro-grade model is the Makita 40V (GSL04Z) XGT; released in Nov 2021. Either way, the average person does not need to spend this much on a miter saw, but if you’re a contractor these are two of the newest generation of battery-powered miter saws. For more ideas, read our guide to the top quality miter saws for the money.

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VIDEO : A Closer Look at the Makita 40V XGT — GSL04Z

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Delta 26-2250 CRUZER Review : 12″ Miter Saw **Discontinued

12″ Dual Bevel Sliding Cruzer Miter Saw. Load arm support bracket is made from military-grade aluminum.

Features:

• 12″ blade with versatile flip-down fence design for industry-best 18″ crosscut capacity
• Adjustable crown fence lock increases stacked crown capacity at 45° to 7-1/2″
• Dual bevel 47° left, 47° right with front bevel release and 7 positive stops at the most popular bevel angles and an easy to reach lever override to move between stops.
• 50° left miter, 60° right miter capacity with 10 miter detents and positive stops
• One-hand front miter controls with push button miter detent override and front bevel release for quick movement
• Flip-down slide lock for super accurate plunge cuts of crown and other stacked trim pieces
• Easily adjustable sliding tension for personalizing slide action
• Molded handle and ergonomic trigger is comfortable for right or left handed users
• 15 amp motor for powerful cuts and blade brake for safety
• Adjustable cutting depth
• Clear retractable blade guard for full view of cutting area during alignment and cutting
  1-1/2″ dust port for vacuum connection and excellent dust collection
• Patented load arm support bracket is made from military-grade aluminum for true accuracy
• Heavy-duty bearings provide unparalleled smoothness in the travel

✓  View or download the MANUAL for the Delta 26-2250.

Overview

The main reason why I feel that the Delta 26-2250 – 12″ is the best miter saw to review alongside the Bosch GCM12SD is that they use a similar arm, which differs from conventional sliding rails. Delta call this system “CRUZER”, whereas Bosch have named their system Axial Glide. Essentially, it’s exactly the same way of doing things. Both these miter saws have arms that pivot on hinges, like a robotic arm. In the Bosch GM12SD review, I pointed out why I feel that this a superior system. Though I must point how important it is to ensure that, when buying a miter saw with this type of pivoting arm, you ensure that it is of the highest quality standard.

I’ve seen a few cheap imitations of the Delta CRUZER and Bosch Axial Glide systems. Though I’m extremely weary of these cheap products and have read a lot about their problems. If you’ve ever hung large, hardwood, bi-fold doors, you’ll know what I’m talking about here. If the hinges cannot handle the weight of the doors they begin sag very quickly. This causes the doors to drag along the floor and they don’t align properly, basically rendering them useless.

When you apply this principle to a miter saw with a folding robotic style arm, your pivot points (or hinges) become all the more important. The entire weight of the motor and saw blade is concentrated at the furthest most point of the arm. Gravitational force, causes this weight to pull downward and this places immense stress on the central pivot point of the arm.

Both Bosch and Delta have used the best high-grade metals along with precision engineering to ensure that this arm remains rigid and stable for the lifetime of the saw. Delta state that they use military-grade aluminum and it appears that Bosch uses the same, or a very similar material. If the hinges sag, the saw no longer glides smoothly and will never be accurate. So beware of cheap products with inferior metals and less precision in their engineering.

So the most obvious advantage to using both the Bosch GCM12SD and the Delta 26-2250 – 12″, is the high-quality smooth gliding system. Though they are very similar in most respects. The Delta 26-2250 – 12″ also uses a 15A 120V electric motor to provide enough power for a large 12” saw blade. The Delta has a slightly higher blade speed, 4000 RPM vs 3800 RPM for the Bosch GCM12SD. Though this minor difference has no noticeable effect on how either saw performs. They both have an incredibly smooth, powerful cutting action.

The Delta 26-2250 – 12″ is fair deal lighter than the Bosch GCM12SD at 57 LBS, whereas the Bosch weighs a pretty hefty 65 LBS. I think the weight difference has mostly to do with the fact that the Delta saw doesn’t have the extensions to support larger workpieces. So the Delta 26-2250 – 12″ has a slight advantage over the Bosch GCM12SD in terms of portability. Though the side extensions fitted to the Bosch saw offer an obvious advantage. I also prefer the extra stability that comes with the additional weight.

When it comes to using the saw, there is little to separate the Delta 26-2250 – 12″ from the Bosch GCM12SD. Their capabilities are identical. At 0° miter and bevel, the delta is perfect for 4 X 14 dimensional lumber. Maximum capacity is 1.5” X 17.25”, so you can through 2 X 18 lumber. With the miter and bevel angles both set for 45°, you have a 1.5” X 9.25” capacity – suitable for 2 X 10 lumber. In this regard the Bosch GCM12SD spec sheet is no different to that of the Delta 26-2250 – 12″.

Maximum miter and bevel angles for the Delta are slightly lower than the Bosch, but I can’t see this as being any real issue. The Delta 26-2250 – 12″ is still great with miter angles of 50° to the left and 60° to the right (10 miter indents and positive stops). The bevel angle settings are 47° to the left and right with 7 positive stops. The Delta also has the advantage of bevel adjustments at the front of the saw and one touch detent override.

The Delta miter saw has a similar workpiece clamp when compared to the Bosch GCM12SD. With the exception of no side extensions, the table and fences fitted to the Delta 26-2250 – 12″ are every bit as impressive as those of the Bosch GCM12SD. The Delta miter saw also has a great handle, clear blade guard, and a 1½ dust collection port. You also have the advantage of an electric motor brake with this saw. I really like the easy to use tensioning adjustment that allows you to set the glide action to match your needs. Accessories include two options for a portable stand. Not quite as comprehensive the extras available for the Bosch miter saw.

In essence, the Bosch GCM12SD and Delta 26-2250 – 12″ are very similar, highly competent, miter saws with a superb gliding action. I know that Delta Machinery has a solid reputation for manufacturing exceptional power tools. There are many carpenters who swear by the brand. I don’t believe that any amount of convincing will persuade these guys to change allegiances. Though I’m inclined to favor the Bosch GCM12SD, if only for the extendable side support and additional accessories. As far as general quality goes, it’s hard to determine if either is the more robust saw. They are both manufactured to highest standards, using the very best materials. Though Delta offers a much better warranty of 5-years, compared to only 1-year for Bosch power tools.