Bosch model 4100-09 table saw
ingrainedcreations
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I’m a serious hobbist woodworker about to purchase my first table saw and am considering the Bosch. Ease of use and accuracy are my prime objectives as well as a price as far below $1.000 I can go while retaining these goals ( the cheaper, the more likely I can also afford a portable planer). Anyone with experience with the Bosch — will I be disappointed?
Replies
I bought one as a job site saw not to long after they came out many years ago.
I see it as a light duty saw, and while some probably do use a saw of this type for making cabinets, it would not be your best choice. For example, maybe this was fixed in later models, but there is no way of locking the blade at a certain height. So if you are using a dado blade, you constantly have to check the cut to make sure the saw blade is not creeping downward.
Personally, if I were in your boat I would add a couple of hundred to the budget and consider a so-called hybrid saw:
http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1492&articleID=501503
There are many people around here with more current information on the table saw market, and I am sure they will be along shortly to give you their advice.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I used the first gen Bosch for two years working for a carpenter. I agree that I wouldn't use it for dados but for everything else, I am a big fan of that saw. I am mostly a makita guy, but in the field of portable table saws, this is heads and shoulders above all the others.
Great saw. The fence is wonderful for how inexpensive the saw is. The motor is expectedly low powered but has enough power to do most things (even if you have to do them slowly). It is super easy to use and in the new version, now has a riving knife.
Rob Kress
P.S. Don't take the comment about the power of the motor too seriously. It's hard for many here, including myself, to remember life before 3 hp cabinet. The Bosch saw really is a good saw.
Thanks for your opinions. I'm accustomed to the radial arm saw and have had two over the years. Never had a table saw. I've found the radial hard to keep true on bevels and miters (both needed too frequent adjustment) and the rips are scary (kickback prone). Nonetheless, I've turned out some good furniture by working with what I've had.
Everyone says the table saw is more versatile. I can do dados on the radial with a 7" adjustable dado blade. Won't this work on the Bosch?
I'm not far from Grizzly in Springfield, Mo and have considered their G0661 with riving knife and 110v as an alternate. Anyone experienced with this one? The GO1023 is better, but 220v. only. I like to roll the saw out in the driveway on good days and the extension cord would be a problem as well as the 420 lb. weight. Might be too much for me.
Further comments appreciated.
I haven't really kept up with the Grizzly line but that G0661 looks like a nice saw. If you could afford it, I think you should seriously look at the Grizzly. Completely different drive train from the Bosch. While the bosch is a nice saw, there really is no comparison between the two motor types on these two saws.Yes, you really should have a table saw if you are going to be ripping stock (and especially with bevels and angles on it). Radial arm saws are a little bit limited but still useful at times. Table saws more versatile. Good luck with your purchase.Rob Kress
I second it. I have the bosch. I like it. I do use it for long dadoes. But my main saw is a 14" 7hp American from 1880's. Old cast iron. That said I do use the bosch with my Delta tenoning jig and for light cuts and quick cuts. But it does not have the oomph to rip up say four or five sheets of plywood.
Go with the Grizzley
I have a Ridgid portable table saw and think it's very comparable to a Bosch saw. Ridgid has a newer version out that has a riving knife also. I used mine to build laminate counter tops and stained glass frames that had mortise and tenon joinery. I used a forest and old freud blades and it cut everything I threw at it with good precision. The only complaint is cutting sheet goods the fence would move a little if you banged it hard. Of course using full sheets of plywood, particle board and mdf I guess I shouldn't complain, plus it saved me from having to lug everything inside to my unisaw. The only real complaint is the motor is loud and that's the nature of the beast as they say. I'd say compare it to a Bosch and I think it's quite a bit cheaper. Mine came with a lifetime warranty, I think that's still standard on all Ridgid tools. In fact I think you could pick up a Ridgid thickness planer and keep it under a thousand easily. Good luck on your decision.
okahun
Funny you should mention the Rigid brand. The latest issue of FW mag did a tool test on the port. table saws. Bosch was Best Overall and Rigid was Best Value. That article was what gave me hope that a new portable saw could handle my needs -- and allow me to get that bench planer as well.
Thanks so much for all your advice. Lowe's is selling the Bosch with stand for $550 right now. I think I'll try it. And again, thanks. I learn something every time a woodworker speaks!
You might want to read through this thread <click>. The poor OP accidentally erased the first post, but a few of the replies address the Bosch (#19). There's also one member who's done well with the DeWalt (#12).
Important though -- you haven't mentioned what kind of projects you expect to be doing. Furniture? cabinets? more on the small-project size? That's useful info to people who want to reply.
I've really like the design of the Bosch -- the riving knife and very user-friendly blade guard. It would be interesting to compare that design with the new Ridgid, which I've not seen yet. The older Ridgid was a good design except for the usual aggravating blade guard/splitter.
Thanks for the info! I do woodworking almost every day. Make mostly artsy (at least I try) stuff like jewelry boxes, side tables, blanket chests, etc. I just got a used Rockwell wood lathe, have a good used 2-3/4 hp digital radial (10") saw, an old Western Auto scroll saw and an 25 yr old router that never got used till now. A 10in. bench press is the only new tool I own.
I like the idea of portability in my garage and driveway (on good days) and the apparent safety and ease of use reported with the Bosch.
I make the stuff because it's fun and mostly give it away as gifts, selling just enough to resupply. I'm retired and now have TIME!!! I've learned soooo much this past year since becoming involved in the craft. Wish I coudda' retired sooner.
Is everybody talking about the same Ridgid saw? The TS2400 portable has been around for a while. The new granite R4511 is hardly portable. Word is that the R4511 is being discontinued following problems with the granite, to be replaced at a later date. At the moment neither saw appears on the main HD website. Both appear on the Canadian one, though apparently the granite top isn't in stores. The Ridgid site never seems to be updated. Makes the Bosch seem that much more desirable.
Jim
"Word is that the R4511 is being discontinued following problems with the granite, to be replaced at a later date." I was wondering why there was no Rigid saw on their web site.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Given the list of projects you mentioned, I'd think the Bosch would do you proud. Possibly for the blanket chests you'd need some extra support, depending on the stock, but that's no biggie. You're smart enough to be careful. Although I have a Unisaw, I'm campaigning for a Bosch at the horse stable where I train, and do odd-job repairs and such. It's a sweet, sweet saw!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I bought the new model when it first came out, I added the side and rear supports. I have had no problems with it. I cut 2 inch walnut with no bog down. I have cut a few sheets of plywood on it by myself and had very little problem thanks to the extensions. I make tables, picture frames and now rocking chairs. Accruacy is no problem and the safety features are great.
A few negatives. I have the folding support and now wish I didnt. the front legs stick out past the saw and are easy to trip over. If you encounter resistance while cutting the whole unit moves and tilts a little because of the rubber tires. Not a major problem now that I am use to it. The table could be flatter, but not a major issue. The table is coated with something and scratches easily and magnets will not stick to it.
All in all I am happy with this as my first saw.
Tony
Edited 11/25/2009 8:07 am ET by docrx
The main benefit of portable jobsite saws is portability. Your objectives are: "Ease of use and accuracy are my prime objectives as well as a price as far below $1.000". The better jobsite saws at $450-$600 are not inexpensive, and they really give up a lot compared to a full size stationary saw. The full size saws have much larger work areas (especially in front of the blade), have more mass, smoother more powerful drive trains, longer fences, better long term reliability, etc. There's no advantage going with a portable unless you need the portability.
In your price range you can choose from a lot of good full size saws. If you have 220v, the Grizzly G1023SL is on sale for $795 ($889 shipped)...that's a true 3hp industrial style cabinet saw. That's a no brainer IMO if you have 220v.
If you're stuck with 110v, any number of hybrids will serve you well...Jet, Craftsman, GI, Grizzly, Shop Fox, Ridgid, Steel City, DeWalt, Delta.
I finally broke down and bought a Bosch (portability is somwhat of a factor). Set-up was a breeze and as others have found, the unit was accurate right out of the box. The sound level was not as high as my old radial saw and I can live with it. My early impressions with limited use are very favorable. Good design, simple to use, convenient and appears to have sufficient power for my needs.
The old radial arm will probably gather saw dust now. Quite pleased with my new toy!!!
It is a shame that you purchased the Bosch table saw. It is painful for me to say that as I have a number of tools manufactured by Bosch as well as two kitchen appliances.
I too have been considering the Bosch for a time now but through my research I will probably purchase the Makita. Why? I have two friends who are contractors. One has had two Bosch saws fail on him within a year and half. The other also had purchased the Bosch and it too failed on him. Additionally, one of the major locally owned lumber yards has a whole wall of Bosch saws waiting to be returned.
The problem stems with a bearing issue. Bosch uses a plastic bearing where Makita uses one made out of nylon. Additionally, the motor on the Makita is encased where it is not on the Bosch.
I too saw the article on portable saws in the Fine Woodworking Annual winter 2009. Honestly, I wish the author did some deeper research. It would have prevented consumers like you and I headaches down the road.
"Projects beget projects and projects beget the need to buy new tools and that is what the cycle of life is all about."
Yours is the only negative reply on the Bosch I have received. Others have preferred bigger, more expensive machines, but did not knock the Bosch for what it is. I've had several merchants of tools tell me it is the best in its class.
Oh well, too late now. Guess I'll find out over time. But right now, I'm enjoying it and am convinced that for what I do a table saw is superior to my old radial arm saw.
I do appreciate your input. Maybe others can benefit from your experience. Meanwhile, sawdust awaits and it's time for me to go make some!!!
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