GCM 8 SJL Sliding mitre Saw (sawblade-Ø: 216 mm, incl. clamp, 1 x Circular Saw Blade, Optiline Wood)

Firstly let me say I've been a carpenter for over 30 years, so I have some experience with mitre saws. Ok I had three mitre saws that were all Dewalt. 1) a 305mm blade which tilts both ways which I use for larger roof framing projects etc. 2) The new cordless Dewalt which I use for smaller projects or if no plug in power is available. 3) A 216mm blade Dewalt which will handle most projects that I used daily, this saw eventually died after years of use so I needed a replacement. I don't like the design of the new 216mm mitre saws from Dewalt, they remind me of an Elu I had many years ago. So I did some research and opted for the Bosch GCM 8 SJL on Amazon at the very reasonable price of £259. I almost went for the Makita equivalent which also looks a good machine, I have other Makita tools which are first class. Out of the box I checked the saws cutting accuracy, the saw cut absolutely spot on square so no adjustment required. The only thing I had to adjust was the laser. I always download the Pdf manual of all my new power tools from their makers websites, but this saw also comes with a paper manual which explained how to adjust the laser. The sliding action is very smooth and the saw has an adjustable depth stop for doing trench cuts etc, a very useful addition which I've used for lap joints. The saw has table extensions both left and right which I really like for extending the support of material. This saw only tilts one way, but that's not an issue you just need to reverse your cuts. The mitre adjustment setup is different to what I'm used to on the Dewalt saws, but it works perfectly fine. The saw has plenty of power and comes with a very good quality blade, I've cut through 8" x 2" timber like a hot knife through butter. Another reviewer complained about the dust extraction? If you connect an dust extractor to the machine it works really well, if you don't you will get a buildup of sawdust but that happens with all machines. I'd always recommend connecting an extractor if you're working inside for health reasons, if you're working outside it's not an issue. Now this machine is a Bosch and it's a mitre saw, so I certainly expected to pay much more for it. The fist thing I did notice when I unboxed it was it's made in China, something a work colleague didn't like. However I've had it about a month now and I must say I'm impressed with it, this saw certainly has German engineering. So I'd say it's not the best mitre saw I've ever had, but for the money it's defenatly the best value and will do just about any carpentry project thrown at it. So far I've cut a small hipped roof on an extension with it, it's cut skirting, architraves, studwork, handrails, base rails and spindles etc all very accurately. If you're looking to buy a mitre saw think about what sort of work you're going to do with it and what size timbers you'll be cutting, then buy accordingly. I use this saw for every day general carpentry and so far I'm pleased with it. So for that reason and especially for the price I'd recommend it and I've given it five stars!

This Bosch mitre saw represents excellent value and with a little setting up can produce some very accurate cuts. When the saw cam from the factory the bevel and mitre angles were slightly off true. With a little bit of research it wasn't too difficult to work out how to calibrate this saw. The angle of the bevel can be adjusted so that the mark for 0 degrees is correct by adjusting a nut at the back. The mitre angle is adjusted by loosening the screws on the front gauge, lining the blade up to the fence using a roofing square or other decent sized 90 angle, then tightening the gauge back up again. Once this is complete all the angle are true. The saw is defiantly a work horse and has a decent cutting depth. With any mitre saw the dust collection is never going to be perfect, but at about 1/3 the price of a Festool Kapex it defiantly represents good value. The laser line works nicely, it doesn't have the laser on both sider of the kerf like some of the more high end saws do. The handle is comfortable to use and adjusting the rear fence is pretty easy. The adjustable supports that extent to the left and right of the saw to support the work piece work well. It does make a lot of noise so hearing protection is defiantly a requirement. Overall very happy with this product. There is nothin else in this price range that have the quality of this saw.

I read a lot of reviews but don't normally write them so something has to be good for me to do so. I have had numerous mitre saws including Einhell and Evolution but this one is in a different league. It is very easy to set up to get accurate cuts and ensure the laser is aligned perfectly. The motor is strong and the blade very good producing very clean cuts. The reach and dust extraction are where it comes into it's own. The reach is over 30 cm allowing you to cut a wide range of timbers without the need to turn it round and suffer alignment problems. The dust extraction is fantastic. Despite me using a cyclone dust extraction system on my previous saws, I still had to clean up a fair amount of sawdust whenever I used them. This leaves very little sawdust and you can see the sawdust being extracted as you cut, the best I have seen by far and saves so much time after use. I spend a long time reading everything before I buy a new saw to ensure it serves my needs as a keen woodworker hobbyist. To save you that time and effort, if you want a great accurate saw with a fantastic extraction system then buy this, you'll be more than please with your purchase.

I bought this to complete a big garden project. The cuts are good, and it easily passes through 4x2s. The only slight let down is the lazer. I'm sure it will be fine if you're cutting indoors, but outside it was difficult to see.

I've never had one of these type of saws before and so read a lot of reviews before buying this one. No way was this the cheapest or the highest spec., but it would suit my needs - we'd just moved house and I had a lot of carpentry planned, so knew this saw was going to get a bashing. As soon as it was set up and in use I kicked myself for not buying one sooner. It is really accurate and nice to use - quality tools are always nicer and more relaxing to use, and I believe they last longer. I have a Bosch professional mains drill that is over 30 years old and all i've dome is buy a new chuck (the old one wore out), put a new flex shield on it (the old one cracked) and fit new brushes. It still works like new and doesn't owe me anything. If this saw lasts as well as that I'll be bequeathing this to my kids in my will!!! You will not be dissappnted with this saw.