Bosch 4212L Miter Saw Review – 12-Inch Dual Bevel Compound Miter Saw
The Bosch 4212L is a 12-inch dual bevel compound miter saw that clearly lives up to the Bosch name. It features their arbor mounted laser tracking system for maximum precision, a 15 amp, heavy duty motor capable of 3800 RPM for smooth and clean cuts, and a multi position handle to suit both lefties and righties. It has a wide miter range from 0-52˚ to both the left and right, and also features a bevel angle range of 0-47˚ left and right. This gives the Bosch 4212L amazing flexibility in terms of the variety of cuts you can make.
This model also features the exclusive wedge and cut system for repetitive cuts, an electric brake to prevent accidental cuts and two sliding fences with scales.
What to Look For When Buying a Miter Saw
Finding the right miter saw can be a challenge, and there’s a lot of money at stake so you want to be sure to do your homework. What I’ve found to be helpful in narrowing down your choices is to focus on what I consider to be the four most important elements:
- Type (basic miter, compound miter, sliding compound miter)
- Capacity
- Portability
- Additional Features
Focusing on these four key elements will help to quickly narrow the field. Below I’ll discuss each one in detail.
What Type Of Miter Saw Do You Need?
In the world of miter saws, dual bevel models offer the majority of users all of the flexibility you’re ever likely to need. The Bosch 4212L and other dual bevel miter saws are extremely versatile and can perform a wide range of different cuts, which means you will likely never have to upgrade to another saw because it is going to handle pretty much everything you throw at it. You could go with a basic miter saw which will be cheaper, but they are also far less capable. Likewise a sliding compound miter will give you slightly more flexibility but it’s not worth the premium price for most users.
What Capacity Is Best For Your Needs?
The larger the capacity, the larger the stock you’ll be able to work with, it’s that simple. 12-inch models like the Bosch 4212L are at the high end of the spectrum in the miter saw world, and will pretty much handle any size or thickness material that you’re ever likely to want to cut on this kind of tool. Base boards, trim boards, photo frames, crown moldings, you name it, the Bosch 4212L will handle it. You could go with an 8-inch or 10-inch instead, and Bosch does carry models in that size range, but again you will likely find yourself upgrading at some point. Personally I prefer to go with the larger capacity right from the start.
Should You Go Cordless?
Cordless miter saws have caught up to the corded models in terms of power, and do afford added portability but they still suffer from one key drawback: longevity. There’s no way around it when you’re using battery power, at some point you’re going to run out of juice, and if you’re in the middle of a project that can spell trouble. You can avoid this by purchasing extra batteries and keeping them on hand, but miter saw batteries aren’t cheap. Plus let’s face it, unless you’re working at a very remote location, chances are you will have access to an outlet, so it makes more sense for most users to go with a corded miter saw like the Bosch 4212L.
What Other Features Do You Need?
If you go with a model like the Bosch 4212L, the answer is none, because it already has all the bells and whistles you need like an electric brake, laser guide, extra tall fence, extensions, built in flip storage crown stops and a multi position handle.
Bosch 4212L Miter Saw – How Much?
What’s Included
- Bosch 4212L miter saw
- 12” 40-tooth thin-kerf carbide-tipped blade
- Dust bag
- Elbow wrench set
Does It Come With A Warranty?
Yes, it comes with a one year warranty, 30 day money back guarantee and one year service protection plan.
What Others Are Saying about the Bosch 4212L Miter Saw
“I agree with most of the comments about how this saw is very good. The upfront bevel control, the miter detent release, sliding outfeed extentions are all great. Very solid, very low flex and very smooth operating.” “The saw is great. It was bought to supplement an older Craftsman 12″ slider but the speed of set-up and accuracy has made it my number one miter saw.” “this is by far the most inovative and amazing miter saw i’ve ever had the peasure of working with. “ “Very nice saw. Right out of the box, it was calibrated perfectly, not that it has to be, as they give you instructions on how to calibrate it, but this is indicative of quality.”
Any Problems or Complaints?
The owner reviews that I could find for the Bosch 4212L were overwhelmingly positive, but some users did complain about the dust collection bag, and thought that it could have been better designed, however this seems to be a common complaint with miter saws in general.
Where Can You Buy the Bosch 4212L?
The best deal I could find on this model was over at Amazon. They had the best price of any major online retailer, and they throw in free Super Saver shipping to boot.
Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Bosch 4212L?
If you’re interested in reading more owner reviews, I would suggest heading on over to Amazon.
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