I have the privilege of getting to spend Wednesday mornings with Clint DeBoer and Tom Gaige at our favorite downtown coffee shop for some fellowship. On this particular morning, Clint excitedly asked me if I had seen the news about the Bosch 8-1/2″ Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw (CM8S). Immediately, the pace of the conversation quickened as Tom began spouting all of the things he loves about miter saws in this size class and wanted details of what this new offering from Bosch was going to include.
The first thing that Tom mentioned was the portability of the 8″ class of miter saws, and Bosch’s CMS8 features a well balanced design with a single hand hold while weighing in at 37 pounds. Some of the features that Bosch has included in this model include bevel lock lever and bevel turret stops that are located on side of tool for quick and easy adjustment controls. The integrated base extensions expand to 29 inches left to right for additional work piece support. Miter and bevel scales are well marked and easy to read with uniform marks starting at 52 degree left and working to 60 degrees right. 10 adjustable miter detents are also included to aid in the most common cuts and features an innovative thumb actuated override. The trigger is designed for ambidextrous use and the lower guard is clear so the cut can be easily viewed and followed.
Specifications
- Amperage: 12
- Voltage: 120
- Base Molding Against Fence: 2-3/4″
- Bevel Angle Range: -2 to 47 degrees
- Bevel Stops: 0, 22.5, 33.9, and 45 degrees
- Blade Diameter: 8-1/2″
- Cord Length: 6 feet
- Crown Molding Against Fence: 3-1/2″
- Cutting Capacity 45 Degree Miter: 2″ x 6″
- Cutting Capacity 90 Degree Cross Cut: 2″ x 8″
- Miter Angle Range: 52 degrees left, 60 degrees right
- Miter Detents: 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45 degrees, (left/right), 60 degrees (right only)
- Miter Positive Stops: 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45 degrees, (left/right)
- No Load RPM: 5600
- Height: 18″
- Length: 32″
- Weight: 37 pounds
Included in the kit is the Bosch 8-1/2″ Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw (CM8S), Dust Bag, Blade Change Wrench, and 8-1/2″ Blade. Bosch backs this tool with a limited 1 year warranty. Street prices for the CM8S are around $470, and it can be purchased direct from Amazon here. For more information, visit Bosch’s website.
The first thing I notice in the picture is the orientation of the handle. With the handle left vertical I feel a lot of strain on the wrist. I haven’t used a Bosch saw for an extended period of time, but I feel a horizontal handle is more ergonomically correct. Just an opinion.