BOSCH Compound Miter Saw CM8S 8-1/2 Inch Review

When it comes to precision cutting and reliable performance, investing in a quality miter saw is paramount for any woodworking enthusiast or professional. The Bosch CM8S 8-1/2 Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, boasting Bosch’s renowned craftsmanship and innovation, emerges as a promising contender in the market. Priced at $350.00, this saw combines convenience, portability, and accuracy, making it an attractive option for both on-site tasks and workshop projects. With its compact design, intuitive controls, and impressive cutting capacity, the CM8S aims to address the needs of users seeking a versatile tool that doesn’t compromise on quality. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the features, performance, and real-world experiences of the Bosch Compound Miter Saw, shedding light on its strengths and potential drawbacks as reported by both the manufacturer and consumers.

Bosch Compound Miter Saw Overview

The Bosch CM8S 8-1/2 Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw stands out as a compact yet powerful addition to any workshop or job site. Boasting a striking blue color and a robust construction, this miter saw is engineered to deliver precise cuts with ease. Powered by a corded electric motor, the CM8S features a high-speed steel blade, ensuring durability and efficiency in a variety of cutting applications. With a bevel angle range from -2° to 47°, users have the flexibility to tackle a wide range of bevel cuts, while the miter detent override provides quick adjustments for enhanced accuracy. One of its standout features is the integrated expanding base extensions, which expand up to 29 inches left to right, offering ample support for larger workpieces. Additionally, the saw’s compact design and lightweight construction, weighing just 37 pounds, make it exceptionally portable, allowing for easy transport and maneuverability on and off the job site. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the specific features and functionalities of the Bosch CM8S, exploring how it fares in terms of performance, usability, and overall value.

the Bosch Compound Miter Saw Best Use Case

The Bosch CM8S 8-1/2 Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is ideally suited for a variety of woodworking tasks, both at home workshops and professional job sites. Its compact design and lightweight construction make it particularly well-suited for users who prioritize portability without sacrificing cutting capacity. Here are some of the best use cases for the Bosch Compound Miter Saw:

1. Trim Carpentry: For professionals or DIY enthusiasts working on trim carpentry projects, such as installing crown molding, baseboards, or door casings, the Bosch CM8S offers precise miter and bevel cuts, ensuring clean and accurate results.
2. Cabinet Making: When crafting cabinets or furniture pieces that require intricate cuts and angles, the CM8S provides the versatility and precision needed to achieve professional-grade results. Its expanding base extensions offer ample support for cutting large panels or boards.
3. Deck Building: Whether constructing a new deck or performing repairs and renovations, the CM8S is a valuable tool for cutting deck boards, railings, and framing components with ease. Its portability allows for convenient on-site use, even in tight or hard-to-reach spaces.
4. Home Renovations: From installing flooring and trim to framing walls and ceilings, the Bosch CM8S excels in various home renovation projects. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport between rooms or job sites, while its robust construction ensures durability and longevity.
5. Light-Duty Contracting: Contractors and tradespeople working on smaller-scale projects, such as residential remodeling or interior renovations, will appreciate the versatility and performance of the CM8S. Its compact size and intuitive controls make it a valuable asset on the job site.

Bottom Line

The Bosch CM8S 8-1/2 Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw emerges as a compelling choice for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering a blend of portability, precision, and performance in a compact package. With its intuitive controls, expanding base extensions, and impressive cutting capacity, this miter saw excels in a variety of applications, from trim carpentry to home renovations and light-duty contracting tasks. While some users have reported minor issues with dust collection and plastic components, the overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive, with praise for the CM8S’s accuracy, durability, and ease of use.

What We Loved About This Bosch Compound Miter Saw

1. Portability: The Bosch CM8S’s lightweight design, weighing just 37 pounds, makes it incredibly easy to transport and maneuver, whether on-site or in the workshop. Its top carry handle, situated at the center of gravity, provides one-handed portability for added convenience.
2. Precision Cutting: With easy-to-read miter and bevel scales, as well as 10 adjustable miter detents, the CM8S offers precise and accurate cuts for a variety of woodworking tasks. Users can achieve uniform cuts from 52 degrees left to 60 degrees right, ensuring consistency and professional-quality results.
3. Expanding Base Extensions: The integrated expanding base extensions, which expand up to 29 inches left to right, provide ample support for larger workpieces, enhancing stability and safety during cutting operations. This feature is particularly useful when working with longer boards or panels.
4. Versatility: Despite its compact size, the Bosch CM8S offers impressive cutting capacity, with a crosscut capacity of 12-3/4 inches, equivalent to that of a 10-inch miter saw. This versatility allows users to tackle a wide range of woodworking projects, from trim carpentry to deck building and home renovations.
5. Ease of Use: Accessible controls, including the bevel lock lever and bevel turret stops located on the side of the tool, make adjustments quick and easy without the need to reach behind the saw. The intuitive design of the CM8S ensures user-friendly operation, even for beginners.

Things We Thought Could Be Improved on the the Bosch Compound Miter Saw

1. Dust Collection: Several users have reported dissatisfaction with the dust collection system of the Bosch the Bosch Compound Miter Saw, noting that the included dust bag offers minimal effectiveness. Even when connected to a shop vac dust collection system, some users found that dust still accumulated around the work area, posing a potential inconvenience.
2. Plastic Components: While the overall construction of the CM8S is robust, some users have expressed concerns about the use of plastic components in certain areas of the saw. Specifically, the detent angle stops and other plastic parts have been reported to be prone to cracking or breaking, affecting the saw’s durability and longevity.
3. Alignment Issues: A few users have encountered alignment issues with the CM8S, particularly regarding the vertical fence and blade adjustment. Some have noted that the vertical fence was slightly out of alignment out of the box, with no apparent means of adjustment. Additionally, the detent angle stops made of brittle plastic were reported to crack when attempting to loosen them for blade adjustment.
4. Handle Design: While the top carry handle of the CM8S contributes to its portability, some users have found it to be in the way when using the dust bag or a shop vac for dust collection. This design aspect could be improved to provide better clearance and convenience during operation.
5. Blade Quality: Although the included blade of the CM8S performs adequately for general cutting tasks, some users have suggested that upgrading to a specialty blade could further enhance cut quality and efficiency, particularly when working with hardwoods or demanding materials.

Final Thoughts on the Bosch Compound Miter Saw

Despite some minor drawbacks, the Bosch CM8S 8-1/2 Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw stands as a commendable choice for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals seeking a blend of portability, precision, and performance. Its compact design, expansive cutting capacity, and intuitive controls make it a valuable asset in any workshop or job site. While improvements could be made in areas such as dust collection, plastic components, and alignment, the overall consensus remains positive, with users praising the CM8S for its reliability, versatility, and ease of use.

Ultimately, the Bosch CM8S offers a compelling combination of features and functionality at a competitive price point, making it a worthy investment for those in need of a dependable miter saw for various woodworking applications. With its solid construction and trusted brand reputation, the CM8S is poised to meet the demands of both professional craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts alike, ensuring accurate and efficient cutting for years to come.