A miter saw is one of the most valuable tools that a DIY enthusiast can have, and it’s a must-have tool for every workshop of any level. This tool is designed to efficiently and effectively cut crown moldings, door and picture frames, and window casings. Compound miter saws can also produce straight cuts of all sorts of DIY and professional projects. What set compound miter saws apart from the classic miter saw is its ability to pivot left and right, as well as bevel in one or two directions. Some even come with a sliding feature that extends the length of the cut.
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Today, we’re going to take a quick peek at two highly-regarded compound miter saws that you can purchase today – the DEWALT DW718 compound miter saw and the Bosch CM10GD. Their numerous reviews for satisfied customers and woodworking experts tell us that these models are worth looking at if you’re in the market for a reliable, high-quality compound miter saw. Now let’s get to the heart of the matter and see which of these tools would better suit your workshop.
Cutting Speed
DEWALT DW718
In general, a more powerful engine improves the speed of the blade, ending with a clean finish that all woodworkers yearn. This 12-inch blade of this sliding compound miter saw delivers up to 3,600 RPM. Since 12-inch blades are larger, their reduced spinning speed is accepted, though we wish that it could spin as quickly as other 12-inch miter saws.
Bosch CM10GD
The smaller blade (10 inches in diameter) means that the unit requires a weaker currency to operate, though it’ll spin at a quicker rate. The Bosch CM10GD compound miter saw can reach speeds of up to 4,800 RPM, which is impressive for a dual compound miter saw of this level. At this rate, you’ll be chopping wood 2x4s with very little risk of kickback.
Conclusion: It’s quite difficult to compare the speed of two completely different models (12-inch and 10-inch blades). However, seeing as how the DEWALT’s maximum speed isn’t as fast as other 12-inch compound miter saws out there, combined with the superior speed of the Bosch, we feel that you would get much better results with the Bosch on light projects than you would with the DEWALT DW718 on heavy-duty ones.
Blade Size
DEWALT DW718
Compound miter saws typically come in 10-inch and 12-inch varieties. The size refers to the diameter of the blade that fits into the unit. Choosing one over the other ultimately depends on what you need the saw for, but there are some points to take into account. The DEWALT features a 12-inch blade which requires more power from the unit’s motor to spin. The blades also come with more teeth, meaning that they’ll produce longer, cleaner cuts.
Bosch CM10GD
The Bosch CM10GD, on the other hand, uses a 10-inch blade, which is perhaps the most common size that you’ll come across. A 10-inch blade draws less power from the motor which can drive down your cost of energy. In addition, 10-inch blades have fewer teeth so they’re less expensive to re-sharpen to get extended use out of them.
Conclusion: In the end, it depends on what you need the compound miter saw for. If you’re working on huge projects like building a new deck that requires thicker slabs of wood, the DEWALT DW718 compound miter saw should serve you better than the 10-inch Bosch. However, if you’re just performing general home DIY projects, then the Bosch CM10GD should suit you fine without overkill.
Laser Guide
DEWALT DW718
A built-in laser guide can come in handy, especially when you need to make meticulous measurements and aren’t sure where the blade will meet the board. The DEWALT DW718 features a laser guide that helps solve the aforementioned problem. However, just like with all laser guides of all compound miter saw models, it’s good to double-check how precise the laser is by measuring at least twice before cutting.
Bosch CM10GD
The Bosch compound miter saw features no such guide to help users identify where the blade cuts into the wood board. It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, though it is absolutely helpful for new users to perfect their measurements.
Conclusion: The DEWALT wins by default. Like I said earlier, the laser guide, or lack thereof shouldn’t be your main consideration when purchasing a miter saw. It’s a handy feature, but it does nothing to improve the tool’s overall performance.
Sliding Feature
DEWALT DW718
The sliding feature of a compound miter saw refers to the head of the unit extending – or sliding – toward the direction of the operator. Because of the direction of the blade’s spine, sliding the saw’s head towards you and then pushing in while cutting into a wooden board will produce cleaner cuts. In addition, it extends the length of the cut, letting you deal with boards of varying sizes. The DEWALT DW718 is a sliding compound miter saw so it miters, bevels, and slides.
Bosch CM10GD
Meanwhile, the Bosch CM10GD doesn’t come with a sliding feature. It’s a dual compound miter saw, meaning that apart from mitering, it bevels in both directions (up to 48°). For most light- and medium-DIY projects, this is enough.
Conclusion: Again, the DEWALT wins by default since the Bosch features no sliding mechanism. Depending on what you plan on doing with your compound miter saw, this could be a make-or-break situation since the DEWALT can cut boards of larger lengths and widths compared to the Bosch. However, for light and medium home and even professional jobs, the sliding feature may not be as crucial.
DEWALT DW718 vs Bosch CM10GD: Bottom Line
In the end, it’s quite difficult to determine whether the 12-inch DEWALT or the 10-inch Bosch is right for you. It’s up to the user to determine whether they need a larger, sliding compound miter saw or a smaller, dual compound miter saw.
In our opinion, for heavy-duty projects like building decks or bed frames, the DEWALT DW718 Slide Compound Miter Saw would suit you better than the Bosch, though this DEWALT model is far from being the best 12-inch sliding compound miter saw available on the market.
- Powerful 15-amp, 3,600 rpm motor delivers extended power and durability
- Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops improves productivity and ensures cutting...
- Precise miter system and machined base fence support optimize cutting accuracy
Last update on 2023-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As for smaller residential or site jobs, the 10-inch Bosch will pack all of the power and speed you need. In addition, you’ll be farfetched to find a 10-inch dual compound miter saw that performs as admirably as the Bosch CM10GD compound miter saw.
- ACCURACY: The Bosch-exclusive Axial-Glide System allows wider cross cuts and better alignment
- CONVENIENCE: Featuring large, upfront metal bevel controls and Square lock precision fences for precise, quick...
- CONTROL: This miter saw provides accuracy and cutting control at all angles. Crown chop lock locks head in...
Last update on 2023-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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