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Bosch vs Makita Miter Saw – Beginner-Friendly Choice?

Bosch vs Makita Miter Saw
Written by Brent Butterworth
Last Update: May 3, 2023

Bosch miter saws are beginner-friendly while Makita is perfect for pros.

Why? Bosch offers some unique features that make their saws super easy to use while Makita specializes in compound cuts.

Let’s get to know more and see which brand suits you best!

Bosch

BOSCH

Bosch is a leading tools supplier that provides quality tools across the globe. With over a century worth of experience, Bosch knows exactly what you need.

That’s why they offer a massive range of power tools and accessories. Bosch is the name of trust for many professionals around the world.

Makita

Makita

Makita is one of the known global brands for professional and power tools. Currently, they are operating in over 40 countries and have gained numerous happy customers.

They also have a lot of experience in providing quality tools and accessories. Makita is one of the main competitors of Bosch in both service and product quality.

Bosch vs Makita Miter Saw: All of Their Differences

Design

Both Bosch and Makita miter saws are stylish and come with sturdy, ergonomic designs.

Bosch miter saws are compact, lightweight, and give a smoother experience with their softer rubbery finish. You will have greater satisfaction with Bosch.

Makita provides a stronger grip on the handle for better portability.

Guide System

The Bosch miter saws offer a superior guide system for getting better control over the process. The electric brakes can stop the blade almost immediately.

They also present an out-of-the-box axial guide system for an easy and smooth experience.

On the other hand, Makita features a revolutionary laser guide for more precision. With Makita, you’ll have superior accuracy and comfort.

Makita Miter Saw  revolutionary laser feature

Cutting capacity

The cutting capacity determines how much thick boards you will be able to cut with your miter saw. This capacity is measured in inches. If you deal with thicker boards, pay attention.

Bosch CM10GD has a better cutting capacity than Makita LS1019L as CM10GD has a horizontal capacity of 12-inch at 90 degrees while LS1019L provides only 6-5/8-inch. Though Both have the same vertical capacity (5-½ inch)

Motor Performance

Most miter saws come with a 15 Amp motor and that’s more than enough for most of your woodworking/metalworking needs.

Both Bosch and Makita miter saws are competing equally in this sector. With a 15 amp compact motor, they both offer a longer and smoother cutting experience.

If you are worried about the motor performance, you won’t be disappointed regardless of what you choose.

Sliding Mechanism

When it comes to cutting smaller boards, both machines work like a charm (no narrow cuts though).

However, the flip and guide design helps the bosch miter saw to chop down wider boards almost effortlessly.

On the other hand, the traditional rail sliding design of Makita makes it harder to handle and cut large boards. So clearly, Bosch is in the lead here.

Accuracy

Though both of them have an accurate laser guide system, the Bosch miter saw increases the accuracy even further with its dual bevel motor.

On that note, our expert team found out both miter saws can help you achieve effortless and precise cutting. But if you need to cut stronger materials, we recommend you go for Bosch.

Miter and Bevel Angle

The lower the miter and bevel angle is, the better accuracy you’ll get. Also, the miter and bevel angle range needs to be wide to cover multiple types of cuts.

You’ll need a lower angle but a wider angle range to be able to make a wide variety of cuts.

The Makita miter saws come with a standard miter degree range (0-60°) and bevel range (0-48°) where Bosch gives you superior control over all your cuts.

BOSCH Miter Saw Miter and Bevel Angle Cuts

Depth Adjustment

Bosch takes the lead here again. The depth indicator is perfect and easy to use. They have positive depth stops at 0,½, and 2¼ inches.

On the other hand, most users reported that some Makita models have stiffer depth indicators and the accuracy is a bit shaky.

Mobility

Though both are lightweight and compact, Bosch takes the lead here again due to its additional portability features.

They come with wheels in front of the device for easier movements and a larger base to provide more stability.

On the contrary, Makita saws are a bit harder to move around. Then again, you may not need to transport your machine that much.

Dust collection and safety

Both feature wide dust ports so you can collect all the debris safely.

Bosch miter saws put forward more stability by minimizing blade deflection, providing safety locks, and offering easier controls.

They also offer advanced security features like a riving knife with anti-kickback pawls, and a superior quality blade guard to keep you safe from accidents.

Makita offers some of the safety measures as Bosch but their saws shine dimmer in the stability and protection departments. But their dust collection is a bit better.

Advanced Features

Both Bosch and Makita offer a range of additional features to make your job much easier.

Bosch miter saws offer easy speed controls, wireless connectivity, an axial guide system, and an efficient dust collection tube.

Advanced Features of BOSCH Miter Saw

On the other hand, Makita offers an easy setup, convenient lock mechanisms, a smooth start, and an unconventional laser guide to give you an additional layer of satisfaction.

Versatility

Here Makita takes the cake. Though Bosch offers better features, Makita makes up for that with more accuracy and versatility.

If you work frequently with compound miter cuts, we recommend that you pick Makita.

You will also be able to make compound cuts with Bosch miter saws but the process takes a lot of time and effort.

If you don’t work with compound cuts very often, you will do just fine with Bosch.

Warranty

Both Bosch and Makita offer a two-year warranty period.

However, Makita has some limitations. Their warranty can be void if you modify the components.

On the other hand, Bosch miter saw comes with no limitations. That means you are free to make adjustments as you see fit.

Price

Those looking for a cheaper solution should avoid Makita. Bosch tools are a little cheaper while Makita is a bit pricey in general.

To be precise, Bosch provides affordability where Makita offers comfort.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a robust miter saw that can cut through almost anything and is easy to carry, Bosch is your best bet.

Bosch saws come with some unconventional features that can make your woodworking/metalworking endeavor much easier and smooth.

If you need to make compound cuts frequently, Makita is your top choice. They’ll provide you with improved accuracy and put much less strain on your hands.

Makita saws are perfect for pros and we don’t advise them for beginners.

FAQs

1. Where are Bosch miter saws made? 

Ans. Bosch is a global company. Most of the hardware comes from China. You’ll also find Bosch’s warehouses in many countries. These warehouses do the assembly and supply finished products to the local stores.

2. Does Bosch miter saw have a laser?

Ans. Lasers are a recent addition to the miter saw technology and the earlier models don’t have it. You can add laser washers to get a better sense of accuracy.

3. Where are Makita miter saws made? 

Ans. Makita also manufactures the parts from China and assembles them later on. Most probably the miter saw you’re about to get was assembled in a warehouse near you.

4. Is Bosch coming out with a new miter saw?

Ans: Yes, in 2022, three new 18V Profactor Cordless Miter Saws are going to be launched by Bosch.

5. What is better: a table saw or a miter saw?

Ans: A table saw is more versatile as it can make any type of cut with a lower precision level. On the other hand, a miter saw cannot cut larger wood pieces. Miter saw is for making high-precision cuts.

6. Can a miter saw cut a 4×4?

Ans: Yes, However, 10-inch saws can’t do the job very well. A 12-inch miter saw will give you better results.

About the author

Brent Butterworth

A Professional Woodworker & Custom Furniture Builder

Brent lives in Wisconsin and is a woodworker, custom cabinetmaker, interior consultant, and a freelance writer who got the opportunity to write several magazine articles for different publications on home improvement and woodworking. He’s always amazed at the depth and breadth of woodworking all over the globe, and feels proud to be a part of this great effort. Brent has built everything one can imagine, from unique art furniture to different types of home furniture to canoes and even a sailboat.

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