Bosch GCM12sd Vs. Festool Kapex KS 120 Review

This article is devoted to the comparison between the two best sliding miter saw. One is Bosch GCM12sd while the other is Festool Kapex. Both have been very popular among the woodworkers around the world because of their excellent build quality. We’ll try to cover all the different essential aspects of both the models.

As we all know that Bosch is the world leader in the power tool industry. Their products are high end and last for years because of their durable build quality. Each year, they launch around a hundred new power tools in the market to keep their updated with the latest and innovative technology.

Today, we would be covering the Bosch GCM12SD which is a 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Gliding Miter Saw comes with some outstanding features blended with accuracy and precision. It also has decent safety features and easy to use fence system that allows you to do your job effectively. Its large cutting capacity is remarkable, and its dust collection system keeps things clean

While Festool Company, on the other hand, might not be as popular as Bosch, but they also make some excellent products. Festool also makes a very precise tool with great accessories and tools.

The company prioritizes the Ease of Use aspect while making this model. Even though you are a beginner, you’ll feel comfortable using the machine. It’s also a very lightweight sliding compound miter saw, and you can also do the assembly pretty quickly.

Its advanced electronics, dust collection system, quick release fence mechanism, and micro-level adjustments make it a very good competitor of Bosch Model.

So, let’s dive into different aspects, one by one. Please go through the article thoroughly so that you have a proper idea about the product before you make the purchase. These tools cost thousands of dollars, so it would be a bit foolish to spend money without doing the proper research.

So, read every single line, and at the end, you’ll know that which model is the right choice for you.

Table of Contents

1- Inside the Box

It’s very important to know about what all accessories and tools that you are getting with the package. GCM12SD comes with all the necessary parts. You get 60 tooth blade, wrenches for assembly, work clamp, dust bag, and vacuum adapter elbow. You don’t have to buy anything separately, but if you want, you can go with crow stop kit and mounting knobs which cost around $10.

While with the Festool model also, you get all the necessary tools and parts. With a sturdy miter saw, you get 60 tooth carbide blade. You also get hold-down clamp, wrenches, and miterfast angle transfer device.

2- Build Quality

In this section, we’ll compare the build quality and design of both the miter saw models. Bosch GCM12SD weighs around 88 pounds, and dimensions are 31 x 23.8 x 22.5 inches. It runs on 120V Power. It is a corded miter saw with 15 Amp motor. It looks pretty great comes in blue color round-shaped, and most of the body is made up of stainless steel. The handle is made of wood and laminets. According to the company, it requires very less maintenance if you know how to use it properly. The bottom part of the machine is of very good quality that provides you vibration-free work experience. It has a square lock fence system which gives more precision. You can tilt the base in both the sides from 0 to 47 degree.

While Festool Kapex KS 120 is a german engineered model with a lightweight build and easy to use design. It is very compact, and you can easily store it in a small place. It weighs around 47 pounds, and dimensions are 29.5 x 22.8 x 20 inches. If you have to travel from one place to another place at different job sites, this one could be the right choice for you. You can also lock down the saw when not in use that provides more safety and security. It is an electric corded tool and runs on 120V. What i appreciate about Festool model that it comes with three years of warranty that already gives you an idea about its sturdy build.

3- Dust Collection

When you are dealing with power tools, you know how important it is to have a proper dust collection system. Bosch Model doesn’t have very great dust collections system, but it does a decent job. It covers around 50-60% of the sawdust and rests you have to clean by yourself. Though it comes with a dust bag, you can also use a vacuum cleaner for better working experience.

While Festool Kapex has one of the best dust collection systems in the market, according to the company, it covers around 80-90% of the sawdust, which is remarkable. However, most of the time, the company’s claim doesn’t match with user experience, but here, with Festool, the company delivers what they promise to its consumers.
It has very advanced dust collection system. It has swiveling dust port as well as integrated dust hood which connects with 36mm and 27mm dust hoses. If a cleaner and safer work environment is your priority, then Festool should be the right choice for you.

4- Motor

The motor power is a very decisive factor in determining the smooth cuts. It comes with 15Amp Motor which runs on 3800RPM. It is a very precise machine which allows you to make very clean cuts. You can cut the hardwood with it very easily. It is also suitable for regular daily use without heating the motor.

While the Festool Kapex KS 20 also comes with a 1,600-watt direct-drive motor. It has a magnetic braking system which gives you the freedom to stop it at ease. Users are really happy with their power and ripping capacity. It also has a soft start system, which eliminates the possibility of a jerk while using it. It also has a variable speed control system, which gives you the freedom of controlling the speed at your disposal. You can operate it from 1400RPM to 3400RPM.

5- Dual Laser Design

Let’s talk about the main difference between both the tools. We all know a laser system with the tool provides better accuracy and precision. Sadly, we don’t have a laser system with Bosch Model though there are some differences in the UK & US Model.

While Festool Kapex comes with the dual laser system which provides better precision and control over the cut, these lasers are electronically powered and don’t require any extra battery. You get a three-axis control system with which you can easily adjust the laser.

We have also covered comparison between different models that you can also have a look at. Bosch GCM12sd vs. CM12sd & Bosch GCM12sd vs Makita ls1216l .

6- Miter Saw Pros

In this section, we’ll talk about the pros of both the models and try to understand what are some of the positive sides of it.

Bosch Power GCM12SD

Bosch Model comes with the axial glide system, which makes it easy to use, and you can effectively work on different projects.
The second thing that i really appreciate is the precision. It gives you very clean accurate cuts with incredibly smooth working experience.
Most of the time, the blade that you get is 24tooth, which is a cheaper option but with this model, you get 60 tooth blade which gives you the better cutting performance.
It also makes very less noise while in use as compared to other models with the same motor power.
Consider its features; it is pretty affordable as well. And if you are a beginner and looking for a good quality miter saw at $500 range, it could be a great choice for you.

Festool Kapex

The forte of this tool is its electronic dual laser system which provides you the better accuracy and precision and very helpful for advanced users. Lasers clearly define the removal material.
You can also make very micro level bevel adjustments and make the bevel cuts at different angles.
Its dust extraction system is also pretty remarkable, and According to the company, it collects up to 91% of sawdust.
It is also very compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to transport from one place to another place.
It also has necessary safety features as well, which includes an electronic brake and soft start system.

7- Miter Saw Cons

In this section, we’ll talk about the disadvantages of both the tools so that you have a proper idea about the other side of these tools as well.

Bosch GCM12SD

According to some users, it doesn’t have the appropriate height. A little taller version would have been more suitable to use.
The second thing that we didn’t like about it is its dust collection system. It is decent enough but not the best in the market.
There is some difference between UK & US Model of the miter saw, which creates confusion between different users.

Festool Kapex

The price of this model is pretty high, which makes it beyond affordability for a lot of beginners.
Though the product is very popular, the company doesn’t have much brand value. The customer service is not that good.

8- Maintenance & Warranty

Both the machines are low maintenance if you know how to use them properly. Make sure you read the user manual properly before you start using the machine.

Bosch GCM12SD User Manual

Festool 561287 Kapex User Manual

Bosch Model comes with one year warranty and 30days money-back guarantee while Festool Model Comes with three years of warranty.

9- User Reviews & Price

Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD has received really good rating online and also has received Amazon’s Choice Award. It has hundreds of positive customer reviews, and it costs around $600. For more information, you can read the Bosch GCM12SD Trusted Reviews over here.

While the Festool Model also is pretty popular and has received decent ratings online. Though it is a bit costly and you have to spend around $1500 for this tool. For considering its advanced features, it is worth the investment. You can read the Festool Kapex Trusted Reviews over here.

10- Conclusion

Bosch GCM12sd is cheaper and is available under 1000 dollars whereas Festool Kapex KS 120 costs more around 1800 dollars. While Festool Kapex KS 120 is lighter in terms of weight, around 47 pounds unlike Bosch GCM12sd which weighs a little more that is 65 pounds.

So, we have discussed everything that you should know about these powerful tools. Both the Models are great and have some significant difference.

After rigorous research, we have decided “Our Recommendation,” the winner between both the models that you can have a look at. Though, the choice might vary depending on individual priorities as well.

Do let us know in the comments below, in case you guys have any questions.

Technical Differences

Miter Saw	Bosch GCM12sd	Festool Kapex KS 120
Tool Weight	65 pounds	47 pounds
Dimensions	31 x 23.8 x 22.5 inches	29.5 x 22.8 x 20 inches
RPM	3800
Power/Volts	15 amps/120VAC	15 amps/120VAC
Color	Blue	Black
Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Cutting Diameter	12 inches	12 inches
Laser	No	Dual Laser
Alternatives	Affordable Option	Better Option