Bosch GCM12sd vs Makita ls1216l Review

Hello Woodworkers,

Welcome to my another blog post. Today, in this article, we are going to compare two different models, which are Bosch GCM12sd and Makita ls1216l. We’ll try to cover all various aspects like build quality, fence system, safety features, accessories, and more.
We all know that Bosch is known for making high-quality products and this is one of them and what i like about the company that they also bring new products in the market to keep their users updated with latest technology and trends.

In, Miter Saws, there are a lot of axial glide models that you can go for. Axial Glide Miter saws are one of the smoothest and easy to use models that you can choose. If you work on medium and big size projects, these models could be the right choice.

People who are working on residential projects, they mostly prefer this miter saw with T4B gravity stand. T4B is hands down, one of the best miter saw stand that you can go for.

While on the other hand, Makita is also a great company. It has been in the power tool industry for the last fifty years. Their products are very durable and last for years if you use them properly with time to time maintenance.

The model that we are going to discuss today is one of the best in their miter saw category. Its sleek design and high performance make it popular among professional woodworkers. This miter saw model comes with Makita’s patented Deep and Exact Cutting technology.

So, below, we’ll be covering ten different aspects that you can have a look at. And in the end, we’ll be giving our recommendation, which is the winner of this competition. So, you can go with our choice, or you can do your research and choose the right fit for you. (As the decision can vary depending upon individual choices as well).

Please read the whole article thoroughly because we have some critical points in between. These are costly tools, so it’s better to have a clear understanding of the product before you make the purchase. In case you have any questions, do let us know in the comments below. We’ll try to respond as soon as possible.

Table of Contents

Technical Differences

Miter Saw	Bosch GCM12sd	Makita ls1216l
Item Weight	65 pounds	74 pounds
Color	Blue	Silver
Voltage	120 volts	240 volts
Blade Size	12inches	12inches
No Load Speed	3800 RPM	3200 RPM
Laser System	No	Yes
Soft Start	No	Yes
Dimensions	31 x 23.8 x 22.5 inches	22.4 x 34 x 21.6 inches
Users	Trusted Reviews	Trusted Reviews

Bosch GCM12sd vs. Makita ls1216l | Top 10 Differences

1- Inside the Box

So, let’s talk about, what do you get inside the box. Both the tools come with all the necessary tools. You probably don’t have to buy anything separately. Bosch Model comes with 60 tooth blade, material clamp, wrenches for assembly, dust bag, and more. If you want, you can buy the T4B table that fits perfectly with this miter saw and very popular among a lot of users.

While Makita Model also has all the necessary tools required. It comes with 12inch 60T micro-polished blade. It also has vertical Vise, dust bag, triangular rule, blade socket wrenches, and other tools as well. You can also buy 100 tooth micro-polished or coated miter saw blade at an affordable price with this product.

2- Build Quality

Bosch GCM12SD is a super sturdy and stylish miter saw and looks like a beast. Its smooth axial glide and excellent design make it one of the best in the market. It comes assembled, but there are some fine-tuning that you have to do by yourself before you start using it. It weighs around 65pounds, and its dimensions are 31 x 23.8 x 22.5 inches. It has a blue color body, and its round-shaped body is made of stainless steel. The handle of the saw is made of wood & laminates. It is an electric power saw runs on 120V power. You get one year warranty and 30days money-back guarantee with the product.

While Makita Model also very durable and little heavier than Bosch one and weighs around 74 pounds. Its dimensions are 22.4 x 34.2 x 21.6 inches. Most of its body is made of aluminum and metal while some parts are made of plastic. It is silver in color and runs on 240V electric power. It has 1650 watts of power that gives you an idea about its capability. It is suitable for commercial and residential use and comes with one year of warranty.

3- Safety Features Comparison

Power Tool Safety is one of the features that you should always keep in mind when you are going for a power tool. Bosch always seems to prioritize this aspect when building their tools. This model comes with decent safety features. What is great that you get a completely transparent blade guard which gives you better clarity and you can easily see the line of sight. Make sure that you go through the Bosch GCM12SD user manual properly, before you start using the product.

Makita LS1216L is also a pretty decent model when it comes to safety features. This one also comes with a blade guard, and the machine is straightforward to use. Its blade guard is also very transparent, and you get proper visibility of line of cut. It has a soft start system that allows you to have a soft cut and better control over it. Its electronic speed control system gives you the freedom to use it at your disposal. Also, don’t forget to read the Makita ls1216l user manual before you start working on it.

Bosch Model Review

4- Dust Collection

If you don’t want things to get messy and sawdusts all around you, you better look at the dust collection system before you make the purchase. Bosch Model has satisfactory dust collection system. A lot of users said that it could be a lot better and improved. But, as i earlier mentioned that it is an axial saw, so you won’t have dust being collected at the bearing unlike the sliding miter saw. Make sure that you clean the machine properly every time you are done using it.

While Makita ls1216l seems to have better dust control system than GCM12SD, according to the company, it can absorb up to 90% of the dust produced. It has a dust elbow, vacuum adapter, and a dust bag to keep things clean.

5- Miter Saw Pros

Bosch GCM12SD

In this section, we’ll talk about some of the pros of both the models. Bosch GCM12SD has a very good quality build, which is quite noticeable as well.
The second thing that i love about is its versatility and ease of use. It can be used for various applications that make it suitable for different projects.
This tool is highly accurate, as well. You can easily make minor adjustment and can control the machine at your disposal.
All the safety and security features are also taken into consideration by the company. It comes with two safety switches. You can cut from either side, which makes it suitable for both left and right-handed person.
It has also received the Amazon’s Choice Award. You can read the trusted reviews over here.

Makita LS1216l

This model is a low maintenance machine. Use it properly, and it will last for years without any glitch.
It is also pretty accurate and precise. It also has a very good cutting capacity which is 6.5inches vertical, 15inches at 90degree cross-cut and 8inches vertically nested crown molding.
The fence system is also very easy to use. You can quickly make the adjustments and have a precise cut.
You get all the necessary tools with the product. You don’t need to buy anything separately.
We have also covered the comparison between Bosch GCM12sd vs. CM12sd that you can have a look at.

6- Miter Saw Cons

This section is dedicated to some of the disadvantages of the tools that you should be aware of. So, let’s talk about the other side of these tools, which are also very important to decide whether they are right fit for you or not.

Bosch GCM12SD

This is a bit heavy miter saw. Moving it from one place to another is not that convenient.
If you are working in an environment where you have to move it from one place to another once in a while, make sure that you think twice before buying it.
The dust collection system of the GCM12SD is ok. It could have been a lot better.
This miter saw requires assembly, which could be a pain if you are not very good at it. Also, be ready to make the fine adjustments once in a while to maintain the proper accuracy and precision.

Makita LS1216L

Though it is a very sturdy and durable miter saw. A lot of users are not happy with its performance. It has mixed opinions from its users. You can read the online trusted reviews over here.
Though Company claims that it covers 90% of sawdust, but still a lot of users are not happy with its dust system, and they complain about its too much sawdust generation.
If you are a beginner, this saw might be a little bit costly. There are other cheaper alternatives like Tacklife PTSG1A ,Hitachi C10FCG ,& Ryobi TS1345L that you can have a look at.

7- Advanced Features

Both the Models have some advanced features that make them one of the most popular miters saw in the market. GCM12SD has 3800RPM which allows you to cut through any kind of wood pretty easily. Its design is very easy to use, and its smooth axial glide system allows you to complete the task effectively. There is no compromise with the cutting accuracy, and you can make precise cuts at different angles. It comes with Squarelock system.

The best features of the Makita LS1216L is its laser technology. It has a built-in laser mount which is very helpful through the entire cut. The second thing that i really like about this miter saw that it comes with a soft start system and you don’t feel the jerk while using it. You can cut through any kind of hardwood smoothly.

8- Ease of Use & Calibration

This is the most overlooked aspect of a miter saw that people forget to consider and end up buying the wrong tool. It is very important to be comfortable with the tool that you are using. Bosch Model has quick-release fence system that allows you to make the precise alignment. It also has a one-touch lock and unlock feature which provides a better alignment of the tool. The lock lever and range selector is located at the front part of the saw, which allows you to make the bevel adjustments easily. You don’t have to reach out to the back part like other saws. The bevel ranges from 0 to 45 degrees, and you can make cuts from both sides.

Makita LS1216l also has some innovative features and easy to use. This is one of the best Compound Miter Saw by Makita Company. You can easily make miter and bevel cuts effectively. For bevel cuts, the angle can be changed from 0 to 52degrees. There are also five different stop options as well in both the left and right side.

Makita Working | Watch the Video till End

9- Maintenance & Warranty

Both are low maintenance machine. Make sure that you use them properly. If you are beginner, please go through the user manual before you start cutting through them. Both the model come with one year warranty, but you also get 30days money-back guarantee with Bosch Model. For More information, you can visit their official site Makita & Bosch .

10- User Reviews & Conclusion

Bosch GCM12sd has a decent dust collecting mechanism but Makita ls1216l can absorb almost 90 percent of the dust generated. This is the main difference. While Makita ls1216l provides a wider range for bevel cutting of 0 to 52 degrees unlike Bosch GCM12sd which has the range from 0 to 45 degrees.

Bosch GCM12SD has received really good reviews online. It has also received Amazon’s Choice Award. While Makita LS1216L also gives pretty good competition to the Bosch and preferred by a lot of beginners who are looking forward to an affordable choice.

We have compared all the different aspects that you should be aware of. So, after rigorous comparison, we have decided the winner between Bosch GCM12SD & Makita ls1216l. You can have a look at our recommendation. And Do let us know any questions in the comments below.