This is a simple and nearly perfect piece of equipment. If I could change anything about it, I'd make it easier to hold the blade guard out the way while changing blades. I change blades often, because, on one hand, the saw is perfect for general construction, and on the other, it is perfect for precision woodworking. The woodworking blade costs nearly as much as the saw, so you don't want it on there unless you need it.

If you think you want a sliding compound miter saw, then either you're a general construction person who values the convenience of going to a single piece of equipment, or you are a woodworker who might be missing an opportunity for better precision. A certain amount of play is inherent in the design of a sliding saw, small though that may be. In that context, I fail to see the point of paying 50 to 100% more for something that is less precise--and less durable, as well. Use the table saw for longer cuts.

I am new to owning a miter saw but after reading the reviews here found this was going to be my choice. The saw came out of the box and performed. The alignment was perfect. I've used it to cut and install baseboards and door trim and have had no issue. Crown molding is next on my list.

Exactly what I wanted. I had already read the reviews of previous buyers. The Saw came well pakaged and I used it right out ot box.

I'm no professional when it comes to miter saws, but this one did the trick. I used it to cut hardwood floor planks and have no complaints. I also used ti the cut 3/4 rounds for the baseboards, again no complaints.

The saw dust bag and design to catch the saw dust needs much improvement. More sawdust definitely ends up on the foor than in the bag.

UPDATED REVIEW: Since the time I wrote the first review below; I've had a fair bit more experience with the 3912. I've not used it a lot but with what little I have, it appears to be very cheaply made. The aluminum and plastic which is used in abundance wears out quickly and bolts easily strip in their housings. In the owners manual (if you can call it that)there is no parts list so that repair parts can be purchased. Overall, after about a year's usage I'd have to say it isn't worth the money or frustration.

FIRST REVIEW: Just had the time to really use the 3912 (making a work station for it) and I am very satisfied with the performance! I've given away my old Delta 10". There has been no problem with flex as was mentioned by another reviewer or any weird electrical problems. The hold down works very well and the increased cut with the 12" blade is most appreciated. Plenty of power and very easy to use. The "on" switch does take a little getting used to (a little stiff) but the convertible use for right or left hand is a real plus for me as I am left handed. I did follow the set-up instructions though the saw was set up exactly on degree from the box. But in so doing I obtained more familiarity with the saw. The 3912 gives me accurate and very smooth cuts...what else can you ask? I like it, a lot!

Great product for the price. Used to install a T&G ceiling and trim. Not sure if it would hold up to a contractors use but for a home hobbyist it should last a lifetime. Dust collection collects about 50% that is generated. Adding a shop vac instead of the bag greatly improves performance. Holding toggle clamp works great. No need to repeatidly screw in and out, saves wrist fatigue and holds well.

I have owned this saw for 5 years now, and have been pretty disappointed. I can not use this saw for any project requiring accuracy to within a degree or so. For example, if I am making a picture frame, which requires 4 pieces of wood, each with two 45 degree angle cuts (for a total of 8 angled cuts), invariably, the error of the miter will compound itself 8 times, and one of the mitered corners will have a gap, either at the inside or the outside of the joint. This is after ensuring that opposing pieces of the frame are the exact same length, and that the frame is being assembled square (by measuring diagonals). For the longest time, I though I just couldn't calibrate the saw very well. So I would re-calibrate it over and over again, by putting a carpenter square to the fence and then to each side of the blade and adjust that fence until it was perfect. Then I would cut scrap pieces of wood at 45 degrees using opposite sides of the fence, and match them up to see if they were perfect, which they would be. I would then make eight cuts again, but again, one corner would be off!! I'm not sure what the problem is. I have noticed one major flaw, but I'm not sure it is the only thing affecting the accuracy. After rotating the table to the 45 degree position where it locks into place, I always turn the knob to tighten the table in place. However, looking closely at the miter pointer (callout number 113 on the parts diagram), you can see that tightening that knob actually changes the miter angle by as much as a half of a degree. This happens because the table actually flexes when tightening the knob (which another reviewer mentioned, also). The more you tighten the knob, the greater the change of the miter angle. A half degree doesn't sound like much, but multiply that by 8, and you get 4 degrees, which is totally unacceptable. However, if I am tightening that knob when calibrating the saw, that flex should be mostly accounted for (but of course it is impossible to tighten the knob the same amount each time, and hence, flex the table the same amount). I have spoken with Bosch representatives both over the phone and in person at a wood working. The folks on the phone were knowledgeable and helpful to a degree, but could not diagnose the problem. They said to check the fence with a solid straightedge to make sure it is straight, and offered to replace it if not, but it was fine. The representatives at the show were worthless, saying they have never heard of that problem. They had a similar saw there at the show with the same knob configuration, and so I demonstrated this table flex and miter angle change on their saw, but he really didn't say anything about it or think it was a problem. At that same woodworking show, I also has the opportunity to speak with a writer from a major wood working magazine (which had rated this saw very highly), and so asked him for his advice. He suggested that the saw was defective and that I should send it back. However, if the Bosch representative's saw did the same thing, I have my doubts that a new one would be any better! So I am kind of stumped, and left with a mostly unusable saw. I would love to hear suggestion, if anyone has any!

Couldn't agree more with Amazon's review - this is a high quality saw that rivals DeWalt and other competitors. Weight is not a problem, and handles on the top and both ends of the base make this easy to move around your shop or job site. The handle is very comfortable and convenient to use right or left-handed. Dust collection is good and noise is low. The saw arrived quickly as always from Amazon and required little adjustment out of the box. Highly recommend!

I didn't purchase from Amazon.com but wanted to share with those looking for a good Miter saw that this is a superior product.

After I bought my own house and decided to do some home improvements, I bought this Bosch saw for this purpose. I wanted quality and smooth operation. This tool had the feel, fit and quality I always look for in a power tool.

The base has a smooth finish and is marked for safety "no hand zone". Important reminder because safety should be first. The 15 amp motor with a 12" blade attached makes butter cuts on 2x4's. The saw will make you better end cuts then what your favorite lumberyard will. It squares them off better for nice fitup where gaps can be critical.

Before I did any cutting, I leveled my blade to make it do a 90 degree cut. Their is adjustability to do this. I have read other people's reviews of other Bosch saws. Did they bother to do this before they started knocking the quality of the saw to cut a 90? Did they read the owners manual so they even know how to use it properly? I have my doubts because this saw makes me a believer that Bosch quality exceeds a majority of it's competitors. This saw is quiet, smooth, accurate, easy to operate and set-up quickly for a multitude of cuts. I used this saw in my basement late at night(3:00am) and family didnt hear it. It did beautiful cuts that I could put my square up to and not see light Cut after cut. I used this saw when I removed a wall in my basement and had to raise the floor joices up to fix a settling gap in my drywall upstairs in a cathedral ceiling. I put up my LVL's and was able to cut exactly the same length 2x4's with square corners on the 2/4's to go under the ends of the LVL's. They stacked up on ends like identical playing cards.

This saw has saved me from making poor quality cuts with a free hand circular saw and improved the finished look of my basement and basement walls because they are cut to exacting lengths and square.

If you want quality, repeatability and a sound tool engineered to work better then paid professional quality, this saw should be your first step in that direction. No one will care about the quality of your house like you and this saw will get you to that level of satisfaction you would not have if you paid someone else to do it. I love this saw and will never lend it out to anyone because it is a tool that will pay for it's self in quality. I have many future plans for this saw!

This is a great little saw, for the money it is very hard to get more quality.

Amazon is very slow to deliver this item. I waited almost three weeks for it to get here, with it being "pending shipping" for two weeks. I finally got fed up and bought one locally for a bit less than what it was selling for here.

I just finished using my new Bosh 12" miter saw to build a roof over and screen my 16' X 20' deck. It did a wonderful job of cutting right through 4 X 4 treated lumber, as well as the 2 X 6 treated boards stacked 2 high. I would recommend this saw to anyone with no resoultions. It is a great buy and works just as well as my neighbor's higher priced DeWalt saw.

I'm the one who posted the pics of this saw in my workshop and I've read all of the reviews. A couple of things that haven't been mentioned about this saw:

The detent override is AWESOME. Sometimes you need that extra 1/2-1 degree to make your angles nice and tight. The detent override allows you to make this adjustment without the saw wanting to pop back into the pre-set angle that your closest to.

The second safety switch for left hand cutting...holy crap, I use it more than I thought I would (and I'm right handed). When you're forced to cut smaller pieces at angles left of center...well, I don't know about you, but I like my fingers. With this saw, you hold the wood with your right hand and pull the blade down easily with your left hand, safely. There is a second safety switch positioned on the handle that is easily pressed by using your left thumb....now that's smart engineering.

I think you'll find that anything you order through the mail has a potential of getting damaged or having defects. So, if you're too lazy to adjust the saw or send it back for a new one because of a factory defect, then drive your butt to the closest tool store (where they recieved it by mail) and pay the higher price. Your choice.

Purchased a Bosch 3912 after reading the roducts reviews. Was going to purchase a Porter Cable, but afer the reviews and examining each saw the Bosch is the boss.

Very impressive piece of machinery with positive stops at most common angles. Standard blade is not too bad either. High fence for crown molding and smooth drop action and good dust collection makes it a good buy. (...)

I was hoping the reviews would lead to the best fixed (not sliding) miter saw, I decided to buy the 3912. I no longer buy power tools over the internet, so I bought it at a local contractor tool supplier. This gives me the option of showing the salespeople the issues that I am having if I need to return it. While I was hoping that the saw would be accurate and true right out of the box, it was nearly that. Unfortunately for how good the miter stops were there was too much runout, blade wobble, 1/32". I took it back and we tested two more 3912's all of which had the same problem. They told me to expect that from all saws in this price range. The arbor, the blade, I don't know. Haven't had the time to put a new blade, or do any crown work. So good luck if you expect to pull it out of the box and saw away.

After putting this saw through its paces for a few weeks, I have found this miter saw has what it takes for accuracy and ease of use. Some concerns in public forums about this saw have not become evident. Set-up was simple and straight-forward - instructions were written in a helpful manner. Calibration was relatively uncomplicated (the bevel was the only adjustment I needed to make); the table of the saw is stable when anchored securely, according to the instructions, to a good strong bench; the blade spins true, and the arbor stays put; no electrical problems that others have experienced seemed to surface. A nice feature that no one has mentioned yet is the graduated fence - marks etched in the fence every half inch from the blade are handy when you need to make fast, "ballpark" cuts. The only semblance of a complaint I have is that the safety switch for the trigger takes significant pressure to activate. Erring on the side of safety, this is a small complaint. Overall, I think this is a fine tool.

I have been looking at compound mitre saws to prepare for a purchase. Can't say I have actually used the Bosch, BUT, while playing with it in the store I noted that when you lock the bevel or the cut angles, the saw table "flexes" with respect to the saw. This means the "worked piece" moves relative to the blade. This will create a lot of "finicky" issues when using the saw. I decided to pass on the Bosch, even though it had many other fine features!

This Bosch company sure does impress me. Every Bosch tool I have has surpassed all expectations. The only thing I wish this saw had was a laser line, but other than that this saw is going to be with me a long time. The cuts are true, the detents are solid, and there is nothing like the feel of a good solid tool in your hand. This is it. Buy it.

I talked to a lot of professional woodworkers and carpenters, before I purchased the Bosch 3912B (they all recommended the Bosch 3912B). They told me to spend a little bit more and get a quality product. I am extremely happy that I did.

Miter and compound cuts have been accurate right out of the box. Using this tool is such a pleasure, I am still impressed with the performance and the precise cuts. Bosch also offers more accessories than other brands. I really like the lock on the saw. You can release the table with little effort and reset your miter position with ease.

If you want a quality tool, get this Bosch!! It's smooth, quiet, and well worth the money.

I am baffled by the favorable reviews that this saw seems to be getting. Perhaps I just purchased a lemon, but this is hands-down THE WORST TOOL I OWN. Where to begin . . .

1) Absolutely nothing came square from the factory (not even close)! This is a minor nusance, but annoying nonetheless.

2) The arbor nut came comletely loose while I was using the saw. This was after a year of operation. I don't overwork this saw, so I do not even know how this is possible with a left-hand thread screw.

3) The blade guard assembly sticks very badly. The only remedy I have found for this is to replace the rubber gasket with a thicker one.

I want to qualify my remarks by saying that Bosch is an excellent company. In fact, my Bosch jig saw is my favorite hand tool. But trust me on this, avoid this tool at all costs. Spend the extra [money] and get a Makita.

If you choose to ignore my advice, I sell you mine cheap.

I have used the Bosch 3912B 12" for several years for woodworking. With a quality 96-tooth blade it is a very precise saw and cuts very smoothly. This saw can cut a 45 degree miter in a 4x4 board or trim
a miter to a hair.

I have to defer to the real woodworkers and carpenters on the technical merits of this saw. I just do the usual 'around the house' stuff like decking, moulding and an occasional rack or bookcase. Clearly, this Bosch is far superior to what I require, but the difference from the borrowed Craftsman I used to use is amazing. If you want a quality tool that can do anything you ask of it in your garage workshop, get this Bosch!!
Of course, free shipping, no sales tax and a base discount from my local [store] makes it a no-brainer!

I got my Bosch 3912 saw two months ago. Everything seemed fine until I discovered, quite by accident, that while plugged into an outlet, there is about 45 volts present on ALL metal parts of the machine!!!. All Bosch said was: "You probably had better get it looked at." Seems kind of laid back for a potentially deadly scenario. Bosch, can you say "PRODUCT LIABILITY?" So, check your saw immediately, Bosch owners!!!

As a trim carpenter, this saw has seen a lot of abuse and has taken it well. It's smooth, quiet, and well worth the money. I'm having a little problem with the guard sticking on the downstroke, but I just lift the guard a little before applying pressure. I've tried tightening the guard bolt, but it keeps slipping. As the for problem with the table being tight as mentioned in a previous review, a little oil under the glide points will solve that problem. Sawdust can build up on any sliding table and cause the same problem. I give Bosch 4 stars on this model because of the guard sticking, but I wouldn't let this prevent me from buying another 3912B. And just like everyone else says, invest in a teflon-coated or other high-quality blade for fine finish work. I have DeWalt's 12 inch saw, Makita's 10 inch slide, and this model from Bosch is far superior.

I bought this saw because of the reviews I read on this site. I have found several faults with this saw, one being serious with the blade tightening. The blade came loose, wabbling and shattered the guard. Whether this was my fault or not shouldn't matter, the fact that the blade could come loose like that at all is not a good or safe design in my opinion. Another fault is the safety switch, it is difficult to push while operating. I also found the table slide to be very stiff, like metal grinding, when making adjustments on miter. I hope this review help someone to Not buy this saw for there own safety sake. Save your money and wait for Dewalts new 12" that's coming out soon.

I don't know what I was trying to do before getting this saw. Save yourself the hastle and spend the extra money to get this 12" miter saw. It cuts everything from 2x4's to crown moulding with ease. Since I purchased it, I've been able to build a fireplace mantel, custom work bench and replace all of the trim in my house. I know it saved me a ton of time and aggravation over making the cuts by hand or with a lesser quality saw. I figure if I need to cut larger pieces of wood than the miter saw can handle, I'll buy a table saw but that time hasn't come yet.

After reading "all" the reviews of the different miter saws available it was evident to me that the saw to have was the Bosch 3912B. After my purchase I was equally impressed. The only way I would have not purchased this saw would have been the result of Bosch introducing a 12 inch sliding compound miter saw. Then that would have been my purchase. The saw is performing well with very precise cuts. This truly is a qaulity product. Ease of use is very important as well. Bosch also offered more accessories than others I compared it to. One of the things I liked more than the others I compared this to was the lock on the saw. You can release the table with little effort and reset your miter position effortlessly. I also purchased the 80t chopmaster blade from Forrest and found this be a very wise purchase. As the 'ol sayin goes "you get what you pay for". I have purchased other things from Amazon and always have researched the reviews and always have been well satisfied. The reviews posted all have a good cross section of pros and cons which will help you make a better informed purchase. It's like going into the store and surrounding yourself with people that bought the product you are thinking of and each giving you their opinion of it. That makes a BIG difference. Amazon has offered me prices that are more competitve than anyone including the local merchants and the thing most people don't realize about shopping online is what difference does it make if you order online? The local merchant has to order it and then have it shipped to them to give to you and Amazon has it shipped to your door and bypassing that extra costly step of the purchase. All and all this is a very sound way of buying but only if you can deal with a reputable firm like this one.

I had done quite a bit of research, mostly online and..., on the various chop saws available. Initially looking at slide saws I opted to stick with a non-slide model. (I'll get a table saw if I necessary). I finally settled on the Bosch 3012B and have been extremely happy with the results. Although you can purchase a less expensive chop saw I think the quality of this saw merits the price.... Miter and compound cuts are accurate out of the box and the 12 inch blade meets any cutting requirements I've had....... Bosch gets 5 stars as per my rating, delivery (UPS) gets 1. Thanks Bosch and Amazon.

I have been seraching for a compound mitre saw for several months now and I must say that I am relieved to finally make a decision. I bought the Bosch 3912B because it had every feature that I was looking for. As a cabinet and furniture maker, the extra cutting capacity and the tall fence seemed to outshine all of the competition. All of the features on this saw are mechanically sound and the quality and design meet and exceed my high expectations. I added a premium quality 80 tooth finishing blade and I must say that my mitre cuts are now smooth as glass. This is a fine machine and it is a strong contender as one of the best chopsaws on the market.

When shopping for a miter saw I looked at the Makita, the Dewalt and the Delta. Then I came across the Bosch. Bosch has an excellent reputation for their motors and quality construction. What set this one apart for me was the awsome back fence, the crisp detents and the little features that many other makers offer only as options. The fence is higher, longer and thicker than any other on the market this was one of the deciding factors for me. The miter scale and crisp detents were as good if not better than the second best, the Dewalt. This saw included the dust bag and an excellent hold down clamp which comes in very handy and adds a good degree of accurracy for making cross-cuts. The blade included with the saw is of excellent quality but I added a 96 tooth which produces a mirror finish cross-cut. Last but not least, the ergonomics are superior to any other saw on the market. This saw will last a lifetime and serve it's owner well.

After realizing that my 10" Makita non-compound miter saw would not cut 5 1/4 base I went shopping for a 12 inch compound miter saw. At Home Depot I compared this saw with the equivalent 12 inch Delta 36-235K and the Dewalt 705. While each had features that I liked, my decision was made when I realized that the Bosch was the only one of the three that would allow you to cut a 5 1/4 trim board standing vertically. The blade on this unit is mounted up high enough that the guard will not hit the material as you lower the saw. With both other saws you were forced to manually move the guard out of the way to make the cut. The Bosch guard barely clears, but the other two don't. I don't know how the other two companies managed such an oversight. The miter stops were absolute and very easy to hit. The Delta was horrible in this sense. The Dewalt was good. The Bosch has a wider base than the Dewalt with a built-in extension that adds another few inches. Now if they could have only come up with a pretty color like Dewalt Yellow! Happy Cutting.

A very smooth saw with rock solid miter detents and a nice detent override lever right at your finger tips. The 15amp motor w/elec brake runs quiet & true on startup, but for fine finish work a 60or80 tooth blade will show it's true colors.The saw was square right out of the box,with no adustments needed,comes with great manual,instructions,onboard blade and allen wrench.I am very pleased with my choice, Bosch has done their homework on this redefined Skil 3812 saw.

I looked at a lot of saws and was impressed with all the features for this price. It is a workhorse and was easy to get right to work. Blade is good, but recommend a 60T or better for finish work. The detents are very helpful in making quick miter cuts. Also, high fence is useful. Index on right hand side makes cuts accurate and quick. Next best was the DeWalt 705.