Bosch 4100-09 or Makita 2705 Portable table saw...which one?

[Stanley C. Pearse]

I am looking for preferably for a portable 10" table saw due to space limitations.  Over the last year I have been trying to determine to either go with the Bosch 4100-09 or with the Makita 2705.

My concerns with each are as follows and I would like to know if anyone of you can chime in and provide some insight.

The Bosch has been my first choice until I heard that there has been a wiring and a bearing issue.  Albeit a recent issue of Fine Homebuilding stated that Bosch has fixed the issue.

Hence I began looking at the Makita in November; however, I understand that there is an issue with the fence and that the miter slot is not a standard size, which would prevent me from using the the Kreg precision miter for instance.

So...can any of you please help me?

Thanks.

[kevin reed]

your'e a hardcore woodworker Mr waller. If i had to do that much to use my tools they would get very little work. i am also in the market for a portable table saw. those two are on the top of my list.

[Don Clark]

When I was looking to upgrade my saw a few months back the Bosch was on my short list of candidates ( the other was the Rigid TS3650/3660, I need movable but not necessarily portable) due to the outstanding reviews on various woodworking sites. I ended up finding a deal on a slightly used TS3660 so I went that way, so I can't quite comment on the bearing reports on the Bosch.

Fine Woodworking did a review of 6 portables in their 2010 Tools & Shops Annual issue and they didn't make any mention of the miter slots on the Makita, and they seemed to hit on most of the quirks for the individual saws. If, however, you have found something different about the slots, then that would be a deal-breaker in my book if you want to use an aftermarket gauge. The Bosch got their top marks overall, with the Rigid R4510 coming in a close second.

[David Dean]

Will Stanley I know you all are talking about a small table saw I have been working on the same saw for the last 5 years and the top is 20" x 15" and my saw was made in 1965 by cratfsmen it is hrad to get any big stuff it to cut and room being what it is but in the long run you whod be batter off getting a bigger table saw

[Bernie Hall]

I also am limited in space (10x16). Based on the specs, reviews, video on YouTube, and Bosch's reputation I decided on the Bosch 4100 with the gravity rise stand (bought in Sept 08). I must admit I have not heard anything about a wiring or bearing issue. I have had no problems with this saw.
This is a first class, well engineered, well built saw. All the critical adjustments (blade vertical, parallel to mitre slot, fence parallel to blade, etc) were dead-on right out of the box. I installed a Freud thin kerf blade with stabilizing plate (highly recommend a thin kerf blade). I bought the side and back extensions which greatly increase the usability of the saw. Even though the miter slot is a T-slot, it accepts 3rd party accessories.
The stand is a beautifully engineered device. I don't anticipate taking this around a lot like a contractor, but I sure do like that I can fold it up and stick it in the corner when not in use and gain some space back. I am very impressed and pleased with this saw and easily recommend it.

[Phil Howard]

Get the Ridgid r4510. It's alot cheaper, on par with the Bosch, better fence and warranty. I bought it 6 months ago and couldn't be happier. Just make sure it's the r4510 and not the ts2410 because they look similar. The r4510 is the latest model with the split blade guard, riving knife, adjustable splitter, better stand and bigger on/off switch. The only downside so far is the dado insert plate is on back order and you'll have to make your own zero clearance throat plate. I got mine for $450 by using a Lowe's 10% off coupon at Home Depot (get a change of address packet at the post office, it'll include the coupon).

[Stanley C. Pearse]

Thanks Bernie for your comments.

One question...has there been any issue using the thn kerf blade and the riving knife?

Thanks again!!

Stan

Bernie Hall said:

I also am limited in space (10x16). Based on the specs, reviews, video on YouTube, and Bosch's reputation I decided on the Bosch 4100 with the gravity rise stand (bought in Sept 08). I must admit I have not heard anything about a wiring or bearing issue. I have had no problems with this saw.
This is a first class, well engineered, well built saw. All the critical adjustments (blade vertical, parallel to mitre slot, fence parallel to blade, etc) were dead-on right out of the box. I installed a Freud thin kerf blade with stabilizing plate (highly recommend a thin kerf blade). I bought the side and back extensions which greatly increase the usability of the saw. Even though the miter slot is a T-slot, it accepts 3rd party accessories.
The stand is a beautifully engineered device. I don't anticipate taking this around a lot like a contractor, but I sure do like that I can fold it up and stick it in the corner when not in use and gain some space back. I am very impressed and pleased with this saw and easily recommend it.

[Jeffrey Pike]

I have the the Makita 2703 and the Rousseau stand and it works great the price is about the same the benifit with this set up is it is easy to set up and break down not only that but I cut in a router insert for my router . the fence is a t-fence it always square with the blade. The max ripping is about 30 "maybe little less . For more information goto (rousseau.com)

[Stanley C. Pearse]

Thanks Phil. I will look into this saw.

One question...how is the dust collection / evacuation working on the saw?

Phil Howard said:

Get the Ridgid r4510. It's alot cheaper, on par with the Bosch, better fence and warranty. I bought it 6 months ago and couldn't be happier. Just make sure it's the r4510 and not the ts2410 because they look similar. The r4510 is the latest model with the split blade guard, riving knife, adjustable splitter, better stand and bigger on/off switch. The only downside so far is the dado insert plate is on back order and you'll have to make your own zero clearance throat plate. I got mine for $450 by using a Lowe's 10% off coupon at Home Depot (get a change of address packet at the post office, it'll include the coupon).

[Jeffrey Pike]

the dust collection is fine hook it up to the shop vac and go

Stanley C. Pearse said:

Thanks Phil. I will look into this saw.

One question...how is the dust collection / evacuation working on the saw?

Phil Howard said:

Get the Ridgid r4510. It's alot cheaper, on par with the Bosch, better fence and warranty. I bought it 6 months ago and couldn't be happier. Just make sure it's the r4510 and not the ts2410 because they look similar. The r4510 is the latest model with the split blade guard, riving knife, adjustable splitter, better stand and bigger on/off switch. The only downside so far is the dado insert plate is on back order and you'll have to make your own zero clearance throat plate. I got mine for $450 by using a Lowe's 10% off coupon at Home Depot (get a change of address packet at the post office, it'll include the coupon).

[Phil Howard]

The dust collection is great on it. Also, when you fold the saw/stand into the stored position it only takes up a few square feet of space. From all of the reviews I've read it looks like Ridgid used the Bosch as it's benchmark... they are both very similar.

Stanley C. Pearse said:

Thanks Phil. I will look into this saw.

One question...how is the dust collection / evacuation working on the saw?

Phil Howard said:

Get the Ridgid r4510. It's alot cheaper, on par with the Bosch, better fence and warranty. I bought it 6 months ago and couldn't be happier. Just make sure it's the r4510 and not the ts2410 because they look similar. The r4510 is the latest model with the split blade guard, riving knife, adjustable splitter, better stand and bigger on/off switch. The only downside so far is the dado insert plate is on back order and you'll have to make your own zero clearance throat plate. I got mine for $450 by using a Lowe's 10% off coupon at Home Depot (get a change of address packet at the post office, it'll include the coupon).

[Stanley C. Pearse]

Thanks again Phil. I stopped by at HD last night on my way home from work and took a gander at it. You are right about the dust collection system...very simular to the Bosch.

I am intrigued about the Lifetime Warranty...have you seen any issues with it? Thinking about it...if Bosch is such a great product why don't they have one on their saw??? Hummmm.....

Phil Howard said:

The dust collection is great on it. Also, when you fold the saw/stand into the stored position it only takes up a few square feet of space. From all of the reviews I've read it looks like Ridgid used the Bosch as it's benchmark... they are both very similar.

Stanley C. Pearse said:

Thanks Phil. I will look into this saw.

One question...how is the dust collection / evacuation working on the saw?

Phil Howard said:

Get the Ridgid r4510. It's alot cheaper, on par with the Bosch, better fence and warranty. I bought it 6 months ago and couldn't be happier. Just make sure it's the r4510 and not the ts2410 because they look similar. The r4510 is the latest model with the split blade guard, riving knife, adjustable splitter, better stand and bigger on/off switch. The only downside so far is the dado insert plate is on back order and you'll have to make your own zero clearance throat plate. I got mine for $450 by using a Lowe's 10% off coupon at Home Depot (get a change of address packet at the post office, it'll include the coupon).

[Phil Howard]

Don't get me wrong, the Bosch is a great product but to get a setup similar to the Ridgid you will pay $300-400 more for the Bosch. That's what helped make my decision easier.

Stanley C. Pearse said:

Thanks again Phil. I stopped by at HD last night on my way home from work and took a gander at it. You are right about the dust collection system...very simular to the Bosch.

I am intrigued about the Lifetime Warranty...have you seen any issues with it? Thinking about it...if Bosch is such a great product why don't they have one on their saw??? Hummmm.....

Phil Howard said:

The dust collection is great on it. Also, when you fold the saw/stand into the stored position it only takes up a few square feet of space. From all of the reviews I've read it looks like Ridgid used the Bosch as it's benchmark... they are both very similar.

Stanley C. Pearse said:

Thanks Phil. I will look into this saw.

One question...how is the dust collection / evacuation working on the saw?

Phil Howard said:

Get the Ridgid r4510. It's alot cheaper, on par with the Bosch, better fence and warranty. I bought it 6 months ago and couldn't be happier. Just make sure it's the r4510 and not the ts2410 because they look similar. The r4510 is the latest model with the split blade guard, riving knife, adjustable splitter, better stand and bigger on/off switch. The only downside so far is the dado insert plate is on back order and you'll have to make your own zero clearance throat plate. I got mine for $450 by using a Lowe's 10% off coupon at Home Depot (get a change of address packet at the post office, it'll include the coupon).