Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Stand Reviews

• Frustrating but well worth it

  
  By APUVYHL7XXHIQ on 2007-09-03
  I had a lot of frustrating little problems when I first got the saw but now that it's worked out it well worth it.
  
  This is actually my second 4100. The first one was damaged when the box came open during shipment and the table top was scratched up by parts of the cart legs. It didn't help that the way it was packed the only thing separating the table top and the cart legs was a thin pieice of styrofoam with a cut out in the middle.
  
  Anyway I received the second saw undamaged. There were some fit and finish issues. The table top had what looked like black fingerprint marks. I tried getting it off but couldn't...oh well...no big deal it's cosmetic. The second problem was not so trivial. The riving knife assembly was loose and not square to the table or lined up to the blade. There were no instructions in the manual on how to align it. I emailed Bosch customer service but it took them awhile to respond (5 days). In the interim, I figured it out myself. There's two allen bolts that adjust the riving knife from side to side and a screw with a locknut that adjust the angle. After that the saw ran fine and the new guard system worked as advertised...modular and very easy to use.
  
  The saw was running fine for about a week when I ran into my third problem. As expected the blade supplied with the saw dulled out pretty quickly. I replaced with the Freud LU83R010 10-Inch 50-Tooth Thin Kerf Combination Blade that I bought just for the occasion. I tried a few crosscuts and the new blade cut like butter. I decided to rip a 24 inch piece of 3/4" plywood. To my horror the wood binded between the riving knife and the fence as it went past the back of the blade. I checked the alignment and tried again...same thing the wood binds as it goes pas the back of the blade. Tried my Irwin Marathon 80T blade and same thing. It turned out that the Freud LU83R010 and the Irwin 80T has a 0.092" kerf while the riving knife is 0.091" wide. Talked to Bosch customer service and they confirmed that is a problem. Their suggestion was to try a blade with the wider kerf. I tried the Bosch PRO1050COMB with a 0.128" kerf and a Bosch CB1040 with a 0.098" kerf and they work fine. So beware when using thin kerf blade with this new riving knife/guard system.
  
  

• Great saw -- nice improvements in this new model!

  
  By AFR8E5YYSYV1O on 2007-07-29
  Just received this saw last week and used on one project this weekend. Great improvements over last year's model 4000-09, especially the new european-style guard (didn't install the kickback pawls but rest is great). Just changed from a Delta Contractors saw and very impressed with the fit/build of this portable saw -- was worried going to a portable saw would be a big step down but not with this one.
  
  Manual was missing -- probably lost when it was opened at customs (UPS misrouted it through Canada). Phoned up Bosch and they are mailing me a new copy as this saw is so new they don't even have PDF electronic copies of the manual available yet.
  
  Update: Bosch customer service mailed me a copy of the manuals and also emailed PDF copies of the saw and stand.
  
  

• Exceptional Table Saw

  
  By A31T03S99Y873Y on 2007-11-03
  I am a finish carpenter and had been going back and forth between the Ridgid Table Saw and Bosch. Although I've used the Ridgid before, after researching the Bosch for couple of months, I decided to buy it. This saw is more expensive than the Ridgid but I must say it is worth the extra bucks. Very sturdy and accurate (once you do your initial setup). The gravity rise stand is ingenious and although I do not mind the 2 step folding saws, this saw always puts a smile on my face as I use the rise stand. Its so simple even a kid could work it.
  The saw is higher than your standard table saws by about 3 inches. It does not sound much but it did feel awkward at first after using standard saws for such a long time. You do get use to it quickly though.
  The rip fence is dead on and the soft start feature is a nice addition that prevents overload.
  The saw is heavy but is easily loaded to the bed of your truck/van by placing the handles on the bed and sliding it back.
  One of the worst features of this saw is the wheels. They are not large enough to carry over stairs. You will, I repeat you will scrape the metal bars behind the wheels frequently. Do not try to roll this saw over finished stairs. I am surprised that the engineers at Bosch did not recognize this.
  Overall though, this saw is the best portable saw that I have used in years.
  
  

• Just as advertised

  
  By A38YSUVB6FJLOL on 2007-10-12
  I have been using this saw for several months and am quite happy with it. I bought it mostly because of the safety features: riving knife, blade guard, and anti-kickback pawls. Early reviews said that these devices are so easy to use that owners actually will use them, and that has been my experience.
  
  The saw is well designed in other respects, too. The fence and miter gauge are easily adjusted and accurate. The blade height adjustment wheel is convenient. The only thing I don't like is the clumsy blade bevel adjustment: to change the blade angle, you unlock a rather stiff lever and the blade and motor assembly flops around--you just push it to where you want it and tighten the clamping lever. I would have preferred a wheel like the height adjustment.
  
  The gravity-rise stand is neat. I don't transport the saw to job sites (I'm a hobbyist woodworker), but I have to work in my garage, and need to store my tools against the wall. The saw is easy to fold up and stores in very little space.
  
  The saw arrived in good shape, although when the UPS driver took it out of the truck, the manual fell out. It's easy to see how some people get a saw with no manual. If this happens to you, I suggest you download the manual from Bosch's web site. I did this before the saw arrived in order to learn about it as soon as possible. Yes, it's 84 pages long, but after page 20 or so, odd-numbered pages are in French and Spanish--if you don't need either of those languages, you can just print out the even-numbered pages.
  
  I recently acquired a thin-kerf Forrest Woodworker II blade. I was a little nervous about it because of the reviewer who had trouble using a thin-kerf blade because the kerf is too narrow for the wood to clear the riving knife. The kerf of the Forrest blade is variously reported as 3/32", which is .094", and .100", and the riving knife is .091" thick. I had no trouble with the wood binding on the riving knife, in both crosscut and ripping operations. (The blade cuts beautifully, too--recommended.)
  
  

• Good but not Great

  
  By A2W6O38A3U4OVJ on 2007-11-29
  After returning (2) DeWalt 744 contractor saws because of rack and pinion fence problems. I ordered the Bosch 4100-09. Reviews of this saw were promising. Upon receipt and setup of the saw (made harder because the box contained NO manual or Gravity rise stand instructions.) I was able to download the Gravity rise manual (only to find it was the older version) and didn't match 4100-09 saw stand.) I muddled through and figgered out on my own. Then to my chagrin the Square lock fence was off by 1/16 of an inch front to rear. There is no way that is obvious to square the fence to the table. It is spot on from the factory or else (what?) return the saw? I have an e-mail request into Bosch on this. Depending on what they reply this saw may *also go back to Amazon.com. Replacement? Not sure yet. WHY ME????
  
  
• Works wonderfully
  By A1KBAOC0LO4PQL on 2008-01-29
  Got this setup after a long debate between brands, and I'm very pleased with its operation, though a few things aren't as good as they could be. I gave it 5 stars because it's the best one on the market right now, and competitors saws aren't nearly as well thought out as this one is, and are flimsier.
  
  Good points:
  - Packaging is very good. Lots of thick styrofoam, everything is secure and wrapped in plastic. The box is heavy walled, and shipping straps make an easy grab point.
  - Everything on my saw was dead on from the factory, no adjustments were needed.
  - The magnifying glass on the fence makes subtle adjustments easy, though it has to be cleaned off every time the saw is run.
  - The equipped blade produces decent results in plywood and pine. Harder woods will cut, though not as smoothly.
  - The deck is sturdy cast aluminum, strong and lightweight. It greatly reduces the weight of the saw.
  - The motor's performance is unbeatable. It doesn't struggle.
  - The stand is easy to use, easy to assemble and operates smoothly.
  - The extendable side rail works wonderfully and is really helpful.
  - On board wrench and blade storage is handy, keeps everything handy and tidy.
  - It's nice that it's a saw and stand combo, it looks a lot better to my wife when she only sees one box instead of two (regardless of the cost of the items inside)
  - The operating volume isn't deafening, but hearing protection is never a bad idea.
  
  Bad points:
  - If the blade is lowered all the way down inside the machine, the anti-kickback pawls get stuck in the plastic shield, and have to be carefully pried out so the guard isn't broken. The blade can be lowered below the deck for safety and storage without this occurring, it's only when the blade is lowered all the way.
  - To padlock the unit, you'll need one with a really long shackle, and it can't be over 1/4" in diameter. Something that allows for a regular sized padlock would have been nicer.
  - Lots of plastic below the deck. There's been no issues with it yet, though for the price I would have expected more metal.
  - The fence storage doesn't really hold too well.
  - This produces lots of dust, even with a shop-vac hooked to the exhaust port.
  - A pusher should have been included, given the inherent danger of this type of tool. The miter gauge can work for this, but it's limited in use.
  - The pneumatic tires are just another thing to forget about. I have a hard enough time remembering to check the tires on my car - now I've got something else? It also seems a bit silly to have them on a tool which will be used at jobsites where there will be nails, screws, etc. Solid rubber or foam filled tires probably would have been more ideal.
  - According to the stand's instructions, you need 16 mm and 10 mm wrenches. Yes, the 10 mm are needed for mounting the saw, however the other hardware actually requires 17 mm and 13 mm wrenches.
  - The instruction manual is detailed, though poorly formatted. It jumps around between english, french and spanish from page to page.
  
  
• great jobsite saw
  By A1Q67GIO5AJGAL on 2008-01-18
  The table saw works great. I used to own Dewalt's and, although a good saw, it had serious issues: The power cable had no storage solution, the guides would fall out of their slots when porting, and the start was so hard (as it got older) that it would jolt the whole table. Bosch solved these issues on their table saw with ease. I can turn the saw upside down and nothing comes out of its place (just saying, I don't have a good reason for turning it upside down). I wasn't a fan of the removable guide for a while because I didn't trust its accuracy. One thing I hate is the stupid plastic magnifier that is used for measuring. I'm not blind and don't need a magnifier. Plastic holds a charge, saw dust is attracted to charge and then you can't see through the piece. Stupid design from a smart company. The techniques I use keep me from ever using the actual measuring guide on the saw anyway. I haven't found a table saw yet that holds it's calibration perfectly so I got into the habit of using my tape along with a mark on the piece using the same tape. It's very fast to do this and offers near perfect accuracy.
  About the blade guard: If you're a light home user, you should keep it on or consider losing some fingers, table saws are dangerous and should be seriously respected. Do not let your ego win on this, if you don't have a lot of experience with a table saw, don't take the guard off. For the pro's out there, I know you hate guards because they are inhibitive and some work is actually impossible with it on. It comes off very easily and looks great in the trash where it belongs.
  
  For the stand: I love it. It fits on various popular models, not just Bosch. I use a van mostly to port tools (better security, no rain problems, easier access to tools). It slides out of the vehicle, rolls to its place on the site, and snaps to perfect working height effortlessly. One person and one trip is all that is necessary (unless you use a truck, I would suggest two people to get it off the truck). It's stable, the wheels are rugged, there are adjustable feet for uneven ground... this is a great stand. It sells separately if you already own a saw. I highly recommend this stand.
  
  
• awesome tool (but one problem)
  By A340UIDF7L2K87 on 2007-09-20
  This is a well built, and well designed tool. Smooth operation.
  And I'm pleased with the new features included in this model.
  The gaurd system is about as user friendly as anyone could ask for, although my crew is still reluctant to use it.
  BUT!
  I was totally irritated that it did not come with an assembly or operating manual. I had to print it out online, and it's about 80 pages long. I also had to print out the manual for the stand.
  A previous reviewer mentioned the same problem, and I'm wondering if this is Bosch's way to save a few bucks.
  I emailed the company and requested that they send me a copy, and they emailed me back a link to the download page. I emailed them again and requested that they mail me a hard copy. I haven't heard from them.
  For $600. they should include a manual!!!
  
  Update: They have now sent me manuals at two separate times. The last one came with a letter of apology, and a free saw blade and case. Nice.
  
  
• Riving knife problem
  By A1HU71YQGJR9T9 on 2008-01-19
  I got this saw two days ago from the big orange store. After careful assembly, I was upset to realize that the tip of the riving knife was coming into contact with the saw blade. After calling Bosch and verifying that the riving knife was installed according to manual (locked in place and perpendicular to the blade), they could not help me. My options were to take it over 100 miles away to a Bosch service center, return it, or try to adjust it myself. It took almost 2 hours to unpack it and assemble it (most time was spent on the stand), so I didn't want to pack it back up and return it. I found that the arm that holds the knife housing was tilted, so I placed two washers (which had to be cut in half with a Dremel) under the knife housing assembly to shim it up. It works fine now, and I've gotten some good use out of it. But, I was pretty disappointed at having to go through all that after spending as much money as I did on the saw.
  
  If anyone has this problem, please respond to this post and let me know how you solved your issue. Thanks.
  
  
• Best money ever spent
  By A30SAU875EAO6E on 2007-12-30
  I debated long and hard over this saw or a more fixed saw. I don't have a large indoor space to work in so I would have to mount casters on a more fixed saw like a Delta or get a saw like this. I finally decided I didn't want to be rolling a 300 pound saw around in a hurry to get it out of the rain so went with the Bosch. It took a while to put together, but was very straight forward and went together without a hitch. This thing is awesome. I can pull it out of my shed set it up make a cut and put it away in less than 5 min. It rolls easily over rough terrain, the fence is true and it cuts like mad. Great saw. I use it for joinery, furnture and general carpentry. It might not work for a production furniture maker but if you only make one or two pieces a year it is fine and for a contractor that needs to take their saw with them there is no better choice.
  
  
• Almost perfect out of the box
  By A3A4LPAJJ0WDIO on 2007-10-30
  After unpacking and installing on the stand, I checked the alignment and most were dead on, only two small adjustments were needed and were easy to perform. I maybe spent 15 minutes on this and was up and running.
  
  It has adequate power for my needs, I can rip 12/4 lumber without having to rewire it for 220V. I do however have it in a circuit with only 10' of 10 gauge between the breaker panel and the outlet so I have very little voltage drop.
  
  The upgrade to newer style safety features like a riving knife is really nice.
  
  The dust collection port is not very effective, even with a dust collector hooked up, I still have to vacuum under it even with just some light work, like crosscutting 2x4s.
  
  
• Great Saw
  By AU5GZTE970KW5 on 2007-11-04
  This is only my second table saw, but this is a big improvement. The saw has plenty of power available and everything is easily adjusted. I've had the saw for six months now and have done quite a few projects. Only things I can complain about are the mitre slots (not milled well, see other reviews) and sawdust. The gravity rise stand words great and the big tires are helpful. Stores nicely as well. Absolutely recommend! Also recommend getting the table extensions as well, although they do sag a little.
  
  
• Fantastic saw at a fair price
  By A3LQNRS81TVFKZ on 2008-01-30
  I have been using an old Makita table saw and decided to upgrade to a better saw. The thing is fantastic. Clear and detailed instructions for assembling the gravity rise stand made a complicated assembly a breeze. I own several other Bosch tools and this one is just as good as the others. The thing folds up and stores in a small space which is good as I have limited facilities for storage. I am a seasoned woodworker and this saw enables me to do quality work in less time. This is a serious tool!
  
  
• Excellent Saw, but attachments/options need improvement
  By A3LCLEBGTVVVLA on 2007-10-24
  The saw is great, no problems like some of the other people had. Performs exactly as decribed and expected. Only complaint is I got the attachemts and they don'y fit/work the greatest.
  The left support rubs and scratches the saw, and the rear support hits the digital read out.
  Great product, but Bosch shouold have review the Acces. before realeasing them.
  
  
• Awesome Saw
  By A1GTO001GB6KW9 on 2008-05-30
  Can't think of anything bad about it. I use it everyday ripping 2x stock and building cabinets and furniture projects. Works good for dado operations, has an accurate fence and easy extendable table. Saw has plenty of power for most operations. The portability of this saw is great and easily stores away when not in use.
  
  
• Great saw,
  By A1K5BLIBWOXZQW on 2008-06-19
  This is my second Bosch table saw and I love it as much as the first. The best innovation is the addition of the sturdy frame to the bottom perimeter. My old saw base cracked and shattered as it was too thin for repeated transport from truck to job-site. The saw itself, however, just kept on ticking and I expect the same from this improved model. I wish they had integrated a steel roll bar similar to Dewalts smaller jobsite saw, but what we have here is a vast improvement.
  
  As for the stand, I'm probably the only person who won't rave about it. Yes it is a great design. My complaint is it simply takes up too much room in my truck. For me, the simple fold up stand that came with the older model is more useful. If you operate out of a van or are a do-it-yourselfer with a garage, the gravity stand is a great feature. Unfortunately, it just doesn't work well with the tool storage I need in the back of my pick-up. Also, it ain't light - I think it weighs almost as much as the saw itself. I might end up using this if I bother setting up a quick release system between the saw and the stand when it comes to loading it up.
  
  
• Handy little saw
  By A1U2CKY1SQCN7Z on 2008-02-08
  Have used this saw to build cabinets and it works just fine. The handy fold-up stand lets me store it in the garage without taking up much room.
  
  
• Amazon can't get shipping right on Major tools!
  By AZMOI3ZCMQXY on 2008-03-12
  This is the second major tool I have received from Amazon that looks like someone got to it first, opened it, took stuff out, then taped it shut and dropped it off the back of the truck! Last time it was a $600 Makita Lithium tool kit, missing a drill. I ended up paying $45 for the return and not getting reimbursed. This time I can't tell if something is missing from the Bosch 4100-09, because they took the manual out, along with tossing parts around in the box!!! This will be my last major tool order from Amazon, they do fine with books, but suck at getting expensive tools to you.
  
  
• Bosch portable saw
  By A2Q7B3WNZ1UYHG on 2008-06-18
  I waited a long time to find this product on sale. The wait was worth it. This unit arrived as promised, the set up went smoothly. {would recommend going to Bosch website for assembly / set up instructions].
  The saw was set up almost perfect from the box, very little adjustment required.
  Would also recommend purchasing the left side, and rear outrigger supports as offered by Bosch if cutting sheet stock.
  I am very happy with this unit, especially the "gravity rise stand", as I have very limited storage space - this allows me to store it in a coner out of the way when not in use.
  I do not use this for heavy work. Primarily making furniture / toys for my Grand kids. It has been very satisfactory, cutting square and smooth, which is very helpful @ assembly time.
  If looking for a quality product, I would highly recommend this unit.
  
  
• Very Handy Saw!!!
  By A209Z49ZDV345M on 2008-04-16
  This is a super saw and seems to have plenty of power. The only 2 draw backs to this saw is the fence system and the sawdust blow back. I had a Dewalt table saw that had a knob you could turn to adjust the rip fence to the 64th of an inch. This fence has to be loosened and manually slide it. When you think it is where you want it to be and lock the fence in place----it will move; however it seems to be very accurate. The other beef is the saw dust blows in your face. I put the blade through the stock I am ripping about 1/4" and the saw dust covers you. I hate to admit it but I don't wear safety glasses like I should----but I do with this saw. I would still recommend this saw until I find another saw with this price and portability.
  
  
• Great Tool
  By A32J70G9SN0WWS on 2008-05-25
  I purchased this after a lot of research. I haven't been disappointed in the least! First project was installing a cork laminated floor in my wife's sewing room. This saw made the job much easier. It's super easy and fast to make adjustments. That really helps you progress through a project. The portability of this was was one of the main features that attracted me to it and I wasn't wrong. The portability of the saw increases its versatility by an order of magnitude, to a home tinkerer like myself.
  
  
• Great saw, fast shipping, good cust svc
  By A38PYUFXPK8S5L on 2008-06-20
  Briefly, I did a lot of research and chose this saw. Amazon had it for $569. Added to cart, waited two days and then bought it. Got billed $599 as the price had changed in the interim. I complained about this and they credited it back without argument! Great customer service.
  
  I chose the free shipping. It took three days, was reliable, and the saw arrived in great shape. One hour to put it all together and now I have a great little saw.
  
  I do high end trim and cabinet work. This is no shop-based cabinet saw, nor is it quite as good as the Jet cast iron contractor saw we lug around. But it's portable (very) and cuts great. We put a Freud blade on it and it is fantastic. Really no complaints at this time. Very impressive given its portability.
  
  And this much capability at $569 shipping included. Hard to complain.
  
  Jtn
  
  
• First class saw
  By A14RIII3KZY03C on 2008-09-12
  I had settled on either a Jet JWTS-10 or the Ridgid TS3650, but my concern was my workshop is only 10'x16'. When I went and looked at the Jet at Woodcraft, it became clear that both these stationary table saws (even with a moveable base) were too big (5' wide) for my space.
  Based on the specs, reviews, video on YouTube, and Bosch's reputation I decided on the Bosch 4100 with the gravity rise stand. 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.
  
  
• Just a F.Y.I.
  By A4WSYY50SLDHA on 2007-07-21
  Bosch will release the new table saw in Sept.I have not seem pictures as of yet of pricing. And how it is different from the the current 4000
  Any info. would be helpful!
  
  
• great tool
  By AD41SPFZ0H3ZF on 2008-06-02
  This table saw is a very nice tool. I haven't been able to use it intisively, but I have used it and it works well. The gravity rise is nice. Its strange that some people thought that important parts were made out of plastic, but I have no idea what they are talking about. Its all solid. If anything ever goes wrong with this saw I will be sure to update my review, but I doubt there will be any problems.
  
  

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