Whenever possible I follow my dear mothers advice of, "Buy the best you can afford and research and know what you need." I followed mothers’ advice in my purchase of the Bosch 4000 table saw.

I needed a saw that had plenty of power and accuracy. I didn't have room or the budget for a full sized saw. Plus the attraction of a portable work site model was hard to pass up. I did not want to buy a saw that would be a chore to use and fall apart after hard use.

My research found that most 10-inch blade portable table saws had good power. Accuracy and durability became the larger concerns. Some other manufacturers had models that although cheaper in price, certainly seemed cheaper in construction as well. On my inspection the most obvious weakness in other saws was the rip fence. Most others seemed flimsy, hard to adjust and of poor quality.

The Bosch 4000 on the other hand has a substantial aluminum rip fence with "Square-Lock" technology. It moves easily and locks positively using a rubber coated locking lever. The scale on the fence even has a magnifier built into it to make setting the fence very easy. The rip fence has a 12-inch extension that slides easily from the substantial heavy aluminum 29 x 21 1/2-inch table. This extension makes for a full 25-inch rip capacity. This makes accurate ripping of wide sheets easy.

The miter gauge is well built of aluminum and heavy poly. It slides easily in the miter groves and adjusts for angle cuts quickly. I have dropped it many times, and it is still true.

The Bosch 4000 has a very quiet 4.4-hp 15-amp motor. It starts and stops very smoothly and with little vibration due to its "Soft-Start" technology. It starts and runs fine machine. The motor increases power when increased torque is required. I have never had any difficulty in cutting any stock with the motor. This saw gives clean and responsive power. Another plus is the quiet run of this saw As a comparison I would easily say this saw is much quieter than my Delta 10 inch compound miter saw.

There are several nice touches in the construction of this saw, which increase its value. It has a blade and wrench holder/carry case that is wing bolted to the side of the saws thick poly body. It can hold 3 additional blades. Very tidy! There is a dust collection outlet at the rear bottom of the saw. I have yet to try this hooked to any vacuum, but I am sure this would be a great help in cutting dust spreading.

I would like to have a blade height lock on this saw, however this would only be needed for multiple, depth dependant cuts. As this is a portable saw, such repetitive cuts are not likely to be done. I have not noticed any blade depth variation after making repetitive cuts however.

The start/stop switch is large and easy to operate. It weighs about 60 pounds which is light enough to move to the job site, yet heavy enough to stay put for most cuts. I would use a stand or temporarily fasten the saw to a bench or horses for large or heavy, repetitive cutting.

While the Bosch 4000 is more expensive than most competitors in the same general category, I fine the extra dollars well spent. In this case that extra money translates to a more study, accurate and powerful saw with many thoughtful features. The Dewalt DW744S would be a comparable saw in the same price class. It has a well-built fence and is nicely styled. Its motor isn't quite as powerful as the Bosch and the Bosch 4000 has the smooth start technology. This saw makes woodworking fun and easy!

I acquired my Bosch 4000 on Ebay from a tool dealer for 425.00 plus 25.00 shipping. Retail this saw is generally in the 500.00-dollar region.

UPDATE 1/21/03:
Upgraded durability to a 5! This saw continues to rip its way through material like butter. Maple and even bamboo flooring cut smoothly. There is power to spare. (poplar really does cut like butter on this saw) Odd angle cuts do not seem to slow this saw down. I am impressed with this machine. It adjusts easily, cleans up fast and most importantly; it cuts stock like a 1000 dollar saw at half the price. If you need a table saw you need to give the Bosch a look. I actually enjoy using this saw!

UPDATE 12/31/05:
I am completing a major home remodel. There has been a great deal of ripping required, mostly poplar trim. This saw keeps going strong. I try to keep it cleaned and use WD40 on the top and threaded parts. My only gripe is the need to loosen the bottom blade guard to change blades. Other than that, this is a great life-time saw!

UPDATE 3/20/06:
I just completed a complete remodel of our patio house. It called for hundreds of feet of ripped molding. I even ripped very dense and heavy Australian Jarra wood. The Bosch 4000 had zero problems getting through the Jarra. In fact, it was almost EASIER to rip than poplar, as the weight of the Jarra wood helped to keep the rip straight. This saw came through again. It was nice to not have to worry about my table saw in the middle of this 6 month plus remodel!




Recommended: Yes