A reader is looking to buy into a cordless power tool platform for woodworking projects, and narrowed it down to 2 brands and platforms – Bosch 18V and Makita XGT 40V Max.
They asked a tough question, for my take on both brands.
Joe asked:
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Love your articles as they provide so much information! As someone who does a lot of DIY/home projects, but also wants to dabble more into woodworking, what platform would you suggest between Bosch 18V and Makita XGT 40v? I’d appreciate your take on both brands!
Let’s see what we can do.
Not knowing what Joe needs, let’s break it down by tool. Between Bosch 18V and Makita XGT 40V Max, here’s what I’d buy:
Miter Saw: Bosch 18V – I tested the ProFactor axial glide, and it was amazing.
Table Saw: Bosch 18V – I tested the Bosch cordless table saw as well, and was very pleased with its performance and build quality.
Dust Extractor: Makita XGT – while not 100% pleased with the one I purchased, Makita simply has more options than Bosch.
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Jig Saw: Bosch 18V – I’ve had great experiences with Bosch jig saws in the past, starting with a corded model. Bosch used to be known for their jig saws.
Router: Makita XGT – While my XGT model is decent, the fact of the matter is that Bosch doesn’t have any 18V cordless router, which is surprising given their popularity in the corded space. Makita also has a full-size XGT router, but you’ll have to order it from overseas since it has yet to even be announced in the USA.
Track Saw: Tie – I’ve had some problems with my Makita’s build quality, and haven’t yet sent it in for servicing. Bosch’s is said to be based on Mafell tech, but it’s not compatible with Festool-style rails.
Correction: it seems that the Bosch cordless t rack saw can also be used with Festool-style guide rails.
Oscillating Multi-Tool: Bosch 18V – Bosch has been a leader in the oscillating multi-tool space for a while, and you can now get FEIN Multimaster Starlock-compatible OMTs that work with Bosch 18V batteries. Makita doesn’t have an XGT oscillating tool yet.
Sanders: Bosch 18V – Bosch’s cordless sanders are quite good. Makita launched XGT sanders overseas, but they haven’t been announced in the USA yet.
Drill: Bosch 18V – Bosch has the edge with compact cordless options. Makita’s smallest XGT battery is larger and heavier than Bosch’s compact battery options.
Impact Driver: Makita XGT – Between the two brands’ premium impact drivers, I’d say Makita has an edge, although you’ll have to spend quite a bit of money for it.
Nailers: Bosch 18V – Bosch has new 18V nailers on the way (at least in Europe), including a cordless brad nailer, and a narrow crown stapler. Makita only has an XGT pin nailer.
So that’s 1 tie, 7 cordless woodworking tools where I feel Bosch has the advantage, and 3 where I feel Makita has the advantage.
Bosch wins: 7
Makita wins: 3
Ties: 1
A Bosch setup would be considerably less expensive to purchase. Bosch occasionally has money-saving promos, while Makita seems to have dramatically cut back on promos and discounts in the USA.
It really also depends on what you’re looking for. Bosch and Makita don’t have evenly-matched cordless power tool systems. If you want say an oscillating multi-tool, there’s no XGT option yet. If you want a router, there’s no Bosch 18V option yet.
If you’re set on only buying into just one cordless power tool platform, list out your must-have and good-to-have tools and start there.
Based on an examination of my tool-specific experiences, opinions, and leanings, I’d have to say that Bosch 18V is the better choice than Makita XGT 40V Max.
One could argue that Makita will keep bringing more tools to the XGT platform, but how long will it take for them to fill more holes? Bosch has also been slow to expand and modernize their 18V cordless platform, but they’ve been launching new tools in steady waves, and their AmpShare program has resulted in compatible tools from Fein and others.
If shopping for my own woodworking tool needs and starting fresh, I could not limit myself to these two brands, let alone just one of them.
John
People need to move away from single platform mentality. Just buy good tools. If someone only buys Bosch, there will be duds. If someone buys only Makita, there will be duds. That goes for all brands. Just accept there is a need to have multiple battery platforms.
LXT is just a better platform for a woodworker than XGT. Bosch has some very good tools but not all. Same goes for Makita.
Peter
This!
Gil
If I see a great deal on a tool that includes a battery, I’ll buy it, easy way to join the platform.
WastedP
I’m a woodworker by trade, and I use LXT for everything that doesn’t plug in. I still run my nailers and staplers off of a compressor. My vacuum, sanders, and table saw all plug in.
I bought a 2x18v 10″ miter saw a few years ago from Acme tools, and they accidentally sent me an XGT battery for the promo. It was bulky and heavy compared to the LXT. I cannot imagine using that battery in any handheld tool that uses a single LXT battery. I use Makita OPE at home, and XGT seems like a better choice for that than 2x18v.
An aside, I used to swear by Bosch’s jigsaws, and they are still very good. But I bought the barrel-grip LXT that is manufactured in the UK, and it is the best jigsaw I have ever owned. I bought one for the shop and liked it so much that I bought one for home.
Stuart
You don’t have to use the higher capacity batteries for XGT handheld tools.
The XGT 2.5Ah battery is the same size and approximate weight as the 18V 5Ah battery. Both have 10x 18650-sized 2.5Ah battery cells inside.
For equivalents to the 18V X2 tools, that’s where the higher capacity XGT batteries deliver size and weight savings – a single 10x 21700 battery is a lot better in my opinion than 2x 10x 18650 cell batteries.
ColeTrain
Agreed. I hated this fact when I was buying into New batteries but it’s just the truth.
MFC
I primarily own and use Dewalt 20v/60v and have adapters to Ryobi, Milwaukee, and Ridgid.
If you go with any other system than an 18v/20v system, you cannot use adapters with other brands.
For his scenario I’d go with Bosch and use adapters to other brands tools that they are missing. Bosch to DeWalt adapter for the router.
Bonnie
Absolutely. Particularly for home users where you’re really not constrained by batteries. I have Makita 18v, DeWalt 20/Flexvolt, and Ryobi 18v tools all happily cohabitating in my workshop.
MM
For frequent tool users I agree completely. I don’t know anyone who uses cordless tools seriously that is only on one platform. But I think this is a totally valid question when it comes to new buyers. Instead of “which platform should I buy” it might instead be “which platform should I buy first”
Currently I have cordless tools from Dewalt (20V Max and Flexvolt), Milwaukee (M18 and M12), Makita LXT, and Metabo. There is no way I could have bought into all at once; determining which to start with was an important consideration.
John S
Yeah I keep like 6 battery form factors running. I liked my buddy’s axial glide miter but I LOVE the XGT 12” Miter. It, paired with that primo dust extractor makes for such a nice cutting experience. Powerful, clean and smooth.
Jared R
Bosch makes fantastic stuff but doesn’t care about the US. The United States has (in their minds) to many regulations and is not worth spending the money to do business way over here. If they thought it would be worth putting more into it than I think they would. Bummer too because makes great
Rog
Both these brands are the pinnacle of apathetic towards the US. Which is a shame cuz I think they both make great tools (arguably better quality than any of the US brands).
Peter
You had me puzzled for a minute and I questioned my mental health.
But I went into my garage and judging by the amount of Bosch tools they seem to be doing business over here.
JR Ramos
I wouldn’t say they don’t care about the US market, not at all. They haven’t had the oomph in cordless that many other brands have over the years but they have a full line, full (human) support and service network, and continue with smart engineering. I’ve had a few items that were drop shipped right from the Bosch warehouse in Arkansas (bought through two different online platforms). They still have a number of their accessories that they source from US manufacturers although that has dwindled in recent years as it has for most others. They are kind of a mess when it comes to marketing as field sales but they aren’t absent – and sometimes they are maybe a bit too big and disjointed internally so some delays or confusion will exist but they always come through. In my experience, dealing with Bosch after the sale has been easier than any other power tool company with the possible exception of Milwaukee (depending). Chatting with some of the people I was in contact with and one service center employee, I’d say that they care a lot about this market and aren’t going to shrink or disappear from it any time soon, and I don’t think that’s all about dollars either. There’s clearly some of that Euro/German approach in thinking and attitude at times, though…and that’s not uncommon really…a bit different than how Makita acts in those ways. If I were to guess, I’d say that Bosch knows they put out strong effective models and just choose to focus on where they excel and serve the best and just choose not to play some of the games that other brands are known/getting known for. Mostly.
Rog
Bosch vs XGT seems very like a very apples to oranges comparison. Not sure why the reader chose these vs. 18v vs 18v (LXT)
fred
I find the question also a bit odd regarding “woodworking” versus “carpentry”. I generally don’t use many of my cordless tools in my furniture-making hobby. I never grab an impact driver – but often use a M12 2401-20 driver. I might count on my fingers how many times I’ve used an OMT for woodworking – but do use it a lot for other tasks. My (corded) miter saw sit in my garage – not my woodshop – being dedicated to rough dimension cutting and carpentry – with more cutting on the shop table saw. With nail guns – for woodworking I never use any under (larger size) than 18ga on woodworking projects. I mostly using 23ga and 21ga pneumatic guns to drive pins to hold pieces in place while glue sets.
I do use a diminutive Bosch 12V router for inlay work – and I might set up both corded and cordless trim routers with different bits. But a Bosch corded router sits in my router table – and corded routers from Porter Cable and Dewalt (Elu) are what’s called upon to do the heavier work. The same can be said for my sanding tasks where cordless sanders have gotten better – but are still not my choice – based power and battery life. Power planes are yet another example of where cordless versions will not replace corded tools. I like my little Bosch 12V for inlay work, and sometime use a Makita XPK01Z – but using a portable tool to replace a stationary jointer-planer or surface thickness planer requires lots of skill, time and patience.
While cordless tools have made great strides in terms of function and capability – I would hope that the reader who asked the question – realizes that a totally cordless woodworking shop would be sorely lacking in functionality.
I also agree with what other have said – that both Bosch and Makita make some very good tools – but both companies seem to neglect the North American market. For the long haul, who knows how Makita XGT will fare – either here in NA or in the world. Makita may continue to introduce more tools to that lineup – but buying into it as your only platform might leave you short.
Iss
I’d just like to point out major does have an xgt multitool, albeit only overseas right now.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C9lqMSNyomA/?igsh=ejV0cW9iajJ1eThh
Stuart
Thanks! I missed that.
James
It is interesting that they specifically asked about XGT. Why not LXT, since it has lots of great woodworking tool options?
pakoi
I saw a lot of people made their reviews based on paper specs only. They forgot to mention the durability or longevity of specific tool brands. Some brands could be used only for a certain amount of years while the others are almost eternal. In my area we could see old experienced generation of carpenters still use 25+ year old tools simply because the tools are working fine.
JohnBCS
Having used the 4 major brands specifically for woodworking applications, I’d choose milwaukee or dewalt over either of those honestly. Dewalt for most things, but milwaukee has the far superior track saw and nailers.
dave
“Makita doesn’t have an XGT oscillating tool yet.” – This is incorrect, the TM001GZ is out in Japan: https://www.makita.co.jp/product/detail/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZuV5wBj15I
Stuart
Thanks!
Hmm, announced in Japan in late July 2024? Maybe we’ll see it here in the USA by 2026.
Or maybe not. The brad nailer came out 3 years ago and still isn’t available here – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/makita-40v-xgt-cordless-brad-nailer/%3C/a%3E .
James
As others have said I’m not sure this is apples to apples…..
I’m heavily invested in M12 and M18 but I still love my 18V Bosch tools and enjoy using them as much if not more than Milwaukee. The issue for me is that they didn’t have the specialty tools I needed. For woodworking I don’t think you can go wrong with Bosch.
dale clark
I have battery adaptors so I can buy a tool and not have to worry about ANOTHER battery charger
Mateo
The xgt multi tool has already been announced. Granted it could take a while still
Johnathon
I started in bosch 18v a few years ago and got tired of waiting for routers and nailers to come out. Started using some metabo hpt this year and I’m very pleased. They have the full catalog of tools and the 36v options which can go corded or can really amp up my 18v tools. Their only lack right now is a barrel jigsaw but they have one in hikoki so it may be coming.
Luis
Well if you still have Bosch 18V tools you can order one of their barrel grip jigsaws; they have 2 or 3 options to choose from.
Jeff
As others have said, both platforms have their pros and cons. Interesting they’re looking at XGT over LXT since I think LXT hits the best blend of woodworking AND production carpentry/home repair. However, since both lines have good and bad features, just go with XGT for anything that you want cordless and outside of that, get whatever corded tool is best for a specific woodworking application, regardless of brand. Assuming they’ll have a shop or space with ample power available, that eliminates having to commit to one line (and is generally cheaper anyway)
Doug N
The Bosch jigsaw in your first image is worth a write up. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CKLZMBSD (Guessing they don’t do press releases). First fixed-base jigsaw I’ve seen. High blade speed of 3800 rpm, blade support similar to Festool trion. Considering purchasing one.
Stuart
I covered it in a news post late last year – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/bosch-18v-cordless-power-tool-expansion-fall-2023/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Bosch’s press releases aren’t what they used to be, but they’re trying.
The jig saw’s on my review request list, but it’s going to take some time to get to it.
I’m happy with my Dewalt brushless, but something about the Bosch design makes me wonder if it has an edge with regard to control. The extended and bridged shoe plate is definitely holding my interest.
Nathan
Does everything have to be cordless? I wouldn’t even consider a cordless table saw or mitre (10 or 12) . I’d probably want a corded router in above trim router size.
In the US I’d roll Bosch I think. Never see a Makita in a store but that might just be here. I’d strongly consider DeWalt alternative. Unless a roving contractor id want corded for some things
Which is mostly what I did
WastedP
I agree somewhat that not every tool needs to be cordless, especially if you’re in a shop or setting up on site for several days.
However, when I went to buy a new miter saw years ago, there was a promo with piles of extra batteries. The cordless saw ran the same price or less than the corded model, so I bought it. A few months later I picked up an extended job at an off-grid site where everything had to be transported by boat. That saw was worth every penny for that job. It made me consider changing other tools (tablesaw, tracksaws, sanders) to cordless. But it’s probably less a matter of replacement and more a matter of addition.
Bill
If you want to stay with a single cordless brand, Bosch is not the way to go.
JR Ramos
Offhand, I’d probably tell them to go Bosch unless there’s some reason that it wouldn’t work. OR….if this will be for frequent use where parts and repair might be necessary, go with the one that might have faster or local service (and especially parts availability). I think Bosch wins there now since Makita really nerfed a lot of their network.
What I’d really tell them is to consider two platforms, but this is such a vague comparison/choice. Look at the range, see if they have the tools (not categories) you need and any that you might want in the future. I don’t know that Bosch has any dud tools or huge issues of concern (well..that chuck on one of their Freak models was an issue for many) and while Makita has had more of those in recent years they still mostly have solid tools. I’d probably suggest a mix of Bosch and Milwaukee. 18V router is the glaring omission from Bosch’s lineup and I keep expecting one to appear, but. If this is a hobby where dust collection will be wanted/needed, look elsewhere no matter which tool platform is chosen.
I think one think to keep in mind is that damn near ALL of the tools these days are quite capable. You mentioned that the Makita impact driver has an edge…well…ok, but it’s not like Bosch’s is a slouch, right? And even in a busy prosumer home workshop the advantages may not be appreciated like they might in a trade being used all day. Bosch’s sanders are just excellent but while the Milwaukee/DeWalt/Makita are less enjoyable and sometimes a hassle to use for some work…they all work and do the job well. And for tools like that, it might be wise to pay attention to that service/parts aspect (or keep a spare). Right now I still think Bosch has the best batteries going but it seems like we’re seeing improvements there lately from many (not just high drain power but reliability and longevity).
Nathan
Honestly the strongest benefit is probably going to be the new tabless cell batteries Bosch is launching soon. We’ve seen plenty of evidence of older tools benefitting from tabless tech, taking middle of the road results to near ‘best-of-last-gen’ performance.
Starting a battery investment there could mean being able to pick up cheap clearance tools and not feel shorted in power. XGT doesn’t seem to have that potential for the lower tier tools, they’re not power starved so much as just built weaker/slightly lighter. So even if the tabless tech lands at the same time, you’ll only see the benefit in the already expensive tier of tools or new ones.
Also the Bosch wireless system is far more reasonable then AWS in scope and price.
That said, there is an XGT OMT (JDM only for now), although it’s just a rebadging of the current flagahip LXT OMT. There is also a pair of XGT jigsaws that are notably powerful, price aside.
It really comes down to if you want to pay an extra premium for a battery line that can truly scale from hand power tools to contractor grade OPE. Bosch, even with the tabless cells is limited to 36v. But for the vast majority of people, especially non-production woodworking, that’s enough.
Stuart
Makita AWS is horribly expensive. $70-80 EACH to equip compatible tools and dust vacs is infuriating, and that’s on top of spending a premium for AWS-compatible tools.
A long time ago I asked Makita USA if it’s meant to be swapped between tools, and they never gave me an answer. You can plug one into a dust vac and swap the other between tools, but it’s clunky and the tiny modules feel fragile.
Festool’s got the best wireless system, in my opinion, and Milwaukee seems to be testing the waters with tools that feature built-in activation.
AWS is better than nothing, but there’s also no wireless remote for hose-end activation when using non-AWS tools. The design and engineering seems so unfriendly to me.
Nathan
I know, right? It’s all so weird it feels like there must be a story to how it ended up like this.
The chips make sense if you wanted to offer a BT and non-BT option and just left them empty on non-BT SKUs. That would let you capture modest profit on people upgrading with 1st party accessories. It would also let you potentially change the technology as different protocols came out.
But to sell two different models and then the BT models empty seems…odd from an efficiency standpoint.
The hose end transmitter missing always seemed weird as well. Yes, it might mean only selling one instead of selling a bunch of chips, but half your lineup has no AWS capability at all, even some new tools, so what are they supposed to do?
Ken
FWIW, Bosch apparently has several relevant tools about to be released in the US market. Word is September and October.
Lowe’s has 3 “placeholder” listings for the 15, 16, and 18-guage 18V nailers. So, they are definitely coming to the US. Their website is currently showing a promotional banner of one of these nailer’s under the “power tools” section of their website where they state “buy 1, get 1 free, select tool or battery.” So I’m guessing that the release is imminent, and they are apparently offering a free battery promo right off the bat.
They also have at least TWO new 18V routers (finally!), a new more powerful impact driver, and a new cordless dust extractor (although I’m not sure that the vac will be released in the US this fall). And Bosch’s current top-of-the-line impact driver (GDR18V-1860CN) is currently only $99 on Amazon.
And since this post is about woodworking, I’ll also mention that Bosch has announced an 18V biscuit joiner. I think this is slated for release late this year or early next year.
I own the Bosch corded track saw (made by Mafell). The best part is the tracks which are much better than Festool because of the way that they join – quick, easy, and extremely rigid. I previously owned Dewalt’s track system and the joining method was similar to Festool’s – fussy and sloppy fit. Bosch’s tracks are also surprisingly quite inexpensive and are available in a lot of different sizes and options (e.g., including a shelf pin guide). Bosch has also released video of a new cross-cutting track that is apparently slated for release soon – it looks like a novel accessory that I don’t believe is offered outside of Mafell’s system. I really love the Bosch track system!
I don’t have any experience with Makita’s XGT system and I’m obviously biased in favor of Bosch 🙂
Ken
For anyone interested, the Lowe’s item numbers for the new cordless nailer placeholder listings are 5979087, 5979086, and 5979088. You’ll have to google them. I can’t find a placeholder listing for the crown stapler.
Doug N
Great info, thanks.
Nathan
That cross cutting track really is something else. It takes the tracksaw out of a specalized tool that requires a lot of other accessories into a very useful general tool.
Kind of makes me wish for a Mafell style shoe on my XGT tracksaw…I wonder if these new small batch sheet metal places could make one…
Ben
What are the router models? Is GLF 18V-8 one? Found this video from their Philippines division: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKRVOq_thXI. There’s also these Reddit posts:
https://www.reddit.com/r/BoschProPowerTools/comments/1b8aak5/the_wait_is_nearly_over_for_the_18v_router/\
https://www.reddit.com/r/BoschProPowerTools/comments/1do1fxq/gkf_18v8_more_new_images_of_cordless_router/
Very curious about the cross-cutting track, mind pointing me toward that video? Haven’t been able to track much down.
Goodie
These are my thoughts. I like both brands, but think the head to head comparison is a bit flawed.
1. Woodworking, as Fred wrote, is not carpentry.
2. Makita XGT is not a bad platform, and there’s more and more options available as Makita builds the line out. However, I think the LXT is the better choice for woodworkers. Makita does a good job making “finesse” tools in that line. It’s also a great line for other 18v OPE and tools.
3, Bosch is good, but I think their 12v line is the one for woodworkers. Their little planer, 12v router, the flexiclick Installation drill/driver, and the random orbital sander are all excellent tools.
In short, I think the answer is to get Bosch 12v and Makita LXT or XGT if these are the only only brands the subject is considering.
Finally, if he/she really wants an 18/36(40v) platform, I think Metabo HPT should be in the conversation. Their MultiVolt track saw was just released and is getting good reviews. Their 18v drills and drivers are pretty good, but there’s no installation driver. Their MultiVolt tablesaw and Mitersaws are very good. The MultiVolt router is great. For any of the 36v tools, you can use the corded adapter .
— my actual recommendation —
Don’t focus on cordless for woodworking. Buy corded tools for your shop and buy tools that are well regarded. Mix and match. The Bosch 1617 router is exceptional. It cost less than just about any cordless router. The Makita corded track saw is awesome. A corded tablesaw will most likely last longer than a cordless one due to battery availability. A plug in sander will last longer and be cheaper.
Stuart
Personally I think Milwaukee M12 and M18, Dewalt 20V Max, and Metabo HPT are worth inserting into the conversation.
But, they asked about Bosch 18V and Makita XGT specifically. It’s a pet peeve of mine when people answer completely different questions than what they’re asked, so I stuck to the parameters of the question.
Goodie
All good. Your answers were great, and addressed their questions directly. We as readers were not directly asked, so we can add in a few other perspectives.
I specifically answered Metabo HPT because they asked to compare a 40v and 18v solution. MultiVolt gives you both in a single brand.
Stuart
That’s fine – I just wanted to make it clear why I didn’t stray from the question.
A lot of times online I’ll see someone asking about say an M18 compact brushless drill, and 4 out of 5 replies will be about how they should get the M18 Fuel hammer drill for 2.5X to 4X the price.
Goodie
I do appreciate that you are careful in directly answering questions. It shows respect to readers, which is a good thing.
Joe
I’m the one who posed the question so I will add some context. I have been making different items for friends and family and would like to make a little extra money on the side by selling them externally. Cornhole boards, end tables, etc. One day, I hope to get to high end furniture, but need more time for that.
I plan to have several corded tools. I originally selected Makita XGT since it appears Makita has neglected the battery technology in the LXT lineup so I’m worried it’ll go obsolete. Bosch, in my experience, is known in the woodworking world, especially their sanders and saws. I also have some of their 12v and it’s very good.
The primary cordless tools would be drills (I can’t ever imagine going back to corded drills except for a drill press), track saws, impacts, multi tools, sanders (just cause), small router, pin guns, etc. I am open to other brands, but I’ve just always hated mainstream Milwaukee and DEWALT.
For drills, I’d want both a compact drill for small spaces & light tasks and a large, heavy torque drill for large hole boring. Who in your opinion makes the best drills?
Bosch corded sanders, routers, and jigsaws seem great. I’d assume their cordless would be the same.
Makita has a lot of new releases which is nice and the XGT has been impressive with its saws and recent router release.
Luis
From all the tools you mentioned you won’t be disappointed by Bosch’s drills, sanders and multi tools.
Their 18V impacts are on par with Makita’s in performance and durability, but they are considered midpack when it comes to speed.
I can’t speak about their track saws nor the pin guns because I don’t own them. If it serves any purpose I own a PROFACTOR Circ Saw and it’s very capable and well built with Magnesium shoe and upper/lower guards as well. It replaced a corded Skilsaw sidewinder and a cordless 6 1/2″ circ saw.
The only thing you would be missing is a cordless router but Bosch released an 18V model in Europe and Asia last month; hopefully it is announced here by the end of the year. If not there’s always the option to get it from Europe or maybe opt for their excellent corded ones or their 12V one for smaller jobs as you already own batteries.
Another plus about Bosch products is they are frequently on sale at Lowe’s with a free battery and charger or clearance tag. CPO and Amazon also has nice deals if you’re more into online shopping. Makita XGT sales are very hard to come by.
All things considered, it looks like you’re in for a good start, but consider having a backup battery platform for that scenario where the tool you are looking for is not available, poor performing or just too expensive.
Goodie
Great point on tool performance these days. All of the social media influencers and YouTube channels are playing up the difference on tool performance. I think it’s mostly hogwash. I value reliability, fit/finish, trigger feel, other eegonomics, and features far more than the “performance” reviews.
James
This. “Performance” on cordless tools 99 times out of 100 is like talking about the horsepower of a Corolla. And the 1/100 is when the Corolla is entered in a rally race.
To your list of reliability, fit/finish, trigger feel, ergonomics, I will add “usability” which for me refers to things like a well placed safety, clear cut lines, etc..
Goodie
Love the add of “usability” on the list.
MM
I agree completely. People love performance because it’s an easy comparison. It’s no different than arguing about what car has more horsepower, which quarterback threw for more yards, what band sold the most albums or who has the more expensive yacht. It’s comparing numbers, and it will always be appealing because it is so simple. We humans love to reduce things to black and white and that’s very easy with numbers, we can see if A>B or if B>A and we don’t have to think critically about it.
But nothing is ever that simple, there are a lot of other things that matter as well. And many of those things are huge quality of life improvements compared to earlier tools. A few weeks ago I bought a DCW600 trim router because needed to do some fine cuts that would have been difficult to do with my full-size router. I was impressed with how powerful it is but what really stood out to me was the LED lighting and the extremely effective automatic brake. Speaking of routers I will be picking up a DCW620 when I come across a good price–not because of power, but because of the ergonomics, dust collection, and kickback protection. I’ve also been eyeing the new DCD1007 drill as a replacement for my old DCD900. I don’t really care about the power–I already have a separate stud and joist drill for big jobs–but the real attraction is the bind-up protection.
Lynyrd
I’ve been a Bosch fan from early days, but frustrated with their slow expansion to the platform. Bosch does come out with unique tools, such as a 7 1/4″ Left-Blade Sidewinder Circ Saw. No one else offers this. Their style sanders (now copied by Milwaukee) are amazing,
Today I am a dual platform guy – Bosch and Milwaukee. Both in 12V and 18V. The majority of woodwork tools are Bosch and I utilize Milwaukee for Auto, HVAC Mechanical, and Electrical.
One item Bosch lacks in – is power.
When it comes to Impacts and Drills, I often have to go to a Milwaukee.
Primarily the shelf space reduction at Lowes is concerning. Lowes has too many brands and doesn’t focus enough. That said their are often great deals on what Bosch they do carry.
Paul
Stuart, maybe it’s a different model I own as I’m in Europe, but I have a bosch 18v track saw and I run it on festool rails. There’s a black plastic insert that can be removed to expose the slot in the base of the saw. Been using it for a month now, after moving from the dewalt flexvolt. It’s a great saw, much more refined than the dewalt.
Makitas saw is great too but I went with bosch for the new jigsaw with blade guides that stop it slipping, a problem I encountered alot with the dewalt brushless models.
Ken
Bosch also makes a jigsaw track adapter, model “FSN SA”. This adapter works with most (all?) of their 18V jigsaws, including the newest models (profactor and non-profactor).
fred
The nephew that I gifted a Mafell track saw – is also using Bosch guide rails and this miter guide:
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-FSNWAN-Track-Miter-Guide/dp/B07R6DJ96Z/
Bosch also make a rail with 32mm spaced holes:
https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/bosch/fsn-ra-32-800-guide-rail-800-mm/64613.html
Paul
I’ve seen that, and it doesn’t cost much at all, I just can’t imagine a use case for it where the plunge saw wouldn’t be the better option
Ken
I can only think of 2 scenarios. First, buying a guide rail, jigsaw, and jigsaw adapter is a fairly inexpensive way for a DIYer to get straight cuts for small projects without requiring a dedicated plunge saw. Second, cutting perfect 90 inside corners on countertops as well sink cutouts.
Stuart
Thanks, that’s good to know!
eddiesky
See, I have one Makita tool, and its a corded tracksaw..because there wasn’t cordless model available when I needed it. I have one corded Bosch tool, a jamb saw w/fence. I’d love to get the cordless Bosch 12″ miter with the Axial arm, but I have Hitachi 12″ corded. I’d rather have a 7 1/4 Dewalt cordless miter for the “mostly small trim work” I do.
Honestly, I’ll replace when I see it needed. The hitachi I have is a beast in weight and best left in the shop. But the Bosch would be lighter and fit smaller countertop for a shop.
Imagine when they start shipping these with SolidState batteries…the weight savings will be amazing, and recharge rates reduced, and hoping with longer life.
Joe
Who’s releasing solid state batteries? Is that the same as tabless?
Simon
https://www.reddit.com/r/BoschProPowerTools/comments/1el38bs/a_few_images_from_the_french_catalogue/
Craig
Greetings. I have entered the xgt platform after a strong resentment that my Milwaukee batteries were dying. I am very happy with their saws and dust extractor. My 12 inch miter saw is perfect. I recognize Bosch is available in some countries more than others, but the makita xgt 12 inch miter saw and track saw are the reason I think xgt is better than Bosch.
StefaNooch
I agree. I know this blog post is a few weeks old, but my 10″ XGT mitre saw is phenomenal. Tons of power, dead accurate, and the dust collection is above anything else I’ve seen, and even better paired with the AWS dust extractor with some filter bags. The track saw is great too, but I do have some minor nit picks about the depth adjustment and I had to get a 3d printed cover for the hole in the guard which I think should be included for better dust management.
Bosch makes some amazing tools, and I do think the XGT build quality overall is lacking a bit compared to my LXT stuff, but I really do think that Makita is one of the best choices when it comes to woodworking.