Bosch is coming out with a new 18V Profactor cordless miter saw, model GCM18V-12GDCN. Taking a closer look, the new miter saw, named the Surgeon, is a cordless axial-glide miter saw, with special space-saving gliding arm action.
And, the Bosch Profactor surgeon is a 12″ sliding miter saw, joining only a handful of other cordless 12″ miter saws on the market.
Advertisement
The Bosch Profactor cordless miter saw was first announced in Europe, and Bosch USA did not respond to our multiple requests for more information.
Bosch regularly comes out with new cordless power tools internationally, and not all of them are brought to the USA or North American market. This particular saw launched in the UK, Europe, and Australia in late 2020, and it looks like we’ll be seeing it here in the USA under Bosch Profactor branding in 2021.
(The international model number is GCM18V-305 GDC.)
Bosch’s 18V 8-1/2″ cordless miter saw, first teased about two years ago as part of their MegaWatt Crew of higher-powered tools, was supposed to be their “Surgeon” saw.
Update: Bosch USA never sent us any announcement or press release on the 18V cordless 8-1/2″ miter saw, but it appears to be in-stock and available for sale at Amazon, model GCM18V-08N.
It’s curious as to whether Surgeon is the name for their cordless miter saw product family, or if they decided to make this 12″ saw the Surgeon as their flagship model.
Advertisement
Bosch Tools boasts about the new 12″ cordless miter saw’s impressive cutting performance, saying that it delivers power equivalent to a 2000W corded miter saw.
(In theory a 15A miter saw could draw up to 1800W of power if you consider 120V AC line voltage.)
The Profactor miter saw also features Bosch’s axial glide movement. To date, only Bosch and Delta Tools’ Cruzer saws feature this kind of non glide-rail type of saw blade movement.
Although there are an increasing number of space-spacing cordless and corded miter saws today, engineered with forward-sliding glide rail bearing mechanisms, Bosch’s axial glide design is still distinct.
There is one downside to Bosch’s hinged-arm glide mechanism, and that is its weight.
Bosch says that this new cordless axial glide 12″ miter saw weighs 26.9 kg, or ~59.3 lbs.
In comparison, Milwaukee’s M18 12″ cordless miter saw weighs 47.6 lbs. This means that Bosch’s new cordless miter saw is nearly 25% heavier than Milwaukee’s.
The new Bosch cordless 12″ miter saw comes with Bluetooth connectivity and Bosch “ToolBox App” compatibility, with the interface providing for battery status and speed selection. There’s also ECO mode selection, which I would guess drops down speed or power to help extend battery life.
The saw also features a laser, dust port, LED light, soft-start motor, intelligent brake system, and is said to be tool-less.
It’s not clear as to what is tool-less about the saw, but a tool-free blade change would be a significant convenience, and an industry first – or at least we think so. The parts list mentions a hex socket wrench, and so the tool-less part might simply refer to the fence adjustments, miter angle, or bevel angle, which are typically tool-free on miter saws.
Update: Bosch Australia’s listing says it has a tool-less saw blade change.
Features & Specs
- 12″ blade size
- 2550-4000 RPM (EU specs, USA Specs TBA)
- Miter range: 52° left, 60° right
- Bevel range: 47° left and right
- Cutting capacity (EU specs, USA Specs TBA)
- 104 x 341 mm (4.1″ x 13.4″) at 0° without spacer
- 120 x 250 mm (4.7″ x 9.8″) at 0° with spacer
- 45 x 400 mm (1.8″ x 15.7″) at 0° with spacer
- Weighs 59.3 lbs
Pricing and Availability
Bare Tool (Bosch GCM18V-12GDCN): $749
Kit (Bosch GCM18V-12GDCN14): $899
The kit ships with a charger and single 8Ah battery.
ETA: 2/15/21
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Amazon
Buy Now: Kit via Amazon
Compare: Dewalt FlexVolt Saw via Amazon
Compare: Milwaukee M18 12″ Saw via Acme Tools
Compare: Makita 18V X2 10″ Saw via Amazon
Discussion
Bosch’s new 18V Profactor Surgeon cordless miter saw has several appealing features:
- 12″ blade size
- Glide arm mechanism
- Dual bevel angle adjustment
- Biturbo brushless motor
- “Simply connected” Bluetooth user controls
- Maximum performance with ProCORE 18V batteries
- Compatible with all Bosch 18V batteries
The launch of an glide-arm-style Bosch 18V cordless miter saw, especially one with a 12″ blade size and dual bevel range, is exciting. As mentioned, we’re waiting to here back from Bosch USA about the saw’s availability here. At the time of this posting, it is only available in the UK, Europe, and Australia.
The weight could be a concern for some. At a hair over 59 pounds, Bosch’s saw out-weighs Milwaukee’s 12″ cordless miter saw by quite a bit, and Dewalt’s FlexVolt miter saw by a couple of pounds as well.
This seems like a very interesting new tool, although it looks like the weight of the corded model carries over. Your thoughts?
This post was originally published on 10/18/2020 and republished on 1/26/2021 with new details.
CountyCork
The older model GCM18V-08N has been out at least a year now in US you just have to visit Bosch US website once in a while to see the new tools available. Hopefully the new model makes it as I only have the dewalt 10″ non-axle but so far but that’s met all my needs so far. Price would be out of my reach anyhow so I guess it’s all a mute point for me.
Stuart
I found during proofreading that the 8-1/2″ saw did launch at some time, and added the Amazon link. I can’t find any press release or announcement from Bosch USA, and so I can’t tell when it launched, or if it was a silent release.
Amazon only shows a single user review for the 8-1/2″ saw.
I’m still waiting to hear back from Bosch USA about the 12″ saw’s potential launch here, hopefully their reply is a positive one.
Big Richard
It’s on Acme, too. And yes it has been out for a while, I think it was “released” at STAFDA last year and was available shortly after? I don’t think Toolguyd had any STAFDA coverage though.
Also, with their rating of “2000W power”, that would have to be with their unicorn 12Ah 3p battery pack, as they themselves admit their 8Ah 2p battery puts out a max 1440W. You can actually see in the pics it is the 12Ah. So, if they are going to release the saw to the US market, you would have to assume they would release the 12Ah battery to the US market as well.
CountyCork
Yes why do they not release the 12AH battery? What would the hold up be there?
Will Holt
Shipping will be the main issue I would say. Shipping Li batteries is difficult once you get above 100Wh as many couriers won’t/can’t ship them. Legislation and dangerous goods.
Even 8Ah battery at 18V will be a struggle so 12 will be a real challenge.
Stephen
I got myself the 8.5” cordless miter saw around the new year. Amazon had it on sale for $350 (bare tool).
It’s my first miter saw ever, so I can’t say too much about it yet. Maybe I’ll be the 2nd Amazon review!
It has typically very good build quality as most Bosch tools do. If I could change anything, I wish the blade brake were more aggressive. It takes about 2-3 seconds to stop.
fred
Bosch continues to march to the beat of its own drum and seems to eschew shipping some of their line to the US. That’s true of other manufacturers as well – but seems more prevalent with Bosch. With some tools – like saws – it may be that compliance with USA size norms, standards and regulations might be an issue – but with other tools who knows.
BTW – I really like my Bosch GCM12SD – used it for 7 years now with no issue. But I don’t use it anywhere close to everyday so can’t judge if some user comments on Amazon about the glide mechanism becoming sloppy over time is a real issue or just a one-off problem. The GCM12SD on its gravity rise stand is a bit of a beast to move – and rolling it up into the pickup truck is not a kid’s job.
Big Richard
Other manufacturer’s definitely do it, too. Europe/Australia get the DeWalt DCS727 60V 10″ miter saw, and they had previous 8 1/2″ and 10″ versions available, too (DCS777 and DCS778). Milwaukee also had their 8 1/2″ M18 miter saw in Europe before they introduced a NA miter saw.
thomas
As a former Bosch employee 8 years ago, I can confirm that yes it is difficult to bring a tool to market in the US. Regulations are tougher such as product safety ratings are more difficult here than in other countries where they do not have the product liability laws that we have in the USA.
Jared
Good to see Bosch coming out with something different, innovative and potentially industry-leading. Seems like they’re the slowest of the big power tool companies to release new products.
This looks like a really nice saw. Expensive luxury territory if you’re not using it professionally though. Not that I mind – maybe some of the features will trickle down to budget options. The Bosch power tools I own seem a little more refined and ergonomic than tools I have from other brands – so I wouldn’t be surprised if it feels like it merits a large price tag when you play with it in person.
Jared
Look at how upbeat and enthusiastic about Bosch a few months ago! A trip down memory lane.
I appreciate the updates Stuart – but I take it Bosch didn’t bother to answer your queries and so you had to hunt this down independently? Come on Bosch….
Stuart
They never responded to my questions and have yet to provide specific details about this saw. They did send a broad Profactor press release teaser today ahead of next month’s announcement.
This post came out in October, and I updated it now with links and some parts reworked now that (thanks to public info) we know it is coming to the USA under the Profactor lineup.
Basically, I was adding links in, updating about USA availability, and decided to do a more thorough rework, and it warranted republishing since the context has significantly changed.
Rafe
I could see why they don’t offer this in the states. Virtually no one runs Bosch cordless systems here, at least where I live. This saw is going to be expensive, it’s heavy, and 12″ miter saws aren’t ideal for the cordless saw market. Those things on top of no one having a Bosch system to integrate it into, could be money losing to distribute them here.
fred
Might be true – but its sort of self-fulfilling prophecy. If you don’t offer it you can’t very well see if it sells.
In our GC/Remodeling business – the guys were big fans of Makita tools – so when the transition came to 18V LiIon – we went with Makita. We had Makita corded miter saws too. But if we were to compare ourselves to what others in our area were using at that time (now for me some years ago) – we were in the minority – with mostly Dewalt and Milwaukee in use.
BTW – while I’d see the occasional Hitachi corded miter saw in use – and we liked their pneumatics – I don’t believe I’ve ever seen any of their (now Metabo HPT) cordless tools out in the wild. That doesn’t;t seem to stop them, however, and Lowes is offering their cordless/corded combo miter saw for sale – but certainly not priced like this Bosch:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Metabo-HPT-was-Hitachi-Power-Tools-MultiVolt-10-in-15-Amp-36-Volt-Dual-Bevel-Bevel-Sliding-Compound-Cordless-Corded-Miter-Saw/1000615721
Rafe
I suspect it has more to do with an unfavorable market analysis, but who knows… I’m certainly not an expert that area of knowledge!
Koko The Talking Ape
I remember reading on a woodworker’s forum that an early version of the Axial Glide was impossible to square, or something like that. And there are many other miter saws that don’t require so much rear clearance. I’ll wait for reactions from users. Also, I don’t need my miter saw to be cordless.
fred
When I got my personal GCM12SD- there were lots of comments online about the saw being out of square – or having misaligned fences and/or warped tables. I also saw comments about shipping issues. The problems may have been cause and effect. Mine came shipped strapped down to a pallet. The saw is very heavy – and its cardboard box and foam packaging (back then anyway) was not up to much if any rough handling. The glide mechanism is not adjustable – as far as I can tell. So if you get a saw that had a manufacturing defect – or was damaged in shipping – you will need to send it back. The good news for me was that the blade tracked dead on square. The table was acceptably flat. The fences were coplanar and square to the blade. And – the miter and bevel calibrations did not need tweaking. Mine was manufactured in China. Of course the blade that came with the saw – was not great.
We had bought a few of these saws for our business. The first one we picked up locally and checked it out before loading in the truck – so that may be the way to go if you are concerned. But the ones we did buy (both Taiwan and China made) worked OK. I have not checked lately, however, to see if are still in use.
Doc John
Koko the Talking Ape
I have the Bosch corded axial saw. Incredible. Square, precise, efficient compact.
Mike
Nice saw but a little too expensive for my taste, that axail glide is great it is by far the smoothest
EJ
I used to own the 10in glider 5 years ago. Very disappointed. I eventually sold it for really cheap. The new owner didn’t care about the defect because he only used it for rough dimensioning.
There was a slight twist in the glide mechanism which was very hard to detect. I originally thought the inaccuracy of my cuts were caused by the work pieces not being properly held down, until I installed the laser guide. The laser guide showed very clearly the bevel angle changed while the arm moves. This makes it impossible to calibrate unless I disassemble the mechanism and mill the joints. I was not the only owner who had this problem.
My next saw was Festool Kapax and the difference in accuracy was like night and day.
Adam
Nice saw but to big, a 10 inch would be better with a scaled down axial glide, I’ve used the 12 inch I like the axial glide, but just to big to carry on to jobs.
Eric K.
Hey Stuart,
Could you ask Bosch about their next gen 18v Circular Saw. The 6 1/2″ CSS-180 is getting very long in the tooth (Amazon “First Release Date” says 7/7/2009).
Keep up the good work, I really appreciate your Bosch coverage.
Derek Garcia
Agree would be great to know. I’ve asked BoschNA R+D many times when tradesmen like myself who invested in the bosch platform can expect some new saws and other useful (18v) tools in the US….they profusely thanked me for my questions and said they would take it up with department heads 🤣. Lol. Have never heard a word.
I love the bosch tools I have now, but as others have said…things are getting long in the tooth and I need new tech. I just invested in the Milwaukee platform (18v compressor) and will follow up with one of their cordless miter saws as well. Unfortunately the Bosch cordless 8 1/2” miter saw we waited years on is only single bevel and has no depth stops…..basically Bosch us not forward thinking as their competitors and the carpenters in NA are paying the price for it. Good luck waiting on that new 18v circular saw….we might see it in 5-10 years.
Skye A Cohen
I’m sure I’m in the minority here but I really dislike the axial glide saws, they have great capacity and they seem to stay true for a long time and they’re accurate.. I can think of other nice things to say as well but for finish carpentry I absolutely hate them for just a couple of reasons.. it is very difficult to see the back of the workpiece, sometimes the fastest most accurate way to mark boards is on the back of them but that saw is so bulky around the blade that you can’t stick your head anywhere and see it. Also miter adjustment is very slow, you cannot go from all the way left to all the way right very fast, when running trim, especially cutting mitered returns where you’re going back and forth for 20min or so left to 90 to right to 90 on and on, you really feel that slowness. Also it is so heavy and bulky.
We have one in our cabinet shop and it’s a good tool for that but I prefer just about any other saw for jobsite use, at least for running case and base.
To me a cordless one wouldn’t make any sense at all but to each their own I know most people really love those axial glide saws
JoeM
I still say it reminds me of something out of The Terminator. That isn’t a detraction from the Saw, it’s just a visual sense to the design that seems remarkably reminiscent of the James Cameron school of Engineering Aesthetics for Movies.
*Shrug* Bosch has been naming their products weird things lately. It doesn’t make their tools bad, it just makes their Marketing Team look weird. The Engineers and Executives at Bosch seem to have struck a nice balance in making the tools as they are… It really only gets weird once this gets handed over to their Marketing Department. That’s where we get “The Freak” and “The Surgeon” and… I’ve forgotten the rest of the silly names, because they’re borderline Monty Python Jokes… “You are a Silly Person and I don’t want to do this Interview any more.” THAT kind of Monty Python.
But it’s still Bosch. I trust, despite they Python Sketches running through my head, that they’re well made, and high quality builds.
RandyS
The only truly appealing feature for me is the tool-free blade change. But even that is a double-edged sword. How secure is that mechanism? Recip saws and OMTs have tool-free blade changes, but if the locking device fails the blades are small enough they probably won’t do much damage other than some angry words. What happens if the blade lock on a 12″ miter blade fails at full speed? I’ve seen how much havoc a 4″ grinder blade can do when it comes loose.
AC
I agree, with the saw being so heavy does it matter much that it’s 18V? Having the option to plug this in would be great as I doubt it will move around much.
Also, heard a lot about deflection issues. Does anyone know if that’s a meaningful problem or just a very critical observation?
Stuart
I’ve heard of the same, but there haven’t been any updates to the design over the years.
EJ
https://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/community/category/gcm-12-gdl-sliding-arm-misalignment/12772603-t
I fell for the robotic arm design once. It’s not an accurate saw, and no calibration can fix it.
AC
Just read the whole thread. It’s such BS what an otherwise great product has such an obvious flaw. I can’t imagine why Bosch doesn’t fix this, but I understand they are pretty disconnected from their users. It’s too bad, this would be my next saw.
RayRay
I have the 10 inch sliding arm saw and mine seems a wee bit out of alignment.
So far only needed rough cuts with it but planned on doing done more detailed work later this year.
Reading up on the issues others have had with both 10″ and 12″ versions and Bosch’s total lack of interest or engagement has turned me off.
I own a fair bit of Red and Yellow but won’t be buying or recommending the Blue.
Sal Colon
You can get the DeWalt 120v for the same price. Same size, cordless, and it has an adapter to use it wired while you charge the batteries. The only thing this offers is an articulated armature.
Kris Bohnen
Will you be able to make this saw corded with an adapter if you don’t want to chew through batteries.
Stuart
Bosch has not announced any AC adapter for their Profactor miter saw, or any of their 18V cordless power tools.
Doresoom
Just a heads up, Woot has this on clearance for some reason at $450. https://sellout.woot.com/offers/12-in-dual-bevel-glide-miter-saw
Stuart
Thank you for the tip!
DAVE A.
The saw battery doesn’t hold up to rain in the PNW well I work outside a lot and my saw goes with me everywhere including the elements. The batteries don’t take to water well I haven’t noticed this with my other Dewalt Milwaukee tools seem to hold up at least a couple of years. Bosch on the other hand lucky if I get six months.