Bosch's 10-inch Worksite table saw might just be the best of the current bunch. Benchtop table saws--which weigh 60 to 100 pounds and are light enough for one person to carry from the truck to the job site--have increased in popularity in recent years. They set up easily on a workbench or sawhorses and generally feature stable components that make them great for pros and serious hobbyists alike. Although at 60 pounds the Bosch is lighter than any other saw in its class, this saw is no lightweight. It sports a die-cast undercarriage and powerful 4.4-horsepower, 15 amp motor--burly components that make it a serious, albeit slight, contender. Conveniently, the Bosch comes ready to use right out of the box; we were making cuts about 10 minutes after the UPS delivery. Plus, it's the only benchtop table saw with an arbor lock, so mounting the blade is a one-wrench affair (less chance for busted knuckles). The wrench--like all those that come with Bosch tools--is forged, rather than stamped, and so there are no sharp edges that dig into your hand during blade changes. It's a small detail, but one that matters and one that's typical of the attention to detail paid by Bosch engineers.
A flip of the paddle-style on/off switch initiates the soft-start electronics, which ramp the blade up to speed quickly without any disturbing jolt. The electronic feedback, popular on many saws today, keeps the blade turning at a constant speed, no matter what the load. The fence is the heart of any table saw and we found Bosch's to be a beauty. It's well machined and locks securely and accurately to the table. The cam-lock handle is padded, seats flush, and feels good to use. Like the comparable DeWalt saw, the Bosch features an extendable fence that makes it easy to rip four-by-eight panel material. It feels solid and slides smoothly, and the scales are easy to read. (There's even a built-in magnifying glass to cut down on the squint factor.) As with all the new Bosch tools, wrenches and removable items store nicely onboard the saw. The fence snaps into a holder on the side of the saw and stays put, and the miter gauge slides into a slot on the front of the tool--yet another small detail that we appreciate. The bottom line? The Bosch is a powerful saw that handles big stock without bogging down.
