Choosing between different table saws can be a difficult task, especially when many of the saws in similar price ranges share many of their features. In this head to head Bosch 4100-09 vs Makita 2705 comparison, we’re going to take a look at two of the most popular job site table saws in the $500 – $600 price range. These two models are the Makita 2705, and the Bosch 4100-09.
Comparing the Key Product Features
- Both saws use 15 AMP motors, however the Makita has a higher RPM rating of 4800, compared to the Bosch with 3650 RPM.
- Both use 10” blades.
- Both have similar safety features and included accessories.
- The Bosch unit comes packaged with a stand.
From the features, both saws look fairly similar, aside from the higher RPM potential on the Makita. However, Bosch has a slight edge by providing a stand in the package.
Are These Table Saws Aimed at Similar Markets?
Being in the same price range, having similar power figures, and similar specs, both saws are aimed at contractors who need a portable saw on the job site, or to use in a home workshop.
Both saws are suitable for framing, decking, furniture making, cabinet making, shelving, and general DIY or remodeling jobs.
Comparison of Continuous Use
Frequency of use is not a concern for either the Bosch or the Makita. While neither tool is designed for a factory or production environment, they will both be able to stand up to regular use in a home workshop or on a job site.
How Portable Are These Table Saws?
Both saws are designed to be portable, but the Bosch has a slight edge when it comes to weight. The Makita weighs 65 lb., whereas the Bosch is just 60 lb. In real world scenarios, the difference won’t be noticeable, but the Bosch does have another advantage.
Because the Bosch 4100-09 comes included with a gravity rise stand, it is more suitable for moving around a home or on job sites.
What are the Power Source Requirements?
Both tools have a similarly spec’d 15 AMP motor that will need to be powered from a 20 AMP mains outlet.
Is There a Clear Winner When It Comes to Performance?
The Makita has a slight edge in cutting depth, with 3-5/8 inch compared to the 3-1/8 inch at a 90-degree angle.
This difference is mostly trivial in the real world, so both cutting depths can be considered almost equal. Both tools will be able to make good cuts through ply, composites, and hardwoods.
Both saws come packaged with carbide tipped blades, which can be upgraded for better cutting performance.
As far as actual cutting performance goes, these two table saws are on par.
What is the Rip Capacity Comparison?
Both saws allow for 25” of ripping to the right of the blade. As we can see at this stage, there are many similarities between the two competing units.
Do These Units Include Rip Fences?
Both saws come with a similar rip fence that fits into the slotted runners on either end of the table. Both rip fences are known to have issues when readjusting, as the design can mean jarring movements when making micro adjustments.
Both fences are made with aluminum and plastic.
Do These Units Include Dust Collection Features?
Both units include dust ports that can be connected to passive collection bags or shop vacuum systems.
One problem observed by customers is that the Makita blade can suffer from dust buildup, which hiders raising and lowering the blade. The same problem does not exist on the Bosch unit.
Safety Features
Identical safety features include blade guards on both units, and the inclusion of a push stick/riving knife in both packages. Both units also use anti-kickback pawls to help prevent accidents.
Maintenance Requirements
Both saws use sealed motors that don’t require any additional lubrication. Exposed moving parts should be regularly greased, and both saws need to be kept dust free to avoid buildup.
Is Either Unit Easier to Use?
The Makita and Bosch saws follow similar design cues, and are equally easy to operate. Experienced contractors won’t have difficulty with either saw.
Is There a Difference in Construction Quality?
Construction quality on both saws is to a high standard. Plastic, steel, and aluminum is used on both units. As far as assembly and construction go, both saws are on equal footing.
Do They Feature the Same Included Accessories?
Both units include all necessary accessories to begin operation, include carbide tipped blades, wrenches for adjustment, miter gauges, push sticks, and rip fences.
Quality of Documentation
In their price range, both models have quality documentation that could be expected, however, the documentation for the Bosch gravity rise stand is limited.
Are There any Significant Pros & Cons That Make Either Unit Stand Out?
Both units, when reviewed, were highly praised for alignment out of the box, quality of construction, and decent features. However, neither was perfect, and there are some things to consider.
Both units were susceptible to some dust buildup, although this was worse on the Makita 2705. The Makita throat plate had issues with flimsiness that could impact precision cuts.
The Bosch 4100-09 received some negative feedback from customers regarding stand assembly instructions, and the blade lowering mechanism has the potential to fail, also based on customer feedback.
Packaging & Shipping
Unfortunately for both tools, packaging seems to be slightly inadequate. The Styrofoam on both units has remained intact throughout shipping, only for customers to find damaged contents. Note that these issues are not the norm, but have been reported by a small number of customers. New buyers should thoroughly inspect their new tool, and contact the vendor immediately for any damage found while unpacking.
Warranty
Both units are covered by one year limited warranties on manufacturing and material defects.
Origin
The Bosch unit is manufactured in Taiwan, whereas the Makita unit is assembled in the United States.
Customer Reviews for Both Units
The Makita has an average 4.2/5 star rating on the leading ecommerce website.
The Bosch has a slightly higher 4.6/5 star rating. Even though the ratings are similar, the Bosch rating is perhaps more significant, as it comes from almost 400 reviews, compared to just 35 reviews for the Makita.
Price
Both saws can be purchased online with free shipping.
Check below to get the latest price and offers on Amazon.
Is There a Clear Winner in the Bosch 4100-09 vs Makita 2705 stand off?
Although both of these tools have a similar feature set, and are both high quality devices, it is still relatively easy to make a decision based on the price.
The Bosch comes included with a stand. The stand will make things much easier for professionals who need to regularly travel and move the saw around job sites. The Makita, with no stand, is cheaper but represents a slightly inferior value proposition.
So, in this Bosch 4100-09 vs Makita 2705 debate, If cost is the absolute bottom line, the Makita is the obvious choice.
However, for portability, and eliminating any potential future stand purchase, the Bosch represents better overall value. The Bosch also has more positive customer feedback, with more reviews, which adds additional confidence into the purchasing decision.
If you want to make more research into which table saw will best fit your needs, then you should check our comprehensive list of feature reviews here.