Bosch 3912 15 amp 12-inch Compound Miter Saw with Dust Bag and Work Clamp

by Bosch

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

What the Bosch 12-inch compound miter saw may lack in popularity compared to some of its competitors, it makes up for in quality design and construction. The saw has a heavy-duty 26-inch steel table that extends to 29 inches, and a tall sliding fence for working with crown molding and other large stock. While this isn't the lightest 12-inch saw available, at only 43 pounds it's still plenty portable, and comes with a cushioned top handle for easy carrying to and from the truck. Considering how solid and stable this tool is, and the amount of metal making up the base and table, we were actually surprised to find that it weighs as little as it does. The 15 amp motor on this saw, in typical Bosch fashion, runs remarkably smooth and relatively quiet. The electric brake stops the blade quickly every time. The miter gauge on this saw is engraved, so if the paint wears off you won't lose the markings or need to replace the saw. This is a great feature, and the Bosch saw is one of only a couple of saws on the market that includes it. It also features nine miter detents that can be easily overridden for micro adjustments, and we had no problem getting the table to lock in tight at a half degree off the detent. The saw has a comfortable horizontal D-handle, with a nice wide trigger and a safety switch inset in the handle right where your thumb can reach it. This saw offers all the accuracy and cutting capacity of other 12 inchers in a design that's easy and comfortable to use. Best of all, it comes with the Bosch reputation for solid engineering and smooth performance. The saw comes with a quick-action clamp, a directional dust chute, a dust bag, a 40-tooth carbide blade, and wrenches for adjusting the fence and changing the blade. -- Brian Trinen

Choosing a Miter Saw
Miter saws are versatile tools that have become a mainstay of workshops everywhere. These powerful saws make angled cuts by pulling a circular blade down onto a workpiece with a short, controlled plunge. It might appear that miter saws are infinitely complex and varied, but there are only three general types. The type you choose will depend on your woodworking needs.

Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile off the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.

Compound Miter Saw
Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.

Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.

• Electric brake: Reverses the flow of electricity when the saw's trigger is released. This is an important safety feature that slows the blade quickly in case of emergency.
• Blade guard: Most miter saws have self-retracting guards that withdraw when the saw is lowered for use, and reappear when it is raised.
• Laser guide: Gives a precise visual line where the cut will occur on your workpiece.
• Dust bag: Helps collect sawdust for a clearer, more tidy cutting area.
• Shaft lock: Immobilizes the shaft and blade for quicker, easier blade changes.
• Table extensions: Mount on either side of the saw to help balance longer workpieces.

Miter Saw Blades
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.

• Steel: Inexpensive and good for cutting soft woods or plywoods. Sharpness diminishes quickly in tougher materials.
• High-Speed Steel: More rugged than steel blades, and great for cutting harder woods.
• Carbide-Tipped: More expensive than other blades but much more durable. Maintain sharpness over a longer period.

From the Manufacturer

Power, performance, and capacity--you get it all with this 12-inch compound miter saw from Bosch. With a powerful 15 amp motor, the 3912 features a speed-track sliding fence (5-1/2-inch) system that slides independently for fast bevel cuts. Cut crown molding quickly and precisely using the positive crown molding meter detents; the crown molding bevel stops are located at 0, 33.9, and 45 degrees. The 10 wedge- and slot-design miter stops (52 degrees left and -3/-45 degrees right) guarantee consistent and accurate angles for positive, confident cutting, while the wide 28-inch base supports your work pieces. Saw purchase includes quick-action clamp, dust bag, and a 12-inch, 40-tooth carbide blade.

Features

• Powerful 15 amp motor, 3.3 max tool horsepower
• Crown miting detents: 31.6-degree miter and 33.9-degree bevel detents for quick, accurate crown cuts
• Large 25-inch aluminum base with 3-1/4-inch sliding extension for 28-1/4 inches of total length--provides extra support
• Speed-track sliding fence system: base and fence slide independently
• Tall 3-1/2-inch sliding fence for easy bevel setups and increased crown molding cutting capacities
• Exclusive wedge and slot miter detent system delivers consistent, precise, and accurate miter angles
• Miter detent override for easy setting of any neighboring angle
• Electric brake for quick, repetitive cuts, stops blade in seconds
• Cast and machined scales are visible for the life of the saw
• Double-insulated, UL-listed, complies to OSHA

Specifications

• Rating: 120 volts
• Amps: 15 amps
• No-load speed: 4,300 rpm
• Max motor horsepower: 3.3
• Blade diameter: 12 inches
• Arbor size: 1 inch
• Height: 17 inches
• Crown molding (angled against fence): 6-5/8 inches (38 degrees spring / 90 degrees corner)
• Crown molding (laying flat): 6-5/8 inches (38 degrees spring / 90 degrees corner)
• Weight: 43 lbs.
• Bevel angle range: -3 to 45 degrees
• Bevel detent (molding): 33.9 degrees
• Bevel stops: 0, 33.9, 45 degrees
• Miter angle range: 52 degrees left / 52 degrees right
• At 0/0 max height: 3-7/8 by 6-3/8 inches
• At 0/0 max width: 7-7/8 by 2-1/2 inches
• At 0/45 max height: 2-3/4 by 6-3/8 inches
• At 0/45 max width: 7-7/8 by 1-3/4 inches
• At 45/0 max height: 3-7/8 by 4-1/2 inches
• At 45/0 max width: 5-1/2 by 2-1/2 inches
• At 45/45 max height: 2-3/4 by 4-1/2 inches
• At 45/45 max width: 5-1/2 by 2-1/2 inches
• Positive crown miter stop: 31.6 inches (left/right)
• Positive miter detent stop: 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45 degrees (left/right), 60 degrees (right)

Includes

• Quick-action clamp
• 40-tooth carbide blade
• Blade and stop wrench
• Fence and base wrench
• Directional dust chute
• Dust bag

Warranty
This Bosch power tool comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase.

Product Details

Product Manual [1.07mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 55 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000223FA
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 3912
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,613 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #60 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Saws > Miter Saws

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

96 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rock solid winner!, February 26, 2000

By 

Tim Marcotte (Kankakee, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bosch 3912 15 amp 12-inch Compound Miter Saw with Dust Bag and Work Clamp (Tools & Home Improvement)

When shopping for a miter saw I looked at the Makita, the Dewalt and the Delta. Then I came across the Bosch. Bosch has an excellent reputation for their motors and quality construction. What set this one apart for me was the awsome back fence, the crisp detents and the little features that many other makers offer only as options. The fence is higher, longer and thicker than any other on the market this was one of the deciding factors for me. The miter scale and crisp detents were as good if not better than the second best, the Dewalt. This saw included the dust bag and an excellent hold down clamp which comes in very handy and adds a good degree of accurracy for making cross-cuts. The blade included with the saw is of excellent quality but I added a 96 tooth which produces a mirror finish cross-cut. Last but not least, the ergonomics are superior to any other saw on the market. This saw will last a lifetime and serve it's owner well.

65 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well Worth the Money, April 21, 2001

By 

Will Steed "wmsteed" (Granbury, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bosch 3912 15 amp 12-inch Compound Miter Saw with Dust Bag and Work Clamp (Tools & Home Improvement)

As a trim carpenter, this saw has seen a lot of abuse and has taken it well. It's smooth, quiet, and well worth the money. I'm having a little problem with the guard sticking on the downstroke, but I just lift the guard a little before applying pressure. I've tried tightening the guard bolt, but it keeps slipping. As the for problem with the table being tight as mentioned in a previous review, a little oil under the glide points will solve that problem. Sawdust can build up on any sliding table and cause the same problem. I give Bosch 4 stars on this model because of the guard sticking, but I wouldn't let this prevent me from buying another 3912B. And just like everyone else says, invest in a teflon-coated or other high-quality blade for fine finish work. I have DeWalt's 12 inch saw, Makita's 10 inch slide, and this model from Bosch is far superior.

65 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best for cutting 5 1/4 base, January 19, 2000

By 

Jensen (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bosch 3912 15 amp 12-inch Compound Miter Saw with Dust Bag and Work Clamp (Tools & Home Improvement)

After realizing that my 10" Makita non-compound miter saw would not cut 5 1/4 base I went shopping for a 12 inch compound miter saw. At Home Depot I compared this saw with the equivalent 12 inch Delta 36-235K and the Dewalt 705. While each had features that I liked, my decision was made when I realized that the Bosch was the only one of the three that would allow you to cut a 5 1/4 trim board standing vertically. The blade on this unit is mounted up high enough that the guard will not hit the material as you lower the saw. With both other saws you were forced to manually move the guard out of the way to make the cut. The Bosch guard barely clears, but the other two don't. I don't know how the other two companies managed such an oversight. The miter stops were absolute and very easy to hit. The Delta was horrible in this sense. The Dewalt was good. The Bosch has a wider base than the Dewalt with a built-in extension that adds another few inches. Now if they could have only come up with a pretty color like Dewalt Yellow! Happy Cutting.