The Bosch CS5 Circular Saw Review
The Bosch cs5 is another circular saw power tool, but this time a corded model. It boasts a 15 Amp motor running off 120 Volts, which is interesting as it appears to be the same motor that drives the next models up which are more expensive.
Having said that, the Bosch CS5 circular saw is aimed at the more value-conscious user, whether professional or domestic user. It’s a no-frills tool but has everything you need for simple and fast use. One of its main features is the left-blade design.
Brief Summary of the Bosch CS5
- Is corded and runs from a 120 Volt supply
- The blade diameter is a standard 7-1/2 inch blade which is easily available
- Has enhanced power and durability
- The lower guard is anti-snag to prevent accidents
- Has a powerful 15 Amp motor to cut faster through material
- Left blade design
- Bevel cuts up to 56°
- Weighs in at 10 pounds
Now Let’s Take a Look at The CS5 Circular Saw in More Detail
One of the main selling points of this robust yet simple power tool is its left-blade design. Now to those who haven’t yet appreciated the usefulness of this design, let me explain. Apologies to all of you left-handed guys out there first, but this is a right-handed feature!
The saw blade of the cs5 is positioned on the left side of the power tool. This means that right-handed users will be placed to the left of the tool when holding it in the correct position and therefore you will have a direct line of site of where the blade is cutting. Until you’ve tried this the other way around, you won’t appreciate how useful this is! Having a clear view of where the blade is cutting ensures a more accurate cut all around.
The depth of cut at 90° is a pretty useful 2-7/16 inches, running down to 1-13/16 inches at 45°. You can set the depth using the calibrated depth bracket set between the blade and the handle. Check though that not more than one tooth length of the blade extends below the material you are cutting to ensure minimum splintering.
Bevel adjustment is just as easy. Loosen the bevel-adjustment lever, move to the required angle and then re-tighten. You can cut up to a 56° angle, but remember there will be a bigger blade surface area going through the material, so cutting may be harder.
Finally, a word on using the line guide. For a normal 90° cut, you should use the left side of the notch as shown here in the diagram. For bevel cuts within the range 45° to 56° you should use the right side. Because saw blades vary in type and thickness, I strongly urge you to make a sample cut on a scrap piece of lumber to check the line of cut you’ll actually get. And remember, face the good side of the lumber down to ensure minimum splintering.
OK, lecture over. I hope you’ve found this useful.
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Now Over To Actual Users To See What They Have To Say On The Bosch CS5
Woody says: “This saw is everything it says and what you would expect from Bosch. I am a contractor and use this tool every day.”
A common theme that crops up is the line of sight feature:
“I’ve only had the saw a short time but find it quite satisfactory, particularly the direct line of sight to where I’m cutting.”
“I’ve been using this saw now for about a week and I think it’s great. This is the first left-blade saw I’ve owned. I don’t think I could ever go back to the right-bladed saws”
“Great sight lines for a right-handed user; could never understand all those blades right saws.”
A few users have commented on this model is slightly noisy, but interestingly most of those mentioned it in passing, not as a criticism since they were so pleased with the performance. In fact, ICe went on to say “it is kind of noisy but hey, better to hear the power on this monster than to have a wimpy quiet one right? ^_^ Buy it, you won’t regret it. ”
James Gage mentioned the lightweight, as did a few other users (it weighs only 10 pounds):
“Great power, won’t bog down even if you’re slightly off a straight line. This saw will rival your giant framing saw and save your arm due to its lower weight. Too early to tell how all the adjustments perform and how the table holds up to pro use, but early signs look great! I bought this saw for precision work since the blade is on the left (I’m right-handed), but it instantly became my daily use saw; my framing saw is resting!”
The only negatives I’ve come across are that the Bosch cs5 didn’t come with a case and that it doesn’t have a rip fence or rip guide supplied. The latter point is a legitimate gripe really, particularly when you find that Bosch doesn’t supply one. I’ve noticed that one user bought a Skill rip fence but said:
“It doesn’t fit properly as it’s about half the width of the slots in the saw and the screw has a different thread than the hole in the saw base plate.”
However, a bit more research shows there is a universal rip fence out there, and it costs the same as the ill-fitting Skill! It comes with 4 guides to accommodate almost all circular saws, is reversible and has detailed measuring scales accommodating lumber up to 10 inches from the edge. It will also fit any jig saw and has a circle compass so you can cut circles in wood. So if you’ve already got a jig saw, this may be handy one day.
I’d certainly add this to your buying list, as at under $8, it’s a no-brainer. Click here for the Saw Guide for Circular and Jig Saws. And finally, here’s the link to save money on the Bosch CS5 circular saw:
Click here to save over 50% on the Bosch CS5 today!
