Bosch 3814 14-Inch Abrasive Cut-Off Machine

Powerful, reasonably well built, and does just as advertised--I like it.

I first used this saw as a rental from a local rental yard and if it can stand up to rental usage, it can take anything. I think this is what sold me on this particular saw when I went shopping. Having never owned a Bosch tool (plenty of Hitachi, Milwaukee and Makita) before, I was hesitant, however, I was pleasantly surprised by the features: all ball and needle bearing construction with metal gears and a sealed motor with overload protection. It has the largest blade guard of all the saws I looked at and the quick release clamp makes setup a little faster. It is well made and is constructed of metal except for the handle grip. If its heft is a sign of its quality, it's a good saw! At 42 pounds, she's a handful to lug around.

This saw has seen some pretty extensive use and it handles all jobs with relative ease. I've used it on angle iron, round tube, square stock and 2-inch induction hardened hydraulic cylinder shaft; hard stuff!

I've used many different brands of chop saws and in all honesty, there are only minor differences between the top models. A chop saws ability to cut efficiently is VERY dependant on the blade. Most new users simply use the blade the manufacturer supplied and consider the saw flawed if it doesn't meet their expectations. My advice, try different blades and don't go cheap! Not only will a good blade cut faster, it will last longer and will be easier on the saw's motor. The above reviewer mentioned that his blade "walked" and cut into the saw's base; not the saw's fault, the blade flexed under pressure. A good reinforced blade will not do this.

All in all, I'm pleased with its performance. To sweeten the deal, my dealer threw in a 5-inch Bosch angle grinder (1711A) free. Now I guess I own two Bosch tools.

I just used my Bosch 3814 14" abrasive blade chop saw to cut some 1/4" by 2" steel, on edge, at 45 degrees. I had some problems with the blade walking enough that it cut a slot in the base. A replacement base is quite pricey. This blade walking issue is probably an issue with all abrasive saws with 14" blades. I'll be more watchful next time I try to cut someting this heavy this fast.

Then I tried a masonary blade on a bullet nosed edger. That worked good. Then I tried it on a 6" by 6" by 2 3/4" concrete paver and it cut so slow I gave up on it and went to buy a 7" diamond blade for the Skill saw. I cut about 50 pavers with that blade.

I also have a Bosch 4" grinder and a Bosch Hammer Drill (with the piston inside) and really like both tools.