Rob, I read every online review, editors picks, user ratings, tool review mags etc. i could get my hands on. I have the Makita 10" SCMS but I wanted to step up to a 12" also, even though you don't gain all that much in cutting depth as some people seem to think.
Even though I pride myself in not being a "Brand Man" but someone who buys the tool for the specific tools' features and reviews as stacked up against other like tools by different manufacturers. Alot of the reviews deal with subjective data which are facts like depth of cut, amperage, RPM, clutch settings etc. Alot of it is also purely subjective such as ease of use, features such as the 4412s front end controls, ergonommics, trigger locations etc.
Having said all that, with few exceptions, i have this inexplicable disdain for Dewalt, so I can't say i gave it a fair shake. It also rated low in Fine Woodworkings 2007 tool review.
When it came down to it, I narrowed my choice down to the Bosh and Makita. I can tell you my emotional side wanted the Bosch. I love Bosch engineering and own many of their tools. But in the end, after trying both of them, I chose the Makita. It is so much smoother than all the other saws and by a long shot. I guess because they are the only manufacturer to use a 4 ball bearing rail system. And actually I own les than a dozen Makita tools soo it isn't like i have a predelection toward them.
Also on the Bosch, they way they engineered the blade assembly allows for some play, ever so slight, but some play whereas the Makita has zero.
Now this is just my experience. You will find others who will tout their brand as their own but i am simply giving what my experience has been. i don;t get a comission from a manufacturer nor do I have an affinity for any particular brand over another when it comes time to buya tool. I just know that there is a 99% chance it isn't going to be yellow.:no:
