Bosch LS010 Miter Saw Laser Washer Guide

[forrestb]

Bosch has released a retro-fit laser guide for their 4212, 4212L, 4410, 4410L, 5412, 5412L, and 4405 Miter Saws.

It replaces the outer existing blade washer. Why it would be useful on an L model is questionable since they already have a laser washer on the left side of the blade. Maybe as a replacement for one that quit working?

Reading some reviews on the L models suggest that the batteries are not very long-lived, but those comments are probably from a shop that is using the saw everyday all day.

For me, the DIYer, they should last a good while. Plus Bosch included a replacement set of batteries in the package.

The LS010 is currently on Amazon at $39.

The installation instruction are very straight-forward and it installs easily. Just be careful when removing the bolt or the blade will fall.

Install.jpg (527.25 KiB) Viewed 8611 times

Unfortunately, the blade must be spinning to activate the laser and the Operating Instructions recommend that the blade be within 5 inches of the work for best visibility. Reviewers of the L model complained about the dim laser line, particularly in a bright shop/outdoor environment. You also must then adjust the workpiece to align with the laser line while the blade is spinning which is not the safest operation.

With the laser line set on a black line drawn on the board:

Aligned.jpg (319.34 KiB) Viewed 8611 times

The cut with the board line aligned with the laser line:

Cut.jpg (472.35 KiB) Viewed 8611 times

Bosch states in the Operating Instructions to place your line to the "immediate right of the laser light line" because there is an offset. But how much?

I set my line directly on the "laser light line" to see how much offset there is. I measured the left side of the kerf to be 1/32 to the right of the marked line (and thus to the right of the laser line).

Offest.jpg (462.95 KiB) Viewed 8611 times

I assume that if the position of the right side of the cut is the important edge that you should set the marked line to the left of the laser light line, but I did not test that.

For non-critical work it may be handy, but with the offset and dim light I am not sure that laser light line will be used.

Some years ago I purchased a laser guide for the same miter saw. It installed on the blade arch behind the fence. I removed it fairly soon since it was not stable and could not hold an accurate line placement. I believe that it could not stand up to the vibration of the saw.

I find that a replaceable fence gives a much better alignment mark and for $39 you can buy a lot of ¼ inch MDF.

Forrest