The Bosch GTS1031 impressed me from the start with how it combines strength and ease of movement. Weighing 52 pounds, this small table saw holds a strong 15-amp motor. It produces 5,000 RPM providing more than enough power to cut through hardwood .
At first, I doubted if a portable saw could deliver professional results. But after using this Bosch table saw for half a year, I’ve realized it offers more than I expected. The Bosch GTS1031 has an 18-inch rip capacity and can cut to a depth of 381 inches when you’re cutting straight at 90 degrees. If you angle it to 45 degrees, the cutting depth will be 241 inches.. Considering its compact size of 22.5 inches square, this is pretty impressive. It also supports a 1/2-inch wide 8-inch dado blade stack, which is uncommon in benchtop saws.
With a price tag of around $400, does this center-balanced machine justify your money? This Bosch GTS1031 review dives into what I discovered after using it for six months. It looks at its strong points, its flaws, and whether it earns a place in your workshop.
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Price Disclaimer
The specific table saw in this review, the Bosch GTS1031, looks like it’s discontinued. This means it might not be easy to buy as a new item from most shops.
Sometimes, to help you understand what this kind of table saw is like, we might talk about a different model. This model might be from the same company or a similar type, just to show features or what it can do. If we mention a price for such a different tool, it’s just a general idea from when we gathered that info.
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- PROFACTOR PERFORMANCE: Delivers professional power in an 8-1/4 in. portable table saw
- PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY: Delivers the power of a corded table saw plugged in at the workshop with true mobility
- CONVENIENT PORTABILITY: Features a transportable, tough single-hand carry design that is ideal for mobility around the j…
First Thoughts: Did It Meet My Expectations?
When I first unboxed the Bosch GTS1031, I realized some clear differences between what I thought I’d get and what was in front of me. The compact build stood out signaling it wasn’t your typical oversized table saw.
Setting It Up and Tweaking It
My setup experience felt quite different from what some others have mentioned. Bosch advertises an easy and quick setup, but I ended up spending an hour tweaking and fixing things. The blade was aligned with the table, but I ran into other problems. The table insert sat higher than it should, the angle stops didn’t lock , and the rip fence needed adjustment.
After dealing with these initial calibrations, setting up the tool got a lot quicker. Adjusting the riving knife was pretty straightforward. You just have to raise the blade, take off the throat plate, and pull the release lever. Once you know where everything is stored, getting everything ready takes no more than 2 to 3 minutes.
Quality of Construction and Materials
The GTS1031 comes with a solid steel base that screams durability right away. It weighs 52 pounds making it lighter than several other models out there, yet it stays tough. Its center-weighted design makes it possible to carry with one hand, though I thought it felt a bit awkward considering the weight.
What stood out to me was how well the saw held up under rough jobsite conditions. Its tough build ensures minor drops won’t mess up its alignment or functionality. Also, the smart storage space underneath keeps all the accessories in place when you’re moving it around.
First Cuts: Unexpected Strength
The 15-amp motor delivering 5,000 RPM impressed me. When I first put it to work on some 2x lumber, it handled the job with ease. The saw cut through the pressure-treated framing wood like it was nothing.
I tried it on different materials too, like:
- 3/4″ oak plywood
- Hardwood boards ranging from 1/4″ to 1″ thick
- Pressure-treated lumber
Each time, the saw did well and slowed down. The Squarelock rip fence slid along the channels and stayed aligned. The only downside I noticed was the loud motor noise, so using ear protection felt like a must.
6-Month Performance Review: Key Highlights
After using the Bosch GTS1031 for half a year, a few features have kept it standing out. Spending more time with it showed me strengths and weaknesses I didn’t notice right away.
Easy to Move Around Daily
The Bosch GTS1031’s small size still feels like its biggest strength. Its compact 22.5-inch square shape and 13-inch height make it fit in cramped workshop areas. The tough steel roll cage frame helps store it upright against a wall saving space in my small shop.
What makes this saw stand out from others is its ability to be carried with one hand. Weighing 52 pounds, it can be moved small distances without too much trouble, though I found it easier to carry with both hands for longer trips. Its balanced build comes in handy when passing through doorways or climbing stairs.
One of the coolest features is the built-in storage system. Every tool—like wrenches, the push stick, miter gage, blade guard, and the rip fence—fits into its own spot within the frame. This clever setup stopped me from losing accessories, which was always an issue with my older saws.
Fence Alignment and Adjustments
The Squarelock rip fence has worked well over the months. It moves along both ends of the saw using channels and stays aligned without needing much adjustment. Even after half a year, it still squares itself when you set it in place.
Using the fence feels simple. You lift the lever, move the fence where you need it, and lock it down. However, the locking lever feels quite stiff, and honestly, you need pretty good hand strength to get it secured. Loosening it could make it easier to press, but this might mess up the perfect square alignment.
Blade Wobble and Cut Quality
With heavy use, the GTS1031 managed to handle everything from pressure-treated lumber to hardwoods well. The 15-amp motor spinning at 5,000 RPM showed steady power even with tough cuts.
I noticed a tiny bit of blade wobble while working. The saw stayed steady and didn’t lose power when cutting through thicker woods like 4/4 maple. Its 3-1/4″ cutting depth worked fine for all the usual tasks I needed it for.
Managing Dust in Small Workshops
The dust collection system on the GTS1031 could use some improvement. Its 2″ dust port fits most shop vacuums and catches about 70% of the sawdust when set up .
Bosch provides an optional dust collector bag called TS1004. This bag suits the model well and helps keep the workspace tidier. If you don’t use a vacuum attachment though, dust piles up under the saw. This means frequent cleanup is needed to manage the mess.
Weaknesses of the Bosch GTS1031
While the Bosch GTS1031 has plenty of good features, my experience over six months highlighted a few problems. These flaws don’t make the saw bad, but you should think about them before deciding to buy.
Problems with Blade Insert and Throat Plate
The throat plate design stands out as the biggest issue in the GTS1031. It is made from thin 1/8-inch steel and often bows in the middle. This bending causes an uneven surface that users cannot level . Several problems come from this:
- Narrow supports hold the plate at the ends of the throat opening, with no support in the middle.
- Many users have noted that the plate sags in the middle throwing it out of alignment with the blade.
- This misalignment increases the risk of dangerous kickbacks when workpieces catch on the uneven surface.
One person summed up their experience by saying, “The first kerf cut left a TON of burrs on both sides. Some even kept flying off and hitting me after three or four more cuts.” The stock throat plate also doesn’t click into place on the first try often needing several adjustments.
Stiff Fence Lever
The rip fence lock takes way too much effort to use. A reviewer commented it has a “a rip fence clamping lever that’s so tough, it feels like a workout program just for your hands!” This stiffness creates a tough choice. If you loosen it, the square alignment gets messed up, but keeping it aligned takes a lot of strength to lock.
The alignment of the fence can cause problems. One person mentioned breaking the plastic alignment part after they accidentally bumped into the fence. This shows that the piece might not be very strong.
Noise and Vibration While Cutting
This saw struggles with serious vibration and noise when in use. Many owners notice the blade wobbling a lot when starting up. The issue continues even when using the original blade that comes with the saw.
The constant shaking causes rough cuts often leaving visible marks that need extra finishing. One person tried replacing the factory blade with an expensive Forrest blade but still faced the same wobble pointing to the saw’s own mechanics as the root of the issue.
The noise is louder than what most expect from tools in its range. Protecting your ears becomes a must during any long cutting job.
Should You Consider It? Cost vs. Alternatives
With a $400 price tag, the Bosch GTS1031 holds its own in the competitive market of portable jobsite table saws. , it may feel frustrating to set up and align , but after calibration, it delivers precise cuts again and again even during long projects. The real question is whether its limitations make it worth the price.
Pricing and Competition
Most stores sell the GTS1031 for about $400. This price seems aimed at directly challenging DeWalt’s well-known compact saw. To add more flexibility, buyers can include the optional GTA500 folding stand, which costs an extra $100.
From a value standpoint, some reviewers give the GTS1031 an impressive 9 out of 10. This high score comes from its unique mix of power and portability instead of just being a low-cost choice. When compared to other portable table saws like the $349 Hitachi C10RJ and the $399 Ridgid, these models also stand out as solid options within the same price range.
Comparing to the DeWalt DW745
The GTS1031’s main rival is the DeWalt DW745, which comes with a few key differences worth noting:
- Weight: DeWalt has a weight of 45 pounds, while Bosch comes in heavier at 52 pounds.
- RPM: Bosch reaches 5000 RPM, which is higher than DeWalt’s 3850 RPM.
- Rip Capacity: Bosch supports 18-inch rips, whereas DeWalt handles up to 16-inch cuts.
- Bevel Range: Bosch offers a range from -2 to 47 degrees, compared to DeWalt’s 0 to 45-degree range.
- Fence System: People find DeWalt’s rack and pinion fence easier to use, and it gets better reviews.
When examining how they perform overall multiple sources show that the DeWalt outperformed the Bosch in direct tests. To sum it up, the DeWalt delivers a more polished experience with a better-designed fence system. On the other hand, the Bosch offers greater power and a larger rip capacity.
Who Should Choose This Saw?
The GTS1031 is built for contractors who:
- Work solo and benefit from carrying it with just one hand
- Focus on tasks involving trim work or quick fix-it jobs that depend on easy movement
- Need an option that fits into packed work vehicles
- Handle projects requiring rips on larger sheet materials up to 18 inches
The GTS1031 offers a solid balance between power and portability making it ideal to carry around for professionals who move their tools often. It also works well for tight spaces and when it comes to storing it, you can easily keep it upright against a wall.
If you need to cut bigger materials or want a saw that comes with a built-in stand, the Bosch 4100-09 could work better. However keep in mind it takes up more room to store.
Conclusion
After using the Bosch GTS1031 for six months, I have mixed feelings about it. The saw stands out in one important area—it combines excellent portability with solid power. The 15-amp motor still amazes me cutting through tough hardwoods without much struggle. The center-balanced design also makes it easier to carry around if you’re working alone.
But it’s not perfect. The throat plate can cause problems by catching on the wood, which sometimes leads to uneven cuts. The fence lever also feels stiff and takes more effort to move than it should. While these flaws aren’t deal-breakers, they hold back the GTS1031 from being outstanding.
Who benefits most from this saw? Contractors who often switch jobsites or woodworkers working in tight spaces will find it useful. It takes up little space and can be stored upright making it great for workshops that are short on room. Its built-in accessory storage also makes it easier to keep all the parts together while moving it around.
Cost is always something to think about when buying tools. Priced at $400, the GTS1031 falls in the mid-range category of portable table saws. The DeWalt DW745, for a similar price, offers a smoother experience but has less power and limited rip capacity. The better option depends on what features matter more to you.
I’d say my experience points me toward recommending the GTS1031, but not without some disclaimers. This saw has handled everything I’ve tested it with, whether it’s cutting oak plywood or thick hardwood. That said, people using it for the first time might face some struggles with setup and calibration before it hits its stride. Its solid build means it’s likely to last for years making it a reliable choice even if it’s not perfect.
Would I buy it again? I think so because being able to move it around is a big deal to me. The GTS1031 strikes a solid balance between power and portability, but if perfect accuracy is what you need, this might not fit the bill. All in all, Bosch has managed to create a saw that, while not without issues deserves a spot in my workshop because of how practical it is.