Bosch CCS180 Review
Pros: Decent cutting power, straightforward blade changing, simplistic design
Cons: Difficult to adjust bevel, so-so battery life, unclear setting marks
Manufacturer: Bosch
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
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Bosch CCS180 | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Price | $129 List $129.00 at Amazon | $179 List | $130 List $118.99 at Amazon | $80 List $62.34 at Amazon | $119 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Decent cutting power, straightforward blade changing, simplistic design | Powerful motor, long-lasting battery, good shoe design | Super long-lasting battery, easy to adjust shoe, powerful motor | Long-lasting battery, good sightlines, inexpensive | Easy to change blade, reliable cutting power, lever actuated shoe adjustments |
Cons | Difficult to adjust bevel, so-so battery life, unclear setting marks | Heavy, expensive, so-so bevel design | No positive stops, imprecise sightlines, so-so blade removal | So-so cutting power, no positive stops, fiddly bevel adjustments | Average battery life, poor sightlines, no positive stops |
Bottom Line | This middle of the road 6 1/2" saw can best be described as meh | This 7 1/4" saw delivers professional quality cuts without a cord tying you down | Like the Energizer bunny, this efficient, mid-sized model has a battery that just won't quit | A capable and inexpensive saw that is perfect for handy homeowners and DIYers | This 6 1/2" saw is mighty when it comes to cutting power |
Rating Categories | Bosch CCS180 | Milwaukee M18 2631-20 | Kobalt KCS 6524B-03 | SKIL CR540601 | Makita XSS02Z |
Ease of Use (50%) | |||||
Cutting (30%) | |||||
Battery (20%) | |||||
Specs | Bosch CCS180 | Milwaukee M18 2631-20 | Kobalt KCS 6524B-03 | SKIL CR540601 | Makita XSS02Z |
Blade Side | Left | Right | Right | Left | Left |
Blade Size (inches) | 6.5 in | 7.25 in | 6.5 in | 6.5 in | 6.5 in |
Brushless Motor? | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Blade Brake? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Bevel Positive Stops? | No | No | No | No | No |
Linear Feet of 3/4" Plywood Cut per Charge | 228 ft | 298 ft | 360 ft | 324 ft | 220 ft |
Measured Weight w/o Battery | 6.9 lbs | 7.7 lbs | 6.6 lbs | 5.8 lbs | 6 lbs |
Measured Max Depth of Cut w/ Framing Blade (inches) | 1-13/16 in | 2-9/32 in | 2-3/16 in | 1-15/16 in | 2-1/16 in |
6x12" Cross Cutting Time | 5.8 sec | 4.2 sec | 4 sec | 6.6 sec | 5.3 sec |
Rafter Hook? | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Battery Used in Testing (Amp hours) | 4 Ah | 5 Ah | 4 Ah | 5 Ah | 5 Ah |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Having familiarized ourselves with the Bosch's interface and run it through a gauntlet of tests, we find it difficult to say much about the saw. It didn't flop the tests we put it through, but it certainly didn't excel either. At the same time, the cost of this saw had us expecting a better performing machine. As such, we find it hard to compliment or criticize this saw. All we can say is that, for the money, you can get a saw that performs at a higher level.
Performance Comparison
Likes
We like that the Bosch is a fairly basic machine. One tester who has ample professional experience with circular saws commented that with all the bells and whistles on saws these days, I like the simplistic design. As we have come to expect from Bosch, the machine gives no indication that it has components prone to failure or damage due to normal use. The blade depth lever is also large, easy to actuate, and conveniently placed.
Dislikes
While there isn't anything overtly terrible about the Bosch, it lacks many of the ease of use features that would appeal to the novice or inexperienced saw user. These are a lever to secure the bevel and positive stops within the bevel to ensure that cut angles are accurate. Moreover, the sightlines that help the user guide in a cut are a little shallow and, as a result, relatively hard to see. Finally, the saw has just average battery performance.
Value
We do not find the Bosch CCS180 to be a very good value. This appraisal is based on this saw's shortage of features that other saws in its price range boast. So, this saw is just a bit overpriced for what one gets when compared to others in the class.
Conclusion
The Bosch CCS180 is a middle of the road saw from a reputable brand that is just a bit overpriced. The saw gave average performances in battery life, cutting power and ease of use, yet it costs the same as better-performing saws in the 6 1/2" category. That said, the saw appears to be well constructed, and some might like its simplistic design.
— Nick Miley and Austin Palmer
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