Thread: Heeeelp with the Bosch GKS 190!!!!

Hello there!

I've just come across this site and I wondered if you could help me with this.

I am on the lookout for a nice circular saw, but I'm having some serious trouble finding the right one. I've narrowed my search down to two models. The Bosch GKS 190 and the Makita 5007MG (the Dewalt, Hitachi and Porter Cable, are either awfully expensive or bad reviewed at amazon). Now, here's the the problem.

I'm from Mexico, and even though there's a wide enough variety of power tools here, Bosch distributes some old-fashioned looking models such as the one posted on this thread. So, this is my problem: The Bosch saw is almost US$100.00 less expensive than the Makita, which is really something considering my awfully restricted and tight budget (I've spent almost US$2000.00 on other tools I needed) But, as Bosch isn't selling this model anywhere else but Australia and Japan or China or God knows what symbol-writing-country, I haven't the faintest clue if it is a good saw or not. I haven't been able to read one single review on it.

So far I've seen, the main difference between these models is power. Both have fine depth adjustments, and almost identical cutting capacities. The makita has some LED light and a case, which I don't really care much about. The thing is: the Bosch works on 1050W only, while the other delivers some acceptable 1700W. I wil need to cut through plywood, but also through pine, cedar, walnut, machiche and tzalam (the last two are very hard woods) and I'm not sure if the skinny Bosch wil be up to the task.

I'd really appreciate if you could post some bit of experience around here! Do you think it's worth spending the extra money?

Thank's a lot from the other side of the world and sorry for any grammar or finger mistake!