REASONS TO BUY
Decent cutting power
Straightforward blade changing
Simplistic design
REASONS TO AVOID
Difficult to adjust bevel
So-so battery life
Unclear setting marks
Bosch CCS180 Review
This middle of the road 6 1/2" saw can best be described as meh
Credit: amazon.com
RELATED: Best Cordless Circular Saw of 2023
Our Verdict
We feel lukewarm about the Bosch CCS180 because it presented mediocre outcomes in every evaluation we use to judge cordless saws. Cutting power, battery life, ease of use, all average. It is neither a terrible saw nor is it worth writing home about. Were it priced a bit lower we would have better things to say. As it is, we are hard-pressed to recommend this saw with more competitive options on the market.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Bosch CCS180 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | | |  | |
| Price | $129 List $119.00 at Amazon | $249 List $223.44 at Amazon | $179 List $199.00 at Amazon | $130 List $109.90 at Amazon | $80 List $77.33 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Decent cutting power, straightforward blade changing, simplistic design | High power saw, cuts wood like butter, fast cross cut | Powerful motor, long-lasting battery, good shoe design | Super long-lasting battery, easy to adjust shoe, powerful motor | Long-lasting battery, good sightlines, inexpensive |
| Cons | Difficult to adjust bevel, so-so battery life, unclear setting marks | Heavy, high price tag | 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 |
| Bottom Line | This middle of the road 6 1/2" saw can best be described as meh | This premium saw glides through wood like none other | 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 |
| Rating Categories | Bosch CCS180 | Milwaukee M18 Fuel... | Milwaukee M18 2631-20 | Kobalt KCS 6524B-03 | SKIL CR540601 |
| Cutting (50%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (30%) | |||||
| Battery (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Bosch CCS180 | Milwaukee M18 Fuel... | Milwaukee M18 2631-20 | Kobalt KCS 6524B-03 | SKIL CR540601 |
| Blade Side | Right | Right | Left | Right | Left |
| Blade Size (inches) | 7-1/4 in | 7-1/4 in | 6-1/2 in | 6-1/2 in | 6-1/2 in |
| Brushless Motor? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Blade Brake? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bevel Positive Stops? | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Linear Feet of 3/4" Plywood Cut per Charge | 304 ft | 248 ft | 324 ft | 360 ft | 52 ft |
| Measured Weight w/o Battery | 8.4 lbs | 8.9 lbs | 5.8 lbs | 6.6 lbs | 4.6 lbs |
| Measured Max Depth of Cut w/ Framing Blade (inches) | 2-3/16 in | 2-1/2 in | 1-15/16 in | 2-3/16 in | 1-1/2 in |
| 6x12" Cross Cutting Time | 6.3 sec | 3.4 sec | 6.6 sec | 4.0 sec | 11.1 sec |
| Rafter Hook? | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Battery Used in Testing (Amp hours) | 5 Ah | 5 Ah | 5 Ah | 4 Ah | 1.5 Ah |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
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
Credit: Austin Palmer
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.
The Bosch has a very basic design, but it is reliable and straightforward to operate.
Credit: Ian Pearman
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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