Bosch GTS1031 Review: Portable Table Saw

Weighing 52 pounds, the Bosch GTS1031 manages to pack portability and solid power into one compact design. It might be smaller, but it delivers serious performance. Its powerful 15-amp motor spins up to 5,000 RPM offering enough strength to cut tough hardwood without struggle.

When I looked at this portable saw, I focused on what it could do. The GTS1031 can rip materials up to 18 inches wide and cut as deep as 3-1/8 inches at a 90-degree angle. That gives it fair versatility for a portable model. But at a price of around $400, is this center-balanced Bosch table saw a smart buy? It’s 8 pounds lighter than the bigger Bosch 4100, but I wanted to see if this smaller version offers enough value to meet the needs of both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. In this Bosch GTS1031 review, I’ll share what I found during my detailed testing of this tool in 2025.

Disclaimer

Bosch GTS1031 Specs and Setup Process

Opening up the Bosch GTS1031 box, you will find a tough and portable machine with dimensions of 22.5″ by 22.5″ by 13″. It weighs 52 pounds, which makes it easier to move around compared to other job site saws. The all-steel base gives it strength and makes it last longer, yet the weight is still practical to handle.

Motor: 15 Amp and 5000 RPM Performance Output

The core of this portable saw is a strong 15-amp motor that produces 4.0 HP and runs at an impressive 5,000 RPM. That speed surpasses many similar models. For example, Bosch’s 4100 operates at just 3,650 RPM. While I tested it, the motor cut through thick hardwood without slowing down. The brush motor does make a lot of noise, but that is expected given the high power in such a small design.

Cutting Capacity: 3-1/8″ deep at 90°, 2-1/4″ deep at 45°

The GTS1031 offers decent cutting power given its compact size. At a 90-degree angle, it cuts up to a maximum depth of 3-1/8 inches, though one test measured a deeper cut at 3-1/4 inches. When tilted to a 45-degree angle, this saw can cut as deep as 2-1/4 inches. Its bevel angle adjusts between -2 degrees and 47 degrees adding versatility to different cutting applications.

Rip Capacity: 18 inches to the right, 7-3/4 inches to the left

Expanding the table is easy. Lift the extension handle and slide it toward the right to unlock the full 18-inch rip capacity. On the left side of the blade, the rip capacity spans 7-3/4 inches. This works well enough to handle most crosscutting tasks. The table’s dimensions of 22.5 inches wide and 20 inches deep offer a decent work area for a portable unit.

Getting Started and Calibration Troubles

Getting the GTS1031 set up takes time and effort. While some competing models arrive already fine-tuned, this one needed a lot of tweaking. On mine, the table insert sat too high, the angle stops weren’t set right, and I had to square the rip fence with the blade and table. I also needed to tweak the pointers on the rip scale so that measurements stayed accurate.

Other users say they can finish setup in about two minutes once they know how it works. The steps include raising the blade, taking out the table insert, adjusting the riving knife, and attaching the safety guard and anti-kickback pawls. However, for someone setting it up for the first time, expect to spend much longer getting everything aligned .

2025 Reviews on Performance and Cutting Accuracy

I tested the Bosch GTS1031 for weeks and ran it through tough trials on different materials. This small saw caught me off guard in some ways but also revealed a few downsides worth thinking about before buying.

Testing Materials: Plywood, Hardwood, and Treated Lumber

The 15-amp motor running at 5,000 RPM worked on most materials I tested. The GTS1031 made quick work of pressure-treated framing lumber during trials. The saw also kept steady power while cutting 3/4-inch oak plywood and hardwood pieces from 1/4-inch to 1 inch thick. It handled 2-by stock and even tropical hardwoods with ease using the 24-tooth blade that came with it. Swapping to a 60-tooth fine-cutting blade gave cleaner results but needed a slower feeding speed.

Observations on Blade Wobble and Vibration

Blade wobble caused noticeable problems during testing. The saw shook a lot at startup. Even with the original blade that came with the saw, this shaking didn’t go away. The constant vibration made cuts rough leaving visible marks that needed extra work to smooth out. One tester swapped the factory blade for a pricey Forrest blade, but the wobble stayed the same. This points to a problem with the saw’s mechanics instead of the blade itself.

Fence Alignment and Locking System

The Squarelock rip fence worked once adjusted correctly. At first, it didn’t move , but spraying it with silicon fixed the sticking problem. The fence aligns itself when placed, which makes it precise. To use it, you lift its lever, move it to the desired spot, and lock it in place. However, a lot of people mentioned that the locking lever takes quite a bit of effort to tighten .

Noise Levels and Ear Protection

The sound levels recorded for this model are high. The GTS1031 emits a sound pressure level of 103 dB(A) along with a sound power level of 116 dB(A). This makes it one of the louder portable table saws available. OSHA states that noise exposure above 90 dB(A) for eight hours exceeds safe limits. Because of this, operators must wear hearing protection anytime they use this saw regardless of duration.

How It Handles Portability and Storage

Mobility sets the Bosch GTS1031 apart. My testing showed this feature gives it a clear advantage over similar models on the market.

One-Hand Carry Design: Practical Use in Everyday Tasks

The GTS1031 includes a side handle that makes it possible to carry with just one hand, which I found useful. Weighing in at 52 pounds, the saw doesn’t qualify as lightweight, but the handle sits in an ideal spot to create good balance. When you carry it with the deck turned inward, the saw rests against your leg. This contact adds a bit of stability making it easier to move around.

Built-in Storage to Hold Accessories

The table’s design includes storage underneath for every accessory helping users avoid losing parts. The steel frame holds the rip fence, miter gage, push stick, Smart Guard system, and wrenches . The rip fence even flips upside down to store , which helps keep cuts precise for years.

Storing Upright in Tight Spaces

The rectangular shape of the saw makes it easy to store upright against a wall saving a lot of room in smaller workshops. I kept mine on a lower shelf between uses, though some people prefer stacking it in garages.

Balanced Weight and Easy Handling

Not everyone can use this saw with one hand for a long time. The tubular frame design helps by giving you different spots to hold making it simple to carry with both hands when needed.

Price, Value, and Comparisons with Competitors

Thinking about buying it? The Bosch GTS1031 has an MSRP of $400, and most sellers stick close to this price. According to current listings online sources show it as a mid-range portable saw option.

Bosch GTS1031 Price in 2025: MSRP Compared to Street Price

Sometimes stores sell the GTS1031 a bit cheaper, with prices dropping to around $300 in some areas. This price competes with its closest rival, the DeWalt DW745.

Comparing DeWalt DW745 and Bosch 4100

The GTS1031 and DW745 both cost about $370. Each model offers unique perks. The DeWalt comes with a better rack-and-pinion fence system, but the Bosch can use dado stacks. On the other hand, the larger Bosch 4100-09 is more expensive but includes a built-in stand and adds 8 pounds to its weight.

Extra Add-Ons: GTA500 Stand and Dust Bag

The GTA500 folding stand costs $125 and pairs well with the GTS1031. It weighs 14 pounds and has an all-steel build. You can attach it without tools, and it folds flat to store . On the other hand, the TS1004 dust collector bag priced at $19, helps keep the workshop cleaner.

Should DIYers and Pros Spend the Money?

Professionals give it an 8/10 for what it delivers in performance. The GTS1031 packs a lot of power into a portable design making it a strong choice for contractors who need to move around. For homeowners, the cost might feel high, but its long-lasting design makes it worth the expense.

Conclusion

I spent a lot of time using the Bosch GTS1031, and it stands out as a strong option in the world of portable table saws. Its solid 15-amp motor, which spins at 5,000 RPM paired with a light 52-pound frame, makes this saw quite adaptable whether you’re working on-site or in a smaller shop.

That said, it does have its downsides. The blade sometimes wobbles leading to cuts that might need extra finishing work. Setting it up the first time can be tricky and requires careful adjustments that might test the patience of some users. On top of that, the saw can get very noisy. You must wear hearing protection when using it.

The GTS1031’s top feature is how easy it is to move around. Its one-handed carry design works well in real-life use. The built-in storage system helps keep all accessories in one place so nothing gets misplaced. Being able to store it upright makes it a smart pick if you’re short on space.

At around $400, the GTS1031 competes with models like the DeWalt DW745. Both have their own upsides—Bosch supports dado cuts, while DeWalt offers a better fence system. Deciding which is a better deal depends on what you need it for.

Skilled contractors will value the saw for its sturdy build and easy portability even if the vibration might pose minor challenges. People tackling projects at home with enough workspace could opt for the Bosch 4100 instead. That model provides extra steadiness without adding to its weight.

The Bosch GTS1031 lives up to its promise of offering powerful performance in a moveable design. While setting it up takes some effort and the cutting quality has some limits, it remains a good option for those who need a tool that balances mobility with essential cutting abilities.

Key Points

Following thorough 2025 tests here are the most important things to know about the Bosch GTS1031 table saw to decide if it’s the right choice for you.

• Strong and easy-to-move setup: A 15-amp motor runs at 5,000 RPM packed into a 52-pound unit you can carry with one hand.
• Blade vibration causes trouble: Constant shaking during use makes cuts uneven, which means you’ll need extra effort to smooth the finish.
• Initial setup takes effort and precision: Getting it aligned needs patience and careful adjustments to the blade and fence.
• Great portability and storage options: You can store all tools right on the unit, and its vertical storage design helps save room. It is a great choice to take on the go.
• Loud enough to require hearing protection: With a noise level of 103 dB, using ear protection is a must for safe usage.
• Affordable $400 price: Matches the DeWalt DW745’s cost and includes dado capability, but DeWalt’s fence system stands out as better.

The GTS1031 works great as a portable option for contractors who need easy transport, though its blade wobble and louder operation might bother those who want precise cuts in quieter spaces.

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