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Spend $150.00 more and get a tool not a toy. I need a saw for 4 to 6 hours a day so I bought a Milwaukee 12". I opened up the box and set it up on the table, let out a big grown put it back in the box and sent it right back. I don't know who would rate this thing above 1 star unless they don't use it.
To me, Hitachi sliding compound miter saws are a member of a group of "elite" tools that are the "best of the best" in terms of function and value. It also may not be quite as beefy in its construction as the Bosch competition (the only other saw I seriously considered), but that fact is more than offset by its light weight. I bought mine with very high expectations, and received exactly what I expected - a well made, beautifully functioning saw. Of course it isn't perfect.
The 12s are much heavier than the 10s, feel somewhat coarser and don't have considerably greater cutting capacity. This thing is almost as portable as my old Ridgid non-slider - and, let's face it, most of us have to lug these things around from time to time, and put them back on a shelf when we're done. One other thing that's worth mentioning: at least for now, Hitachi's 10" saws are made in Japan. I have also heard about some reliability issues with the 12" saws. The 12" version is built in China. They are the finest representations of particular types of tools available at a competitive price to the consumer (think Bosch jigsaws or Panasonic cordless drills).
That's pretty darn easy to do with this saw. I am hopeful that Chinese origin will not always mean lesser quality, but my experiences with Hitachi's two larger saws (don't know about the 8") tells me that the 10" represents the best from the best. It genuinely has the sound and feel of a tool that is a "cut above" (sorry, couldn't resist). I agree with others who have complained of the "handedness" of its trigger design (although it isn't all that hard to operate it with one's left), and the fact that it doesn't come with the optional higher fence is absurd.
The Hitachi has a smaller table base than most of the new competitor models such as makita and Rigid. If you are looking for an excellent saw with all the features required for nearly any type of trim carpentry work. The Hitachi C10FSH is an excellent choice for a trim carpenter. The large round table may be great in the work shop for wider pieces but simply weighs too much for ease in carrying on jobsites and takes considerably more space in a work truck. This saw is simply hard to beat. I have used Makita, Rigid, Dewalt and Ryobi sliding miter saws in the field. The Hitachi not only has quality equal too or better than the other models, but it generally is lighter weight, surprizingly tough and very dependable.
The saw gives an integrated and dedicated feel, leaving you to conjure up ideas of "perfect cuts." Yes, the saw could have a deeper base for stability without having to screw or bolt it down. Also, everyone knows that as soon as you buy a 12 inch sliding saw, it instantly gets used for cutting 6 X 6 treated post and beam lumber. But you know your going to screw or bolt it down anyway cause every saw will walk a little.Yes, the soft start isn't quite as soft as the Makita or the Bocsh, but its enough to not pop your breaker, which is the point remember,. I'm the guy that's always wearing a dust mask or respirator when working indoors. The Hitachi C10FSH is the saw that cuts and leaves no trace, like magic, as if your material were machined that way and dropped in your hand all wrapped in plastic.
But I already have one, so,. But in my experience, the Makitas tend to become the "exterior and framing" saws after awhile. The Hitachi FSH manages to remain designated "finish work only." And that says everything I need to know. you want to be slightly on top so that you don't tweak the blade coming down, (which is hard to do cause the sliders are so bomber).Yes you still have to reach around to the back to change your bevel angle, and that's what makes this saw outlast the up front designs by years, not as many DOO-DADS to mangle.Yes it's only a ten inch blade, and why would you want anything more.
Larger blades have more flex across the board, especially when using a thin kerf blade. The Slides are THERE. and who has the space in the truck. But unless you want to drop over $1,000 into a Festool, any saw is rather unsatisfactory, and none of them make it easy to attach a vacuum cleaner. Now that's a laser worth having.Yes the dust collector kinda sucks. Its True, and its sad because I actually take air quality on the job site very seriously.
The Makita is very smooth; its actually a very nice saw with a lot of base to hold the material. How much laser do we really need,.
It's got the laser, and the flourescent light comes in handy in the attic or basement applications, or when the electrician is still roughing in and outlets are scarce. good luck with your decision.
It's quiet and pretty. And by that I mean that there is no play, not even a thought of slop to the slides.
The Bosch is sweet but it just has too much play after a year with the enormous handle. maybe a laser that actually cuts the material, and forget the blade all together.
not to make you feel babied into a cut.Yes the handle is configured strange and hard to hold normally, but your not going to want to actually hold the handle normal,. yes the laser gets hidden by the dust capture rubber, but you have the line before you cut.
It is better that the old style in every way. It makes cutting crown molding much quicker.This saw has been extensively reviewed so I will keep this brief. It is quiet, compact and accurate. The blade seems to reach full speed quickly. I am a trim carpenter and I use miter saws every day.
I have the luxury of having 2 miter saws, the 8 1/2" for most work and the 10" for crown and 4x stock. That saw is still in service after about 10 years, but now is only used for outdoor work since the new version is so much nicer.This saw is so compact and easy to operate I don't know why any tradesman would use anything else. I have used a 12" Dewalt and felt like I was always having to wait for the blade it get up to speed.I also bought the right side fence extension and the crown stops. Years ago, we bought an earlier version of this saw because we needed the larger capacity from time to time. I don't use the laser for most cuts but when I need it, I'm glad it's there. It is small and light, packs well and is easy to transport. The bevel scale is much easier to use, as is the bevel locking lever. I use the 8 1/2" for most work.
I love this saw. I have used Hitachi compound sliders for years. If I could only have one saw it would be this one. The fence is taller, the degree scale is much easier to read. It is very accurate.
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