Hitachi 12″ sliding compound miter saw
Moosewood
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I am looking for a different miter saw. I am looking at the Hitachi because it sits back against the wall, taking up less room in my shop. I am aware that Festool’s Kapex does the same, but is considerably more expensive. Does anyone have experience with Hitachi’s 12″ slider? I have used their 10″ saw and was not impressed with it’s accuracy. Thank you for your input.
Rick
Replies
I don't have the 12", but Ive been using their 10" slider for almost five years now. I do interior trim, finish, built-ins and such.
Mine was dead accurate right out of the box, and has needed only one adjustment since. Sorry to hear that yours differs.......
But I have recently noticed a problem when swinging the head to varying bevel angles. It feels like the "hinge pin" is rusting -- just a minor feel of abrasion or grinding or something.
I haven't had time to take the thing apart to find the problem......
I bought the new Milwaukee at Home Depot around Christmas time for $499. Normally $699. I have heard a lot of Home Depots have that price. It went back up to $649 here, but you might get lucky. It may take up more space, but it is well worth considering. Truly a top notch saw.
I had a 10" Hitachi for about 2 years and sold it to get the 12". I have had it for about 3 years. I find it very accurate on 90* and with all the angles as long as you don't let the stock walk the fence. Can't comment on your's being in-accurate as I don't know the details but.. I love the compact rear which Kapex picked up on.
I have seen and used the Kapex at IWF and I would not purchase one unless it were going to be dragged around each day on a work-site as I feel it's not justified unless you are a professional trim man that can make it pay for itself.
I have not used the Milwaukee even though I am a big Milwaukee fan with 2 routers.. saw-zall.. etc. But.. it does have the larger foot pattern in the rear. So....
Sarge..
Dear Rick,
I am a contractor that specializes in interiors and the Hitachis are the standard on our jobs. I have an 8 1/2" and a 10" and find them to both to be very accurate and more to the point, they stay that way. I would not hesitate to but the 12". The only other 12" that I would consider is the Bosch. I always think that Makita has the smoothest slide, but there are a couple of engineering details that could be better, although they do make a fine saw. Neither the Bosch or the Makita offer the compactness that you seek, so I suppose that rules them out. None of the slide saws, including the Kapex, are rock solid and can be flexed and overpowered laterally, in particular at full extension. It still takes a decent operator to consistently get good results. We use Freud blades exclusively.
Best,
John
Edited 3/8/2009 1:53 pm ET by Jmartinsky
Dear Rick,
I haven't priced anything in a while, but "Tools Plus" in CT has it for $619.00 plus $6.50 shipping to the lower 48 and they are including a "free" router until March 31.
http://www.tools-plus.com/hitachi-c12lsh.html
Best,
John
Dear Rick,
Amazon has it for $578.90 with free shipping although take a look at that as there is free and there is "free".
http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-C12LSH-12-Inch-Sliding-Compound/dp/B0009MGOSG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=hiqid=1236439083&sr=8-3
Best,
John
Dear Rick,
"Tools Plus" will bargain. It might be worth it to mention to them that Amazon has it cheaper and see what they will do for you.
OK, that's it!
Best,
John
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