It’s hard to believe there’s this much power in such a lightweight saw, but it’s true. The 15-amp motor gets the blade through oak like nobody’s business, but the whole thing weighs in at less than 30 pounds, making it ideal for toting to a job site. This is a hardworking saw with a solid list of features, not the least of which is its compound cut capability. In addition to the 52-degree miter range both left and right, you can also set a bevel from 0 to 48 degrees to the left with adjustable stops for accurate repeats. The thumb-actuated positive stops are a cinch to use when making quick miter adjustments, too. The vise assembly is a nice feature we were surprised to see included on a saw at this price, and its versatility makes it even more of a bonus. It can be mounted on either the left or right fence just by loosening a wing bolt, and it adjusts for height just as easily. This fence is taller than average, making it great for crown molding work – and if you’re going to use this saw for crown very often, we recommend picking up Hitachi’s crown molding vise assembly, too, because it makes the job so much easier. Lots of folks prefer a horizontal handle on a chop saw, and that’s just what this one’s got, so it’s a great choice for left-handers. In addition, the handle is wrapped in a soft, cushioning elastomer that dampens any vibrations, something you’ll appreciate after a long day of cutting trim. If you’re shopping for a user-friendly, economical compound miter saw, this is a great choice.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste What's in the Box C10FCE compound miter saw, 10-inch TCT saw blade, extended fence, dust bag, vise assembly, box wrench, hex bar wrench The Hitachi Story Hitachi was founded in 1910 as an electrical machinery repair shop by Japanese entrepreneur Namihei Odaira. Since then, Hitachi has grown into a global company operating in industries ranging from tools to computing. The company's flagship office remains in Japan, but it has offices all over the world. Hitachi's history in the power tools business really got started in 1948 with the launch of Hitachi Koki, an electric power tool manufacturing unit designed to meet Hitachi's growing industrial needs. Hitachi Koki pushed the envelope few key areas, most notably high-speed motor, precision machining, and electronic control technologies. In 1973, Hitachi Koki began exporting tools to markets worldwide. Hitachi Koki's goal from the start was to eventually produce and sell all of its products locally. In 1980, it launched Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A to market tools in the United States (it didn't start producing tools in the U.S. until 1994). During the 80s, Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. built its reputation for quality on the success of its pneumatic framing nailer and sliding compound miter saws. At the same time, it poured resources into research and development in other areas, leading it to a number of firsts power tool technology. Hitachi pioneered the sliding compound miter saw, cordless impact driver, collated automatic screw driver, pneumatic concrete nailer, cordless screw driver, metal stud cutter, portable rebar cutter/bender, 10-minute rapid charger, 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 Ah Ni-Cad batteries, 3.0 Ni-MH batteries, and the use of rare earth magnet motors in cordless tools. Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. was renamed Hitachi Koki U.S.A. in 1994 to denote the addition of manufacturing to the United States. Today, it sells more than 1000 models of electric power tools, focusing on compact/high out-put motor technology. The company has obtained recognition under the ISO 9000 series international standards for quality assurance. Hitachi Koki also received ISO 14001 certification for environmentally sound management. |
Average Customer Review: ( 6 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
44 of 46 found the following review helpful:
Needs more work Mar 21, 2005
By Mateo Acosta I bought this saw at my local tool box. I was looking at the Dewalt 703 and Hitachi and I was trying to decide which one to purchase for some remodeling and general work. The first thing that caught my attention to the Hitachi was the price. The Hitachi was 40 dollars cheaper than the DeWalt, the Hitachi also included a clamp, the Dewalt did not, and finally the recommendation from the salesman did it for me. I took it home and immediately took it out the box. The first thing I noticed was it was made in China. I had already learned my lesson on tools made in China but still thought I should still give it a try. I plugged it in and tried it out. The saw cut the 2 x 4 with ease. It seemed to have sufficient power for the task. As I put it through it pace, the trigger started going bad on it. Every time I pressed the trigger the saw would either start or would not. I checked the power cord and everything looked good. I also started noticing the fit and finish of the saw, especially the base of the saw, and noticed the miter gauge was starting to lift up on one side. On the DeWalt the gauge is screwed on to the base. The Hitachi seemed like it a metal sticker type that is glued onto the base. The clamp also looked cheap with cheap hard plastic knobs that if you tighten to hard you could probably snap them of. I decided to return the saw back to my local tool box and get the Dewalt. The Hitachi is a good saw with sufficient power for the task but I've learned that you get what you pay for. I wish Hitachi would pay more attention to the little details on the saw. A better miter gauge and more thought into the clamping system of the saw. Overall its a good saw but still needs some work.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Great saw... i have been very happy with Hitachi Jul 25, 2006
By G. L. Nichols
"Garchitect"
I got the saw almost a year ago and have been very happy with my purchase. I have bought alot of other Hitachi tools and love them alot. This is a great jobsite saw.. light and quick. If i could buy it again i would.. except maybe i would buy the 12" saw for more capicity. But for the price this saw is great and is built rock solid. I love it!! PS> My opinion: dont was your money on the laser guide.. its just a gimick.
12 of 14 found the following review helpful:
Hitachi C10FCE Apr 08, 2006
By Craig Buscio I purchased this saw at a local home center and being a trim carpenter, it looked like a nice light saw for small mouldings. After using it for a short time the base started to bind up, so I took it apart and cleaned it out . It had collected alot of saw dust and crud in a short time. I reassembled the saw and it work fine for a few more times. I just went to use this saw the other day and noticed the space/bearing had came out the bottom of the saw, now it has to much play to make a good accurate cut. I belive you get what you pay for and I got a $130.00 saw.
10 of 13 found the following review helpful:
Satisfied user Sep 22, 2005
By W. Macomber
"framemaker"
The saw is accurate and easy to use. No problems getting it up and running. All the stops are dead on, no adjustment was required. My only regret is that the saw is made in China, even Japan is outsourcing!
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Good saw, but check the other reviews Dec 28, 2006
By Cornstar I got mine from #48, and used it to install baseboard in the basement and made a work bench. But with the little use I had, the bevel gauge started to peel off; and after reading some other reviews here and elsewhere, I got nervous and decided to return it while I still could. Noticed that the gauge on the floor model in the store was peeling as well; also on the Task Force model. Noticed that the $99 Shopmaster had a similar sticker, but it was attached with some sort of rivet. Dewalt had plastic etching.
Also, the dust did tend to pile up real fast. Bag attachment didn't do much--maybe if you have dust collection it won't be an issue at all. The laser seemed to be quite accurate, and in all honesty, I really liked the saw. Very easy set up and ready to go the day I got it, no problem. Included horizontal clamp, that the Dewalt makes you pay extra for, although if you have it on the right side, you need to make sure to leave clearance for the saw to move all the way down.. Also had the laser as I mentioned that is not on the Dewalt.
I guess I just wanted to avoid needing to replace the saw once the window for returns expired and am hoping the Dewalt will work as well, without some of the minor issues. Can I make it 3.5? Hard for me to give it a 4 since I did in fact, return it.
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