• Heavy duty 15 amp motor

• Can cut material as thick as 4-3/4 inches and as wide as 7-1/2 inches

• Crosscut to 90 degrees, miter to 45 degrees

• Comes with combination blade, dust bag, wrench, extension guide assembly, and vice assembly

• Hitachi exclusive 5 year warranty

Hitachi's 15-inch miter saw is a heavy-duty tool ideal for people who need to cut big post and beam stock. It has a powerful 15 amp with an electric brake to match its sturdy construction, and can cut material as thick as 4-3/4 inches and as wide as 7-1/2 inches at 0 degrees, and as wide as 5-15/32 at a 45 degree miter. It also comes with a clamp nearly hefty enough to be called a vise for holding the material tight to the fence, and has built-in extension wings to make work with long boards easier. We really like the convenient thumb-operated blade guard lifter that makes it easier to work with big boards that might otherwise cause the guard to hang up. The miter gauge is riveted on, but the numbers and markings are not in relief, so it may need replacing in time as the paint wears off, although the riveted connection will make that replacement a tougher job than it should be. This saw has a vertical handle, like all the Hitachi miter saws, rather than the horizontal configuration many people prefer. In all, this is a truly reliable miter saw that's designed and built tough enough to remain accurate under demanding job site conditions. --Brian Trinen

Choosing a Miter Saw
Miter saws are versatile tools that have become a mainstay of workshops everywhere. These powerful saws make angled cuts by pulling a circular blade down onto a workpiece with a short, controlled plunge. It might appear that miter saws are infinitely complex and varied, but there are only three general types. The type you choose will depend on your woodworking needs.

Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile off the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.

Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.

Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.

• Electric brake: Reverses the flow of electricity when the saw's trigger is released. This is an important safety feature that slows the blade quickly in case of emergency.
• Blade guard: Most miter saws have self-retracting guards that withdraw when the saw is lowered for use, and reappear when it is raised.
• Laser guide: Gives a precise visual line where the cut will occur on your workpiece.
• Dust bag: Helps collect sawdust for a clearer, more tidy cutting area.
• Shaft lock: Immobilizes the shaft and blade for quicker, easier blade changes.
• Table extensions: Mount on either side of the saw to help balance longer workpieces.

Miter Saw Blades
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.

• Steel: Inexpensive and good for cutting soft woods or plywoods. Sharpness diminishes quickly in tougher materials.
• High-Speed Steel: More rugged than steel blades, and great for cutting harder woods.
• Carbide-Tipped: More expensive than other blades but much more durable. Maintain sharpness over a longer period.