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So. When I opened the box I noticed that the sub fence was broken and another portion bent(trend. I got out some tools and bent the bent portion of the fence back into position. see other posts). I tried to take it to a Hitachi repair shop today only to be told that it is a shipping issue not a warrenty issue. I was also able find a replacment part online for less than it would cost to send the saw back to Amazon. Looks like ordering this saw from Amazon is a gamble.Other than that I used the saw to build my cedar fance and it was real handy for cutting accurate lengths for the gates.
Background: retired then downsized to a much smaller workshop, in the process I unloaded many power tools and had to think about space, versatility and probable applications.I decided on a compound, dual bevel 12 inch mitre, the C12FDH fit the bill and price.It arrived with a defective "subfence B". Within 1 business day I had contacted Hitachi customer support and after two emailed descriptions, they forwarded a new subfence B which was easily installed and fit to spec. Very good cooperative support personnel.The laser guide is a marvel for these old boomer eyes. I would recommend this product.
It is a dual compound miter saw, which means it bevels left and right, so the need for the dual gauges (in order for you to be able to look at the angle while you are adjusting the bevel regardless of which side you're on). It is an amazing saw. I did have an issue with the flipover fence, as it was slightly out of alignment. You can download the manual from hitachi's website if you want to see the type of adjustments you can make. But that's not something I think should detract from the saw. The laser is awesome and adjustable, though I do wish you could just use a knob instead of an allen wrench to adjust it. It cuts through pine with no visible tearout and a smooth finish (likely due to the blade as much as the saw).
But once it's adjusted, you don't need to worry about it unless you change your blade. The saw has enough power to cut through just about anything. I've had this saw for over a year (bought it from Lowe's on sale). I suspect that is what happened to the person who says the left and right fence don't line up. There is a way to adjust it though I think. Last thing: It may be that the bevel gauges do not match each other as one person's review said (when one gauge reads zero degrees, the other has a different number). If they're off by a huge amount (say, 20 degrees), then you're out of luck. Then the readings will match no matter what you change it to, as they move in tandem.
I never used the original blade since I think you should always use at least a 60 tooth for finish work (I have a 90 tooth hitachi blade). But if they don't match each other, there is an easy fix. I think it might be due to the way it is packaged (there isn't the slightest hint of styrofoam to protect it). But I called Hitachi and they sent me a new one right away and it is perfect. The arrows for the bevel gauges have screws on them, which you loosen to adjust the arrow to the correct reading and then re-tighten. But it is highly unlikely, and that would just mean you have a defective saw.
I like the DeWalt fences a bit better and it does provide a wider cut. I was dead set on getting the DeWalt but figured I would wait and maybe catch a sale. For less than $300 I am equipped with a 12" double bevel miter saw, with built in laser and 15 amp motor and rocking miter saw stand. Next I adjusted the laser to the left side of the blade for my preference. The saw cuts with the stock blade as well as the DeWalt I borrowed and for the price its simply amazing. That was too good to pass up so I picked it up. Last week while checking online I found the Hitachi on sale at my local Lowes for $199.
Immediately after leaving Lowes I went next door to Home Depot and grabbed the Ryobi miter stand for $99. What a combination is all i can say. Having used a borrowed DeWalt 716 for the past 4 months I decided I need to return my buddies saw and get my own. Then I simply reset the pointers. The miter was fine from the factory. Thats it.Over the last 2 days I test cut everything up to a pressure treated 4x4 while testing squareness, etc. Glad I did. No wheels but rock solid mounting, easy removal of saw, folds away, very sturdy, extends over 8', work stops on each end, etc., etc., ect.Overall, Great saw and for $199 I woulda been nuts not to grab it.
While 'waiting' I started researching other saws and the Hitachi caught my eye. But the Hitachi comes with a built in laser, which is operated by a seperate switch.many add ons run on AAA batteries, or the built in lasers often do not come on until you start the saw. The DeWalt 716 in $399 just for the saw, no laser, and then you need a stand.After set up I started making cuts to check squareness and angles. Even though the indicators were on zero I had to adjust the bevel to square. This one you just hit the switch, line up the cut with the laser and your ink line, then pull the trigger to start the saw, Very nice.Not for this review but the Ryobi miter stand rocks for the price.check it out if in need. (and the stand too).
To me this is a critical oversight on Hitachi's part. So I went to Lowes. I have the Dewalt mitre saw stand and was going to buy a Dewalt to go with it. Saw dust has gotten underneath it and forget about it ever staying down now. Just not quite as crisp. I think maybe the switch went out. Then, while I was checking the alignment I noticed that the right side markings and the red pointer had come into contact with each other. It actually hurts to listen to it.
I went back to Lowes and purchased the Dewalt DW716. Got this saw home, Loved it and after three cuts the saw quit. With the Dewalt saw, it came with a 60 tooth Dewalt blade. After looking at all of the saws, I decided on the Hitachi 12" because of the 5 year warranty, laser, comfortable handle grip and double bevel for less money.
I tryed to lay this label back down but it kept coming up. I loved the saw at first. I know I don't need the jigs and could use the 10" but the fence was very low anyway. The customer reviews where all excellent for this saw. I was getting ready to start and found that I needed more height than what my 10" could give me because of the jigs with this system. This is the saw that I originally was going to purchase but got cost conservative. This peeled the foil marking label with the adhesive on the back of the label exposed.
I used the saw for crown moulding and after 4 days of use I decided to take this one back to Lowes for a refund. I took it back and now I'm waiting for the Bosch 4212 from Amazon.com. I have a 10" Hitachi and bought the cut n crown system. I checked the outlet, 120V power was good. I could not believe it. I also bought the Bosch 80 tooth blade.
Oh, this saw is VERY loud too. Was not quite as good but would probably have worked out ok. Actually was kind of excited. Perfect cuts with absolutely no splintering. I went back to Lowes and found the saw on display had both left and right labels messed up. You will definetly need ear plugs or hearing protection.
Oh, I forgot to say earlier that with the Hitachi I had the Dewalt 80T precision trim blade and it was a dream. I hope this helps.
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