Advice on this saw?

[Jsf721]

Posted a while ago about some father an son projects I have done with my son. I have never owned a saw like this and wonder if this is enough quality for a guy who is just getting started in projects.

Not sure what else I will do with it, but renting is 125 for the day and if I rent 2x I am there.


Its cheap compared to a similar dewalt.

good enough? I will be installing Gladiator Gear wall in the garage and need to cut 12" boards nice an cleanly. My circular saw (or perhaps its me) does not cut straight.



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E7YQ40/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[zendriver]

it looks like great saw, but looking at the specs, it only makes a max 8" cut.

Id invest in a good circular saw and guide. I would use it more than a miter saw.

 

[Average_Joe]

There is a tang that sets the miter detent. The hitachi and many others attach it on one side and it can break off ( seen them broken off brand new in the box) Dewalt has it attached on both sides. Just get a 10" single bevel dewalt. Or another brand, but be careful to check that detent. As for 12" boards, maybe you can get a radial arm saw or use a square with a quality circular saw.

 

[mikegt4]

My son has the same saw, it has done well for him. Not being a slider it is a bit larger than most other saws.

 

[kunkernator]

There is a tang that sets the miter detent. The hitachi and many others attach it on one side and it can break off ( seen them broken off brand new in the box) Dewalt has it attached on both sides. Just get a 10" single bevel dewalt. Or another brand, but be careful to check that detent. As for 12" boards, maybe you can get a radial arm saw or use a square with a quality circular saw.

Always love my RAS! It can do a lot miter saws cant. The big downfall is that they arent portable. But, if you are planning on setting up shop, go find yourself a RAS. You won't be disappointed.

 

[ryan20021982]

I ordered that saw for my dad about a year ago and it works fine except for the fence, way too many moving parts and they flex alot so its hard to know exactly how square it is while your pushing against it and cutting.

I have this saw and love it, I do alot of woorworking and construction and this is the best miter saw I've had. Its about twice the price but I don't regret it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028Y4Q2O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Gotcha640]

I would say learn to use the circular saw. Make a track to cut long straight cuts, maybe a 4 foot and an 8 foot to cut down plywood, learn how close to cut to get a clean inside corner, cut 2x4s against a speed square, youtube circular saw tricks and you'll get some ideas. Dadoes, bevels, join up edges, all can be done with a circular saw, but not with a miter saw.

Use the circular saw to make some good strong stacking sawhorses and buy a bunch of clamps.

I have two table saws, two circular saws, and a miter saw, and I've made a total of 11 cuts on the miter saw in the year I've had it. Going on Craigslist this weekend.

 

[PugetDude]

Buy the HF 10" sliding compound miter before you buy the Hitachi.
It will do a lot more for a lot less $$.

Full Disclosure: I own a Makita 10" sliding compound miter- I love it. But you probably don't want to spend $500+ on one for occasional use.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I have that saw and I like it a lot. I've cut 2x12s boards by cutting one side and then flipping over to cut the other. Not as easy as a sliding miter box but not impossible either.
I believe the 10" is about $100 cheaper. I don't know if you could get through 12" with it.

 

[tarbellb]

If you do decide you like this model, check these guys out. Many times a "Recon grade A" comes looking new.

https://bigskytool.com/hitachi-c12f...iter-saw-with-laser-marker-reconditioned.html

 

[fivespdcat]

There's really no need for a miter saw to cut 2x12s. Just get yourself a good quality aluminum speed square and get to it. For me a circular saw is way faster and just as accurate as my miter so when cutting 2x material I prefer to not use my miter.

 

[bareass172]

I own that saw and have zero complaints, but I bought mine used so it wasn't that much. If you have more space than money I would look for an old radial arm saw. They are ALWAYS on craigslist around me for $75-125 and can cut bigger stock. With that said, they are usually quite large so if space is a premium then the Hitachi may be your best bet. I have no complaints from mine and I've used it quite a bit.
Of course, you can also do what others mentioned and just get a good square to make straight cuts with a circular saw: