Hitachi has lots of happy customers who love these two sidewinder circular saws. Left-handed users love them because the blade is on the right. Do-it-yourselfers love them because the price is very low for how durable and powerful they are. Let’s look at both models and see which one is best for you.
Hitachi C7SB2 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with 0-55 Degree Bevel Capacity
This saw was Taunton’s “Best Value Winner” in 2005, and it continues to be a popular favorite. Happy users say it’s rugged and durable. It crosscuts and rips hardwoods with ease and it weighs just ten pounds. This is the tool you want if you need to do decking, framing, or cutting forms. If there is molding to cut and no tabletop miter saw at hand, no worries. The C7SB2 bevels up to 55 degrees to make the perfect miter joints.
The depth of cut ranges from 2-3/8-inches at 90 degrees to 1-27/32-inches at 45 degrees. The level locks for beveling and depth adjustment are big and easy to use, as is the trigger. This is handy for operators who wear gloves. The measurement scales are pressed into the metal of the aluminum base so they won’t wear off like paint will. The numbers are easy to read if there is enough light—they’re not highlighted in any way.
With a draw of up to 15amps, the C7SB2 idles at 5800rpm and puts out a top power of 2100 watts. The motor has carbon brushes that the user can easily replace themselves with the use of a screwdriver.
On the down side, there is no electric brake so the blade takes time to spin down on its own. This is a bit of a safety hazard, and increases the risk of damage to the work-piece. There is also no dust chute like there is on the C7ST below.
More features of the Hitachi C7SB2 saw
- Has a spindle lock
- Blade diameter is 7-1/4” and arbor is 5/8”
- Comes with one 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade, blade wrench, and hard plastic carrying case
- Base is die-cast aluminum
- Weighs 10.1 pounds
- Hitachi offers a 5-year warranty
Hitachi C7ST 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
The C7ST has some nice improvements over the C7SB2 described above. Its blade spins a little faster at 6000rpm so the cuts it makes are a little faster and smoother on the edges. It weighs a little less than the other saw, although half a pound difference may not be noticeable on all-day jobs.
A very nice touch is the integrated dust blower to keep the cutline clear. There is also a dust chute to send debris out of the way.
Like the previous saw, the C7ST has large depth of cut and bevel lock levers. The bevel adjustment has an additional feature: a set screw to make sure the saw is perfectly square. It only bevels up to 45 degrees, ten degrees less than the C7SB2, but still enough for 90-degree corner joints. The cut depth is almost the same as on the other saw when beveled to 45 degrees and and when the blade is vertical.
Unfortunately, this saw also has no electric brake and it takes the blade a while to spin down. But also like the other saw, it has user-replaceable carbon brushes.
More features of the Hitachi C7ST saw
- Comes with 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade, hard plastic carrying case, and blade wrench
- Blade diameter is 7-1/4” and arbor is 5/8”
- Cut depth at 90 degrees is 2-7/16” and at 45 degrees is 1-7/8”
- Weighs 9.5 pounds and has an 8-foot cord
- Hitachi offers a 5-year warranty
Recommendation
Both of these saws come ready to use with blade, wrench, and case. (Just don’t forget to bring your own eye protection.) Either model would be great for weekend warriors and do-it-yourselfers.
If you need the larger bevel range up to 55 degrees, the C7SB2 is the saw for you. It’s an award-winner that has been a top-selling item for a decade.
If 45 degrees is large enough for your needs, consider the C7ST. It will keep your work area clean and your light of sight clear with its integrated dust blower and dust chute. It’s also a little lighter in weight.
Click here to purchase Hitachi C7SB2 on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Hitachi C7ST on Amazon!