Whether you want to cut beveled edges for crown molding or crosscut lumber for cabinets, a sliding compound miter saw is an essential tool to have. While power and capacity are critical features of a tabletop saw, precision is just as necessary. Let’s review two models from Hitachi to see which one is the most precise.
Hitachi C8FSE 9.2-Amp 8-1/2-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The Hitachi C8FSE sliding compound miter saw uses a 9Amp motor, an 8-1/2-inch blade, and a linear slide system to make cuts up to 12 inches deep and 2-9/16-inches tall. It can help you cut baseboards, molding, and pictures because it miters up to 45 degrees right and left. And its compact rail format means you don’t need a large workbench to support it. You can even mount it on one of Hitachi’s portable workstations.
This saw has positive miter stops at common angles like 15, 22.5, and 45 degrees so you can set it up quickly. When you need to perform a compound cut, the blade bevels up to 48 degrees left and 5 degrees to the right. With the built-in scale, you can choose any angle within those limits, too.
At the rear, you’ll see the adjustable pivoting fence that will support wood lying at an angle or provide stability while cutting. Behind the fence is a splinter guard that encourages clean cuts and avoids tear out. And there is a clamping system to hold the piece you’re cutting in place.
The inclusion of a vice assembly, or clamping setup, will help you make accurate cuts, especially if you’re new to using a miter saw. And another feature that improves precision is the motor’s electronic speed control. While the top blade speed is 5500rpm, that’s under no load. Depending on what material you’re cutting, the blade may run slower. But the electronics maintain the best speed possible so you get a controlled cut each time.
Next, the pistol grip handle has an elastomer coating that improves your grip and reduces the amount of vibration you feel. Less vibration and a better grip means enhanced control over your work.
Finally, the C8FSE comes with a dust collection bag. As the saw operates, the dust collection pulls debris into the bag, away from your working area. If your workspace is clean, you can see better to create the precision cuts you want to make. But if all these features aren’t enough, take a look at that C8FSHE saw below.
More features of the Hitachi C8FSE Compound Miter Saw:
- Covered by a 5-year limited warranty
- Blade arbor is 5/8”
- Weighs 31 pounds
- Has replaceable carbon brushes
- Comes with TCT saw blade, dust bag, vice grip assembly, box wrench, and sub fence
Hitachi C8FSHE 8-1/2-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker
If you want even more precision in your work, and you want clean, accurate cuts with minimal effort, try the Hitachi C8FSHE sliding compound miter saw. Although its motor and capacity is the same, it has two advantages over the C8FSE. One is its built-in work light, and another is its laser marker system.
The work light has a flexible support that is adjustable to any angle from its position on top of the saw. You’ll always have bright illumination for your cuts. Since it has an LED bulb, you can expect it to last up to 50,000 hours or more without needing a change.
Meanwhile, you can activate the laser marker system before you cut to see the exact line the blade will take. As Hitachi points out, as long as you’ve measured correctly, your cuts will be precise. So if accuracy is paramount, it’s worth the extra amount to invest in the C8FSHE saw.
More features of the Hitachi C8FSHE Compound Miter Saw:
- Covered by a 5-year limited warranty
- Blade arbor is 5/8”
- Weighs 32 pounds
- Has replaceable carbon brushes
- Comes with TCT saw blade, dust bag, vice grip assembly, box wrench, and sub fence
Recommendation
These two saws from Hitachi have all the same features except two. If you want the most precise cuts, consider getting the C8FSHE because it comes with a work light and a laser guidance system.
Click here to purchase Hitachi C8FSE on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Hitachi C8FSHE on Amazon.com!