I have owned a 10 ” Hitachi compound mitre saw for about seven years and am now in the market for a sliding compound mitre. I think I am going to stick with the Hitachi because I have had great success with the one I own, the question is to go to a 8 1/2 or 10″? I am rarely cutting stock over 2″ material and when I do cut 4×4 I suppose I could rely on my old 10″ saw. Anyway, any feedback on this would be appreciated. Thanks, Gary
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Few people understand it. Nobody agrees what it is, how to learn about it, or who's responsible for it. It has never been more important
Featured Video
How to Install Exterior Window TrimHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
10" blades are easier to find, but the saw is harder to carry around. However, I guess the 8 1/2" would work for you well, so that's my choice. I usually like to go for the larger size, but if it will be rarely needed and could be worked around, and is more expensive, then the smaller one makes more sense.
go for the big dog.. it is far better to have more than you need and not use it than to have too little sometime when you need more..
you may be able to do something with a the bigger one that you've never thought of and wouldn't consider..
I saw a Hitachi at Blowes that may have been a 12" double compound slider. Looked real nice to me, seems pretty reasonable cost wise too.
I use a 12 inch and believe me I would never get anything smaller.. too often I'm able to use the bigger blade..
I am a finish carpenter so I use my Hitachi 10" scm almost every day. I like the fact I can get a variety of blades (may not get as much variety in 8 1/2") And I had to rent the Hitachi 8 1/2" for a job once- it seemed to be a bit under powered as compared to the 10" for day to day use and perhaps not work in the 2" material that you talked about
I have no complaints... except when doing bevel cuts as the controls are on the far side of the unit and the bevel guage is hard to see/ read. I see that Bosch has brought out a 12" scm saw (a REAL BIG DOG!!) where the bevel controls are right there at your fingertips on the miter lever and doesn't require you to reach around the saw. At the store it seemed like a good idea... and I think their quality would be comparable to the Hitachi.
Hope this helps.
I have the ten inch. And it serves my needs well. Only once did I run into a dilemna with some oversize crown. And that only stemmed from the operator having brain damage and having to cut the crown flat.
I definitly give the Hitachi Ten inch a thumbs up
Found that bigger / better is generally the rule and not the exception. Look into the Bosch 12. That saw seems to have it together. Any Bosch I've ever gotten I've never regretted.
10" blades are more common and come in a much larger varity than 8 1/2". My 8" has been parked for a very, very long time. In fact I loaned it out quite some time ago and don't miss it.
my partner has the 8" and i have the bosch 10. we have not used his saw in the last 6 months. i wish i had the bosch 12. it is a tough decision tho - good luck. paul.
I have the 8 1/2 and have never had any complaints. Always been able to make it do what I needed it to. If I were to be buying it now I would probably go for the bigger saw, 4x4's are a little tuff to cut on the smaller saws. Petey