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woodezine - Volume
III - Issue IX - SEPTEMBER 2005
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The Tool Tour
Hitachi New 12" Sliding Dual Compound Miter Saw
| Thirty days ago, Hitachi Power Tools revealed a new 12" sliding dual compound miter saw, the C12LSH. Looking like something from the set of a science fiction movie, the saw has what the company calls "a revolutionary compact slide system" that requires zero rear clearance, so it takes up less room on your bench without reducing the length it can cross-cut. Gone are the days of reading an etched metal scale: this machine has a top-mounted LCD scale that calls out the angles with digital precision, and a built-in laser, too. |
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The big news here (aside from the dramatic looks) is that compact slide system. Most sliding miter saws need about 12 inches of clearance behind the tool for the sliding rails. On this saw, the arm moves along fixed rails, enabling the saw to sit nearly flush against a wall without compromising the range of movement. That cuts down on the space required in the shop, in a vehicle, and on the job site. When you place this saw on your workbench, you can place supports in the middle of the bench for long work, instead of right at the front edge, so you still get to use some of the counter space. It's nice to have somewhere to leave a tape measure, clip-board etc. |
| That top-mounted LCD scale digitally displays miter and bevel readings, so setting angles accurately is quick and easy - especially if your eyesight ain't what it used to be. They even built in a backlight for areas with poor lighting. It's button operated, so you can turn it off in good lighting conditions. You can swivel the digital display in all directions, so your height or hand preference aren't limiting factors. |
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| The laser that shows you where the blade will line up on the workpiece is controlled by a micro-dial, so you can adjust the true laser line to the right or left of the cut, depending on where you want it. (Just remember which way you set it and do the same thing every time!) The laser is not mounted to the arbor, so you can see it when the blade is not spinning. |
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The C12LSH is powered by a 15Amp, belt driven motor with 1,850 Watts of power. Its dual aluminum flip fence is 4-11/16" tall, to accommodate crown moldings. The saw has micro adjustment (shown at left) on both the bevel and miter settings - the main bevel and miter handles are used for big adjustments, and then the micro adjustment knobs are used to dial precise angles. Miters ranges from 0 to 57 degrees right, and 0 to 46 degrees left. The bevel ranges 0 to 45 degrees left and right. Miter angles can be quickly adjusted with a series of thumb-activated positive stops. |
| The handle of the C12LSH has a very comfy and grippy Elastomer grip - kind of like the one on my motorcycle handles. It stops your hand slipping, and the company says it also reduces vibration. If you ever have to change the brushes, they are right up front and very easy to access. |
| The saw comes complete with a 12" saw blade, a dust bag, vice assembly and a box wrench. It can cut a 4"x12" timber in half with one pass, and is compatible with Hitachi's Universal Workstation. Headquartered in Atlanta, Hitachi tools are sold in almost 2,000 retail locations and they have about 1,000 authorized service centers. If you'd like to know more about the C12LSH, visit the company online. |
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