Editorial Review
Hitachi's 15-inch miter saw is a heavy-duty tool ideal for people who need to cut big post and beam stock. It has a powerful 15 amp with an electric brake to match its sturdy construction, and can cut material as thick as 4-3/4 inches and as wide as 7-1/2 inches at 0 degrees, and as wide as 5-15/32 at a 45 degree miter. It also comes with a clamp nearly hefty enough to be called a vise for holding the material tight to the fence, and has built-in extension wings to make work with long boards easier. We really like the convenient thumb-operated blade guard lifter that makes it easier to work with big boards that might otherwise cause the guard to hang up. The miter gauge is riveted on, but the numbers and markings are not in relief, so it may need replacing in time as the paint wears off, although the riveted connection will make that replacement a tougher job than it should be. This saw has a vertical handle, like all the Hitachi miter saws, rather than the horizontal configuration many people prefer. In all, this is a truly reliable miter saw that's designed and built tough enough to remain accurate under demanding job site conditions. --Brian Trinen
Choosing a Miter Saw
Miter saws are versatile tools that have become a mainstay of workshops everywhere. These powerful saws make angled cuts by pulling a circular blade down onto a workpiece with a short, controlled plunge. It might appear that miter saws are infinitely complex and varied, but there are only three general types. The type you choose will depend on your woodworking needs.
Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile off the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.
Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.
Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.
Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.
- Electric brake: Reverses the flow of electricity when the saw's trigger is released. This is an important safety feature that slows the blade quickly in case of emergency.
- Blade guard: Most miter saws have self-retracting guards that withdraw when the saw is lowered for use, and reappear when it is raised.
- Laser guide: Gives a precise visual line where the cut will occur on your workpiece.
- Dust bag: Helps collect sawdust for a clearer, more tidy cutting area.
- Shaft lock: Immobilizes the shaft and blade for quicker, easier blade changes.
- Table extensions: Mount on either side of the saw to help balance longer workpieces.
Miter Saw Blades
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.
- Steel: Inexpensive and good for cutting soft woods or plywoods. Sharpness diminishes quickly in tougher materials.
- High-Speed Steel: More rugged than steel blades, and great for cutting harder woods.
- Carbide-Tipped: More expensive than other blades but much more durable. Maintain sharpness over a longer period.
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Customer Reviews
simple and reliable 
2004-03-18
I have owned this saw for almost 15 years without incident although I have encountered the brake problem noted by solraiz7. I routinely cut 5 1/2" crown using the supplied vise to maintain the cutting relationship with the supplied fence. Unlike the newer and more popular sliding compound saws, you just set it on 45 degrees and cut to length for a perfect joint (outside corner or coped inside corner). I have mine mounted on a Rousseau mobile cart with folding supports which makes it very versatile. As for blades, I have been happy with the Freud 108 tooth blade. A little expensive to buy or sharpen, it gives long life and a clean cut. If you are cutting a lot of pressure treated wood, you probably want something in 10 in size with a ready supply of throw-away blades.
Absolute necessity for cutting tall base and crown 2003-01-05
I have been using several of the Hitachi 15in. saws for many years. There is no substitute for cutting tall baseboard and crown. The only drawback is that the blade brake on my saws has worn after years of use and rarely kicks in without some coaxing. I have to flip the switch several times to get it to kick in. Changing the brushes has helped but the large blade wears down brakes much faster than on any other saw.
Discontinued saw blade 2002-07-12
I have used the Hitachi C15FB for over 10 years and have gotten excellent service from it. My one and only complaint is that is used to come with a 15" combination saw blade, part number 974651Z. The blade is no longer available for re-order, so I am told. I would like very much to see this blade resurrected and made available. I cannot and will not use carbide blades because tips have come off every blade I have used. My next purchase will be a saw that has non-carbide teeth replacement blades if this blade is not made available.
Stands the test of time 2001-02-18
I purchased this machine about 10 years ago and it has been a truly exceptional machine. While its not that easy to lug around, I often stick it in my truck to take to a job site when I need to cut larger stock than normal. It has been flawless.
Best 15" Saw on the market - Period! 2000-11-20
This saw is designed for trim. You'll need to add wood backplates along the fence to be able to cut tall baseboard and crown. A very smooth cutter! I have used this model for 15 or so years. Worth every penny and a very good price at amazon! Expect to pay $150.00 for high performance blade.
Hitachi 15" mitersaw 2007-01-24
I've used these saws before so I now what they can do. Hitachi is the only company that makes this size saw to cut the log stock that I use to build log homes. It does all that I ask of it and them some. I am very satisfied with its performance. I am also satisfied with amazon's service. The saw was delivered just like they said it would be and the box was directly from the manufacurer with no damage.
We just bought our second one 
2007-01-20
If you are looking for a precision saw this is not the one to buy if you are looking for a saw that will cut timber then this one will do the job all day long.
We bought our first one 6 years ago. We cut aluminum extrusions as well as wood on the saw, cutting a 3" diameter aluminum bar is a tough go but this saw does it.
The faults that I can make on the saw are
The electric brake could be stronger. We run a 15" carbide blade that weighs about 5lbs so the blade does not stop as fast as we like.
It would great if they added a laser line to it.
The clamps are no good. You have to screw them in or out to adjust them. We adapted a set from a B&D saw.
This saw kicks booty! 2006-07-06
I guess maybe I'm lucky but I've had this saw for about 10 years and of all the tools I own, I'd say it was the most worthwhile tool I've ever bought. I used it, abused it and put it through a lot of work for a few years and then used it to build a custom oak log home. Yes, a totally solid milled OAK log home where every log was 5-1/2" x 7-1/2" and you can imagine how many cuts I had to make building a log home throough thick hard oak. And then came the basement, interior walls, and outside landscaping. And then tons more work and then a lot of custom fence work. I have probably pulled that trigger a million times. I noticed the brake not engaging a few times, maybe less than 10 times over about a million trigger pulls. It's been truly a magnificent saw and would rate it as high as a scale would go. Heavy? Well if you're really slight of build, maybe, but then again, just don't try and take it on the roof! I find the weight just right for the job it is capable of doing, it doesn't bother me and I weigh 190. I've never had any problems or replaced any parts, it just keeps on working whenever I need it to. I just used the stock blade as a backup when the carbide blade I bought got dull from all the oak cutting. The carbide blade I got would leave a glass like finish across the oak cut, it looked like a laser cut it. The best thing to remember is that the blade is big and like a tire, it needs to get up to speed to get a true spin and then cut started. If it wobbles, then you need to get the blade balanced at a professional saw sharpening shop. Trying to slam the blade through heavy stuff before the blade gets up to speed or if the blade is unbalanced will get you a cut that goes (to the)right usually. Keep your blades sharp and make that first 1" cut slow and easy and then it will cut straight and leave that killer finish on hardwoods. All in all, I wouldn't ever consider a "normal" 12" blade after owning this saw unless I had to make sliding compound cuts. Yeah, it also rocks on trim too. But don't forget this is the saw you want when sawing through Pergo or any of that flooring out there. If you're looking for the Arnold of saws, this is it.
Perfect Trim Saw 2006-05-16
I have been using the Hitachi C15FB for about 5 years now. I have found it most usefull for cutting trim including large crown, casing, and baseboard. Although transportation and set-up of the saw can be somewhat difficult if you don't have it mounted to a stand, it performs better than any other miter saw I've used. including (other Hitachi saws, DeWalt, Delta, and Jet)
Pros:
clean, crisp cuts
extremely accurate miters
can't beat a 15" blade
15 amp motor
affordable
Cons:
Heavy
Brake doesn't always engage after trigger release causing the blade to dive.(be carefull!)
as to "dukemans" remark on the plexi guard sticking. I have completely removed the guard which makes lining up the blade to the desired cut line much easier. However, I don't reccomend for an untrained carpenter to do such acts.
The pros definately outweigh the cons, and I would highly recommend this saw to any professional trim carpenter.
Motor fried in two weeks 
2006-03-09
OK, far from great. Blade brake never really did work properly and motor burned out in about two weeks of use (maybe around 10 hours of actual run time) Plexi blade guard would jam up into the housing and not come back down. When it was running it did good work. Based on above I can't recommend it to anyone. In shop now for warranty repair.
