Hitachi C8FB2 9.5 Amp 8 1/2 Inch Sliding Compound Miter saw

Editorial Review
Hitachi's' 8-1/2-inch sliding compound miter saw is a tried-and-true favorite with professionals, who value its solid construction and reliable accuracy. It has a 9-1/2 amp motor with an electric brake, 11 positive miter stops, and 4 positive stops on the bevel gauge. We like the big wide table, the hefty base construction, and the embossed numbers and markers of the miter gauge. While the sliding fence is clearly designed with easy adjustment in mind, it's less durable than we would like to see and not too tall. The blade guard operates smoothly and doesn't obstruct the visibility of the work--an improvement over previous versions that had a tendency to hang up. This saw was among the first sliding compound miter saws out, and its solid, reliable design hasn't changed much or lost popularity, even after several years on the market and a lot more competition. Due to its solid construction, it remains accurate after a long time on the job, making it a consistent favorite with professional trim carpenters and everyone else whose work depends on exactitude. People who want the accuracy this saw offers but need more thickness capacity and the convenience of a double-bevel saw may want to consider Hitachi's 10-inch sliding compound miter saw. -- 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

Master Stair Builder

2007-09-24
I own two 10 inch sliders. The Hatachi C8FB2 8-1/2 inch slider is the best saw for field work. This saw is very durable. It will give you many years of daily use.I have been using my first Hatachi 8-1/2" since 1991.The new saw was baught for a second set up.

Thank You,
Ray Baker
Baker Osborne Companies, LLC

review of saw

2006-11-09
The saw is a good saw but is very limited. It only bevels in one direction and it cannot cut most trim standing upright. If there is any way i could return it for another saw, mabey even an upgrade i would really appreciate it.

Hitachi compound saw review

2006-11-03
I have been using these saws for over ten years and I would not use any thing else. I am a subcontractor doing interior trim and cabinets and we put these saws through the works. I am presently using one that is 8 years old.

Small saw with big saw attitude

2006-09-24
I usually agree with Tim Allen's "more power" philosophy and had to think a while before choosing an 8-1/2" saw over the 10" models. I am happy with my decision.

The primary reason for buying bigger chop saws is to cut wider boards. A 12" chop saw cuts a wider board than a 10". However, that reasoning doesn't apply to a sliding saw - a 10" cuts about the same width board as the 8-1/2". Another reason for a bigger saw is power and I was skeptical about the 8-1/2 when I set it up. However, I cut primarily hardwoods and have found the 8-1/2 adequately powered. As other reviewers point out, the 8-1/2 only bevel cuts to the left. That is a definite negative, but you can usually rotate the board and compensate. To me, getting the lighter weight without giving up board size and cutting power (small saw with big saw attitude) tipped the scale toward the 8-1/2. The shorter fence bothered me at first - I was accustomed to taller fences - but I have not found it to be a problem and I am VERY fussy on cut accuracy.

Some advice to Hitachi: This is a great portable saw and you can make it nearly perfect if you modify the design to bevel both directions and make the stops a bit easier to click into.

No need to buy this saw

2006-07-22
I originally purchased mine for toting up and down some scaffolding on a siding job, but in retrospect it's not worth the cost. I recently found the Makita 7.5" sliding miter saw which only weighs 28 lbs. Buy the Makita if you must have a lightweight saw. Also, the Hitachi mitering stop mechanism needs a serious rethinking and redesign. It's just way too sloppy to stay at zero. Mine has a little play which is annoying. Zero means Zero (90^deg)!!! I appreciate a stop mechanism that is sure and snaps into place with no bones about it, like the Dewalt. While the 8.5" may be the 'original' slider, you will be better served with a 10" that bevels left and right....

My most loaned Tool

2008-06-24
I've owned this saw for almost 4 years, and it has earned a quite a reputation among "loanees" including a professional cabinet maker and a flooring contractor. It's admittedly not the most feature laden, and you can't cut 4X4's in a single pass, but for me and my needs it just keeps getting the job done, time after time. It's my wife's favorite power tool, primarily because of it's light weight and quick setup. I've added a Forrest blade, removed the dust bag and rigged a vacuum port in its place. I guess a laser guide would be nice, but it's easy to see exactly where the cut is going to go by touching the blade to the stock. I was a little tenative when I decided to buy a miter saw, so I went for this model due to its low price and I couldn't be happier.

DESIGN FLAWS

2008-05-10
I've waited about six months before I wrote this review and I've put the saw through some work. The adage "you get what pay for" is remarkably true for this product. I purchased this at when Hitachi had a special for under three hundred. I also got a router. At the time I thought it was a good deal. Now I realize this will not be my final shop mitre saw. That says alot doesn't it.

The problem-this saw cannot cut a 4x4 without flipping. Without modification this saw cannot cut a 4x4 at all. In order to cut a 4x4 I had to permanantly take off the blade guard and bend the blade guard holder back(it is held to the body of the saw by a small easily stripped phillips screw. If this saw could cut a 4x4 in one pass I would give it five stars because in others respects it really is solid.

Absolute work horse!

2008-03-25
Short and sweet. I used this exact saw at work for 5 years in a shop where 4 different people absolutely abused it. It ran like a champ and always cut true and straight. So given my knowlege of this saw, when my craftsman chop saw went down it was a no brainer. BUY THIS SAW! You will not be disappointed.

An Excellent Saw !

2008-03-05
With this saw I've built everyting from furniture to trim work to framing additions. It has great accuracy, is portable and does everythig I ask of it - day in - day out for years already. I laugh when friends see it, then go out and buy a dewalt 12" because its bigger/cheaper etc. & then complain about the dewalt's weight, accuracy and power up on long extension cords. I've run into quite a few profesional trim guys using this saw - same story - the Hitachi 8.5" is a great saw.

Good Product.

2008-03-02
Great, no cons to mention.
Got a great router with it.
Good buy.