Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Like another reviewer, I had to go through 2 orders before getting a machine that wasn't broke. The first order, which comes by ground (free shipping route), delivered a saw that had a section of the base metal completely busted off from the rest of the frame. Specifically, a triangular section on the bottom which houses one of the angle stops. (Also, two of the tools were missing as well). After having to explain to Amazon that a "replacement part could not be ordered," they finally overnighted me a replacement. I did get a chance to use the first saw because I had wood to cut and I wasn't going to wait. And, I definitely was NOT impressed with the laser. I could hardly see it in broad daylight or in the shade. Nonetheless, I decided to give the replacement a benefit of the doubt--thinking that when the package got dropped, it did something to the laser as well.
So, with a working saw now in my possession, I'm glad I stuck with it. Because the laser is bold, bright, straight and easily seen in the shade as well as broad daylight. My only complaint about the laser is there should be a vertical/angle adjustment of some sort available to the consumer. The only adjustment you can do to the laser (as per the instructions, anyway), refers to horizontal adjustment--left or right side of the blade. I would like the opportunity to adjust the laser from its position on its mount to the wood itself. I would find this very convenient.
The miter digital readout is NOT accurate out of the box. It wasn't for my first saw or the second. It will have to be adjusted. However, other reviewers claim the opposite.
The fences definitely need to be adjusted. They are not true to the blade. For 2X4's or smaller, you'll be fine right out of the box. That's the degree of adjustment we're talking about here. It's not much, but, it is noticeable for wider stock.
Blade changing is a pain in the butt, to be candid. When it comes to saws, there are some things I don't want to spend time on. Changing blades is definitely one of them.
Blade stop. Does it exist? If you're expecting a quick cease in blade rotation after your cut, this isn't the saw for you. Speaking of blade cessation, when you do release the trigger, the saw has an upward kick to it. I find this aggravating. But, I'm sure I'll become accustomed to this idiosyncracy after enough cuts.
The digital readout for bevel cuts is actually the primary reason I bought this saw. And, as it stands, I'm definitely impressed with it. I also like the engineering on the power to the laser and digital meters--each is controlled by its own individual switch. What does this mean to you? You don't have to keep your laser on at all times.
Base rotation and lock are quite smooth and dependable. No complaints whatsoever. The locking knob is plenty big--something I'm happy about.
Conclusion. If you're getting this saw shipped to you, it's a 50/50 chance on whether or not the first one will come in one piece. That is how poor the packaging is. The worst I've seen with a tool--and I order many tools each year. The digital readouts for miter and bevel cuts are without a doubt a trend setter. They will definitely be mocked. {Now... it would be nice is someone invented a compound sliding 12" saw with the laser and the miter/bevel digi-readouts.} The laser is sharp and easily adjustable. The swing open extension fence is a bonus. Not supplying extension rods (from the saw's base) for the price we're paying, I think, is a non-impressive, cheap quality that most of these manufacturers emulate. Hitachi, for the most part, likes to be different. I was very surprised that it did not include the extensions with the saw.
Hope this helps....
Addendum #1. Just finished setting the new saw up. And guess what? The teeth on the blade are damaged! Make sure you check the entire blade over. On mine, I had one tooth missing and 3 that are ready to fall off--sounds like a dental problem. ;0 The fences were poorly aligned. That took about 15 minutes to remedy. How? There are two bolts securing each fence at the rear. Grab your wrench and turn each bolt ONE HALF TURN (is all that's needed). Take your straight edge and place it on the saw base--align both fences to this edge. Then lower your saw, lock it in place, pull up the guard and use a quick grip to lock that up and out of the way as well. Then, take your Square and align one side at a time. When placing the Square against the side of the blade, make certain it is only touch the face of the blade--NO TEETH. After squaring one side, repeat the procedure on the opposing side. Wrap it all up by making a wide cut--measure and validate.
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