Hitachi C12RSH2 Review - A Compact Miter Saw with a 12” Blade ⋆ UpDweller

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Hitachi C12RSH2 Review – First Look and Calibration

On unboxing the product, we noticed that it’s compact and lightweight. The Hitachi C12RSH2 can make miter cuts at a maximum of 45-degree angle on the left and 57-degree angle on the right. The design is simple and sleek.

The positive stops and indications on the miter gauge as well as the bevel scale comprise a simple knob and lever setup. The best thing about this miter saw is that it is compatible with all universal a miter saw stand. You can also clamp down the saw to a temporary bench using brackets included in the product package.

Out of the box, the Hitachi C12RSH2 is almost ready to use; however, we spend some time to tune it up for precision cutting. Once the miter saw is ready to be used, make sure you test it on a woodpile before starting the actual wood cutting sessions. You can find the Hitachi C12RSH2 here on Amazon.

Cutting Capability and Performance

The 12-inch blade and the large sliding fences provide the miter saw with great cross-cutting capabilities. When you slide the saw on its rails, you’ll find it easier not to add your inputs to the cut, minimizing head deflection and enhancing cut quality. This also implies that the operation is ambidextrous. Irrespective of the cut direction, the vertical handle feels natural. The fence is approximately 5-½-inch tall, so you can easily cut vertical baseboards on the fence.

The bevel-locking system allows you to tilt the miter saw up to 45 degrees in both directions. This feature can be beneficial as it can help you master bevel and compound miter cuts since you won’t have to change the position of the board when cutting at different ends. This is an issue with single bevel saws.

The Laser Marker System by Hitachi accurately marks where the blade will cut on the material, and you can easily adjust it to the left or right of the cut mark basis your preference.

The miter adjustments are somewhat lacking. While you can adjust the right miter to 57 degrees (which is great), you can adjust the left miter to 45 degrees only. So, on the left, deeper cuts can be hard to achieve.

Hitachi C12RSH2’s 15 amp motor is powerful, and the miter saw easily cut through hardwood with only a little pressure. However, since it’s a brushed motor, you may have to replace the brushes off and on. Don’t worry; the brushes are not expensive, and you can easily find them on the market.

All in all, the miter saw comes with good balance, and the cut performance and operation is smooth and streamlined.

Accuracy

Ease of use is not the only factor that should be considered while purchasing a miter saw, especially if you’re a veteran woodworker. Accuracy is also a critical factor that should be considered.

The built-in micro-nob arrangement is exceptionally accurate and simple. Even while setting a miter angle near the built-in positive stops, there is no chance of the miter saw slipping.

Design

An interesting feature of Hitachi C12RSH2 for woodworkers is the zero clearance rail system. The zero clearance rail system will allow you to place the miter saw close to the wall. This will help you save space around your workstation. But, since the bevel-locking lever is located directly at the back of the saw, you’ll have to place the saw some inches away from the wall. This somewhat defeats the purpose of the miter saw’s zero clearance system.

While miter saws typically don’t come with a dust extraction system, Hitachi C12RSH2 is working pretty well here. A large dust collection shroud is attached to the blade. But, we personally don’t like the dust collection shroud as it blocks the blade view as well as the laser as soon as you lower the miter saw. Even though we tried moving the dust collection shroud aside by lower the blade, we couldn’t see the laser clearly. So, there’s some room for improvement in Hitachi C12RSH2’s design.

The miter saw also comes with a soft, vibration-reducing elastomer grip to add comfort and improve control.

Is Hitachi C12RSH2 Suitable for Beginners?

Hitachi has a history of going out of their way to build and design affordable, compact, and easy to use tools for beginners. And, Hitachi C12RSH2 is no different. The miter saw comes with only two removable components – the dust bag and the vice. Other than these two components, you don’t need to make any bevel adjustments or set up any additional parts. You can use the product straight out of the box.

You can adjust the Laser Marker System using a simple knob and to make precise cuts. Positive stops and indicators integrated with the dual bevel sliding system function at instinctive integers and can be set for complex jobs such as crown molding. All these factors come together to make Hitachi C12RSH2 suitable for beginners.

So, if you’re someone who is developing their woodworking skills, Hitachi C12RSH2 can be a good buy. Most of the miter saws on the market come with a plethora of additional features and components to enhance their functionality; Hitachi C12RSH2 provides you with everything you need to get started.

Does Hitachi C12RSH2 Require a Large Storage Space?

Most miter saws on the market, especially those with sliding systems, consume a lot of storage space. Moreover, if you want to make long cuts, you’ll need more space to extend the machinery.

Hitachi C12RSH2 is a compact miter saw, thanks to the patented fixed rail arrangement. The rails are placed inside the machine, eliminating rear clearance. From there, you can make long cuts by sliding the saw along a two-stage rail. So, instead of two to three maneuvers, you can easily make a long cut in one go. Therefore, if you’re looking for a compact bevel saw and have limited space at home, Hitachi C12RSH2 can be a good choice.

Is The Hitachi C12RSH2 Worth It?

The Hitachi C12RSH2 Miter Saw is definitely a good choice whether you are a contractor or homeowner. It's great for both finished and rough woodwork it is prepared for most difficult challenges with its 15 amp motor and dual bevel saw.

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Notable Features of Hitachi C12RSH2

Apart from the features mentioned above, Hitachi C12RSH2 comes with other useful features such as:

A heavy duty base and a sturdy metal frame to clamp the miter saw in place.
A 15 amp motor that churns out an exceptional 3800 RPM.
A vertical handled control to improve cutting accuracy.
A thick, 12-inch blade that can cut through tile materials, masonry, and plumbing.
Durability and versatility.
5-year warranty.
A large cross cutting capacity which is not typically found in miter saws at this price.
A pivoting, tall aluminum fence that allows you to cut crown molding vertically.

Pros and Cons

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Hitachi C12RSH2:

Pros

Stable and quiet
Can easily cut up to 7.5-inch crown molding
Glides effortlessly
The dust collection bag comes with a flexible rubber boot
The 80 tooth blade is thinner and cuts finely
Value for money
Affordable miter saw
Sturdy, heavy duty, and powerful
Comes squared out of the box
Easy to set up
Can cut right next to the wall
Has an adjustable laser can be easily adjusted to achieve perfect cuts
Bevel and compound miter cuts are accurate
Powerful blade brake feature
Highly suitable for cutting hardwood and plywood

Cons

Heavy tool
The dust collection bag blocks the blade view
Can be a little loud in enclosed systems
Needs to be secured to the bench to minimize movement while cutting
The saw can run into the plastic guide during bevel cutting
Bevel stop can slip if not wrenched properly
The saw cannot do a complete bevel in any direction as it hits the blade guard which cannot be removed
You cannot switch between full-depth cut and dialed in-depth cut instantly
Not portable

General Specifications

Product Dimensions	25 x 35 x 28 inches
Product Weight	58 lbs.
Model no.	C12RSH2
Power Source	Corded Electric
Voltage Required	120 V
Wattage	1520 W
The diameter of Saw Blade	12 inches
Bevel	Dual
Electric Brake	Yes
Quick Release Vise	Yes
Spindle Lock	Yes
Miter Stop	Yes
Compound	Yes
Maximum Speed	3800 RPM
UL Safety Listing	Yes
CSA Safety Listing	Yes
ETL Safety Listing	Yes
Laser Guide	Yes
Cordless	No
Miter Cutting Range	0-45 degree (left) 0-57 degree (right)
Included Components	80 tooth 12-inch blade, vice assembly, dust bag, box wrench, holder
Bevel Cutting Range	0-45 degree (left) 0-45 degree (right)
Battery Operated	No

Is Hitachi C12RSH2 worthy?

All in all, the Hitachi Miter C12RSH2 is good for garages and small shops with limited space for sliding compound miter saws. Whether you’re a beginner or a woodwork pro, you can use the Hitachi C12RSH2 to enhance your skills.

In the Hitachi C12RSH2 review, you’ve also seen some drawbacks of the miter saw such as the dust collection shroud visibility issue around the laser and bevel-locking arrangement at the back of the saw. Even though these are a few areas of improvement, the supreme cutting experience overcomes them.

What we care about the most is the cutting quality. As woodworkers, the balance, power, and precision of the miter saw make us happy. When looking for good quality, sturdy compound bevel saw on the market; there are some critical factors you should keep in mind. The Hitachi Miter C12RSH2 is designed mainly for three things – durability, user-friendliness, and range of functionality.

The adjustment systems make Hitachi C12RSH2 a good miter saw for beginners as well as experts. It is a powerful saw designed to last long. With impressive cutting capacity, it is a decent miter saw for any woodwork project.

FAQ’s About Hitachi C12RSH2

Are miter saws dangerous?

Yes. Miter saws are useful, but they can be very dangerous as they operate with great power. The motor generates the force which spins the blade, so if you don’t take the safety measures you can cut yourself badly.

What is the difference between compound miter saws and a sliding compound saw?

The difference between compound miter saws and sliding saw is quite simple, it’s the width of material they can handle and the sliding compound saw having rails that allow forward and backward sliding miter.

How to adjust the Hitachi C12RSH2?

First, you have to lose the bevel handle of the Hitachi saw which is at the back of it, and afterward, adjust the blade until it makes contact with the speed square. The final step is to adjust the handle and tighten it.

Conclusion

If you’re a contractor or homeowner and your projects comprise both finished and rough woodwork, the Hitachi C12RSH2 might be the right tool for you. A sturdy build, a variety of bevel adjustment options to accommodate challenging miter projects, the ability to cut a wide range of stock sizes, significant dual bevel sliding capability, and a 5-year manufacturer warranty – Hitachi C12RSH2 has everything you need at a budget-friendly price.

If you’re a fine cabinetry enthusiast, the Hitachi C12RSH2 will not meet your expectations. The miter saw is value for money and provides great value.