Hitachi - C12RSH Dual Compound Sliding Miter W/Laser Marker (Rating: 5)

I picked this up online re-manufactured. They were having a sale and I had a discount code, so I managed to get it for $235 shipped. I figured at that price, it was worth the risk. I sold my Dewalt 12" non-slider on craigslist for $200, so I am all-in to this saw for $35. And that is actually true, since the Dewalt was a gift!

Using this thing sure is a treat. I had been using my 12" Dewalt non-slider for several years, and we have a 12" Dewalt slider at work. The Dewalts are great, but this Hitachi is better! The Hitachi seems to have finesse and makes the Dewalt seem "brutish". I would say the Hitachi seems to be more aimed at woodworkers, while the Dewalt is more aimed at contractors. Of course, that is just my opinion.

From my experience using lasers on tools when they first came out, I wasn't expecting the laser to be a useful feature, but it turns out that I love it. The fact that the blade doesn't have to be spinning for it to work, and that is is adjustable makes all the difference. I have found that I like the laser on the opposite side of the blade when cutting a lot of miters than I do when just cross cutting, and moving the laser takes just a couple of seconds to get dialed in. I also thought the vertical pistol-grip handle would be uncomfortable, but it feels totally natural.

There were really only 2 reasons I bought this saw. First was the sale price, and second was the way the glide-rails can be used in the forward position, allowing for closer placement to the wall. The only other saws that can do this (that I know of) are Festool and Bosch, and I won't be affording either of those anytime soon. I looked up a few reviews of this saw before my purchase, and everyone seemed happy with it, and as you can tell, I am completed happy with it as well. I highly recommend this saw.