Hitachi C12LSH 15 Amp 12-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter saw with Laser Guide and Digital Bevel Display

• 12-inch sliding compound miter saw with miter bevel digital display; positive stops (0, 15, 22-1/2, 31.6, and 45 degrees right and left)
• 15-amp motor; 4-11/16-inch tall fence to vertically cut molding; micro bevel and miter adjustment knobs for dialing into precise angles
• Stainless steel detent plate; carbide blade, soft grip
• Includes TCT 60-tooth saw, blade, vise assembly, dust bag, 17-millimeter box wrench
• 23-7/16 by 36-5/8 by 27-15/16 inches; 66.1 pounds; 5-year warranty

Till now, getting more cutting capacity from a sliding compound miter saw meant giving up more floor space in your shop to allow for the slide rails. We're not at all surprised it was Hitachi who came up with the innovation that keeps the capacity yet needs no clearance behind the saw -- after all, it was Hitachi who came up with the slide in the first place.

The C12LSH is packed with high-end features and Hitachi precision, garnering it the title of one of the Top 10 Innovative Tools for 2006 by Workbench Magazine. Aside from the inspired zero-clearance design, its most impressive facet might well be its capacity. Combining the slide with the 12-inch blade, you get an awesome 12-1/4-inch max width and an impressive depth of 4-3/16 inches. Even at a 45-degree right bevel and a 45-degree right miter, the max width is still a generous 8-5/8 inches and a max depth of 1-3/4 inches. And even if that stock is oak or hard maple, this saw is not intimidated and cuts beautifully without hesitation, with a 15-amp motor behind it. The large pivoting fence supports your stock up to 4-11/16 inches, plenty to cut most crown moldings vertically.

We love the LCD digital readout of the miter and bevel angles, relieving us of having to hunch and squint at the gauges. Keep in mind that this LCD reads out in half-degree increments, which may not be specific enough for the most excruciatingly detailed work, but for most of us, it's more than adequate. Another nice feature is the ability to fine-tune your setting, whether bevel or miter, with the micro adjustment knobs that put absolute precision at your fingertips.

Whether you're a fan of the laser cutline or not, we still think it's a great, useful innovation, because a little extra accuracy insurance is always a good thing. Hitachi's laser design is patented, controlled by a micro-dial that lets you adjust the line to the right or left of the cut. And unlike those on other saw brands, the laser isn't mounted to the arbor and projects even when the blade is not moving. Sounds too good to be true? Okay, there are two downsides, as we see it. First is something you already expect with a miter saw - the dust collection is minimal. The second item in the column is this saw's considerable weight - nearly 70 pounds - that might make it cumbersome to tote to job sites. If you're planning to keep in it your shop, we don't think you can do better than this saw for accuracy, features, adjustability, capacity and power. It's a joy to use. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What's in the Box
Saw, 12-inch TCT blade, dust bag, vice assembly, box wrench