Compound Miter Saw: Hitachi or Skil?
Hi all-- My husband has put a compound miter saw on his Christmas list. Of course, I know ZERO about tools in general, much less a miter saw. Ther...
Hi all--
My husband has put a compound miter saw on his Christmas list. Of course, I know ZERO about tools in general, much less a miter saw.
There are two such saws that are in my price range and have good ratings. However, they have different features so I would really appreciate some advice from all you handy men/women out there! 
Here are the options--these are from www.lowes.com since they seemed to have better variety and better brands/ prices than Home Depot. I'll include item and model #s in case you want to look them up:
1) Hitatchi 10-inch Compound Miter Saw w/ Laser
Item #: 40806, model #: C10FCH2 Price: $149.99
2) Skil Heavy-Duty 10-inch Single Bevel Laser Compound Miter Saw
Item #: 26170, Model #: M3800-01 Price: $159.99
I have no idea what a 'single bevel' is (Skil saw has, Hitach doesn't), so I don't know if it would be good or bad to have. Anyway, I would very much appreciate any advice on which of these would be the better gift. Thank you!:)
If Hitachi C10fch2 10 Inch Miter Saw With Laser is available on eBay, you can find it below at a great price!
Neither…Go on E-Bay you will save hundreds and have a much better choice of saws. I prefer “Porter Cable” and have been building and remodeling for over thirty five years.
I agree with above answer except I would get a Dewalt. Dewalt are the best tools made. The “bevel” refers to the tilt of the saw either left or right – to make a compound cut. A single bevel only tilts to the right so you have to turn the piece you are cutting around to make the other cut.
Although the price you have for the Skil saw is a great price! If I had to choose between those 2 I would probably take the Hitachi.
I would go with the Skil saw as bevel just means it can change degrees in which it cuts…
Either is good – look for material support brackets that extend beyond the saw table, these are helpful. A dust bag, higher amp motor (Hitachi motor is probably better if same amps) and solid
feel would tip the scale. Unless your husband is a semi-pro your price range is right.
Tools for your husband! Your a GOOD wife!
Hitachi if you got to choose. Dewalt on eBay best bet.
Dewalt has the best line of mitre saws, but your going to pay for quality a compound 12″ will cost a easy $700, it depends on the amount of use 3 times a year or everyday. I buy the best because my living depends on my tools. Note about the laser guidance they work well if properly allined, they get out of wac they are worthless, I have gave up on the laser issue with saw’s.
I would not buy either of these saws. They are not well made and are too small to be of good use.
Probably the best place to buy power tools on-line is 7 corners hardware. They happen to be located in ST Paul MN, but do a huge mailorder business.
Close to your budget would be the Dewalt 703 at $209 at 7 Corners price. It is a well made and high scoring saw. I own it’s big brother and am quite happy with it.
http://www.7corners.com/7c_store/showdetl.cfm?DID=1&offerings_ID=777&ObjectGroup_ID=72&CATID=17
Astrobuf
First question would be how often would the saw get used? If the saw would only be used periodically from doing home or hobby stuff then I would go with one less expensive. But if you want a straight answer, consumer reports rates the Hitachi #: C10FCH2 3rd on the list of miter saws, the Rigid and Dewalt are 1st and 2nd, the Skill doesn’t even rate. If he doesn’t have a table saw yet, I would get one of those instead. I am sure you can find one around the price you paying for your miter saw. I bought one and wish I would have bought the table saw first, would have used it more that the miter saw. God bless and Good luck.
if you really want to save money, and get a good compound miter saw, go to harborfreighttools.net, they’ve go a coumpound miter saw, with glide, for $150 it’s brand is chicago tools. i’ve got one and love it, and got it on sale there, for $99. it might be under, harborfreighttools.com your husband will love the added feature of the glide too!
Instead of going with a word of mouth, I agree with one of the other posters by doing your homework. One publication is Consumer Reports, another good magazine for non-biased info is Tauton’s 2008 Tool Guide. Finally, take a stroll into the garage to see what other tools your husband is comfortable with. In many cases, us men are creatures of habit, we like what we are used to, including our tools. Many of us have a certain brand loyalty, especially if the tools we have has lasted a long time.
I went to the lowes site and looked at them both. I would want the skil, it has more features for the type of use your husband will need.
At this price range I wouldn’t think there is a lot to choose between them. Personally I would go with the Hitachi, purely for the added convenience of the dual bevel.