Hitachi C8FB2 9.5 Amp 8-1/2-Inch Sliding Compound Miter saw

by Hitachi

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Hitachi's' 8-1/2-inch sliding compound miter saw is a tried-and-true favorite with professionals, who value its solid construction and reliable accuracy. It has a 9-1/2 amp motor with an electric brake, 11 positive miter stops, and 4 positive stops on the bevel gauge. We like the big wide table, the hefty base construction, and the embossed numbers and markers of the miter gauge. While the sliding fence is clearly designed with easy adjustment in mind, it's less durable than we would like to see and not too tall. The blade guard operates smoothly and doesn't obstruct the visibility of the work--an improvement over previous versions that had a tendency to hang up. This saw was among the first sliding compound miter saws out, and its solid, reliable design hasn't changed much or lost popularity, even after several years on the market and a lot more competition. Due to its solid construction, it remains accurate after a long time on the job, making it a consistent favorite with professional trim carpenters and everyone else whose work depends on exactitude. People who want the accuracy this saw offers but need more thickness capacity and the convenience of a double-bevel saw may want to consider Hitachi's 10-inch sliding compound miter saw. -- Brian Trinen

Choosing a Miter Saw
Miter saws are versatile tools that have become a mainstay of workshops everywhere. These powerful saws make angled cuts by pulling a circular blade down onto a workpiece with a short, controlled plunge. It might appear that miter saws are infinitely complex and varied, but there are only three general types. The type you choose will depend on your woodworking needs.

Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile off the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.

Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.

Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.

• Electric brake: Reverses the flow of electricity when the saw's trigger is released. This is an important safety feature that slows the blade quickly in case of emergency.
• Blade guard: Most miter saws have self-retracting guards that withdraw when the saw is lowered for use, and reappear when it is raised.
• Laser guide: Gives a precise visual line where the cut will occur on your workpiece.
• Dust bag: Helps collect sawdust for a clearer, more tidy cutting area.
• Shaft lock: Immobilizes the shaft and blade for quicker, easier blade changes.
• Table extensions: Mount on either side of the saw to help balance longer workpieces.

Miter Saw Blades
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.

• Steel: Inexpensive and good for cutting soft woods or plywoods. Sharpness diminishes quickly in tougher materials.
• High-Speed Steel: More rugged than steel blades, and great for cutting harder woods.
• Carbide-Tipped: More expensive than other blades but much more durable. Maintain sharpness over a longer period.

From Hanley-Wood's Tools of the Trade

The updated old standby in slide saws. This model's new, improved blade guard works well. The small dial marks on bevel miter scale are hard to read. The 32-tooth blade cuts rough; the saw needs a blade with more teeth. Comfortable and smooth slide action, though it could use rubber stops to keep it from banging. The auxiliary slide fence, the same as on the C10FS, works well. This model hasn't changed much over the years; it's still a great saw for the money. Copyright Hanley-Wood, LLC

Product Details

Product Manual [348kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 19 x 23 x 28 inches ; 51 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 53.4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000223L2
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: C8FB2
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #137,919 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #87 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Saws > Miter Saws

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great saw- beware though of wrong info above from manufactur, August 4, 2000

By 

Mike S. Macfarland (Redding, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hitachi C8FB2 9.5 Amp 8-1/2-Inch Sliding Compound Miter saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

As the owner of a trim carpentry business with 5 employees, I have to admit this saw is the most versatile I have found. Each employee has one entrusted to him, and I have tried the other brands and even own the new 10" Hitachi dual-beveling saw. The point that needs to be made is that the description at this time from the manufacturer says that this saw bevels both directions- which it does not. It miters both directions, but only bevels to the left. The larger ten inch Hitachi bevels both ways, and it a nice saw to own also. The beauty of this saw, though, it that it lasts practically forever, is lightweight, and versatile. We cut up to 24" shelving by cutting one direction, then flipping it over and finishing the cut. We cut miles of crown flat with it using compound mitre and bevel cuts, and it's not a big deal to flip your piece around.(Most of the time, we use a crown that you can flip over and cut due a flat profile instead of handling the long length again) Buy this saw, you will enjoy it.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than most 10" sliding compounds, August 31, 2004

By 

J. Hagen (Pasadena, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hitachi C8FB2 9.5 Amp 8-1/2-Inch Sliding Compound Miter saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have used DeWalts 12" DW708 and Delta's Sidekick 10" slide compound and the Hitachi 10 slide compound. I have been building cabinets and doing a lot of finish carpentry for years. What I like about the smaller Hitachi 8.5", is that it does not have the "head flex" problem that some of these larger saws have when you slide them out on larger lumber or crown moulding. I can flex most 10" slide compounds almost 1/8" when all the way out. Most average consumers won't notice this. But when you are cutting 5 and 6 inch crown all day and you want peices to fit like laser accuracy, you need something with STABILITY, this is more important than all the fancy features. And the smaller Hitachi cuts the most accurate "crosscuts" I have ever experienced, the other saws tend to "kink" under their own power and start making their own line as you cut. If you want accuracy, BUY this saw. If all you care about is a big fence, table, etc... buy something else.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lay it Down, August 17, 2001

By 

Jon k Rich (Pleasantview, UTAH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hitachi C8FB2 9.5 Amp 8-1/2-Inch Sliding Compound Miter saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I've owned this saw for over 5 years now and will most likely grab another one for the crew. It doesn't get anymore percise than this unit.We work on exclusive homes on a daily basis that are loaded with sizeable moldings.A little clue to those who try and cut everything standing up, LAY IT DOWN. You can be much more accurate with your molding laying on a flat serface,specificaly large crowns and baseboards.So my advise to Bobby from Boulder is to learn how to use that exspensive saw you speak so pourly of or just work with 3" moldings for the rest of your days.