Hitachi C12RSH2 Review: Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Hitachi is a famous brand in the electric appliance industry, so it’s not surprising that they’re also part of the power tool industry. If you are looking for a high-performance miter saw that is also a 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Saw, in that case, you can read the full Hitachi C12RSH2 review.

The brand provides a wide range of tools to make your work easier. The C12RSH2 is a good example of what Hitachi brings to the miter saw a niche, and it comes with features that many appreciate. Check out some of the features and benefits that make the miter saw top-rated on the market today.

Hitachi C12RSH2 Review

Hitachi C12RSH2 Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Compact Design

The Hitachi C12RSH2 uses a fixed rail design that doesn’t need rear clearance to make room for the sliding rail extension. Basically, this means that you can put it in tight workspaces without sacrificing even a little bit of your cutting capacity.

You can even use this while you set it against a wall. This design cuts 12 inches from the usual footprint you need. It also has tall sliding fences that can go up to 5⅛ inches. This means you can cut up to 7.5-inch crown molding vertically.

Accurate Cuts

It miters to the left by 45 degrees, and to the right up to 57 degrees. For bevel cuts, you also get a 45-degree angle range so that you don’t need to flip the workpiece to make a bevel cut on the opposite side. The saw blade flips instead, so the workpiece stays in place.

You have positive stops on both the bevel and miter scales so you can set your angles quickly and easily. The measurements are all easy to read too. The vertical handle also gives you great control over the saw, because the comfy elastomer grip reduces the vibrations that reach your hand.

Glide System

The compact glide system of the Hitachi C12RSH2 is one unique feature that sets the tool from its competitors. When you are using other types of miter saws, you need rear clearance but this is not the case with the tool. It gives you the chance to use it without the need for any rear clearance.

It has a patented fixed rail system that makes it possible for the head to glide on the two rails with ease. Because the rails of the miter saw do not stick from the back of the saw, they are always in place making it easy to use the tool in tight workplaces.

Adjustable Laser Line

Lasers are a big plus in miter saws. Many tool owners love this feature in miter saws because it gives room for accurate and precise cutting. The Hitachi C12RSH2 features lasers that are very easy to adjust. You just need to turn the knob to get the right adjustment depending on your liking. With this, it becomes pretty simple to hone the laser on any side of the blade. Additionally, you even have an adjustable laser marker so that you can make accurate cuts even if you’re a newbie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HuBR0qjgvY

YouTube Video Credit Eric Osterhout

Comfort

When you are using a miter saw, comfort should be the main consideration. You need to feel very comfortable when you are working with your tool, and this is exactly how you feel with the Hitachi C12RSH2. The saw has a vertical handle featuring soft vibration-reducing elastomer grips that promote comfort and control. You can use the miter saw for an extended period without getting your hand fatigued.

Carbon Brush Access

Dust and other debris can compromise the performance of the miter saw if you reach the motor. This is why many miter saws have a carbon brush to prolong the life of the tool. With time, the brush wears out and hence you need to replace it to boost the performance of the tool. The Hitachi C12RSH2 has easy carbon brush access which gives you a simple time when you want to replace the old brush.

Positive Stops

When you are cutting materials like crown molding, you do not want to spend much time. The miter positive stops help you save time; you read measurements with ease as well as achieve quick settings. It has positive stops at 45 and 31.6 degrees which is ideal for crown molding. Other positive steps include 22.5, 15, and 0 degrees. Use the small knob on the miter saw to fine-tune the required miter angle.

Powerful 15-Amp Motor

The miter saw has a belt-driven motor that gives you the chance to cut through different materials. The motor provides enough power to handle any cutting job with ease. You can use this miter saw for both simple and tough cutting tasks and achieve the desired outcome.

The above are some of the bestselling features I covered in the Hitachi c12rsh2 review. All these features make the miter saw unique and easy to use. The saw has the best features that are not common in other miter saws.

What we liked

  • It comes with a powerful motor.
  • It’s very compact.
  • It tilts to the left and right for bevel cuts.
  • You can get accurate cuts easily.
  • There’s a warranty for 5 years.
  • The handle provides you with comfort and control.
  • Has an adjustable laser line.
  • No rear clearance required when in use.

 What we didn’t like

  • At 59 pounds, it’s a challenge to transport if you have to carry it.
  • You don’t get the micro-adjust feature anymore.

Hitachi C12RSH Review

This is one of the most popular and highly rated miters saw on the market. The miter saw features a strong 15 amp motor with a high speed of up to 3800 RPM. This means that you can cut almost through anything to get the desired results.

Another notable feature of this miter saw is the adjustable laser line. This is one of the newest technologies in the miter saw industry. The lasers are important because they make it simple to hone the laser on any side of the blade. The laser line of the miter saw is also easy to adjust by just turning the knob.

Cutting through crown molding has never been easier. The tool is designed with a dual bevel that makes your work easy. It can bevel up to 45 degrees in any direction. It also has a nifty knob that you can use to fine-tune the beveling angle.

If you have experienced trouble changing the blades of your current miter saw, you will love using this tool. It provides you with a simple one-step process when you are changing the blades. It has a push-button lock and outboard support featuring a ball bearing that provides blade stability, cutting accuracy, and longer life.

When you are working with a miter saw, most probably there will be dust when you cut different materials. To keep your work area neat, this miter saw features a dust collection system that collects all the dust.

It is worth noting that this model has been discontinued by the manufacturer. However, some are still available at discounts online and garage stores at very affordable prices.

Hitachi C12RSH Specifications

  • Blade diameter of 12 inches.
  • 15 amp motor.
  • No-Load Speed: 3,800 RPM.
  • Has a laser marker.
  • Weighs 63.9lbs.
  • Fixed splinter guard.
  • Digital display.
  • Left-right beveling cutting range (0-45 degrees).
  • Doesn’t need rear clearance.
  • Micro-bevel adjuster.

Hitachi C12RSH2 Review

This is one of the latest models of the C12RSH that was released in 2016. This miter saw resembles the C12RSH in different aspects and features. When it comes to motor power and zero clearance, the two miter saws have the same.

This is one amazing tool that doesn’t limit you to any project. It is designed with a large and thick blade that makes it easy when you are cutting through masonry, plumbing, and other materials. Additionally, with its adjustable depth and positive stops, you can get your projects done pretty fast.

This saw is accurate and features a sturdy design. It can tilt 57 degrees right and 45 degrees left. This brings about flexibility when you are handling your projects.

Just like the previous model, this one is also designed with a dust collection system. All the dust that results from cutting projects is collected in one place and this ensures that you have a neat working environment.

Just like the predecessor, this one also features a laser marker system that is easy to adjust with a knob. After setting it straight, it will take a little time when you are cutting different materials.

Another amazing thing about the miter saw is that it is designed in a way that it is easy to access the carbon brush as compared to other miter saws. You can change the brush of the tool pretty easily to prolong the life of the saw.

When it comes to safety, you can depend on this tool. It features a transparent blade guard and many other great safety features that enhance a simple operation. In fact, this is one of the safest miter saws you will find on the market.

In a nutshell, the Hitachi C12RSH2 miter saw has all the features of the Hitachi C12RSH which makes it an amazing tool.

Hitachi C12RSH2 Specifications

  • Doesn’t have a micro-bevel adjuster.
  • The sliding fence of up to 5-1/8.
  • Same power and performance specifications with the Hitachi C12RSH.

Hitachi C12RSH VS Hitachi C12RSH2

Now that I have covered the two miter saw reviews and they seem to have almost the same features, what are some of the factors that differentiate the saws?

Basically, there are no major differences between the tools. Some of the notable differences are that the C12RSH2 model has different dimensions. Again, it doesn’t have a micro-bevel adjuster that is present in the C12RSH model.

Another notable difference between the two saws is that the C12RSH2 has a relatively larger sliding fence which allows you to cut larger materials up to 5-1/8 inches while the previous model cuts materials from 4-11/16.

Additionally, the C12RSH2 comes with a long warranty of 5 years which gives you some value for your purchase as well as peace of mind.

Now, I believe that you can tell the difference between the two miter saws when you are making a purchase. From the review, the C12RSH2 model is the latest version which comes with some additional features. Therefore, I do not find the need for purchasing a product that has been discontinued by the manufacturer.

You can only buy it if you are getting it at a very considerable deal. Otherwise, I wouldn’t recommend buying a discontinued product. The C12RSH2 is a perfect tool for beginners because it has effective features that will help you sharpen your skills. Additionally, it comes with everything that you need to get started.

Check the video below for a clear understanding of the review of Hitachi C12RSH2 with a video version:

Frequently Asked Questions

How wide is the base?

It’s 630 mm wide, and that’s 54 mm wider than the earlier C12RSH.

What are the positive miter angle stops?

They’re set at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees.       

Final Verdict

This is the miter saw you want if you really want to improve your wood cutting efficiency. It’s great for small workshops with tight spaces, it’s easy to get accurate cuts, and you can work on large pieces. With its impressive cutting capacities, you can really do a lot of work for your DIY projects.

I believe after going through the Hitachi C12RSH2 review, you can now confidently purchase the miter saw for all your cutting tasks. It is a great tool that is ideal for both professionals and beginners. Get it today and enjoy accurate cuts and other amazing features.

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Hi there, technology lovers and DIY enthusiasts! My name is Alvin, and I am an admin for this blog. I am a techno-geek and a DIY enthusiast, making this blog the right place to share all my knowledge with you to make your life easier in terms of technology.