Posted in Saws (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
By Bosch.
The regular list price is $1,000.00.
Sells new for $478.99.
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5 comments about Bosch 4410L 15-Amp 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw.
- This is the best "chop" saw I have ever owned. I didn't even have to make any adjustments. It was set up perfect right out of the box. It's very easy to operate. When you look at it you can tell that a great deal of thought went into the design. It is very easy to use. The dust collection bag does not work real well, so I hooked up to a dust collector.
- This is the highest rate tool of it's kind by FINE WOODWORKING MAGAZINE. My soon to be son-in-law, who happens to be a Master carpenter in Seattle and I discussed this purchase and this is the tool the finish carpenters have on the job sites in Seattle. The Bosch cut square right out of the box and all the controls come " easy to hand". Bosch got the ergonomics right and it's a pleasure to use this tool.
- This is one excellent piece of machinery. I evaluated multiple products before selecting the Bosch. Quality tools help produce quality work. Even though there are extensive direction for making adjustments this tool was ready to go right out of the box. I was cutting trim molding for my home in record time. The sliding mechanism and bevel are easy to adjust and smooth as silk. Highly recommend. Would have given it a prefect score except the laser seems to be an add on and not an integrated part of the saw. The laser line does not mark the exact point that the blade is going to cut so you need to learn to adjust for it.
- read a bunch of reviews before ordering this, and saw a bunch of others in person at sears/lowes/home depot before passing on those and ordering this one, which i couldn't find locally.
some things i didn't see while glancing through the other reviews...
1) comes with a pretty decent 80 tooth blade that cuts as clean as most table saw blades, so it's not necessary to buy a new one instantly as it is with some others
2) no other 10" saw i found had as much range of movement as this one, it goes 55 on one side and 60 on the other
3) stops and locks that are well laid out and easy to set/unset, which is a huge plus if you use this for more than just framing up 2x4s. this could double as a radial arm saw for most functions, actually, with clever use of the stops and locks
4) seems rugged enough for every day use but it's not overly heavy. i took it straight upstairs in my house after unboxing it and set it up in a room i'm remodeling and had no trouble carrying it up the stairs by myself. every other saw i found with this much range of movement was 12" and not nearly as easy to carry
5) bevel adjustment is on the front as well, which is a plus for not having to reach around the back of the saw to tilt the blade
- I have been limping along with a little $90 cheap saw. This is my first real one! I have just set it up and am impressed with the adjustability of EVERYTHING. Put a square on it and every thing is right on out of the box. The up front controls are great. Clear markings take the guess work out. I dont know how I got along with out this saw.
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Posted in Saws (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
By Makita.
The regular list price is $1,115.00.
Sells new for $599.00.
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5 comments about Makita LS1214FL 15 Amp 12-Inch Dual Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw with Laser and Fluorescent Light.
- I have used it quite a bit since receiving it this June. It is easy to use - and accurate - even for a novice or non-pro!
In my use - the laser came in much more handy than I anticipated and is dammed accurate. Measuring to keep the right side of the cut - it's Dead-On! What is red - will remain - and cut will be precisely to left of red.
Be aware that laser will be hard to see in direct sunlight - but that can't be helped.
I have used the fluorescent light more than I ever anticipated to.
Be prepared to get some sort of cart or stand - or - plan on leaving it clamped down in one place. This thing is too big to be moving around much - and much movement by hand will require more "re-setting" the miter and bevel.
I got the Rigid "MSUV" (Miter Saw Utility Vehicle) from Home Depot and am very pleased. It is well thought out and very handy. It has big wheels for easier moving. Ends (with adjustable rollers) - that extend out from the platform on either side about 5 to six feet and sets up easily. Your miter essentially mounts permantly on the MSUV.
- I've been doing the finish on my high end projects for close to 30 years. During that time I've had the opportunity to use most of the saws on the Market.
When you're picky about results and spend much of your time cutting trim, the Makita Dual Bevel Compound Sliding miter saws are as good as it gets. I've had and used the 10" version for a decade, and it'll do 99.99% of trim jobs without challenging one's creativity. I bought the 12" this time as I've recently been encountering projects where the larger blade helps.
If you're a fan of, and are satisfied with your Hitachi or Dewalt saw, stop reading now. Don't spend time on the Makita and you'll remain perfectly happy. Good results may be obtained with any of these saws. To me, the Hitachi always felt clunky, and the handle design causes my wrist to ache after a few hours of continued use. The Dewalt is a monster... a strong saw I've spent many hours using recently and trying to love, but it too lacks the finesse of the Makita, and the handle hurts my wrist in another location. Watch out for the torque upon braking... keep your work-piece AND FINGERS well away from the blade before releasing the trigger.
The Makita saws shine. The table is BY FAR the most stable. The fence adjusts easily to just how you need it and the clamp adjusts quickly to help secure the work-piece when wanted. Unlike on the other saws, the guard is brilliant... the most cleverly engineered guard ever... it almost reads your mind by almost never getting in your way regardless of the miter you're cutting, and in those rare times where the fence would interfere, it's easy to slap a piece of tape on to keep it up and away during that cut. That's a big deal to do on the other saws. The extension wings are useful and also handy for carrying the saw from setup to setup. The saw glides smoothly on the slides when cutting, and I've never given a thought to the handle... no pain, no strain... it's just naturally in the right place. I like these saws.
Tips for peak performance on any of the sliding saws... Use a very sharp "regular" thickness blade on miter saws when working hardwoods. The additional thickness and strength reduces "walking" in the center of the compound miter cut. Save the thin-kerf blades for your table saw. Periodically clean the dust and dirt from the swiveling surfaces between the table and body, and lubricate with a DRY lubricant... I use the spray on Bostik Top Cote. Great stuff. You'll be amazed at how easily the table will turn when adjusting angles. Use the Top Cote on the table top and guard also... Just spray it on, wait a few minutes, then wipe off the dried residue with a rag or paper towel. The greatly reduced friction will then allow your work-piece to glide smoothly and quickly into position for cutting, and save having to "jiggle" the piece up to the blade. Think about it... Top Cote will not affect finishing. The painters will love you. Even the fussy waterborne lacquer finishes I often use are unaffected. WD40 and the like attract dust and dirt, can cause problems with finishing, and should never be used on tool tables.... if you care.
If you're considering buying the Makita saws, I hope this helps with your decision. Should you already have one, enjoy, and know you're working with the best.
- I bought this Makita LS1214FL Nine month's ago. At first I was pleased with it, but after eight month's of use the table got to where it would not turn to the left or right with out grinding. Also the handle would not lock down. I took it to the local Nashville, TN service center to get it repaired. They called me back & told me they had repaired it. I went and picked it up. When I got back to work I tried it out and to my suprise the positive stops would no longer work & the front handle still would not lock down. I took it back to them & they repaired it again. 2 days later the base would not turn again. I would not buy this miter saw again.
- Blade that comes with it is sweet and leaves a fine finish. Laser is accurate and a nice feature. Side mounted gauge takes some getting used to but all in all I think the saw is a winner.
- In my thirty years of carpentry this is the most precise and smoothest operating saw I have ever used.
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Posted in Saws (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
By DEWALT.
The regular list price is $99.00.
Sells new for Too low to display.
There are some available for $69.99.
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5 comments about DEWALT DW304PK Heavy-Duty 10 Amp Reciprocating Saw.
- I have used this reciprocating saw a lot in recent days & glad I bought it. It replaced a Porter Cable Tiger. Over all I like the features better of the dewalt. The quick change release & the different blade positions are very helpful. I'm very satisfied & recommend this product.
- I received this saw for Christmas and let me tell you it fita all my needs around the house. So far no cutting job I have had is too big for this saw. A couple of weeks ago I had to make room in my garage for a workshop expansion. I had decided to get rid of my old Universal weight gym (one of those giant multi-stationed pieces of steel. I was curious if this saw would cut through it. Let me tell you, after about 30 mins I had that monstrousity laying in a pile of 12" pieces. This saw had no issues making the cuts.
The saw was comfortable to hold, although my hands did tingle from the vibrations. I think that is more due to the fact that I was cutting free standing pieces rather anything that was weel secured. Great saw, great price. Love it.
- my order arrived fast in an undamaged package. this is a great addition to my home tools, good value
- I think this dewalt saw is the best for the money. it has plenty of power and is relatively small. One suggestion, buy some good quality blades. It comes with one, but you will need more trust me. Milwaukee makes a great set that I bought here on Amazon. Oh, and it comes with a case which comes in real handy and my new set of Milwaukee blades fit in there too. So if you need one of these look no further, unless your a pro and use it constantly then get the bigger one, but this is perfect for me.
- Very handy tool . . . use for cutting tree branches, landscape timbers, or for metal instead of a hacksaw (bolts, rebar, heavy sheet metal, etc). The worst problem I have with mine is that I store it in its nice steel case, and keep forgetting that I own it until I have been fiddling with some hand tool for too long. Should hang this on a hook in the garage for quick accessibility. Fairly lightweight and very rugged. Nice variable speed response. Note: I also recommend keeping a blade assortment ready at hand (you can buy blade assortments on Amazon at a decent price). No complaints at all.
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Posted in Saws (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
By WORX.
The regular list price is $244.20.
Sells new for $109.99.
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5 comments about WORX WT431K Revolver BladeRunner 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw.
- I like this saw and I got mine on sale for a nice price. It is not a replacement for a heavy duty professional worm drive saw. It is well balanced and has a cute color scheme but the truth is it is just OK and makes a good garage saw and homeowner use tool. Compared to other consumer grade saws it is their equal or better. Compared to professional grade such as Milwaukee or Bosch just not quite there. If you need professional grade add a few more dollars and get something with a little more attitude. I like the saw and will use it for light jobs as an all around saw but if I need to cut heavier materials I will use the table saw, miter saw, or a worm drive saw.
- This is a great saw. I bought a Bosch C10 and it is was not stable at all. I took it back. I am sure the more I used it the worse it would get.
I was at True Value and found a very good deal on this saw. Best features:
1. Cuts 2x material with ease.
2. Built very solid. The tilt has an extra fastener on the back side this help the solid feel.
3. It comes with a case.
4. 2 year warranty.
5. Saw dust goes out the exhaust were it supposed to.
6. Magnesium construction.
I have only used a little bit and more than impressed with this saw
- So far this has been a really good saw. I was not familiar with the WORX brand so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleased to find that it wasn't a "cheap" product. I have used it on boards and cement. It is light, has plenty of power, and the blade is easy to change. I don't use a saw on a constant daily basis, so the ergonomic feature of the moving handle hasn't made any differance to me. You can lock that feature out if you don't want to use it. The case is bulky, but does provide nice protection for the saw. I checked around for deals elsewhere including Home Depot and Lowes, and nothing came close to the price I got on this 15 amp quality saw from Amazon.
- The saw is well thought out and a nice piece of equipment. Unfortunately Worx customer service and parts availability are nonexistent. I have been waiting for a dust extractor for over 8 months. I have been told it is still on backorder, and there is no date scheduled for restocking.
Bottom line - if anything breaks, you may as well consider the saw disposable.
- -very awkward to use
-visibility of cut line is poor
-quiet
-seems to have enough power
-the shoe is not straight if you are planing on using a guide as i do i would have not bought this saw as i use it to cut large panels for cabinet installs
-reviewed by popular mechanics as the worst saw in the review all they tell you say is that it was in the test
-case is hard to close and fit everything back in
-previous saws were hitachi and makita
-might have been better if this was my first saw so i could get used to
the "fluid feel"
i have been a circular saw for 10 years professionally
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Posted in Saws (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
By Makita.
The regular list price is $974.00.
Sells new for $499.00.
There are some available for $399.00.
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5 comments about Makita LS1013FL 15 Amp 10-Inch Dual Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw with Laser and Fluorescent Light.
- This is the only saw that is assembled in the USA !!! Feel it is very important to keep the people that purchase my products employed. The Makita cost no more than its competitors which are made in other countries with few to no labour standards and that do absolutely nothing to keep your neighbour and relatives employed !!!
After much research - decided on this saw as the best of what is currently on the market. I have not been disappointed in the least.
Saw arrived fine - no damage - timely - accurate out of the box (laser needed some tweeking). Like the idea of the direct drive as there is one less thing to go wrong.
Good capacity - doesn't bog or slow down even through 3x3 hardwoods - factory blade produces very clean cuts - smooth slide action - cuts the same way every time.
Nothing is perfect and these are the things that I would redesign or improve if I were building it - fence could be a little talled - laser and light are dim but most of my work is in a shop so not a huge deal. The dust bag is really pretty useless but again, my work is in a dedicated shop so it's hooked up to a dust collector and thus picks up about 90 % of the dust produced and the work is 'clean' when I take it from the saw.
Great tool - probable my best tool purchase to date - would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone !!!!
- This saw means accuracy, and it is made her my friend in USA.
Pros: Accurate, Great capacity, fine cuts, not too heavy, no to light,laser and light are ok...nothing is perfect.
Cons:Hard to read the miter scale, fence should be taller.
There no such a thing as perfection, and this is a Great so, It is better than the "full of cheap plastic Bosch Made in China". It is very strong, and accurate at the same time.
I have used it to cut crown, chair rail, casing, baseboards, shelves,etc..and it works great. MADE IN USA.
- I have a 10" LS 1013 in last year's reincarnation without the fluorescent light, but with the laser. It is a beautiful saw --- I also looked at the Bosch (most of my tools are Bosch), but luckily I didn't go for it. I agonized over whether I needed to spend the money for a sliding miter saw and didn't think much about the laser. My advice to anyone in a similar position is do not think twice about spending the extra money for the slider, and the laser is a wonderful help when making multiple cuts. I have used it to cut wood, metals, plastics and it has always performed very well. One caution. When cutting metals the kerf guide is made out of plastic and will melt unless protected from the metal stock.
- The Makita LS 1013FL has great lineage! I bought the original LS 1013 (no laser, no fluorescent light) years ago and it has been a rock solid performer, cutting everything from trim to deck framing. Through it all, that saw never needed one day in a repair shop. The 1013 series has been consistently at the top of ratings in professional magazines and in online reviews by professionals. No wonder two thirds of all buyers on Amazon pick the Makita slider. Nothing else is even close.
The laser and light are nice upgrades, but what makes the saw special was there from the start: a bed that's light to carry, but solid for work, bearings that stay true year after year, a smooth slider action, a soft start, direct drive motor, a good price, and it's made in the USA! This last point grows more and more important as jobs continue going overseas.
This is a great saw! A slider costs more, but it does everything, and does it well!
- Woodworker's Journal (part of Rockler) evaluated six 10" Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saws in the June 2008 issue. The top rated by a good bit was a Festool saw. Festool is European in origin and a VERY good saw. However it costs more than three times as much as this one. The reviewer says if you are gifted in the money department, buy the Festool because it excels in every test done. Kind of expected for the Germans...
This saw came in second, only three points behind the Festool and actually excelled in cutting power. For the price, power, and accuracy it will be a very good buy for yawl looking for a new chop saw...
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Posted in Saws (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
By Bosch.
The regular list price is $312.00.
Sells new for $146.99.
There are some available for $109.95.
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5 comments about Bosch 1590EVSK 6.4 Amp Top Handle Jigsaw.
- I bought this tool to do some cutting for my flooring project. It is just perfect & very easy to use.
I even used the saw to cut a 4ft long board along the length (instead of getting a table saw) - it worked perfect. I am very happy with the performance. I bought this based on the other reviews I saw & I am not disappointed.
I have not used other features such as cutting pipes or metal - but I am sure it would do just fine. I wish the manufacturer include a video for instructions on how to use it - now a days, everything is on video. I feel it takes too much time to read manuals & understand. Visual instructions & demo would be perfect for such a versatile tool.
I highly recommend it.
- I've dealt with old-fashioned jigsaws before and this one is a whole different breed of cat. No complaints at all, believe me!
- I'd never owned a jigsaw that didn't end up in the garbage bin ... until this one!
My Bosch 1590 jigsaw offers all the precision and feel I expect from quality machinery. In addition to using it as a crude little reciprocating saw (the most one can expect from many jigsaws on the market), I'm able to carve and sculpt with this one!
Occasionally I've wondered why they didn't include an adjustment for something-or-other ... and then, on investigating, found they had. Well done.
Bosch's easy-to-install blades are excellent, too.
- I always heard the Bosch jigsaw was the best - they are right. This saw is fantastic. It has stablity guides for the blade so the blade stays straight even when you make a turn in thick material. AWSOME. Blades are a bit pricey.
- I don't know if it was the blade that I chose or the new saw, but I have never had a jigsaw cut as smooth as this one did!
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Posted in Saws (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
By Hitachi.
The regular list price is $263.34.
Sells new for $105.90.
There are some available for $83.00.
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5 comments about Hitachi C10FCE2 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw.
- This is not the same saw you get from LOWES. I bought the Lazer guided saw from Lowes for $99.00. and bought this one for backup because the bearings wear out in about 6 mos of everyday use.So I get the new saw out and first off the holes to mount the saw do not line up so it cannot be mounted on my Dewalt saw stand.Then I notice the saw is not cutting true with what seams to be blade woble.I look at the blade and see there are at least Three Carbide teeeh missing from the blade.I will Never buy another Hitachi product again!It's not the same product as It was 10yrs ago.The cordless drill I bought,the gears striped out withen a day.Contractors Stay Away!
- My husband loves his new saw. He's in construction so needs it often. On the other hand the shipping dept. needs to be looked into. I'm suprised it made it here in great shape, the box was to flimsey for the product and was falling apart when it arrived.
- Great saw for the money. Perfect for the home remodeler or contractor. This is an amazing saw for the money. If you are buying to outfit your own workshop or to please the weekend remodeler this saw will be a perfect tool to have on hand. Very high quality for the price.
- Wow! What a price at $99.00 and free shipping. Great product. Hitachi is a top notch brand.
- Nice saw for a nicer price. Picked it up for 99 with free shipping. Used for a few light - moderate duty jobs and it has performed flawlessly. Solid saw with a great warranty.
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Posted in Saws (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
By Hitachi.
The regular list price is $1,015.00.
Sells new for $429.00.
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5 comments about Hitachi C10FSH 10-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser.
- I am happy with the saw. It runs well and cuts acurately. As far the finish it has a rough spot on the base but not really anything to complain about.
I am in agreement with many that rated the saw in the view that the laser is worthless. It needs to be on when the saw is cutting and it dosent and it needs to indicate the side of the blade (Preferebly the left side of the blade for me) and the best I could adjust it was the right hand side of the blade or the center of the blade. It wouldnt adjust far enough to the left to show the left side of the blade.
The way the motor is arranged it apperars to be belt driven which is a plus.
I really like the saw and would buy another one but not the laser option.
PHM
- I can't speak to longevity as I just installed this saw. However, I can say it cuts very accurately and cleanly with the blade provided. The sliding action is important to me as the saw replaces a radial arm and this allows a wider cut. I added the right side fence and believe it will be very useful. The only complaint I have is the thumb safety button is not well located for my use. I like the fact that you move the cutting blade from front to rear which is the opposite of the action of a typical radial arm saw.
- I've been trimming custom homes with this saw for several years and I'm generally happy with it. It is powerful without being a brute (think: Dewalt) and simple enough to let you do the thinking (contrast: Bosch). However, there are several flaws that I have noticed, probably irrelevant for the homeowner but important for the finish carpenter who needs dependability and precision from their saw.
The most glaring flaw is the denet mechanism, which consists of a STEEL pin (probably costs $3 to replace) which fits into the ALUMINUM denets that are cut into the underside of the main table (a couple hundred to replace). Obviously the aluminum wears out faster than the steel, creating slop in the denets and thereby rendering them useless. Mine became problematic after about a year of use (I could have been gentler with it).
A second and related problem concerns the fence. Because there isn't an adjustable denet plate (as with the Dewalt), the only way to ensure that your 0 degree denet puts the blade at a 90 degree angle to the fence is to adjust the fence itself, which is a huge headache. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that there are actually two fences, left and right, which aren't connected, so you have to do this adjustment twice. The Dewalt system is much easier to adjust. (That's not an endorsement of the Dewalt, which is an inaccurate brute suitable only for framing or trimming track homes.)
Another problem with the fence is that it warps easily - especially the one on the right side which is secured to the table by two bolts far to the right side of the fence itself, leaving the part closer to the blade unsupported. The result is that if your material ever binds up against the blade (admit it, it happens) you wind up with a banana shaped fence, which of course renders the thing useless. I've taken to carrying around replacements and find that I need one every six months or so.
The left side of the fence has another sort of problem:
if you forget to flip the adjustable fence out of the way when the bevel is set around 22 degrees left, there's nothing to stop you from cutting into the fence itself - not a tragedy, but you'll ruin your blade (don't ask how I know). The saw would benefit from some idiot-proofing here. Really though, I probably know ten guys with this saw and every one of them has done this.
Less important but also noteworthy is the lack of a second laser for the other side of the kerf mark, and the tendency of the single laser to break - not surprising, but annoying and prohibitively expensive to replace.
I don't mean this to be a negative review - I'm about to buy another C10FSH to replace the worn one that I've got - but the saw's good points are obvious while these flaws don't tend to make themselves felt until you've had the saw a while. Overall this is the best saw in its price range for high quality finish work.
- I've owned this saw for over 2 years and use it almost daily. It works great, I'm glad I bought it. The long throw makes building bookcases and other shallow cabinets easier.
I have 3 complaints though: 1) The handle is vertical, not horizontal, and is for right-handed use (its difficult to use the trigger release with the left hand); 2) This saw is screaming for a dual laser setup and I have yet to find one (haven't looked recently though); & 3) Its extremely difficult to set it up for a perfect cut, especially at the far end of it slide (but that is a common complaint for sliding miter saws).
But none of these are deal-breakers for me and I would buy it again.
- Woodworker's Journal (part of Rockler) evaluated six 10" Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saws in the June 2008 issue. The top rated by a good bit was a Festool saw. Festool is European in origin and a VERY good saw. However it costs more than three times as much as this one.
The reviewer says if you are gifted in the money department, buy the Festool because it excels in every test done. Kind of expected for the Germans...
This saw came in third and the separation between number two, a Makita, and this one is minimal. For the price and it's accuracy in cutting it will be a very good buy for yawl looking for a new chop saw...
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Posted in Saws (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
By Milwaukee.
The regular list price is $240.00.
Sells new for $89.95.
There are some available for $74.00.
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Purchase Information
5 comments about Milwaukee 6509-22 Sawzall 11 Amp Reciprocating Saw.
- I just used my new Milwaukee 6509-22 Sawzall to demolish trim around an opening between my living room and dining room. The saw worked quickly, and there was no noticeable vibration. To me, this saw is an excellent value.
- This is my first reciprocating saw and I am pleased with it so far. The reason got this Milwaukee is the light weight and ample power. I look forward to using it to tear down my lath and plaster walls so I can insulate.
- Milwaukee makes a good sawzall. I have used milwaukee sawzalls on everything you might imagine and have never been disappointed. Being with the fire department for 18 years I have cut cars, metal bars, coke machines, building materials, etc. so when it was time to get a saw for my own project I didn't hesitate with this saw and it lived up to its reputation.
The blades switch out with an easy quarter turn and being on AC power it just won't quit. It's great for general work, the blades are where they make their money.
- This years' 'summer home improvement project' is laying a new 600-sq foot patio behind our home. The project is something I've had in the back of my mind for about three years, however, there was always this one small obstacle in the way, and that was two steel poles set into the ground for a clothesline, right down the middle of the most level piece of property behind our home where the patio was destined to go.
I've been wanting to have the poles removed for sometime, but was hesitant to call a professional due to the cost and the ultimate anticipated collateral damage to the lawn around the area from bringing in heavy equipment, such as a backhoe.
The poles in question rose 6-feet up out of the ground, with the main trunks for each measuring 5-3/4" in diameter. Whoever installed these poles did so meaning for them to stay there, these were monsters compared to what you'd see in the typical back yard.
I consulted some relatives that have experience in construction/demolition and had several offers to borrow concrete/steel cut-off saws and demolition hammers, though ultimately I was worried about being 'on the hook' for $1000s of dollars worth of borrowed equipment with which I had zero experience in operating.
So, after some research and a trip to both Lowes and Sears to weigh some options on costs, I settled on the idea of purchasing a Sawzall and a sledgehammer, with a plan to break off a couple inches of the surrounding visible surface concrete holding the posts in, then using the reciprocating saw to cut off the poles below the ground level, where I could then fill the hollows with dirt and gravel and cover it all back up, eventually laying my patio pavers right over top.
I purchased the model 6509-22 11amp Milwaukee Sawzall mostly on its reputation as the original and 'the best.' There were many comparable models available between both my local Sears and Lowes from Craftsman, DeWalt, Porter Cable, Makita, and Bosch, but the Milwaukee just 'felt' like the right buy, despite being a little more pricey, given the Milwaukee's generous 5-year warranty and the huge blade selection. I left Sears with the Sawzall and a 5-pack of 'Torch' blades recommended for metal cutting applications from 1/8" to 3/16" thick.
First impressions out of the box were favorable, particularly with the feel and balance of the saw itself, and with the tool-less quik-lok blade clamp that makes attaching the blade a snap.
The verdict on the job? This Sawzall went above and beyond what it is probably recommended/rated to do. It took a few minutes to completely cut through the 5-3/4" diameter steel poles, with most of that time spent getting that first cut started through such a broad length of steel tube, but the Sawzall with the Torch blade (and a little cutting fluid) was up to the task. Once the blade broke through the sidewall it found its way right through the pipe and out the other side in little time at all. In fact, once the posts were removed and I could view a cross section of the steel pipes, I discovered the walls of the poles were 5/16" thick, which is well over the recommendations of the Torch blade by nearly double. The blade didn't care. Not only did it go through both poles, it went through both twice each, as I had to cut them down further into halves just to get them to a manageable size that I could carry out of the backyard. Even though I purchased a 5-pack of blades and set aside my weekend for the demolition, I ultimately had both posts removed after just one Sunday afternoon, and still have the original Torch blade on the saw. While the paint finish on the blade was sheared off after one use, the cutting teeth look perfect still, even when held against an identical new blade from the same package.
Through the entire process, the Sawzall never once stalled, locked up from being bound in the pipe, nor lost the blade in the work. Having the blade pulled out of a reciprocating saw is a problem according to some accounts I've read in reviews of other models of saws from other manufacturers, but I had no such problem here. The quik-lok system on the Sawzall is brilliant, and both holds the blade securely in the saw, yet requires only a couple of seconds for the user to disassemble.
I admittedly bought a 'less powerful' model saw just under the expectation that if I junked the thing and ripped out the motor under the load, I'd only be 'out' $100 instead of $200.
After this past weekend, I can't imagine anything this saw can't rip right through.
I am sold on Milwaukee's products and the original Sawzall -- so much so that my next power tool purchase, no matter what it is, will almost certainly be a Milwaukee.
- Having owned other brands and then finally getting this one, all I can say is, to sum it up. "buy this one now or you will be wishing you bought it later."
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Posted in Saws (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
By Hitachi.
The regular list price is $945.09.
Sells new for $398.99.
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Purchase Information
5 comments about Hitachi C10FSB 12 Amp 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw.
- I was very impressed with the quality of this Hitachi saw. It is of very solid construction and is obviously a VERY well-made piece of equipment. I have used it on several projects and found it very easy to use and it produced good results. I would recommend it to anyone.
- great saw love everything about it
wish the 12 slider was just like it
- After giving up an accurate 1980's vintage "Skilsaw" 10" Miter Saw for increased capacity only to experience many years of frustration from time and material wasted working,tuning and retuning a 12" Dewalt Dual Bevel Compound Saw and a Delta 10" Radial Arm Saw(returned to merchant),I decided to try the Hitachi C10FSB 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Saw.
I settled on the Hitachi C10FSB because of the reviews I have read and my personal experience with Hitachi Customer Service Call Center for a Hitachi Compressor I have owned for nine years.
I am 100% satisfied. Specificly the out of the box quality, uncomplicated manual and most of all the accuracy. The sliding tubes are smooth and have NO sloppy play. The adjustments are accessable and ledgable from the front of the saw which makes it practical for mounting to a permanent location. The dust bag and additional special attention designed into the saw guard surprisingly captures most of the dust generated. However I was able to insert 1 1/2" PVC pipe in place of the supplied bag and a couple of 15 degree elbows and connect the Vacuume hose to it. No need to build a custom dust boot or a new configuration to the dust collector. Blade access is designed well without the need of a third hand to hold the guard out of the way while you are changing the blade. One wrench included fits most of the adjustment hardware including the blade. Minor detail but should mention the safety switch position takes some getting used to but it does keep you aware that you are about to start the saw.
Last comment, it is not a heavy brute to pickup and carry. Well balanced and configured. I plan on bragging about and keeping this saw for a LONG time.
- and for what it costs, I should love it, but I don't. It came with a bowed left fence. After two weeks, I still haven't rec'd the replacement, so I can only make cuts from the right side. The right fence is about an inch tall, i.e. TINY. It slides smooth, and cuts wide stock. The blade it came with is good. The table is also pretty small. The saw I'm replacing is a five-year old 12" Dewalt (dual bevel but no slider), which I still prefer, sad to say(bigger table and fences). A couple of colleagues have the 12" Bosch slider, and love it, which at this point I wish I'd bought. Anybody want my Hitachi 10" slider?
- As a full time carpenter, I've used this saw day in and day out for 2 years. My second Hitachi saw. Originally I had the old 8" compound miter saw and used it daily until I finally wore it out after 10+ years. Bought this one as a replacement. Light, accurate, great laser, but this thing just screams. You'll really need hearing protection when using it all day.
It's not an issue with the blade. I use several different blades, it's the electric brake. The soft start is nice and smooth, and not too bad noise wise, but let the trigger go and it really shrieks.
Other than that I would certainaly recommend it if you need a good dependable tool.
Just expect to say "What???" a lot at the end of the day.
Might seem to be a silly complaint, but I've had a significant hearing loss after working around power tools for the last 30+ years, so noise levels have become a criteria as important as accuracy and dependability in my book.
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