Product Description

The Cl2LSH eliminates the need for large work areas that a conventional slide saw would occupy. Its innovative compact slide system is unlike traditional models that require over 12-inches of clearance behind the tool to accommodate the extension of the sliding rails. Now, with the C12LSH, the sliding arm moves along fixed rails, enabling the saw to sit nearly flush against a wall on a bench top without compromising the range of movement. The top-mounted LCD scale digitally displays miter and bevel readings allowing the user to quickly and accurately set both the bevel and miter angles. Hitachi's patented laser marker accurately indicates where the blade will cut on the material. The C12LSH is powered by a 15 amp, belt driven motor with 1,850-watts of Max Output Power to smoothly cut through hardwoods saving time and blade wear. A dual aluminum flip fence stands at a height of 4-11/16-inches to allow crown molding to be cut vertically for convenience. To save time and eliminate costly mistakes, Hitachi incorporated micro bevel and micro miter adjustment capability into the C12LSH. The main bevel and miter handles are used for big adjustments, and then the micro adjustment knobs are used to dial-in to precise angles. The C12LSH is the top of the line sliding dual compound miter saw ideal for trim carpenters, framers and woodworkers who demand precision and reliability.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15373 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Hitachi
• Model: C12LSH
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 28.00" h x 22.00" w x 30.00" l, 66.10 pounds

Features

• Powered by impressive 15-amp motor
• Includes positive stops 0, 15, 22-1/2, 31.6, and 45 degrees right and left
• The micro bevel and miter adjustment knobs dial into precise angles
• Durably and comfortably crafted with a stainless steel detent plate, carbide blade, and soft grip
• Includes TCT 60-tooth saw, blade, vise assembly, dust bag, 17-millimeter box wrench, and 5-year warranty

Amazon.com Review
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

Customer Reviews

The Mother of all Saws
This is a physically large and heavy saw. I bought it and the Hitachi miter stand to take to jobs sits to do cabnet grade trim work and I'm afraid I over bought. (I'm gonna end up with a hernia or a broken back). The lazer, while accurate, needs to be adjusted with every change of saw position. Plus, my lazer runs out of adjustment to the left side of the blade but has plenty to the right (there may be another adjustment but nothing in the manual). My biggest disapointment is the digital display. It only reads to .5 degree, but you can move the table between the marks and the saw stays at .5 (I can eye ball a half degree as this saw has a excellent miter scale (And a fair bevel scale). I think this feature (and the reason I bought the saw) to be over rated. I've also noticed a somewhat gritty slide action (may need a cleaning)..That being said I have found this saw to be accurate and powerfull. The soft start is a nice feature, but it takes some getting used to as you have to wait for the saw to get up to speed before contacting to wood.

problems here
Things I like- very heavy for stationary use only. 12" blade allows using only one setting for crown molding cuts.Wonderfull!!! Don't waste your money on a 10" unless you must have a portable unit. Excellent machining and repeatabilty. Super smooth and well balanced. Handle located in vertical position.Super easy to set up angles.Superb feel.
The following is just my opinion. You may not agree with me.
Things I didn't like. The saw arrived with a broken laser. The factory gave me the option of taking it to a service center 2 hours away with a 6 week wait or they would send me the part if I would give my warranty.I'm in a hurry so I gave up the warranty. GRRR. This ain't WalMart fellows. Grrr again. Got the laser. It's a worthless one beam unit.You need two beams to locate the blade position guys. Duh. More hype. The digital readout is only .5 degrees. If you can't eyeball .5 degrees your not much of a wood worker.
The design and color scheme looks like a Ninja Turtle on drugs. Ugly, really ugly. Check the mental health of your designer Hitachi. He may have a problem. Now the real biggie- All SCMS have a serious problem with dust control. This saw is the worst I have ever used. The rear post is 5" wide with a sweeping U turn that shoots you directly between the eyes with high velocity sawdust. It even stings. I had to stop and clean my glasses off after 2-3 cuts.I came up with a very radical fix that solved the problem. You may have to live with it.Finally I have read posts that complained of a galling problem between aluminum sliding pieces. Scary since I lost my warranty. End of story. Would I buy again? I found nothing better available so I live with it.

Space Saver?
One of the big selling points for me on this one was the idea of saving space with the new slider design. Don't be fooled; it turns out the back of the saw is so big that it takes up about the same room as the old style sliders. You will need at least 19" from the back of the fence to the wall! On the other hand, I think the angle D.R.O. and laser features are great to have. Once you start to use the digital angle read out, you will never want to go back. Hitachi has a reputation for making well built and long lasting saws. (I hope this radical new design lives up to their name.) Also... Did I mention how ugly Hitachi's new tool designs are. God I hope they fire their new industrial designer so he/she can go back to work in the tennis shoe business.