Hitachi marks event with miter saw redesign

Hitachi Power Tools has updated its two 8-1/2" sliding compound miter saws, models C8FSE and C8FSHE, to commemorate the company’s invention of the tool 20 years ago.

“We’ve added an LED worklight and laser guide (on the C8FSHE), and we’ve changed the overall design of the tool to make it look more like the rest of our line,” says John Fries, the company’s marketing manager. “We’ve also added a five-degree bevel to the right and increased the bevel 48 degrees to the left.”

Hitachi has also put the saws on a diet, reducing the weight of each by about six pounds. The C8FSE weighs 31 lbs; and the C8FSHE 32 lbs. Fries says the saws are the perfect choice for contractors, trim carpenters and woodworkers on the job site.

“This is a saw workers will carry from room to room as opposed to a large 12" trim saw they will keep in a central location,” says Fries.

Both saws are powered by 9.5-amp motors. They feature thumb-actuated positive stops for the most common miter angles of 15, 22.5, 31.6 and 45 degrees, both to the left and right.

A pivoting section extends the length of the fence, and a large table provides a stable guide and sturdy support. Materials are held in place with a table-mounted clamp.

The saws can cross-cut flat crown molding up to 2-9/16" high and 12" deep at 90 degrees.

Both saws are loaded with features for user convenience, such as dust collection, vertical handle, and splinter guard located behind the fence, according to Hitachi.

The C8FSE sells for $349, while the C8FSHE is priced at $379.

Contact: Hitachi Power Tools, 3950 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093. Tel: 800-706-7337. www.hitachipowertools.com

This article originally appeared in the February 2009 issue.