Hitachi C12RSH2 Review

The C12RSH2 is the current 12 inch double bevel compound miter saw from Hiatchi. It replaced the older model C12RSH. You can read our Hitachi C12RSH2 Review as a comparison with the older model here C12RSH vs C12RSH2.

Both are very capable miter saws with the CRSH2 being a slightly bigger and heavier model.

The C12RSH2 is powered by a 15 Amp motor giving a maximum no-load speed of 3,800 RPM.

The miter range on the Hitachi runs from 45 degrees on the left hand side through to 57 degrees on the right.

The bevel action is 45 degrees on either side. Note that the older model C12RSH had a micro-bevel adjuster, that feature is has been omitted from the newer model.

There are positive stops throughout the ranges of both the miter and bevel settings.

However it is a slightly large miter saw than it's predecessor and that small increase in size has resulted in a marginal gain in cutting capacity. The C12RSH2 is capable of cutting crown molding up to 7-1/2 inches in height thanks in part to a raised fence of 5-1/8 inches.

One advantage the Hitachi has over other brands of miter saw is a very compact slide system. This rail system virtually eliminates the normal rear clearance that is encountered on other miter saws.

So, if you have a limited amount of space in your work shop or on you counter top where you may mount the C12RSH2 you can save almost a foot of rear clearance room over other miter saws.

The Hitachi also has a laser guide to help improve your cutting accuracy. Laser guides have become the norm on the majority of modern miter saws so you should always expect to find one on a quality saw.

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The blade that is included is a 60 inch tooth one which should be more than sufficient for all but the busiest of users.

One distinct feature on the C12RSH2 is the fact that Hitachi have made accessing the saws carbon brush. Having the ability to easily change out a brush on a power tool like this can dramatically extend it's working life.

Who is the Hitachi C12RSH2 for ?

The Hitachi is a great choice for the home woodworker that has limited space in their garage and need a miter saw that can handle just about any home project.

That being said it is still a fairly capable saw on a busy work site. However it is DeWalt that tend to dominate that market right now with the DWS779 and DWS780. The DeWalt miters saw are bigger and more powerful and can be considered real work horses.

However the C12RSH2 can be bought for almost $200 dollars cheaper than the DeWalt DWS780 so if you are on a budget it is still a pretty good choice. However you can find the DWS779 for roughly the same price as the Hitachi.