With this saw I've built everyting from furniture to trim work to framing additions. It has great accuracy, is portable and does everythig I ask of it - day in - day out for years already. I laugh when friends see it, then go out and buy a dewalt 12" because its bigger/cheaper etc. & then complain about the dewalt's weight, accuracy and power up on long extension cords. I've run into quite a few profesional trim guys using this saw - same story - the Hitachi 8.5" is a great saw.

Great, no cons to mention.
Got a great router with it.
Good buy.

I own two 10 inch sliders. The Hatachi C8FB2 8-1/2 inch slider is the best saw for field work. This saw is very durable. It will give you many years of daily use.I have been using my first Hatachi 8-1/2" since 1991.The new saw was baught for a second set up.

Thank You,
Ray Baker
Baker Osborne Companies, LLC

The saw is a good saw but is very limited. It only bevels in one direction and it cannot cut most trim standing upright. If there is any way i could return it for another saw, mabey even an upgrade i would really appreciate it.

I have been using these saws for over ten years and I would not use any thing else. I am a subcontractor doing interior trim and cabinets and we put these saws through the works. I am presently using one that is 8 years old.

I usually agree with Tim Allen's "more power" philosophy and had to think a while before choosing an 8-1/2" saw over the 10" models. I am happy with my decision.

The primary reason for buying bigger chop saws is to cut wider boards. A 12" chop saw cuts a wider board than a 10". However, that reasoning doesn't apply to a sliding saw - a 10" cuts about the same width board as the 8-1/2". Another reason for a bigger saw is power and I was skeptical about the 8-1/2 when I set it up. However, I cut primarily hardwoods and have found the 8-1/2 adequately powered. As other reviewers point out, the 8-1/2 only bevel cuts to the left. That is a definite negative, but you can usually rotate the board and compensate. To me, getting the lighter weight without giving up board size and cutting power (small saw with big saw attitude) tipped the scale toward the 8-1/2. The shorter fence bothered me at first - I was accustomed to taller fences - but I have not found it to be a problem and I am VERY fussy on cut accuracy.

Some advice to Hitachi: This is a great portable saw and you can make it nearly perfect if you modify the design to bevel both directions and make the stops a bit easier to click into.

I originally purchased mine for toting up and down some scaffolding on a siding job, but in retrospect it's not worth the cost. I recently found the Makita 7.5" sliding miter saw which only weighs 28 lbs. Buy the Makita if you must have a lightweight saw. Also, the Hitachi mitering stop mechanism needs a serious rethinking and redesign. It's just way too sloppy to stay at zero. Mine has a little play which is annoying. Zero means Zero (90^deg)!!! I appreciate a stop mechanism that is sure and snaps into place with no bones about it, like the Dewalt. While the 8.5" may be the 'original' slider, you will be better served with a 10" that bevels left and right....

I know that there are probably better sliders out there but I had some specific needs that this unit filled nicely. Number 1 was compactness and portability. At 38 lbs I can easily get this into my van and up to the top shelf where it fits just right. I added an after market laser guide by Irwin - sweet. I just love it. I just got done with a pretty good sized crown molding job (I always cut my crown laying flat, using the compound miter). Every board just fit like a glove. I may be getting better with experiance, but it was my best job yet. I love this saw. But get the laser!

I live in Santiago, Chile, and bougth this little miter saw from Amazon 5 month ago. I ended up paying 35% more than the Amazon price including shipping to Chile and custom taxes. Still less expensive than the price you get from a chilean distributor. It arrived in perfect conditions. I have been remodeling a small country house that my wife bought 450 miles from Santiago. My job allows me very few opportunities to go there but whenever I can, I load this small Hitachi marvell with other tools in my SUV and work there for two or three full days. The job is a pleassure with this saw, it cuts beautifully straight and in angles and the motor seems more powerful than it looks. I am very, very happy with this saw. I must add that I use it with a big 220 to 110 transformer since here our line voltage is 220 volts, and it works great.

i'd like to get right to the point... i am a building contractor/carpentry contractor in florida. i use this saw to trim houses and install cabinetry every day. i've tried them all, and this saw outperforms everything else i've used in the past.

I just built a 650 sq ft deck with this bad boy. I already know its great for trim but cutting a 1" X 6" on a 45 degree angle was when i needed a slider. it made probably close to 500 cuts in Ipe lumber which we know is some hard wood. Oddly enough the dust colector worked pretty well also which is not something you see everyday on a slider.

Highly recommend

12/5/2006 - Update - I just added the IRWIN 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide. fits perfect. Read my review of that product also.

I've owned this saw for around 4 years now and it still amazes me everytime I use it or tote it around. It's only a 8.5" blade, but the 12" cut is pretty significant. I mention moving it around, and that should be a consideration for sliding miter saw. I've used Deltas and DeWalt 12", and for the advanced home user or light/medium construction application the Hitachi can't be beat. Its compact, light, and powerful. The carbide blade that Hitachi gives you with this saw is outstanding. If there's one flaw... it's the same for all miter saws and thats the dust collection. Even with a bag or shop vac connected, it'll still kick out a bit of sawdust behind the saw. Parts are easy to get as I broke a handle a couple of years ago and was able to replace it the next morning at the local dealer. No regrets about 10" or dual compound... this is one happy user!

I own a home remodeling business, and I've owned this saw for over 3 years. I have other miter saws that I use specifically as "chop" saws for rough framing duties; however, when I need to do finish work or flooring, I always reach for this saw. It is rock solid, durable and very accurate, and seems to be owned by every trim carpenter I know. Sure, 10", 12" and 15" miter saws are easier to use for fat crown mouldings, but who wants to lug those things around all week. For its versatility, portability, and overall quality...Get This Saw!!!

I have used DeWalts 12" DW708 and Delta's Sidekick 10" slide compound and the Hitachi 10 slide compound. I have been building cabinets and doing a lot of finish carpentry for years. What I like about the smaller Hitachi 8.5", is that it does not have the "head flex" problem that some of these larger saws have when you slide them out on larger lumber or crown moulding. I can flex most 10" slide compounds almost 1/8" when all the way out. Most average consumers won't notice this. But when you are cutting 5 and 6 inch crown all day and you want peices to fit like laser accuracy, you need something with STABILITY, this is more important than all the fancy features. And the smaller Hitachi cuts the most accurate "crosscuts" I have ever experienced, the other saws tend to "kink" under their own power and start making their own line as you cut. If you want accuracy, BUY this saw. If all you care about is a big fence, table, etc... buy something else.

JUST RECENTLEY STARTED USING THE HITACHI 81/2 SLIDING SAW AND SO FAR IT HAS BEEN VERY GOOD, JUST A COUPLE OF IMPROVEMENTS I WOULD LIKE TO SEE, ONE IS THE 45 DEGREE DETENTS NEED TO BE MORE PRONOUNCED ALSO THE DUST CATCHER NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED I TRIED TO SEAL ALL THE PLACES IT THROWS OUT THE SAW DUST WITH LIMITED SUCESS

I own a C8FB that I bought in 1991. Love the saw, it still cuts as good as the day I purchased it. The problem I have is I need a few replacement parts (blade guard, blade insert,etc.)and don't know where to get them. Can anybody help me out?

This is one saw you can count on. We do mostly finsh work,
every cut must count. All the lumber is prefinished we glue
every thing no nails the cuts must right on. You will be happy
with this saw.

You will not be disapointed. Best of the Best!

Wonderfull for trim work, moldings, general uses and furniture making. This is the one that started it all with dual side by side glides, and it is still the best out there. I have had mine for 9+ years and it is a true as the day I bought it. I do wish that it beveled both ways, but can work around that. There has been a lot of inovation in this market since this saw was introduced, but it still holds its own among the pack. It is extrememly accurate.

Nice, tough, lightweight,accurate slidearm. I have used various models, brands, and sizes in the past 15 years of doing trim work. 5 years ago I learned big isn't always better. I feel this is about the best miter bx on the market today for trim work.

I actually have an original C8FB. The C8FB2 is even better: self-retracting guard is the best. As you lower the saw, the guard pulls itself up via a linkage. My older model allows the guard to touch the wood and is pushed up by being in contact. Not bad on 90 degree cuts but if the saw is laid sidewise, the guard binds against the blade. They fixed this problem elegantly on the B model.

The saw is now twelve years old or more and is as accurate as when I bought it. What else can I say? It crosscuts 2x12s. Crown mouldings. Aluminum. Anything. I'm trying to get the 998864 blade that is actually designed to cut aluminum. That would be even better.

The saw transports well: not too big and heavy. Cord is too short, but they all are. I replaced it with a 14-ga 25' cord. Much better.

Now if they offered that centrifugal-on laser cutting guide in the blade bushing it would be perfect.

My radial saw was retired by this beaut.

I have both the C10F and the C8F. I use both on trim and mouldings to keep from changing the mitre guage all the time. I use an inexpensive Makita with a high back fence for small mouldings and cutting for length. I also use C8F for closet shelving with an inexpensive blade in it. Very durable saw, I wouldn't be without it. Well worth the money, it was very expensive 6 years ago. Care and maintenance of all power tools is the key. You take care of them and they will provide service above and beyond.

Wish all my power tools were this good! Just bought my third c8fb, in the last 10 years, or so. Under pretty heavy job-site use, only failure I've ever had, was to replace a trigger switch once. This tool goes from light trim work, to cutting 2 x 12's, without missing a beat! I might give a second look to Hitachi's 10-inch version, for shop (non-portable) use. However, after packing this saw around job sites for so long, one really appreciates the lighter weight...

Still the most durable and accurate miter saw out there. Forget the rest and go with the best (and the first). I saw it better priced on other sites northwestpowertools.com. Check them out.

I've owned this saw for over 5 years now and will most likely grab another one for the crew. It doesn't get anymore percise than this unit.We work on exclusive homes on a daily basis that are loaded with sizeable moldings.A little clue to those who try and cut everything standing up, LAY IT DOWN. You can be much more accurate with your molding laying on a flat serface,specificaly large crowns and baseboards.So my advise to Bobby from Boulder is to learn how to use that exspensive saw you speak so pourly of or just work with 3" moldings for the rest of your days.

I've owned this saw for over 5 years now and will most likely grab another one for the crew. It doesn't get anymore percise than this unit.We work on exclusive homes on a daily basis that are loaded with sizeable moldings.A little clue to those who try and cut everything standing up, LAY IT DOWN. You can be much more accurate with your molding laying on a flat serface,specificaly large crowns and baseboards.So my advise to Bobby from Boulder is to learn how to use that exspensive saw you speak so pourly of or just work with 3" moldings for the rest of your days.

I have been trying to get the Slide Fence Assembly for nearly a year now and no luck. I just talked to Hitachi and they say they have a problem but it is still backordered. I am not impressed with this sort of service. Even an outstanding tool with lousy service is not a good thing.

I owned this saw for 1 year, when the wires shorted out and caught fire in a brand new house I was working in. I went and bought a 12" DeWalt slider and never regreted it. The Hatachi has too small of a fence, you can't cut crown mold standing up, you can't cut tall base broads standing up. The cut depth is also too small the tallest you can cut 4". I do not recommend this tool!

I finaly gave up on the two miter saws that I struggled with over the last few years and invested in a very fine tool that will do just about anything. Easy set up and precise cuts are a snap with this saw. As a home owner and a wood working hobbiest who demands perfect results, this saw will do almost everything I require. I do think the extentions and an additional clamp should be standard equipment.

I agree with the california trim carpenter. The Hitachi is the best sliding compound saw available nothing else competes. I have used the same saw for ten yeas and continues to perform with percision and reliability. Benjamn Snapp carpenter from Michigans Upper Peninsula.

As the owner of a trim carpentry business with 5 employees, I have to admit this saw is the most versatile I have found. Each employee has one entrusted to him, and I have tried the other brands and even own the new 10" Hitachi dual-beveling saw. The point that needs to be made is that the description at this time from the manufacturer says that this saw bevels both directions- which it does not. It miters both directions, but only bevels to the left. The larger ten inch Hitachi bevels both ways, and it a nice saw to own also. The beauty of this saw, though, it that it lasts practically forever, is lightweight, and versatile. We cut up to 24" shelving by cutting one direction, then flipping it over and finishing the cut. We cut miles of crown flat with it using compound mitre and bevel cuts, and it's not a big deal to flip your piece around.(Most of the time, we use a crown that you can flip over and cut due a flat profile instead of handling the long length again) Buy this saw, you will enjoy it.

I have used this saw on a limited number of occasions. It is a decent and accurate saw. BUT if you want to get more than your moneys worth look to this saws bigger brother the C10F. If you're seriously considering spending the coin that this machine costs, you have to ask yourself. How much better is this saw than the DeWalt 705? True, it can cut slightly wider moldings, although they have to lay down (as with all slide compounds) It only bevels to one side, same as the DW705. What about really large crown moldings? The real advantage of the C10F over the C8f is the ability to bevel left AND right. With its larger 10" blade, belt drive and double bevel ability the $100 more that it costs over the C8F is money VERY well spent. Because when you're cutting 8" or 10" crown molding the last thing you want to do is to flip around a 16' board AND make three saw adjustments to make a miter return on the other end. You can also cut finish stair stringers with this saw. It miters to 52 degrees! P.S. Buy an extra hold down clamp too. (Tool Crib #307559) Moving the 1 clamp from left to right all the time is a hassle.

This is indeed a well-made saw. I used a competitors' model with disastrous results for the last 6 yars, and finally orderd this saw when the other expired for the third time. My associates who work in the interior trim industry swear by this model and its' 10" cousin, and I have used this saw for years on others' jobsites. The motor is exceptionally strong, I've replaced bearings on five year old (used daily) saws, with no electrical problems. The fact that wide moldings need to be cut flat is a small drawback compared to the weight/size penalty of larger saws, and easily gotten used to. A Forrest blade on this saw produces superb results, even in chip-prone plys.

Hitachi has come soo close to perfection with this saw. It's small blade, high power motor, and well designed slide mechanism make this saw cut more consistently high quality cuts than any other saw on the market! But, this saw also has some serious weaknesses. 1) Only tilts in one direction. 2) Fence is too short( all cuts must be done flat.) 3. Fence is too soft. becomes bent after relatively short period of constant use. plastic fence pieces break and are tooo flexible. can be remedied by attaching hardwood to fence but this limits the clamp. 4) smaller capacity.

while I say this is the best on the market I have not tried the latest 10" sliders to enter the market.

PLEASE NOTE THAT EVEN WITH THESE DRAWBACKS IF YOU MUST HAVE A SAW TO DO FINISH WORK THIS IS IT. THIS SAW MAKES THE DeWalt SEEM LIKE A TOY!

"THE SAW" IS "A BEAUT." FROM THE VERY FIRST MOMENT I RECIEVED THE SAW, FROM THE TOOL CRIB, AND OPENED THE BOX; I DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO USE "IT." JUST LIKE A NEW GIRLFRIEND...YOU DON'T WANT YOUR FRIENDS TO SEE "IT" OR EVEN TOUCH "IT." SIMPLY...IT PERFORMS AS PEFECT AS IT LOOKS...BEEAAUU-TI-FULL! IT IS, HANDS DOWN, "THE BEST FINISH SAW ON THE PLANET"... PERIOD!