Hitachi C12RSH2 vs DeWalt DWS780 – Which Miter Saw is the Best?
If you are in the market for a highly powerful sliding double bevel compound miter saw with great performance, then the Hitachi C12RSH2 vs DeWalt DWS780 are the ones you should be seriously considering. They each have a number of helpful features that make them suited to a variety of applications.
The DWS780 is able to accommodate wide work pieces of up to 16 inch, whereas the C12RSH2 has a smaller width of just 12 inch. In contrast, the C12RSH2 has a more compact build, which makes it much more suitable than the DWS78O for use in tight work spaces.
Now we have done a quick overview, let us take a more in depth look at each model, beginning with the C12RSH2.
Hitachi C12RSH2 Miter Saw
Table of Contents
Cutting capacity
The cross cut capabilities of this miter saw are really good. It is able to make cuts of 12.25 inch at 90 degrees and over 8 inch at 45 degrees. The fence that comes with it is 5.5 inch in height, making it possible to cut large baseboards on it. It is also able to cut nested crown molding at a length of 7.5 inch.
Its dual bevel range from an angle of 0 degrees through to 45 degrees in both directions. This means there is no need to flip your work piece over when you need to cut in the other direction. Its maximum bevel of 45 degrees is less than most other miter saws currently out there.
Lots of work requires beveled angles to be greater than 45 degrees, something that this particular model is unable to do. Similarly, the miter adjustments are not as wide as those that can be found on other models. To the right the miter can adjust as much as 57 degrees but to the left it can only adjust up to a maximum of 45 degrees.
Motor speed
Powered by a 15 amp motor, the C12RSH2 is capable of generating as much as 4,000 RPM of speed. The blade that comes with it is 12 inch in diameter and is suitable to take on those tough jobs.
Safety features
The miter saw comes with access to carbon brushes to enable the brush to be replaced when you need to extend the life span of the power tool. The vertical handle on the Hitachi is fitted with a vibration reducing grip that is soft and comfortable to use, and provide you with a good level of control.
Design
Fixed rails that move along with the cutting blade come attached to the C12RSH2. The sliding part of these rails has an attached bearing assembly, which is affixed to the cutting blade and motor. It is usually the case on such a miter saw that the bearing assembly is affixed to its base.
The design of the Hitachi reverses this, which allows you to put it up against a wall, or other surface, and still be able to use the sliding functionality of the miter saw. This is good for use in tight spaces. Further to this, it also has indicators and positive stops on the bevel and miter scale, which can be easily read and adjusted.
A laser guide system comes built into this model to show you exactly where the cutting blade will enter the work piece. This not only helps to make cuts smoother and quicker but also keeps the user safe from harm.
Warranty
Like most other Hitachi products, this miter saw comes with a 5 year warranty. This indicates just how durable and reliable this model is.
Collecting dust
At the back of the cutting blade there is a port and dust bag designed for collecting any debris that is produced. However, it must be said that its ability to do this efficiently is not very good. To counteract this, you can add a vacuum cleaner to the dust port to collect more of the contents.
Check out the price of the Hitachi C12RSH2 miter saw
Specifications
- A 15 amp motor
- Up to 4,000 RPM of speed
- A 12 inch cutting blade
- A cutting capacity of over 8 inch at 45 degrees and 12.25 inch at 90 degrees
- A vibration reducing handle
- A laser guide system
- A 5 year warranty
Pros
- Highly accurate cuts
- Very powerful
- Good cutting capabilities
Cons
- Maximum bevel of just 45 degrees
- Poor dust collection capabilities
DeWalt DWS780 miter saw
Cutting capacity
This compound miter saw is able to cut through most types of materials with absolute ease. It can cut up to 12 inch wide and 4.3 inch deep, which means it can handle quite large work pieces. The bronze rails on the DWS780 provide a great level of both precision and smoothness.
It has a single bevel that ranges from 0 degrees through to 49 degrees in both directions. You can set multiple angles quickly and easily using a quick release system. For miter cuts, its angles range from 0 degrees through to 50 degrees on the right and 60 degrees on the left.
This is a good range of movement compared to other similar models currently available on the market.
Motor speed
Also powered by a 15 amp motor, the DeWalt is able to generate up to 3,800 RPM of speed. This may not be as much as other similar models, including the C12RSH2, but you are able to control the speed at which the cutting blade spins, which is a nice feature.
This enables you to pick an optimal speed at which the cutting blade spins for the type of material you are working with. Because of this it is able to not only cut through wood but also plastic and metal. It will always provide a perfect finish regardless of the material.
Safety features
The cutting blade on the DeWalt is well covered via an automatic robust and large guard. This means that it is never exposed when the miter saw is in use. It comes equipped with lights, which let you see your work piece in dark or dimly light spaces. This means you do not have to get close to the saw to see your work.
The power tool sits very sturdily, with absolutely no movement thanks to its power base. This keeps you safe when working with heavier and larger work pieces.
Design
This model has been designed so that the cutting angle can be quickly set and easily changed. It features an XPS cut line indicator that enables you to make highly precise cuts by casting a shadow where the cutting blade will be. It also lights up the cutting blade so you can always see exactly what you are doing.
If you ever need a replacement or spare part than finding one for a DeWalt power tool is pretty easy. This means no waiting around and letting you get straight back to work.
Warranty
The miter saw comes with a limited warranty that is three years long, along with a free service contract for one year, and a money back guarantee of 90 days. It comes equipped with a precision machined casting, a rugged cutting blade guard, fences, a bevel system, and a stainless steel miter detent plate that reduces vibrations during use.
Collecting dust
The dust collecting capabilities of the DWS780 are good compared to most other miter saws currently available on the market. That being said, it is still not great. The dust bag does work reasonably well but if you really want to avoid making a mess then we suggest attaching a vacuum cleaner to the dust port.
Check out the price of the DeWalt DWS780 miter saw
Specifications
- A 15 amp motor
- Up to 3,800 RPM of speed
- A cutting capacity of 12 inch wide and 4.3 inch deep
- An automatic cutting blade guard
- Fitted with lights
- An XPS cut line indicator
- A power base
- A 3 year limited warranty
Pros
- Good range of miter angles
- Highly durable
- Good cutting capabilities
- Easy to use
Cons
- Jumping arms
Conclusion – which miter saw to we prefer?
As is clear from this review, both of these power tools are of a high quality and could comfortably be used within a commercial setting that requires complex and large compound cuts to be made to a good level of accuracy. So what the decision as to which one is the best miter saw comes down to is the respective features of each.
For those individuals who are on a budget and appreciate a more compact miter saw, then we recommend going for the Hitachi C12RSH2. It will serve most home DIYers and professional tradesmen well. However, if you are in need of a miter saw that can handle larger work pieces, then the DeWalt DWS780 is the one for you.
Whichever one you decide to go for in the end you will not be disappointed. What you need to consider though is what you will be using the power tool for.
Check out the price of the Hitachi C12RSH2 miter saw