Hitachi C10FCG Review – Compound Miter Saw for Homeowners & DIYers
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Updated: 09-April-2021
Hitachi (or Metabo HPT) does not need an introduction in power tools arena. It has a history of making top quality power tools that have won trust of professionals, homeowners and hobbyists by making reliable tools.
Our today’s post is based on Hitachi C10FCG review that is a lightweight compound miter saw for hobbyists and DIYers.
So, without further due, let’s look at the areas where this machine stands out as well as the areas where there have been some compromises.
Motor Power and Cutting Performance
The unit is powered by a 2.57 HP motor drawing a maximum current of 15.0 ampere that rotates the 10” blade at a speed of 5,000 RPM.
It carries enough torque to cut easily through materials normally encountered in home based projects such as hardwood flooring, baseboards, trim boards and pine.
The stock blade is 24 teeth Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT) blade that works best for ripping lumber. The blade is intended for rough cutting through wood fast. If you require a smooth finish, we’d recommend buying a blade with more teeth.
Hitachi C10 FCG comes with 10 inch stock blade (model 311128)
This saw does not feature a depth stop i.e. there is no screw to adjust the maximum depth of cut after which the screw prevents saw blade from moving down any further. Although depth stop is not needed in most applications, however, it would’ve been a plus if it was there for occasional use.
Cutting Capacities
The maximum height and thickness of stock that Hitachi C10FCG can cut as specified by the company is as under,
Straight Cuts
(0 deg. miter angle and 0 deg. bevel)
Height 2-5/16” (59 mm)
Max. Width 5-21/32” (144 mm)
or
Max. Height 3-1/2” (89 mm)
Max. Width 3-31/32” (101 mm)
Miter Cuts
(At 45 deg. miter angle and 0 deg. bevel)
Max. Height 2-5/16” (59 mm)
Max. Width 4” (102 mm)
Bevel Cuts
(At 0 deg. miter angle and 45 deg. bevel)
Max. Height 1-5/8” (41 mm)
Max. Width 5-21/32” (144 mm)
Compound Cuts
(At 45 deg. miter angle and 45 deg. bevel)
Max. Height 1-5/8” (41 mm)
Max. Width 4” (102 mm)
Convenient Miter Angle Adjustments
Working in a miter angle range of 52 degrees to the left as well as right, an important feature in Hitachi C10FCG is its thumb actuated positive stops for quick adjustments of miter angle.
To change the miter angle of the turntable, simply depress a lever, rotate the turntable to set it at the desired angle and release the lever to lock it in place. It is quick, easy and a time saving feature, especially, when you are working on custom projects with lots of miter cuts needed from the saw.
Hitachi C10FCG has miter angle capacity of 52 degrees rotatable in both directions
Bevel Capacity
It has a bevel capacity of 45 degrees to the left. It is single bevel i.e. its head tilts in one direction (left) only.
The bevel angle is easily adjusted with the help of a locking lever mechanism located at the rear side of the saw under the cutting head. You simply release the lever, push the cutting head to the desired angle and lock the lever to secure it in place.
We didn’t find any complaint on the bevel mechanism being loose or loosing its accuracy over time.
Hitachi C10FCG has single bevel capacity of 45 degrees
Clamping System Pros & Cons
The saw features a vise clamping system for securing stock. The clamp comes in the form of an attachment to be assembled out of the box. Clamp is installed alongside the fence and comprises a screw mechanism to keep pressure on the stock.
Vise for holding stock in Hitachi C10FCG
The clamping system is not that great.
First, there should have been two clamps, one on each side of the turntable to properly secure the stock in its place while cutting. A single clamp installed on one side only does not hold larger stocks in place to satisfaction.
Second, the clamping system should have been of quick release type where you don’t have to unscrew it all the way to release the workpiece.
Above being said, the clamping system is usable with some care exercised by the operator, especially for larger workpieces. As far as thickness is concerned, the clamping system can hold down a maximum of 2×4 stock.
Hitachi C10FCG can cut 2×4 lumber
Safety Features
Circular saws of all types are dangerous tools that must come with modern security features to prevent accidents and injuries.
In this regard, Hitachi C10FCG features a trigger safety lock in the form of a small button that needs to be depressed before trigger can run the blade. It makes sure you don’t run the saw unintentionally. The saw turns on only when you have paid attention in first pressing the safety lock button and then squeezing the trigger.
Trigger Safety Button on Hitachi C10FCG
The saw also features a lockdown pin to hold the head in down position when not in use or during transportation. It ensures the blade is not exposed to someone’s touch when the tool is not being used.
The blade is covered by a transparent retracting blade guard that exposes only that section of blade that comes into contact with the workpiece. Transparency of the guard also gives a clear visual of rotating blade so that any misalignment or sign of problem is visible to the operator.
The quality of material of blade guard may not be premium and we did found some complaints of blade guard being loose when received so we would recommend doublechecking it before running the tool first time.
Transparent Plastic Blade Guard protects the user from injury
One thing that is missing and that would have increased safety is electric motor brake to immediately stop blade rotation when trigger is released, however, it is not something to be complained about as it is not a standard feature in circular or miter saws.
Stability During Cuts
The cutting head is fitted with torsion spring to automatically raise the head back up when released by the operator. There is a fixture for installing at the rear side of the saw to prevent the saw from tipping back if cutting head is released suddenly.
The saw remains stable during cutting smaller stocks, however, due to light weight design, it may not remain much stable during cutting larger pieces of wood. If you intend to use it for cutting larger workpieces, it would be better to bolt it down to a stable base instead of relying on the above stated fixture for stability.
Grip Ergonomics & Hand Fatigue Factor
There are two types of grips in miter and chop saws. One is horizontal and the other is vertical.
This saw features a horizontal grip that is preferred over the vertical grip because it puts less strain on your wrist and puts your hand and arm in a comfortable position.
This advantage of the horizontal grip may not be noticeable if you are not a frequent user of the miter saw, however, anyone spending a few hours of cutting will definitely feel the difference. Horizontal grip reduces fatigue factor of the user.
Horizontal grip allows your arm to remain in comfortable position
Ease of Maintenance
There are two main features to be mentioned for Hitachi C10FCG when it comes to maintainability of the saw. The first is the convenient carbon brush access at the side of the motor that allows you to replace motor brushes easily without the need for any serious disassembly.
Second is the spindle lock that holds the spindle in place during blade replacements. The hex wrench is also stored on-board so that you don’t lose it in your tools. It goes wherever the tool goes.
Motor brushes on Hitachi C10FCG are easily accessible for ease of maintenance
Storage & Portability
Once the cutting head rotated by 52 deg. and locked down the help of lockdown pin, the saw covers a boxed space of approximately 4 cubic feet that allows it to be stored in an average sized cabinet in your workshop.
The weight of the saw is also 24.2 lbs. that is not inconvenient to handle and carry from one jobsite to another.
Housekeeping Features
Saws create sawdust that make your work area messy. While it is not possible to trap all of the sawdust, Hitachi C10FCG comes with a dust bag for preventing sawdust becoming airborne.
The design of the cutting head on this Hitachi directs around half of the sawdust towards the dust bag. It also features a dust port for connecting a vacuum or dust extraction system.
Product Support
Metabo HPT offers an impressive 05-year warranty for Hitachi C10FCG. It stands among the longest warranty periods offered by power tool brands. It makes sure your investment in the tool in under minimum risk ensuring peace of mind.
Package Contents
Hitachi packs C10FCG with the following,
- 10″ 24T TCT Saw Blade
- Dust Bag
- Vise Assembly
- Hex. Bar Wrench (5mm)
- Holder
Verdict
Hitachi C10FCG offers good cutting power and performance, ergonomic miter angle and bevel angle adjustments, nice safety features and a great warranty.
At a price of $160 at the time of this review, we believe Hitachi C10FCG is good value for money for non-professionals including homeowners, hobbyists and DIYers.
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