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Hitachi C12FDH vs DeWalt DW715: Which One’s Best?

HITACHI C12FDH VS DEWALT DW715

HITACHI C12FDH VS DEWALT DW715

Rating Image Product Details
The Winner
Winner
Hitachi C12FDH Hitachi C12FDH
  • Dual bevel
  • Accurate out of the box
  • Comes with a laser marker system
  • The Runner-up
    Second place
    DEWALT DW715 DEWALT DW715
  • Bevel and miter detents
  • More durable than the C12FDH
  • Rugged design
  • reinforced at critical points
  • This review pits the dual bevel Hitachi C12FDH against the single bevel DeWalt DW715. This may sound like an uneven competition based on this feature mismatch alone. If maximum project efficiency and convenience are paramount, the choice is the C12FDH. For other users’ needs, the race is closer.

    The C12FDH offers more flexibility and ease in performing complex cuts with its dual bevel capability and built-in vise assembly. The beauty of this feature combo is that the user can leave the workpiece in place and flip the saw. This eliminates the time needed to flip the workpiece and realign it for cutting.

    The DW715 can cut larger pieces of stock. It has a very robust design built around a machined base with hardened detents included for both bevels and miters. Users interested in a rugged, high-capacity tool will gravitate to the DW715.

    For users looking for the convenience of a laser marking system, the nod is towards the C12FDH, as the DW715 does not come with that feature. Still, the DW715 isn’t completely out of the running. Read on and see which tool is best for your needs.

    dewalt dw715 cutting woods
    The DeWalt DW715 in action

    What are the differences between them?

    Think of this as a competition between the sophisticated and capable C12FDH and the rugged and straightforward DW715.

    Performance – Point to the C12FDH

    Both saws come with 15-amp motors producing 4000 no-load RPM. The belt-driven C12FDH has 1950 watts of power, compared to the DW715’s 1600 watts, so it will better handle tough cutting through dense wood and knots without bogging down. The C12FDH’s dual bevel capability advantage is offset by the DW715’s capacity to cut larger stock, both crown molding and regular lumber.

    Hitachi C12FDH laser
    The Hitachi C12FDH’s laser

    Price – It’s a draw

    As of writing this, the Hitachi saw is priced about 15% higher when compared with the DeWalt’s price tag. With the dual bevel capability and laser marking system of the C12FDH, this price difference seems well worth the money. For users strictly interested in price, the DW715 is the choice.

    Durability – Point to the DW715

    The DW715 is a more robust and durable tool. It uses steel to reinforce the bevel and miter detent points. What this means to users is less wear over time, and retaining original accuracy longer. A machined base provides a better fit with fences and accessories. Those users with a need for the greatest durability will like the DW715.

    dewalt diagonal cut
    Close-up of the DeWalt DW715

    Design – Pick your favorite color

    Both saws exhibit thoughtful design when it comes to usability. The controls are easy to access, and the adjustment is crisp and secure. Properly placed handles provide maximum control during operation. Both tools feature carrying handles to simplify moving the saws from one spot to another. There is no clear winner in this category.

    Direct drive or belt? – Point to the C12FDH

    A more technical consideration is the difference between the C12FDH’s belt-driven motor and the DW715’s direct-drive motor. The belt drive provides smoother and quieter operation, and the C12FDH does deliver more cutting “oomph.” The DW715’s direct-drive motor eats into this advantage to a degree with its automatic electric blade brake. Safety is always of paramount importance, so you should never have body parts near the blade until it stops, brake or not. A couple of seconds saved with the DW715’s brake does not outweigh the C12FDH belt’s benefits.

    Quick Rundown of C12FDH

    Hitachi C12FDH 15 Amp 12-Inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw with Laser (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
    • Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT. Same great tools, with only a new name.
    • Laser marker system
    • Accurately indicates where the blade will cut on the material and can be easily adjusted to the right or left of the cut mark depending...

    The C12FDH is the more sophisticated and flexible saw in this match-up.

    Pros
    • 5-year warranty
    • Comes with a laser marker system
    • Dual bevel
    • Accurate out of the box
    • Easy to use
    Cons
    • Miter only detents
    • Flip fences may not be parallel and straight with fixed fence

    Quick Rundown of DW715

    DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715),Black
    • Stainless-steel miter detent plate of 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 14 positive stops
    • The mitre saw features the precise miter system and machined base fence support
    • Tall sliding fence of DEWALT miter saw supports 5-1/2-inch base vertically

    The rough and tumble saw of this duo.

    Pros
    • Rugged design, reinforced at critical points
    • More durable than the C12FDH
    • Bevel and miter detents
    • Accurate the box
    Cons
    • 3-year warranty (whereas the C12FDH has 5 years)
    • Single bevel
    • Doesn’t come with a laser marker

    General user impressions

    Writing reviews is always interesting. Inevitably, there are those that swoon over their tool and how it performs, and then there are those who feel it has no redeeming value outside serving as a boat anchor. That is the case in this competition. As usual, user experiences were heavily skewed to the positive.

    What did people like and dislike?

    Both saws received high marks for accuracy out of the box and accuracy in use. Making changes to the cut geometry was easy with both. The smoothness of the cuts produced depended on the quality of the blade used. Both saws come with a capable general-purpose blade, but you will want a better quality blade for the smoothest cuts.

    On the negative side, neither saw offered an acceptable dust collection system, especially if you want to connect it to a shop vac system. Both require an accessory adapter or duct tape. Saws arriving damaged was an issue for both saws, with the packaging for the DeWalt being singled out repeatedly as subpar. Both tools experienced issues with the sub-fences being flimsy, prone to damage, and arriving out of square. The DW715 had some issues with bowed main fences and very difficult blade changes.

    divider 1

    Conclusion

    Let’s wrap this up and see who the champ is between these two saws. Based on the feature set and capability, the nod has to go to the Hitachi C12FDH. Even at a slightly higher price (as of writing this), the flexibility that its dual bevel capability provides, along with the convenience of the laser marking system, are worth the extra money. Since neither saw is likely capable enough for professional-level finish carpentry, the best home for the C12FDH is in a homeowner’s shop or for use in light commercial carpentry. The extra two years of warranty is the icing on the cake.

    That doesn’t mean the DeWalt DW715 is a poor choice. For users with very strict budgets and no particular need for the flexibility provided by the C12FDH’s compound bevel capability, the DW715 will satisfy their needs nicely.

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