Hitachi Table Saw Review,
Model C10RB

The Hitachi table saw model C10RB has apparently been discontinued by Hitachi in the US. They have also discontinued their C10LA cabinet model and C10FL contractor/hybrid table saws, although as of this writing there are still a few of them available out there. Their previous model of jobsite tablesaw, the C10RA3 is also still available a number of different places online.

The (discontinued) model C10RB is a portable, jobsite tablesaw that comes with a folding stand. It is a light weight saw (70.4 lbs. including the stand) that is designed for contractors that need to lug their equipment around from job site to job site. The Hitachi table saw has an aluminum top that measures 30-5/32" x 21-3/4" with a telescoping extension that will slide out far enough to give you a 24-1/2" capacity to the right of the blade.

The Hitachi C10RB has a 15 amp motor that produces a 4000 rpm blade speed. It offers a maximum cut depth of 3-1/8" and can handle up to a 13/16" wide dado blade. There is a 2-1/2" dust port that will connect to a dust collection system or shop vac, and it has built-in tool storage for all the necessary accessories. The Hitachi table saw comes with all the expected accessories - miter gauge, rip fence, blade wrench, and push stick. It also comes with a 36 tooth carbide-tipped blade and a dado insert.

There are a few features that set the Hitachi C10RB apart from most other portable table saws. For one, the blade angle and blade depth are both adjusted by a single handwheel at the front. The foot on the right front leg is height adjustable so you can steady the saw on an uneven surface. The Hitachi also has an arbor lock so that you only need one wrench to change the blade.

Reviews of this model are few and far between. Like with most tools, you will find some people that love it, and others that are not happy with their purchase. One thing to be aware of is that you need to pay attention when looking at the reviews on the Amazon website. Some of the reviews that are currently shown at Amazon for the Hitachi C10RB are actually for the previous version of the saw, the C10RA3. Many of their comments don't necessarily apply to the newer version.

That being said, the Hitachi C10RB currently rates 3.3 out of 5 stars at Amazon with 6 reviews posted. There is also a three star review on the Lumberjocks forum.

The arbor lock and the adjustable legs are definite pluses for this model. Owners that value portability really like the light weight of the tool. However, the light weight can cause problems when cutting large or heavy materials, as the saw can tip over more easily than some heavier models.

Some folks are not fond of the throat plate that is made of sheet metal, and some wish that the stand had wheels for even easier portability. The single handwheel will take some getting used to for folks that are accustomed to having separate bevel and blade height wheels.

The miter gauge slot is also not the standard size, so many aftermarket accessories won't work with the Hitachi table saw. That is the main complaint in the Lumberjocks review. The non-standard miter slot is a common complaint on several other brands of portable table saws, though.

The Hitachi brand is known for durable, professional-grade tools that will stand up to lots of everyday use, and their portable table saws should be no exception. No, it doesn't compare to a stationary cabinet model in accuracy or power, but it is not meant for the same purpose.

For the contractor that needs to load and unload his tools from a truck or van on a daily basis, the Hitachi table saw is not a bad choice. The light weight of the C10RB is a big advantage in that situation. However, it has some stiff competition from other portable table saws that are on the market right now in its price range.

I would recommend also taking a look at other similarly-priced models from Ridgid, Bosch, and Dewalt. I'm not saying the Hitachi table saw is a poor choice, but that there are several other options to choose from that have better overall reviews, and more of them.

Note:  If you are buying your first table saw, or need help tuning up one you already own, I would recommend getting a good book on the subject. The two that seem to be recommended most often on the woodworking forums are Jim Tolpin's Table Saw Magic and Kelly Mehler's The Table Saw Book. Both have good ratings on Amazon, and they cover all the basic operations, as well as safety, maintenance, and accessories.

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