Hitachi C10RJ Table Saw Review [2023 Update]

Features

Telescoping Table Extension

The table surface supports a max of a 35-inch rip capacity on the right. The outfeed support also allows for an additional 10 inches of material support at the back. The 22-inch rip capacity when set on the left allows for maximum flexibility. There’s not much this saw can’t handle, and it’s versatile enough to use for most applications.

All-Purpose Capability

This saw can do more than just rip lumber. It can also cut harder wood, achieve clean finishes, and its 8 x 13/16-inch dado capacity is another plus.

Soft Start System

Reduce noise and recoil at startup without sacrificing power and ramp-up.

Electric Braking System

Halt the rotation of a blade within seconds for both faster work and less waiting.

Zero Voltage Restart and Overload Protection

Prevents restarting if the power is temporarily cut during operation. Also has an automatic shut-off feature to avoid motor damage in the event of a current overload situation. This’ll help put your mind at ease, especially when power gets restored.

Miter Gauge Included

Equipped with a ¾ inch t-slot miter gauge, featuring large scale with adjustable positive stops at 0, 22.5, and 45 degrees to both the right and left to help guide material accurately for a more exact cut.

Safety Features

The oversized Power Switch has an emergency-off safety cover is placed at knee level for immediate shutdown. The installed riving knife also ensures no bind or kickback.

Ergonomically Designed

Hitachi made this saw with the comfort and convenience of the user in mind. It’s lightweight and has perfectly placed switches and accessory storage. Its ease in going up a set of stairs is nothing short of a miracle. The adjustable standing leg adds to the ingenuity of the design and the stand itself is sturdy and easy to work with.

Onboard Storage

Dedicated storage space for the push stick, blade guard, anti-kickback pawls, power cord, and other accessories.

Portability

The fold and roll stand is equipped with 8-inch rubber, all-terrain treaded wheels, making it easy to maneuver around a job site. The legs are foldable and also sturdy to ensure a firm working surface.

Ease of storage can’t be ignored either. When folded with the stand, the saw stands up straight. If you’re tight on space in the garage or limited in your work vehicle, you’ll love how compact this gets while still having rolling wheels.

Stability

Because the stand is so well-designed and durable, you’ll be able to enjoy accurate cuts with less (or no) wobble.

Out of the Box Accuracy

You can start using this saw right out of the box and expect reasonable accuracy. Although you can (and should) calibrate your settings before beginning work, if you’re in a rush to begin or you’re on a job site with contractors who might not want to be bothered with calibrating, you can rest easy knowing you’ll get some decent cuts immediately upon setup.

Disclaimer: users noted that the 45-degree stop variation was more accurate out of the box than the 90-degree stop, so proceed with caution.

Pros

• Versatile enough to harder wood and cleaner finishes in addition to ripping lumber
• Large table top surface
• Strong motor
• Rack and pinion fence adjustment
• The fence has three mounting positions, including a roll out to use as a support table to help achieve wider cuts. It extends out farther than the competition.
• Ruler edge on the side of the table allows for quick measurements and enhanced accuracy.
• Superior performance (relatively low decrease in RPMs related to the increase in amp draw during cutting)
• Advanced safety features including an oversized, knee-level power switch
• Onboard storage system for tools and accessories
• Portability with sturdy folding legs and telescoping table extension
• Easy access, front-situated bevel scale, and bevel height adjustments
• Can be rolled for maximum maneuverability
• Minimal speed loss when cutting plywood (compared to competitors) means you’ll be more efficient with this material
• Exceptional performance in its class with minimal RPM loss or amp draws.
• Includes decent miter gauge with detents on both sides and 0 to 45-degree bevel range
• Relatively quiet operation, especially with the soft-start feature
• Adjustable foot aids in leveling the saw
• Folds up neatly for storage
• Superior ergonomics
• High value and feature rich for a relatively low price
• Relatively long 2-year warranty

Cons

• To make the blade parallel with the fence and miter slots requires that you remove bolts under the table to perform the adjustment. As of publication, this was not mentioned in the manual. Try the easier adjustments first (the fence, riving knife and bevel) before going underneath.
• The miter gauge on this model has been known to fall out. Make sure it’s secure before you transport the saw.
• The quality of the fence gets mixed reviews. Take care not to strip the hex bolts as you make adjustments.
• Though the blade speed has a minimal drop with plywood, it performs comparatively poorly on pressure treated woods and hardwoods like mahogany.
• The instruction manual isn’t as clear as they could be. Several users had to backtrack during assembly. However, many users also reported that assembly was a breeze. Much of the evaluation depended on user experience and skill level.
• Quality control has experienced some recent hiccups. The customer service team is responsive to any issues and will ensure that you’re made whole in the event of any defects or problems.

Verdict

The Hitachi is similar to the DeWalt DWE7499 but boasts a lower price tag. If you look closely, it’ll be hard, if not impossible, to notice a difference at all, other than the color. In fact, this saw rivals the performance of saws that cost up to $200 more. This is a great all-in-one tool that’s equally suited for big projects while still being affordable enough for DIY passions.

If you want a professional quality saw, but you don’t want to pay an exorbitant amount for it, you’ll appreciate the value of the Hitachi.