Hitachi C7BMR
Price $160
Overall the testers found the Hitachi circ saw to be a good tool that is both comfortable and well-balanced. It features ample power with a good grip and balance, which helps it make very smooth cuts. It also has good dust control when compared with the other tools.
The shoe plate is able to swivel more than 56º from square and is made from cast and machined aluminum. Inch graduations along the front edge are useful as an on-the-fly ruler. Plastic locking levers on the shoe are large and easy to use.
A large notch in the front of the shoe makes following a line relatively easy and makes up for some of the shortcomings that come with a right-sided blade.
On the downside, the Hitachi blade guard has a small, thin metal retraction handle that isn’t as nice to use as others and the guard wobbles from side to side by about 1⁄8".
Mastercraft 54-8347-0
Price $90
This saw has a good grip and trigger that provide a comfortable feel. The saw also has a decent amount of cutting power and has an accurate laser-light guide to make it easier to follow a cut line.
The Mastercraft has an on-board wrench storage area, and the blades lock in place very quickly. However, the arbor’s locking button is not easy to get at, being behind the shoe tilting wing.
Another area that the testers were not impressed with was the shoe. Made from pressed steel, it swivels noticeably less well than those on higher-rated saws. And the bevel position locks with a wing nut, which is less easy to use than a lever and seems more likely to break.
Finally, while the saw provides good power, the testers found that higher-than-average vibration levels made for some sloppy cuts.
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