On Dec 9 2007, 12:40 am, John Horner wrote:
HerHusband wrote:

I'm not really in the market for a saw now, and $500 is about my maximum
budget, but if the saw is really as good as it appears I might just
scrounge my penny's together and pick one up.

I second the motion to invest a couple of buck in the recent Fine
Woodworking issue which has an excellent comparison test of hybrid table
saws.

Take the time to save up and move up to something more capable like the
Woodtek.

The problem with buying an eh-ok tool is that it consumes the space and
much of the money which could have been used to get something better.

Another issue with the Hitachi is that it is an uncommon beast which
will be harder to gets parts and accessories for than some others in the
future.

John

Do not buy the Hitachi C10FL!

Hitachi claims that their 10' Stationary Table Saw (Model C10FL)
produces 3 horse power. However, if you look on the right side of the
Table saw, below the table extension, you will see a little
specification plaque that states the saw uses a 120V (standard AC)
cord. This makes producing 3HP impossible, I will explain why.

Standard AC cords are limited to 15 amps of current, or about 1800
watts. At 746 watts/horsepower, and considering efficiency losses, 2
HP is all you can get, and even then the starting currents might be
tripping circuit breakers. This would bring the Hitachi's actual
power rating down to around 1.5 hp, with most of its competitors. I
would go with the Delta 36-979 for a couple reasons, other than the
fact that they lie about their power ratings.

1. The Hitachi C10FL does not have a solid cast iron table and
extensions like the Delta 36-979. The Hitachi table is cast iron, the
extension wings are not.
2. The Hitachi Table Saw, Band Saw, Drill Press, Scroll Saw, Disc
Sander, and Planer do not have the "Hitachi 5 year warranty". On the
Hitachi website it states that these items, "...are warranted to the
original purchaser to be free from defect in materials and workmanship
for a period of two (2) years from the original purchase date."

With Hitachi you are paying for power that you are not getting. I own
the Delta 36-97 and love it.