HITACHI CORDED CIRCULAR SAW - BY PETER BRETT


Hitachi C7UR – Retro Power


HITACHI corded circular saws have had a reputation for robust construction, power, and reliability that stretches back for decades. I still see 20-year-old examples of these tucked into the back of builders’ vans now.


Perhaps they aren’t used as often due to the cordless revolution, but they will be called upon as a back up, when a seriously demanding job is in the offi ng.


So what are the USPs of the C7UR?


The USPs are few and quite simple, and perhaps betray a little of what I mentioned above. There are still times when mains power is needed, not only for a more powerful mains motor, but also for the extra speed of cutting.


Cordless is perfect for boards and such like, but sometimes the slow feed rate of a cordless motor cutting roof timbers, for example, simply will not do, as it holds up the job.


Power and Speed – the Main Features The brushed motor on the C7UR features 1800W of power and a high RPM of 6,800 – so it is not only powerful, but fast. Compared to smaller and brushless motors we are becoming used to, it feels like a brute. There is a defi nite torque kick when you press the trigger, and the noise level feels old fashioned as it runs. However, there is no doubt that the speed and power make for very effi cient cutting. One of my tests was cutting slices off a piece of 50mm thick brown oak. The motor didn’t slow at all – it simply sliced on through. It was even easier on some treated 50mm thick softwood rafters. However, I do miss some features I have got used to – I would like a motor or blade brake to stop the blade quickly after releasing the switch. This is perhaps where the role of the lower blade guard comes into the equation.


24 TBH July-August, 2018


The trigger switch arrangement is unusual too. There is a well- textured loop handle, with a space for a forefi nger only.


The rest of the fi ngers fi t into a separate aperture behind it, while the thumb goes over to meet the forefi nger. The switch is a simple click for ‘on,’ and then release for ‘off ’.


There is no safety release button or lever that is commonly found on circular saws - mains or cordless - these days. I pondered this for a while, because the arrangement feels a bit retro.


The fact the forefi nger has to fi nd its own specifi c place to fi nd the ‘on’ switch, helps to keep all intentions with the saw deliberate. It also helps there is a large and well-placed auxiliary handle in front of the main one.


PRODUCT REVIEW BY PETER BRETT


For good guidance of the cut it is used a lot, and that helps keep both hands well clear of the blade.


As standard, the saw comes with an 18-tooth TCT 185mm diameter blade. The blade has large gullets for clearing waste quickly and is also only about 2mm thick, so the resulting thin kerf also aids speedy cutting.


There is also the very nice feature of a powerful dust blower right over the cutting line, that helps keep it clear and visible.


Back to Base Like many of its other saws, Hitachi has decided to use a solid alloy baseplate. At about 4mm thick it is rigid and squarely accurate, and there are eight countersunk screws to attach the saw and its adjustments, so that they don’t move. They are therefore also easy to service. On the front and right hand side of the base measurements are marked in inches, betraying the fact the larger market is the US.


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