The Hilti SM 60-22 Miter Saw Delivers Confident Cutting Performance and Versatility
It was just a few years ago that Hilti unveiled their Nuron battery system, along with a full line of accompanying power tools. Now, we’re getting our hands on the first Hilti SM 60-22 12-inch miter saw. Like those tools, the design team did more than just slap a label on an existing product and call it a day. I’ll walk you through everything I’ve discovered over the course of my testing and help you decide if it’s worth adding to your jobsite or shop.
Pros
- Compact profile
- Provides clean and accurate cuts
- Smooth sliding action
- Adjustable fence and table
- 6-speed motor
- Cut line indicator
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Hilti SM 60-22 Miter Saw Performance
- No-Load Speed: 4300 RPM
- Blade Diameter: 12 in.
- Max Bevel: 48° right, 48° left
- Max Miter: 60° right, 52° left
- Cross Cut Range: 14 in.
- Max Cut Depth: 3.9 in.
Cutting Power
The Hilti SM 60-22 miter saw features a variable speed control that allows you to match the blade speed with your material, optimizing cut quality and performance. Speeds range from 2,000 RPMs up to 4,300 RPMs, allowing you to cut a wide range of materials, including aluminum and PVC, and extend the life of your battery.
When it comes to testing, I usually like to 4×4 lumber since it can push a saw’s comfort level, especially during compound cuts. As you would expect, crosscuts and bevel cuts put up very little resistance. On the compound cuts, I could hear the RPMs dropping slightly, but no more than I would expect from another Pro-grade 12-inch miter saw.
Cutting Accuracy
After some hands on time with this saw, I must say that it is not lacking whatsoever in the accuracy department. Hilti equips this saw with an LED shadow cutline indicator that casts a thin shadow in the material’s surface. The shadow is the exact width of the blade, making it easier to perform shave cuts and reduce material loss.
Keep in mind, since this is a sliding miter saw, you can introduce some side lean in the rail system by applying too much force during a cut. The SM 60-22 has a strong brushless motor and the rails are incredibly smooth, so let the saw do the work and trust it to stay true to get the most accurate results.
Hilti SM 60-22 Miter Saw Design Notes
- Model: Hilti SM 60-22
- Power Source: Hilti Nuron B 22 battery
- Weight: 56.4 lbs
- Arbor:1.2 in.
Grip and Trigger
Looking at the grip, Hilti equipped this saw with a full-bar trigger and a thumb safety button. Personally, I like this style of trigger because it allows me to use all four fingers to depress the trigger. It’s a simple feature, but I feel that it offers a certain level of safety and control while making cuts.
Forward Sliding Rails
Unlike many sliding miter saws, the Hilti SM 60-22 features a set of fixed rails and the saw slides forward and backward on them like a trolley, rather than the saw being fixed to the end of the rails. This makes for a much more compact profile and requires less space behind the saw to accommodate for the sliding action.
Miter Locking
The miter lock is pretty standard, but there are a few things to know before you get started. First, this saw is able to miter up to 60 degrees right, and 52 degrees to the left. The miter lock is located right on the front, and Hilti includes a threaded locking knob for the turntable.
For convenience, there are detents left and right at 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees, as well 60 degrees to the right. Additionally, it has a detent bypass lever so you can make quick adjustments on the fly.
Bevel Adjustment
To adjust the bevel, you’ll first need to pull up on the locking lever to allow the saw to move. Once the pressure is released, push the lever upward towards the turntable and adjust the saw left or right to your desired angle. After setting your bevel, simply press down on the lever to lock it in place.
Table and Fence Adjustment
At first glance, I must admit, this saw has A LOT going on and is incredibly feature heavy and built to handle a wide range of applications. The upper parts of the fence are able to slide outward, and even be removed, to accommodate the wide bevel arc, and both sides of the table can slide out to support longer boards.
Additionally, the upper fence panels can slide out completely and clip to the table extension rods for safe keeping.
Mounting Options
Like many miter saws, the SM 60-22 has four holes in the base that allow you to permanently mount this saw to a work bench or stand. In fact, Hilti offers a stand for this saw that provides a rock solid work surface, but it’s universally compatible to fit just about any miter saw on the market.
Additional Features
- Depth Stop
- Includes dust bag
- Includes metal clamp
- Onboard tool storage
- Rail lock
Hilti SM 60-22 Miter Saw Price
The Hilti SM 60-22 retails for $869 as a bare tool, and comes with their 20-year warranty. One thing we love about Hilti is that they allow you to customize the kit options to fit your needs, sort of an à la carte situation. Adding the recommended B 22-255 battery and a charger brings the total price up to $1,258.
For our tool crib managers, Hilti also offers fleet pricing, dropping the price down to $29.71 per month. This includes no-cost repairs, same-day service, and tool replacement.
The Bottom Line
It doesn’t take long to discover that this saw is designed with Pros in mind. This saw is packed with useful features and has more than enough power to make demanding cuts in dense lumber. Additionally, the adjustable speed settings, wide miter and bevel arcs, and compact profile definitely set it apart from the pack. If you’re on the hunt for a versatile miter saw to add to your tool arsenal, I’d keep Hilti in mind!
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