Thread: 185mm Circular Saws & Beginners - Should Makita be my choice?

I have the smaller of those 2 saws. I brought mine when they still had the pressed steel base plate. They are supplied with a thin kerf blade which probably helps out due to the lower wattage as compared to the 5007NK. The blade does tend to flex a bit due to the thickness of the plate used in the manufacture. I haven't used mine a lot, but it cuts through your softwoods very easily without bogging down. Its a nice light saw to handle so easy to manovour around with one hand if required. I don't know if it is just the extra power that makes the 5007NK heavier or if there heftier components inside.
It seems that Total Tools have them for a lower price than Bunnings, and the newer model has the soft rubber over mold on the handle for better comfort. see here. Mine came with 2 blades but that may not be the case now.
Unless you are using it all day every day, or cutting lots of thick hardwood, I can't see the extra cost is warranted.

I have a Makita 5740NB, bought to do a one-off job when I didn't have a saw available. Aluminium base, 7 1/4", 2 blades, maybe $120 or so, it was a few years ago. It doesn't get daily work but gets used in earnest when it comes out. The big 9" is far more powerful but a mongrel to use by comparison, this little thing is a go-to tool.

I have the makita with the pressed steel plate and the thin kerf blade. I find it cuts really well, and leaves a good finish in the cut. I have no problem with this saw and am happy to reccomend it to someone who wants a corded saw that is light and easy to use.

Thanks for the feedback! Looks like my decision was a good one. I'll grab one this weekend!

A 7 1/4" Makita saw is the preferred choice of tradies the world over. These days they're used somewhat less frequently than before as drop saws have generally taken over measured crosscutting duties, but up on a top plate, or cutting rafters to length for barge boards, the little Makitas seem to hit a bit of a sweet spot in terms of weight, power & overall ergonomic utility.

Smaller wattage saws are perfectly adequate for heavy use in softwood scantling, whereas the higher rated saws would be preferable in hardwoods.

I bought the saw. Very happy with it. Popped my circular saw cherry (yep, I'm that 'beginner'). Still have all my fingers!

I hope you have a long, happy and safe relationship. Don't forget, if you make something we would like to see photos on here.