Thread: Circular saw selection- Makita preferred

I much much MUCH prefer the more powerful 185 makita power saws. It's not just the power, but I find the switch feels a lot nicer, and the base being alloy rather than steel is a MASSIVE advantage.

And yes, when ripping hardwood or even pine I can tell the difference in power - the smaller ones stall much easier
I'm not sure if the 1800 w has these advantages, but I happily pay more for them.

Cheers
Gab

1800w is the more powerful the 2000w is 235mm, interesting feed back thank you.

I'm assuming your looking at Bunnings.... It may be worth your time to check somewhere like total tools as Bunnings don't always stock the better models and something more suitable could possibly be available.

Bunnings tend to stock 'in house' models so their price matching isn't affected, but these models quite often are built a little more cheaply

I have had a Makita 5900b for over 20 years. 235mm 2000W. It's a heavy beast. I ended up building it into a table saw and bought a 184mm battery powered unit - so much easier to handle. In the table saw the Makita rips and cross cuts hardwood no problems.

Yep. There is an additional 235mm model thanks. I am not sure whether to get 235 over 185, would rarely be of benefit except for that 4mm left on a 45 but the power/depth would be nice most of the time unless in a roof or something.

I have the 185mm makita. https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-1...r-saw_p6320431

It works pretty good. The blade guard doesn't retract as you enter the timber very well, even with 90° cuts. But I retract the guard with my left hand before pulling the trigger anyways through habit unless I am working above my head one handed in which case I'll just wiggle the saw to get the guard to open.

Hi Lappa,

being heavy is not ideal, Cordless is not an option for me as i work with hardwood here and there. Maybe the 1800 185?

I have no problem cutting hardwood with my cordless. I bought it simply for portability. I also have a corded tracksaw but it's mainly used to break up panels or trim doors etc.

1800w. When I say 'retract' I mean, the guard doesn't open up allowing the cut to be made. I guess I should have said for the guard to 'open'..but it seems like when opening it is retracting..meh

Some posts promoting unsafe work practices have been moderated whilst the Admin Team decides what to do about them.

In the mean time, any further posts on these unsafe practices, or the not so polite repiles to same will be permanently deleted.

I guess I'll simplify this(lost in modsation), HARDWOOD JOIST 6x2 that YOU CUT WITH A CIRCULAR SAW with all the plastic bs and you scarfed/etc IS IT CAPABLE with 185mm 1200w. OR is the 1800w 185mm SUBSTANTIALLY better FOR OCCASIONAL HARDWOOD USE.

1200W vs 1800W = 50% more power.

I think more power is the better option for those rare situations that require that little bit extra...

For occasional use and 45 degree depth of cut being of concern, why not consider the Bosch 1500W @ $79 with a 49mm depth of cut at 45?

More power