Thread: Makita Circular Saw Value Pack - skip on Bunnings

This is one of those "don't make the mistakes that I have made" posts.

At the moment (and possibly continously), Makita do a "Value Pack" for their entry-level Teal 185mm (7 1/4") power saw. Basically you get an extra blade in the box, meaning you get both 24- and 40- teeth blades. Excellent starter pack.

Here's the catch -
Thifty-link and all online tool-shops carry the N5740NB-SP. This is the box found on the Makita site, and contains the N5740NB which is pretty well the classic Makita 185mm circular saw - a 1050W sidewinder with a solid Aluminum base. I've seen street price for $179 for this kit.

The Bunnings box looks identical, but the saw is actually 5806B. This doesn't appear on the Makita website, so I'm guessing its a Bunnings only model. 1050W sidewinder with a PRESSED STEEL base. Price - $178.

The other difference is that it contains one less bush in the blade assembly. I'm not sure exactly what impact this has, but both the 5606 and 5740 use the different blade mounting hardware.

I'm particularly annoyed because I did all my research, and ended up buying the wrong thing because I failed to take my notes with me to the store. Not annoyed enough to drive down to Alexandria and argue with Bunnings' return counter, but enough to feel miffed at them for selling what is (based on these forums) an inferior product for the same price.

Buyer beware... especially if you are planning to put a Power saw under the Christmas tree this year.

In praise of Makita - they did send me some stickers for my tool box

Matt