Thread: Is It Worth Repairing a Makita 5600NB 160mm Circular Saw?

Is it pressed steel or a casting? Either way it should definitely be possible, but pressed metal can be bent back pretty freely while castings run a small risk of cracking if you try to go too far.

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

Is it pressed steel or a casting? Either way it should definitely be possible, but pressed metal can be bent back pretty freely while castings run a small risk of cracking if you try to go too far.

It's steel.

It all depends on what you are using it for.
If just breaking down rough timber then you can live with it.
If you want precise cuts then a gentle tap with a hammer may fix some of the issue, but generally they never go back to good.
Check with your local power tool repair supplier on the cost of a new base.

Originally Posted by Jim Carroll

It all depends on what you are using it for.
If just breaking down rough timber then you can live with it.
If you want precise cuts then a gentle tap with a hammer may fix some of the issue, but generally they never go back to good.
Check with your local power tool repair supplier on the cost of a new base.

I'm using it for small projects (shelves, a dog bed, etc.) so I'd prefer it if the cuts were accurate. The saw is old (from the 80s I think) so I assumed there wouldn't be any spares available. However, I did a quick search and came across these guys:

Makita 5600NB Spare Parts

The website lists the part I need. If giving the saw a tap doesn't work I might try getting the base.

Cheers!

I have a Hitachi saw that had a twisted pressed steel base. Was not hard to twist back into shape. Might take 3, 4 or more twists & checks to get it right. Would avoid hitting with a hammer.

Originally Posted by Pete57

I have a Hitachi saw that had a twisted pressed steel base. Was not hard to twist back into shape. Might take 3, 4 or more twists & checks to get it right. Would avoid hitting with a hammer.

How did you twist it?

If the saw is from the 1980's it could be a made in Japan unit and in my humble opinion worth keeping.
I'd ask the local tool shop repair to see if they can source a new replacement base plate for you or go online as you have the part number.
Cheers

Originally Posted by cpsmusic

How did you twist it?

Removed blade. Put on a bench or block of wood with area that needs to bend down hanging off the side. While holding area on bench/block of wood, push down on overhanging area. It is likely to spring back a bit so hard to judge exactly how much to push. Just take it slowly a little bit at a time.

remember, it is broken (bent) now so nothing to loose by giving it a go.

As said above just have a go at straitening it as there is nothing to loose. A tool that old I would be thinking twice on spending money on it. I know they were better built then but everything has its day. I have a 210mm 80tes Makita saw and about 12 years put new bearings in it. It is still going well but dont know if it will get any more get out of jail cards. A new one now would be way less than I paid back then. These days it only comes out to break down stuff too big to put across the tablesaw so it still has a fair chance of seeing me out of woodworking.
Regards
John