Makita5477NB 7-1/4" Hypoid Saw

I am a do-it-yourselfer (when it makes sense). Most of what I do can be categorized as light construction and finish carpentry. My tools include some high-end, professional grade products, and some cheap stuff for those once-in-a-blue-moon projects. I consider this Makita Hypoid Saw one of my professional grade tools.I have owned several circular saws purchased at the big box stores - all of which were crap. I do not use a circular saw a lot, so the cheap Skil saw I had purchased at Lowe's was sufficient for a while. This was not one of my go-to tools.But after years (decades) of pent up frustration with the cheap saw, I decided to buy a "real" circular saw, instead of one of those entry level toys. This Makita Hypoid Saw is awesome! Fit and finish is outstanding. It is smooth and cuts through treated lumber like butter. It actually has less start-up torque than the cheap Skill sidewinder I had been using, has solid and controllable adjustments . . . and is a lot more powerful. This will now be one of my go-to tools.I have not used it a lot, since I have only had it for a couple weeks, but it is in the same class of tools as my Milwaukee jig saw, Delta cabinet saw, Delta miter saw and Craftsmen reciprocating saw. I am very happy with this Makita Hypoid Saw, and highly recommend this product.UPDATE 8/7/13: I have used this saw several times now. This is one incredible saw!! I have even used this for some woodworking projects - cutting cabinet-grade plywood for book cases, to length. Even using the standard 24 tooth blade that came with the saw I am getting a smooth finish cut. I usually rough cut lengths within 1/8" to 1/16" and finish by trimming with a router. This saw has been so accurate that I have been able to cut lumber to the exact length. I love this saw. You will not be sorry if you decide to invest in this tool.

Our General Contractor Business owns 2 of these saws. We have tried other direct drive, and worm drive saws but love the durability and power of this model. This is a no-nonsense staple that comes with us to every job site. We have used these saws for framing, flooring, trim and finish work with no problems (it is worth noting that you need a finish blade on this saw for finish work). It's worth noting that these are the only "skill" saws we own.Pros:-VERY Durable (dropped, kicked, thrown in van without any issues)-Cuts Straight-Powerful (I have used it to cut 1" VGF plywood and glue lams without issue)-No extra frills-Good sightline of blade and guide marks when cutting on the ground or off your boot.Cons:- A bit of torque on start up, but this is expected for a hand held tool this powerful- It's heavy, I usually cut with one hand but my wife needs to use 2 and has complained about the weight of this tool.- It's Powerful (If not used properly this saw will "kick")- Blade guard can be a little tricky when plunge cuttingI would recommend this saw for homeowners or general contractors that use this tool occasionally. Folks with less arm strength may want to look at direct drive and cordless models (these are lighter, but less powerful). Framing contractors may want to look to a higher ind saw that is a bit lighter and ha less torque on start up like a Skil Mag 77.

This is the first worm-drive saw and the first Makita power tool I've ever purchased in my 30+ years of woodworking. I've always used "side-winder" circ saws with at most a 13 amp motor. After using this Makita with its 15 amp motor, I'll never go back to a side-winder! I've been ripping 1" and 2" thick rough cut pine lumber from my chainsaw mill and this worm-drive powers right through! I thought the left-side blade orientation would be awkward, but I found the saw easier to use and more ergonomic. Very pleased with the product!Update 4/22/22: Still going strong after over several thousand feet of tough rip cuts - with the same included blade! For efficiency, I'm going to buy a 2nd unit so I can leave a rip fence on my original one and wide rip using a long 2x6 guide with the other. Money well spent!

I debated a bit to rate this as a 4 or a 5 but in fairness I feel I should give it a 5. It's a heavy and powerful saw. I've had the saw for several weeks, a few months even and I've used it for general use around my home shop and quite a bit for a fairly heavy duty project of building a new deer blind. In that project I cut a lot of plywood, 3/8", 3/4", 2 X 4's and 4 X 4's (cuts from opposite sides). I like the plain view from the left hand side as I am right handed. It's probably just different from what I'm used to using over the years but it seems I have a bit more trouble following a line when cutting without a guide than with my old saw. That's the only reason I would rate it less than 5 and that's probably in my court. It's a powerful saw, contractor grade, so be prepared for kick back if the blade gets into a bind and there is no electronic brake. If you need a saw for light duty around the home, this is probably not the best choice for you but I do recommend it for more serious use. It's imported of course but it's well made and seems to be a quality tool.