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I know several contractors that this is the only saw they own. This saw is the best in its price range.
Just got it at home depot for $99. After spending countless hours in the job sites and listening to professional contractors Makita has incorporated much of what we heard into the design of these new saws. From the ManufacturerThe #1 Contractor Saw Preferred by Tradesmen Just Got Better. The new Makita 5007NK replaces the longtime market leader 5007FK.
While I have not dropped this saw it seems to be very strong. The one item about adjusting either the tilt or the depth is that while the tracks are marked with depth/angle indicators the tick mark used to indicate the depth/angle is very small/shallow black steel on black steel and after you have made a few cuts in wet decking lumber the tick mark is impossible to see.
This saw is heavy so if you plan on using it all day long I recommend a different model (perhaps the Makita 5007MG). Also the LED Light IS NOT a laser guide - it is a low powered light you can use for those hard to see cuts you are making in the dark (in case you missed the sarcasm it is useless).
I bought this to replace a Ryobi Saw w/ lazer guide that I let my brother-in-law borrow (apparently they dropped it because my laser and guides are all off now). The tilt and saw depth gauge are very easy to adjust.
The blade is good like a knife in butter (the Freud Diablo 24T Framing Blade is like a hot knife in butter). I bought this one for the better brand name and substantially stronger base.
I have not once bogged the motor down like I did several times with the Ryobi (I do know how to use a saw; however, some saws can handle a full depth cut into wet 4x4's at a decent speed and some can't).
It is a joy to use. The Makita 5007FK Circular Saw is a very good product.
The track guides one uses to set the depth bends & twists and makes raising/lowering the blade depth nearly impossible; the bevel angle gets knocked out of plumb (this is from a 30" drop onto soft grass).Let's face it, people drop saws. I'm buying the (much cheaper but more 'manly') Hitachi. The good: the saw goes 'round and 'round like any other saw. And one minor drop shouldn't render this saw useless (for all practical purposes); but it does.Also, it's not balanced very well and the mitre settings are difficult to read.Next time. (forget Dewalt; they're crap, too) The Makita blade they send along cuts very smoothly.The bad: once you drop this delicate piece of 'construction' equipment you might as well cut the cord, remove the blade and give it to your 6yo for a play toy. The base bends--making it impossible to make a square cut or use the rip guide.
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