Makita Circular Saw: Features Submersible And Hand-held, Cordless, Table-top And Electric Circulars. How To Choose A Circular Saw?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

The circular saw is one of the most demanded tools that was first introduced to the market a century ago. Today, "parquet", as it is often called, is used by both professionals and many home craftsmen.

If there is a need to purchase such a tool, then it is better to take a closer look at the products of the Makita brand.

Peculiarities

Makita power tools have long been known in the market - they have received consumer acceptance in many countries for their exceptional quality, practicality and reliability. The following technical and operational properties are characteristic of the products of this manufacturer:

• high power and torque reserve;
• increased efficiency of power drives;
• complete set with various general-purpose carbide tips:
• diamond-plated coating.

The Makita circular saw features ergonomics, relatively small dimensions, and moderate weight - thanks to this, you can work with such a tool even in hard-to-reach areas.

Characteristics

Makita saws are currently available in three basic categories, depending on the working power:

• less than 800 W;
• 800-1200 W;
• over 1200 watts.

Tools of the first type are designed to perform basic housework, the second is used in repair and finishing work, and the third is needed in production, where the device will be used in difficult conditions and in continuous mode.

During the operation of the saw, the motor tooling sometimes gets jammed, which often leads to kickback. To prevent this from happening, the Makita tool is equipped with a special slip clutch, which makes it possible to fix the disc in a static position, so that the working shaft is able to function in any conditions.

The system is reliably protected from unplanned switching on - for this, the manufacturer has provided a special button on the handle. With the help of such a device, you can reliably lock the trigger, making the work with the tool safe.

In most models, the spindle is supplemented with a button or a special lever for locking, although there are modifications in which the locking points are turned on when scrolling.

Advantages and disadvantages

The range of Makita circular saws meets the most modern level of woodworking - it is thanks to this that the brand has won the recognition of domestic craftsmen and professional carpenters.

There are no flaws in the design that reduce the productivity and safety of the tool, which is an undoubted advantage of the Makita range over many other circular saws.

However, it was not without its drawbacks. Users have a lot of questions about the lack of a smooth descent option and a mechanism for protecting electric drives from overload in some professional modifications.

What are they?

When choosing a saw for carpentry work, inexperienced users are faced with a wide selection of a wide variety of options, because saws are circular, submersible, hand-held, battery-powered, wood-working, table-top, electric, as well as stationary, miter, mini-, hypoid. You can also find on sale such an option as a saw machine or a model with a brushless motor.

Circular saws are classified according to various criteria.

Depending on the size of the cut, the saws are divided into the following categories:

• small - have a penetration depth of 40-46 mm;
• medium - depth is 50-55 mm;
• large - here the cut varies from 65 to 70 mm;
• professional - with depth parameters of 64-140 mm.

By design, some saw options are also distinguished, which will be discussed below.

Stationary saws

As a rule, these are oversized models that require special space, and sometimes premises for their installation and storage. They are designed to work in an intensive mode and perform a large volume of tasks. For example, they are relevant in large furniture production, where fairly large batches of wood have to be sawed every day.

Desktop options

These are small tools that do not require much storage space and can be easily transported. However, small dimensions are combined with reduced power characteristics, so their performance is several times lower than that of stationary models.

Manual

These are circular saws that are used when it is necessary to cut a number of parts from soft materials, such as plastic or certain types of wood. The device is optimal for occasional carpentry work - only in this case, reduced power and low productivity will not be considered a minus of the tool.

Depending on the scope of use, a number of modifications are also distinguished.

Professional saws

Such a tool is used in production workshops: where every day a huge number of wooden blanks of the most varying density and size are processed. Such devices can function continuously for a whole shift without requiring a break.

Household

As the name suggests, these models are optimal for use in everyday life when carrying out small repairs.

There is a big difference between household and professional models, which lies in the power of the tool - the parameters of professional saws are several times higher than the corresponding characteristics of household options.

One of the most basic classifications is based on the types of operations performed.

Metal circular saw

It is a versatile tool as it can be used with any type of material: wood, plywood, plastics, as well as sheet metal, pipes and profiles. Unlike all other modifications, this tool does not have an abrasive sawing surface, but is made of high strength tool steel.

Plunge-cut circular saw

This tool is indispensable when you need to make a groove in the surface of any part, for example, cut a small hole in a wooden surface for mounting a sink. The main advantage of a circular plunge-cut saw is the ability to make a cut absolutely in any part of the part, and not just along the edges.

In addition, this type of tool is used when working with laminate, parquet and multi-layer materials.

Depending on the power source used, a number of modifications are also distinguished.

Cordless Saw (18 Volt)

As the name implies, it does not operate on AC power, but on an autonomous battery. Thanks to this feature, the saws are popular when working in hard-to-reach places, for example, at considerable heights or in areas where there is no tension. On average, such a cordless saw can work from 35 to 55 minutes without recharging. And in order to fully charge the battery, it will take much more time - at least 3.5 hours.

Network

These models operate on mains power. Their advantage is the ability to work for a long time without interruption. The disadvantage of this type of tool is associated with the fact that all work can only be carried out near the power source.

Model rating

Makita 5704 R

It is a compact saw that is ideal for sawing wood as well as soft metal. Product weight - 4, 6 kg. The power corresponds to 1200 W, and the rotation parameter has an indicator of 4900 rpm. / min. The size of the seating disc is 30 mm, when located at an angle of 90 degrees, the cut reaches 66 mm.

This model is distinguished by the presence of a fairly solid support platform, as well as a riving knife - thanks to this, the operator can change the position of the regulator and the parameters of the cutting depth. If desired, the shaft can be fixed at any time so that a high-quality disc replacement can be carried out without any risk.

This model does not have the ability to adjust the rpm and does not maintain contact with the guide rail, and there is also no smooth descent.

Makita 5704 RK

This is a professional type of tool that is essential for shaping deep cuts. The modification has the option to change the basic parameters of the angle and cut size. The saw is equipped with frames, which ensures a perfectly smooth cut.

There is an outlet for collecting sawdust and an ergonomic handle - this makes maintenance of the tool simple and convenient.

Makita CA5000XJ

This is a rather expensive saw with exceptionally high technical and operational parameters:

• power - 1300 W;
• speed - varies from 2600 to 6400 rpm. / min.;
• availability of a soft start option;
• there is a mode of operation with a guide rail;
• when working at an angle of 90 degrees, you can make a cut with a height of 11 mm;
• can be used to work with aluminum.

Parts and accessories

The main spare parts for circular saws in this product line are the elements described below.

Anchor . It is a copper winding, which is characterized by the property of conducting current, and a magnetic circuit with a rotary shaft fixed in it. On one side of the armature there is a gear, on the other - a collector with main lamellas. The magnetic circuit consists of plates, completely insulated with each other and coated with varnish.

Rotor - this is a shaft in which a core with small grooves is located, where the anchor winding is attached.

Stator . It is made of special electrical steel with a high magnetic permeability parameter. This element is attached to the tool body.

All of these parts - armature, rotor and stator - are included in the collector-type electric motor circuit, which is usually installed on circular saws. In addition, an important structural component and support is the shaft, which transmits the torque from the motor to the saw blade.

Comparison with other brands

Today, the products of several large manufacturers are in demand on the tool market. Circular saws from Bosch, Metabo and Makita are in demand among users - these brands are considered the best.

To compare the features of the saws of these manufacturers, it is worth considering the parameters of the most popular modifications, which include BOSCH GKS 160, Metabo KS EURO, as well as Makita 5704R. They have a similar design and functionality.

Power indicators:

• BOSCH 160 - 1050 W;
• Metabo - 1010 W;
• Makita - 1200 watts.

It should be noted that 900 watts is enough for effective work in professional mode. All presented modifications significantly exceed this standard.

Number of revolutions (highest):

• BOSCH - 5600 rpm / min.;
• Metabo - 6 thousand vol. / min.;
• Makita - 4900 rpm / min.

According to this indicator, the most productive is the circular saw of the Metabo brand.

Maximum cut at an angle of 90/45 degrees:

• BOSCH - 54 mm / 38 mm;
• Metabo - 54 mm / 38 mm.
• Makita - 66mm / 45mm.

Best performance on Makita saws

Tool weight

The largest saw is Makita - it weighs 4, 6 kg, a BOSCH product is 1 kg lighter, and the lightest saws are Metabo (their weight is 3, 4 kg).

Safety

According to this parameter, all the presented models of circular saws have exceptional characteristics - they are equipped with protective covers that slightly open the saw blade, as well as a button that minimizes the risk of accidental starting.

It should be noted that each model has its own additional parameters

Tool BOSCH equipped with an electronic motor protection system, as well as an ergonomic design that is equally comfortable for right-handers and left-handers.

• Metabo . The tools of this manufacturer are supplemented with a safety clutch, so that the operator is protected from accidental knocking of the tool out of his hands in the event of a jammed disc.
• Makita . Has a splitting knife that protects the saw blades from jamming in the material. In addition, this saw has the lowest vibration and noise performance.

All of the listed models meet the basic requirements for the safety and performance parameters of the circular instrument, so which one is better is up to the buyer to decide.

Choice

When buying a suitable model, first of all, you should pay attention to the power. The higher this parameter, the more stable the tool will work, and the more dense materials it will be able to process. Also, this indicator is responsible for the duration of work without interruption.

Special attention should be paid to the rotational speed of the disk: the higher this indicator, the more convenient the saw is to work, since it will easily handle even the most dense materials. The cutting line turns out to be smooth, and the risk of blade jamming in the material is reduced to zero.

The maximum disc size directly indicates how thick the material can be cut.

In addition to the basic parameters, one should take into account the weight of the device, ergonomics and ease of use.