makita electric saw

1. Posted: Jan 19 2008

   The Makita 12-inch electric chain saw is an excellent product. I have always used a gas-powered chain and only bought this because I got tired of the constant maintenance needed for a gas chain saw. A couple of trips to the repair shop with a gas chain saw cost more than the purchase price of the Makita. To my surprise, I like the Makita more than my gas chain saw, which new, today, would cost at least twice as much. The Makita starts easily, of course and cuts just as fast for medium sized wood (and faster for small stuff). Compared to a gas saw, the chain seems to move faster with lower torque. Lower torque makes the Makita safer to use than my gas chain saw. When the trigger is released, the chain stops moving more quickly than with a gas-powered saw, which is a nice safety feature. I was disappointed to see a manual chain oiler but, having used it quite a bit, I prefer it to an automatic oiler - it uses much less oil and is less messy. The Makita seems to be rugged and well designed and expect maintenance costs to be minimal. However, for any logs larger than about 12 inches, I have to use the gas-powered chain saw, which has a longer blade. Otherwise, the Makita is preferable in all respects.

2. Posted: Jan 2 2008

   Very well made saw which exceeded my expectations. Quite useful in situations where a gas chainsaw is not desired. The Makita can cut through hardwoods up to 6 inches in diameter with almost the same speed as a gas saw. For an older person like me, not having to wrestle with a gas saw to get it started is a great advantage.

3. Posted: Nov 5 2007

   While not for use by anyone who does a lot of tree trimming, this little sucker does what it says it does. I like it a lot. Small and easy to handle. But, if you've got anything over about 8 inches in diameter to cut, you should get something larger... maybe gas powered.

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1. ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jul 13 2007

   Cuts thru 4x4 posts in one clean pass thats the reason I bought it and it works A little heavy but its a big saw Well made solid product

2. Posted: May 13 2007

   I got this saw to bridge the gap between a 7 1/4" circular saw and a 16 5/16" beam saw used to build a log house. The big beam saw gets used a lot, but you don't want to use it to cut on a wall or anything higher than your waist. The 10 1/4" can go shoulder high without too much trouble, and works well. It has an all metal frame, which makes it a bit heavy, and it comes with a useless cheap stamped steel blade, but otherwise is a good tool.

3. ( 5 of 19 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 28 2002

   Not a bad saw, not the best either. It's a perfect tool for basic projects around the house. If you are a homeowner looking for one saw to have this is it, if you are a pro or are looking for a saw you will be using a lot spend some money and get something with a little more power and a lot less noise.

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1. Posted: Jun 24 2008

   This saw was the work horse for my new log home. It cuts through the 6by12 logs and beams with ease. I am still in the process of building my home and would recommend this saw to anyone who is doing the same.

2. ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 6 2007

   This is my second beam saw from Makita. It is much better than earlier versions that were a tad sloppy by design and very under powered. This one gets it right, well mostly. The trigger button is very oddly placed and requires two hands to crank it up. I will glue an extension on the button when I can. It's a lot like trying to saw with a VW engine, you really need to be awake and have both hands on the saw. Forget the line drawing, clamp a metal speed square to the work and use it as a guide for the cut edge. My first job was to shoulder knotch 12 beams 8x12x24 feet. I'm glad they were whitepine. The job went well, but the blade that comes with the saw is a utility blade and I would invest in the highest quality fine tooth you can find for the high visibility cuts. It would be nice to get an 8" depth cut, but the 6" it has is fine is fine for most uses.b

3. ( 2 of 2 found this review helpful ) Posted: Sep 15 2005

   the saw performs great.plenty of power great for timber framing and post and beam. only draw back is plate is to narrow

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1. Posted: Jul 29 2007

   I have used many different circular saws and have a Bosch 7-1/4" contractors saw. It is a real workhorse, but is heavy. I have also used the old Rockwell trim saw, similar to the Porter Cable trim saw which has many reviews both pro and con. These little saws are lightweight and easy to use, but they lack power. The Makita 5005BA has plenty of power, is lightweight, the blade is on the left side, so it is easy to see your cut if you are right handed. And, unlike the old Rockwell or the new Porter Cable trim saws, the Makita 5005BA will cut a 2 x 4 with its 1-3/4" depth of cut. I bought a Makita plywood blade (as this is the main use for this saw) and it cuts a nice smooth splinter-free cut. The brake is an excellent safety feature. The blades are easy to find and buy. I spent several hours researching a lightweight circular saw. This one is the best I could find for the price.

2. ( 5 of 6 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 1 2002

   Ive been doing serious projects on boats, houses for 15 years, this saw is perfect for over your head tight places or just cutting on your work bench. I have a skill worm 77, a makita 8 inch saw, when I open my tool drawer I reach for my makita 5 1/2 inch saw.

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