Makita 18V Cordless 6-1/2" Circular Saw Kit (Blade-Left) 5620DWA

List Price: $498.00 Discount Price: $281.95

Features:

• 6-1/2" Cordless Saw, 18 V

Accessories:
DeWalt DW3161 Series 20 6-1/2-Inch 18 Tooth ATB Thin Kerf Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor	Makita 192827-3 1822 18-Volt 2.0 Amp Hour NiCad Pod Style Battery

Customer Reviews:

Big enough to be useful, small enough for precise work... [Posted on 2006-03-02]
If you have read many of these tool reviews, you'll notice many seem to be spec-fights between brands rather than real-life use reviews, I've learned from experience to ignore this stuff. In the end, what really counts, to me, is whether the company is still making reliable, heavy-duty tools in the type of tool I'm considering. I don't like to take stuff back, either.

I bought this Makita cordless saw in reconditioned form, used it for many hard jobs, without breakdowns of any kind. If I had, I wouldn't hesitate to switch brands - instantly - but I don't change just for the sake of it, and I have seen what happens to tool 'guinea pigs' - I let someone else take the first plunge.

This Makita has a 6 1/2-inch blade, a nice size for an 18-volt motor, large enough for much ordinary framing work, but small enough for trim work, precision cuts, and working in confined areas. The saw has the usual big Makita motor, great cooling, ball bearings, a well-made aluminum foot, and a quality blade. Out of laziness, I have used it on a few harder and repetitive cuts really calling for my Skilsaw and have been very impressed.

I have given this Makita saw 4 stars instead of 5 only because it came with one Ni-Cad battery - the lack of a second battery limits its utility quite a bit for prolonged work. There are newer kits with Ni-MH batteries and chargers, of course. I simply bought another recon'd Makita 18v drill and got two new Ni-MH batteries in the bargain, which solved the problem nicely.

I can't review Makita's warranty/repair service because I've never, ever needed it with any of their cordless drills or saws, which is about the best warranty any tool maker could provide. Isn't that what it's all about?

Amazing Performance [Posted on 2006-11-01]
I am a pretty picky critic and I found this saw to be amazing. I originally got the saw for those situations where a power outlet is not easily available. I was pleasantly surprised by the versatility of this little tool. This saw is so light, convenient, accurate, powerful, and reliable that I find it a joy to use. Now, with 2 NiMH batteries I seldom find the need to pull out the corded saw.

I was moved to write this review after using this little saw together with a clamped down straight edge to cut a 1 3/4" solid core door up the middle lengthwise to create a couple heavy duty shelves. This little saw never bogged down and made a smooth clean cut with no chips or saw marks at all. I was amazed. What a pleasant tool to use. Adjusting the angle is easy and the plate and brackets are very solid. The fit and finish on the whole saw is very good.

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