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Makita 5740NBX1 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Free -InchMakEdge-Inch Carbide Tipped Blade | List Price: $205.00
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Brand: Makita
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Features: - 10.5 AMP motor
- Weighs only 7.7lbs
- Heavy gauge wrap around aluminum base ensures stable support
- Ruler markings on the base for precise cutting
- Include additional free blade
For the price, it's great value. [Posted on 2003-09-30]
I really like this saw. I was looking for a saw to have in my woodshop to cut plywood down to size before running it through the table saw. I wanted something light weight so as to go easy on my bad elbow. It's a stong and accurate little saw. I now take it to the job sites to do finish work. It's not tough enough for framing though (wouldn't survive a fall off the roof too well) and might bog down when cutting 4x, but if you do finish work it's a hell of a deal.
Less is more? [Posted on 2004-08-09]
I have a 10 year-old B&D saw I received several years ago free from a friend (and quickly found out why). A dinosaur of a tool, it shrieks an ear piercing scream at startup and plods along at a brontosaurus' pace ripping 3/4" or even 1/2" plywood. Rip a 2x4 or hardwood stock? Uhmmm...no thank you, I think I'll watch the shellac dry on my last project instead. These labored cuts were made with a new, carbide combo. blade. Occasionally I need to cut-down large sheets of ply for my table saw and cutoff 2x4's, 2x6's etc. for framing workbenches, stands and shelving. A quality circular saw I thought could have it's place, albeit a small one in my shop. So the search began.
The qualities I looked for was cost, convenience, quality of build and quietness of operation, not necessarily in that order. I looked at cordless 18v models first, until the price..ouch!! (Would the store accept one of my kidneys for it?) A 13/15amp contractor grade (P.C., DeWalt, Bosch, Makita etc.) was a bit overkill. A wormdrive was definitely out of the question. I didn't need a sledge hammer to swat a fly. I seemed to be in a unique category. I wanted professional grade yet unless you buy a Skill, B&D, Ryobi etc., the "big boys" were $100+.
The 5740NBX is a full size, professional quality saw but on a diet. This is not a tool you will use to power through your next rip or cross cut. If this were pro football think Jerry Rice, not Refrigerator Perry. You want power? Not here, look at a Skill/Bosch worm drive or Makita's 15 amp hypoid and pay upwards of $$. The included thin-kerf MakEdge 16T combo blade with 10 amps, ripped 3/4 plywood 1.5x-2x faster than my B&D. Marvelous! The cuts were very clean and accurate (providing my mind and hand didn't wander. Don't worry I still have ten fingers...yes, the number I was born with). At under 8 lbs, it's effortless to guide and control compared to my B&D. Quieter than most, starting a circular saw used to incur a grimace on my face anticipating an ear-piercing scream. No longer. At start up it's not much louder than my jigsaw running at full speed. Music to my ears, a nice replacement to that constant ringing (I know I should use hearing protection...I do, when I don't forget).
A lightweight pro with some heavyweight features, the 5740NBX comes with a heavy duty solid aluminum base and bevel adjustments, I believe the same or similar as the popular 5007 series (don't quote me here). A design for use/abuse. My only performance complaint is the height adjustment. A curved stamped metal track rides inside the upper blade guard and constantly rubs against it, creating sticking points during up/down adjustments. My 10 year old B&D had a better more efficient design. Go figure? The lower blade guard is made out of metal (magnesium?). Surprising! They could have used plastic but didn't. Good job Makita. (I forgive you for the fair height adj.) An extra MForce 24T blade is included but the MakEdge works great.
This is not a contractor's saw and I wouldn't recommend it for one, although used as a trim saw or used under awkward, difficult situations it might have a purpose. I am a woodworker and this saw is ideal for the limited tasks I ask of it. Anything else goes to my tablesaw for supreme accuracy or MAYBE deligated to my mitersaw. The 5740NBX had a safety recall several years ago. The lower blade guard was sticking in the "up" position. Provided you buy a newer saw and/or the serial number has an "N" preceding it, you'll be fine. It has been a Consumer Reports pick for "best buy".
THE PROS:
***Quality/speed of cut (compared to my B&D)
***Lightweight of 7.7lbs
***Quieter than most
***Price under $
***Two blades (1-MakEdge 16T and 1-MForce 24T)
THE CONS:
***Case??
***Only right-sided blade configuration
***Fair height adj. design (Bevel adj. excellent)
Summary: Less weight, price and noise equals more enjoyment. Hmmm...now this is math I like.
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