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I know of no other circular saw that can compare to it in terms of size and weight. While my 18V Bosch sometimes stalls during heavy cuts, this little Makita has never, ever stalled. The other battery saw is an 18 volt Bosch with 6-1/2" blade.What I like about the 5094D saw:o It is lighter and smaller by far than any other circular saw. You can do a lot of work with this tool before needing a recharge.
It works, but a solid aluminum alloy baseplate ought to be standard in a saw of this price range. The low speed of the blade ensures that little of it is blown into the air. I use mine often, and would not be without it, especially for construction and installation work. Assume it should be able to cut as quickly as a saw weighing 3 times as much, and you will be disappointed.I do a lot of woodwork and home renovation. Situations where it has been especially useful include working overhead, sometimes perched atop a high ladder; working in a cramped crawlspace; removing plywood and OSB sheathing material from the wall of a house, cutting trim and siding material.o It's power to weight ratio, and perhaps more importantly power-to-saw-kerf ratio is far superior to most, if not all other battery powered saws.
I have used it extensively on half inch thick OSB, as well as fir, pressure treated and Baltic birch plywood (Baltic birch is essentially solid hardwood). It is a very small, very light tool. I easily operate it in one hand and SAFELY make cuts in places where no other saw can go. This one is no different. I own many professional quality tools including a total of 4 circular saws.
I have owned this saw for 2-1/2 years, and have come to find its unique capabilities indispensable.Having said that, I can understand why some people would have problems with this tool - it is not for everyone. I estimate more than ninety percent of the wood dust remains on the workpiece where it can be easily vacuumed or bushed away. It also nicely cuts sheet goods. Temper your expectations accordingly, expect it to cut at a relaxed rate, and you will be satisfied with it's performance. When working inside a house this is the cleanest power saw I have, even cleaner than a jig saw or a miter saw connected to a dust collector.o Battery life is very good. For example if you are cutting half inch thick sheathing a 7-1/4 inch blade will be 5/8" beyond the point that the 3-3/8 blade will be when you stop the cut.
All battery powered tools must compromise between power, size and weight in order to achieve freedom from a 120V cord. As with all circular saws, the underside cuts very cleanly, with the only tear out on the top side (although the tiny kerf limits this to an acceptable level for most work - use masking tape or other methods if required).o Tiny diameter blade makes it possible to plunge cut closer to the line than larger blades can. I've used it less often on thicker sheet goods but it certainly does cut 3/4" thick stock, although a bit more slowly than the half inch stuff. As mentioned previously, cutting occurs at a relaxed rate (although far faster than you could do by hand). Also, the NiMh batteries can be recharged at any time without harm and, if you are in a hurry, they can be partially recharged and used.o Reasonable cutting capability. No hearing protection is required when using this little saw (the only exception is that sometimes the material being cut may make a racket, but it does not happen often).o Clean.
Also the pivot points are not quite as tight as I would like, so there is just a little slop when adjusting the base height or angle.In summary, this is a rugged, useful tool.
Practically speaking, it means I can use this to make rough cut outs in sheathing or other material where I would normally need a different kind of saw (like a Rotozip, or jig saw).What I do not like about this saw:o While it is ruggedly built, and very durable (like most other Makita tools), the baseplate is simply folded steel.
By far the quietest circular saw I own.
Sorry if this seems obscure - it is difficult to explain without a diagram - perhaps if sketching both diameters it will clarify things.
Its blade spins slower than other battery powered circular saws.
This saw will readily cross cut one-by boards such as 3/4" thick fir or pine.
Because the kerf is so tiny, this saw generates far less dust than any other power saw.
Two are 120 volt models, and two are battery powered.
Like any circular saw, it will kick back if mishandled, however the result if much less forceful, and hence less dangerous which is important when working overhead or on a ladder.o Low noise level.
By the way I am quoting my husband I didn't actually use the saw myself =) I would recommend it to anyone. I bought this saw for my big task of replacing 13 windows in my house. I have 2 windows to go and this saw has worked PERFECT.
Not many Mfg's make this size saw and it' s nice to have. I really didn't think it would do that well because you know you can't afford to buy cheap tools and for $178 it was well worth it. Wish DeWalt would make one. Yes, I read a lot of reviews on this saw and the cheaper one and glad I went with this one. Although not the high speed of larger ones, I have used mine on drywall, wood, molding and backer board and all with the stock blade so I can't complain.
Only wish it took the same 18V lithium batteries as my other Makita tools - they make way too many battery types. This is a very cool little saw, handy and well designed for thin stock, and no one but Makita makes anything like it.
Cutting thin material takes a little extra time and care to get a good clean cut. Being cordless makes it just so convenient and takes the hassle out of setting up for small household projects. Cuts right through 3/4" plywood. This thing is great. It won't do everything a big saw can do but it can take care of many jobs.
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