Customer Reviews

Makita 5005BA 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

This saw is powerful, versatile, light, small...everything you need on a small package. Now i am a finish carpenter not a framer. I have used this saw for so many different tasks: Plywood, hardwood plywood, 2x and 4x lumber. It won have the same power and speed as a worm drive but for occasional heavy work, and everyday light-medium work this saw is just excellent.

I've owned my 5005 for a little over 25 years. I used it professionally for nine of those years. Since then I have made quite a bit of our furniture, remodeled 3 homes, built furniture for both of my sons. Using it last night I finally heard the bearings complaining, big surprise after only 25 years! It's a great tool and when used as designed, leaves a perfect cut. I'll get my old one repaired, but I'm buying a new one to give to one of the boys.

After 21 years I had to take it in for service as it needs new brushes. I almost cried when they said 10days. I have other saws but this is always my first choice. I was shocked to find the same model still exists. Makita has done well with this saw and I'm getting a second one so I don't have to use the other saws till it gets back.

loved the size and quality was very good, however, the grip was just far too narrow for my hand and the trigger was riding right up against my middle finger and remaining on when i released the trigger with my index finger. just way too uncomfortable and dangerous since i could not really grip the machine in a secure fashion. too bad, i was really looking forward to using it...returned it!

Does the job like all Makita tools I have owned, but it's a bit pricey and the handle is a bit short (not enough room for all 4 fingers) for my average size American guy hands.

After enduring years of department-store brand power tools, I started upgrading a couple years ago. This was my second power tool upgrade. What took me so long? Better to put a little more money into a decent tool at the front end. I bought this along with a Bosch table saw for a major flooring project. Love it! I hate to think the results and the endless tirade of expletives had I tackled it with my old equipment.