Customer Reviews

Makita 5277NB 15 amp 7-1/4-inch Hypoid Saw

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Makita 5277NB Hypoid Saw

I've use my Hypoid saw for years, to build decks, additions, finish basements, etc. In all that use, the only maintenance performed was to use an air gun to blow it clean at the end of each day. It's never needed any parts except new blades. Have cut through just about every type of material one of these saws can be used for, and as long as the correct blade is mounted, it's a great saw, and easy to follow a cut-line. As with any circular saw, if you need a perfectly straight cut (e.g., trimming a door bottom), use a saw guide of some type. The saw has never lacked for power.

I find this type of saw safer than circular saws with the handle near the blade, because it's nearly impossible to have the tool torque out of your hand. This saw is designed for a right-handed person; i.e., with the blade on the left it's much easier (and safer) to see what you're doing, than with the blade on the right. I frequently use just my right hand for guiding the saw -- it's that easy to control. I bought a Hypoid saw because it's lighter than a worm drive saw. That was important to me at the time, as I was constructing a 2 x 8 roof truss system 2 stories up. You might want to personally compare the weight of this Makita to a worm drive model, in a local store, before deciding.

I've had this saw for about a year now, and I have to say, it's a little on the fragile side. It definitely has the power to do just about anything, as a worm-drive or hypoid should. I work for a remodeling company, so it's usually got a $5 cheapo blade on it that's been thrashed around far beyond its useful lifespan, and I can still cut down the siding on a wall, nails and all, right down the stud (why I've done this, is another story). It's easy to control, and cuts straight, once you get used to the kick - it's important to note that worm-drive saws kick sideways, if you've never used one. The blade on the left makes it really easy to see what you're doing. I cut a cord and had to replace it, and when I took it apart, I noticed that the internal clamp that holds the cord is one of the beefiest things I've ever seen; I have no problem using it to support the saw's weight to lower or raise it from a roof.

However, it isn't quite as rugged as some similar saws out there. While the shoe has remained straight, it has on a couple occasions developed little jagged spots that have damaged finish-grade material (yes, I do use this as my finish saw). The lever to retract the blade guard (a cheap piece of plastic) broke off when it fell off a sawhorse once; it's not much of an issue for me, because I keep the guard wedged up (which I highly recommend NOT doing, unless you're a professional who's okay with taking that risk). The bevel adjustment has also drifted out of square on a couple occasions, probably from being banged around in the back of my truck, dropped, etc., and the lever on the depth adjustment seems to need to be removed and bent back into shape once a month or so to keep it from snagging on the rail.

All in all, I feel like I got my money's worth from this saw, and it's paid for itself more times over than I can even guess, but my next saw is probably going to be a Mag 77 (more rugged) or a left-blade sidewinder (lighter).

Being from the east coast ive used mostly right handed box saws.. However this saw is definitely worth its salt. Once i got used to the blade being on the wrong side (which i later found an advantage when cutting plywood) i really liked it. It is lighter than some of the other worm drives ive used and is almost impossible to bog down ripping large stock. Another good feature is that i dont have to ever worry about checking the oil level as with conventional wormys.

THIS MAKITA SAW IS A GREAT PRICE FOR THE DO IT YOUR- SELFER OR PROFESSIONAL. WITH A POWERFUL MOTOR AND LOW VIBRATION THIS IS A " MUST HAVE" FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES TOOLS AND USES THEM OFTEN.THE ONLY DRAW BACK IS IT DOES NOT COME WITH A CASE TO PROTECT IT AND TAKE IT FROM JOB TO JOB. WAKE UP TOOL MANUFACTURERES,INCLUDE THE CASE ALREADY!WITH A PROVEN POWER TOOL RECORD MAKITA HAS MADE THIS SAW LIGHTER THAN MOST AND JUST AS POWERFUL IF NOT MORE SO.EASY TO HANDLE AND WITH A GOOD SIGHT LINE OF CUT I RATE THIS A 5 STAR TOOL.

I'm a framer. I was really skeptical about buying this saw, I couldn't stand the earlier models. I've strictly used Skil, and recently the new Bosche. My Bosche gave out in less than 2 years. I got this Makita to back up my (back up)Mag 77, but after one day at work it is my primary saw. Just as powerful as the worm drives, but way smoother!!!. And cheaper to boot!

This is the most overlooked saw in the world. The most powerful you would have to try it. I have used skils, milwaukees, they are weak. Try this saw. Electric brake is handy especially if blade guard gets pinned back. ( accidentally of course... wink,wink) Some guys fear the power I understand it has a torque twist and is not good for guys with weak wrists.

I've been using this saw for the past 6 months on several jobsites. We're a small crew and there are several other saws available: a Skil Mag 77, a Bosch Wormdrive and mine. Where ever we are on the jobsite, we reach for the saw at hand, so I guess I make my review based on those comparisons.

Couple of things I like: First, the power and the fact that it gets up to speed quickly. Ive' used several different blades on this from steel, concrete and traditional lumber, including pressure treated, it's got plenty of power to cut through what you need it to. No question.

It's got better kerf sight lines than the Skil and about the same as the Bosch.

Since it's a hypoid, I don't ever have to fuss with changing the oil like in a Skil.


I like the nylon housing. I know it won't crack when I drop it. And it's blue, which is cool...

I like the steel foot. It does get bent from time to time, you know, cause it's a jobsite and all, but it's easy to true it back up in 5 minutes with a pair of visegrips, a combination square and a hammer. Try that with an aluminum or magnesium foot. (I know, I know, they're tougher to start out with...which is probably true. but if they fail, both fail catastrophically, which means they snap. Steel is great because it bends...)

The numbers are easy to read because the indents for each number/tickmark fill up with dust, showing contrast against the black painted shoe.

Things one needs to get used to: the handle size. It's fairly large. The other guys on the site comment on it. It's got a thicker hand grip than the Skil or Bosch. I'm used to it and don't notice it any more.

Things I modded: I added a rafter hook so I could keep this thing off the friggin' ground/floor. I don't think Makita is selling a hypoid without one anymore so that shouldn't be an issue. I went through too many blades setting the thing down carelessly on a cement floor. I finally had enough and ordered a hook for another saw and fiddled with the thing and found a way to make it work. 'Gotta have a hook...(I give it 4 stars because of that and the weight issue)

I run it with a Freud Diablo blade which seems to work pretty well. Overall, it handles nicely, but it does have some startup torque. If you're used to handling worm-drives/hypoids, you won't even notice it.

It's heavy at 15 pounds, although Makita's new 5377MG is lighter by 2 lbs. Trying to give DeWalt a run for the money. You know, I'll never wear this thing out. And as far as I'm concerned, these are all fine, capable saws. Just get one and learn to use it well.

***UPDATE***
The nylon housing broke. It wasn't even dropped. I'm a bit peeved. Up until its breaking, it was the favorite saw on the jobsite, with even Mag77 guys reaching for it, praising its smooth power. Makita wouldn't repair it, but my local hardware store owner bought me a new housing ($20) and I fixed it myself. If it breaks again, I'll really change my tune about this saw. In the meantime, I'm happy to have my workhorse back.
***END***

***2nd UPDATE ***
(ALL CAPS) THE HOUSING BROKE AGAIN IN THE SAME PLACE (where the depth adjustment lever/bolt enters the housing), WITHIN A MONTH OF SERVICE FROM THE TIME I REPLACED THE HOUSING THE FIRST TIME. THIS TIME I CALLED THE MAKITA PEOPLE DIRECTLY AND THEY'LL HAVE A LOOK AT IT. (Shipping at my expense of course). MY GUESS IS THAT THEY'LL OFFER ME A DISCOUNTED REPAIR, BUT FRANKLY, I'M FINISHED WITH THIS SAW. YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY. I ENJOYED USING THIS SAW WHILE IT WORKED, BUT HAVING THE NYLON HOUSING BREAK ON ME A SECOND TIME IN THE SAME PLACE, WITHOUT EVER DROPPING IT IS JUST TOO MUCH.
***END***

This saw is a replacement for a craftsman sidewinder that met its end cutting wet decking tearing out a deck. This thing has so much power, I doubt I could kill it. the weight is not too bad, and the cord is a nice length and gauge but I wish every manufacturer would follow milwaukees quick lok or bosches direct connect feature... The carbide blade is great, as is the tool belt I got as a bonus. However,A GREAT SAW LIKE THIS DESERVES A PROTECTIVE CASE BUT mAKITA GOT CHEAP HERE.

This is a GREAT saw! right out of the box, all I needed to do was make sure the blade was on tight, and away I went! Very smooth motor, low start-up kick, and quiet operation makes it a winner in my book!

I recently demo'd out my carport, and had a huge pile of scrap lumber laying in my back yard... This saw took care of all my scrap and now it's all stacked neatly next to my fire pit ready for the next family camp fire.

Granted, I'm not a professional carpenter, but I have used some of the other worm-drive saws, and I have to say that so far, this little beauty (especially with the price) has delivered better than expected!!!

The saw is great, but doesn't come with a rip fence or thumbscrew to secure the rip fence to the saw. DON'T order the rip fence recommended for it because it's not the proper fit, and as far as I know, Makita doesn't make a proper rip fence for this saw.
The best I could do was to use a Skil adjustable rip fence #13896, and order the thumbscrew from Makita, because the thumbscrew that comes with the Skil rip fence doesn't fit the Makita saw.