Customer Reviews

Makita 5402NA 16-5/16-Inch Circular Saw

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is THE tool for cutting 4xs and 6" Glu-lams. I was surprised at the smooth opperation of this saw on doug fir glu-lams and SYP 4x8s. The 32 tooth blade is the correct unit for very good cuts while framing. The only thing I do not like about this tool is the thumb safety button. Re-locating it to the forward handle would be a big help and ensure that the operator keeps both hands on the saw when starting it. I found myself using my left index finger to press the "safety" button to start each cut, therby removing my L hand from the saw. My right thumb is too large to work the [safety] button.

The 5402na is defintly a powerhouse. It slices through 6x stock
with ease. The electric brake stops the blade on a dime and the blade stablizer is wonderful. I strongly reccomend this saw for anyone who works with 6x or 8x stock on a regular basis. It really saves time and effort.

Great saw, cuts well with plenty of power. Electric brake stops on a dime. Guard works well.

The only downfall is the safety switch is awkward to reach while holding the saw and trying to pull the trigger.

As a post and beam framer I would recommend this saw.

This is a great saw for cutting larger dimension material. I have used the older saws that were gold in color and they were not bad but this new model has a better platform and adjustments.I have been cutting 16/quarter mahogany with this saw and it does not bog at a reasonable cutting speed.The blade that comes with the saw is decent, however,I purchased a 60 tooth blade (Amana), from a local tool supply for about $130 and this blade cuts a little smoother.
The only thing that I did not like about this saw is the safety button. It is hard to push with the edge of your thumb I modified mine with a half-inch ebony plug epoxied to it. It looks like it came from the factory like that and is, in my opinion, safer to use.

this BIG saw is just what it takes to cut all the way through a stud wall. I am a professional remodeler and for increasing the size of door and window openings I used to have to cut one side and then try to cut the other with a recipro saw or take another cut with a circular saw from the other side, NO MORE!only thing the saw needs are reigns and a saddle!

the saw performs great.plenty of power great for timber framing and post and beam. only draw back is plate is to narrow

This is my second beam saw from Makita. It is much better than earlier versions that were a tad sloppy by design and very under powered. This one gets it right, well mostly. The trigger button is very oddly placed and requires two hands to crank it up. I will glue an extension on the button when I can. It's a lot like trying to saw with a VW engine, you really need to be awake and have both hands on the saw. Forget the line drawing, clamp a metal speed square to the work and use it as a guide for the cut edge. My first job was to shoulder knotch 12 beams 8x12x24 feet. I'm glad they were whitepine. The job went well, but the blade that comes with the saw is a utility blade and I would invest in the highest quality fine tooth you can find for the high visibility cuts. It would be nice to get an 8" depth cut, but the 6" it has is fine is fine for most uses.b

I purchased this saw to cut several 4x4 landscaping timbers to outline a driveway along with a variety of mulch beds. This saw is a beast. The two handles are definitely needed to control it. Positioning the saw to begin the cut and turning it on in conjunction with depressing the safety button is definitely a challenge as other reviewers have stated. However, once you develop a technique it becomes less burdensome. The saw does not have a soft start feature and will jerk when first turned on. It also is equipped with an electric brake which performs as expected. The 32 tooth stock blade is OK for rough cuts. The blade stabilizer is effective in preventing excessive runout. With the stock blade the saw will bog down if you force the cut and not let the tool do its job. But it still is a fine tool for making cuts on wood with such large dimensions. I constructed some jigs to make the alignments of my 90 and 45 degree cuts much easier. Please view this video to see the saw in action using one of these easy to make jigs. http://video.aol.com/video-detail/makita-beam-saw-cutting-with-jig/1638302903. If you have some large timbers or landscaping ties to cut, I would definitely recommend this saw.

I use these type of reviews to make buying decisions,so should pass on my thoughts. Great saw for timber beams. I did get better results with a freud carbide tip, thin kerf blade, but that is only to be expected versus non carbide blade. great ergonomics for holding saw. It is kind of heavy, but really just a large circular saw. The only issue, which is prob issue with any large saw, is that the act of setting the saw down, pushes on the blade adjustment plate, and after 30 or so cuts, needs a slight re squaring of the blade. Not a big deal, but i am sure it happens because of the heft of the saw. take a second and readjust and back in business with square cuts.

This is the only way to make smooth cuts on 6x material. I don't have too much trouble with the safety button as others have mentioned. A clamp down guide is a must for such a big saw. It kicks when starting so I hold it slightly away from the cut when turning it on. I find that covering the wood with a piece of wax paper makes it much easier to slide.