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

Manufacturer: Makita List Price: $1,172.20 Our Price: $599.50

Big Beam, Makita-Momma-Jama !! 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 mans saw the saw performs great.plenty of power great for timber framing and post and beam. only draw back is plate is to narrow Super-size-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. BMF 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!