Makita HS7601J/2 240V 190mm Circular Saw Supplied in a Makpac Case

Seems good quality and value for money

This saw, without hesitation, is the best I have used. Intended for cutting up to 60mm (according to spec), the saw is effortless to use and incredibly well made. I am in the process of reducing some solid 40mm doors to size and the difference between this saw and the previous old Ryobi I had is remarkable. Yes, the new blade helps (and should be changed regularly), but the way the power is delivered is superb. The blade cut guides on bevel and straight are accurate and the saw will cut a perfect line if used correctly. Packaging wise, the stackable box is well made and durable and for once is more than big enough to drop the tool into without fighting with the cable and accessories to get the box closed as per other tools I use. Electric cord is long enough for most applications and thick and well insulated. Changing the blade is straightforward and key tool is affixed securely to the saw body so always available. Plunge and bevel locks work well and very easy to operate. Whilst I have not used the larger model of this saw, I would assume that it would be excellent also and I am seriously considering purchasing for cutting larger timbers like sleepers etc. First class quality tool that you would expect from Makita.

I have been cutting a lot of melamine coated furniture panels to make wardrobes and shelving and the guide that comes with this saw doesn't allow the width I needed so following advice on youtube I made some very simple straight line jigs, from plywood and a batten, and was able to cut the panels I needed very easily with this. With melamine it chips at the top though the bottom piece tends to be neater so (again advice on youtube) I made a tiny shallow cut into the melamine first before lowering the blade to cut right through. Keeping the blade as high as possible while still having enough blade to cut through makes it easier to cut. Initially I found I was burning the wood by having the blade set too low. The very sturdy storage box has plenty of room for keeping spare blades and other bits and bobs.

This is a good saw for DIY use and has been used (so far) for sawing through beams and (in particular) tongue and groove flooring. After getting used to it, it became quite easy to use. The slightly annoying thing is adjusting the saw at the beginning of a cutting line as it is slightly tricky to line up the initial cut. I'd have thought there would be an alignment tool for that but there doesn't seem to be. But overall very satisfied. A good bit of kit.

I can't find anything not to like. Well balanced, light but powerful, 190mm. It has a nice quality cord which is long enough to be practical. It cuts well with the stock blade which is easily changed out. The shoe feels robust, is easy to adjust and without too much plastic.The case is excellent as always.If I was looking for fault then the fence feels a little insubstantial, they could get rid of any remaining plastic and the case liner supplied doesn't seem like a great fit for the saw. Also I took the Allen key off the saw to change the blade and have no idea where to put it back. So that could be more obvious. I'll get round to reading the instructions eventually and I'm sure it will become second nature in the end. Until then it's rattling round in the case.

Good circular saw.Powerful & accurate; easy to adjust.Good dust extraction when used with a vacuum cleaner.

Love it

Bought a cheaper saw originally - when it arrived was disappointed at the inaccuracy of the bevel gauge (amongst other things). When adjusted flat (default) the gauge showed about 10 degrees instead of zero.So bought this 'bottom of the range Makita' for an extra £50 or so instead and the improved quality was immediately apparent. For something that you expect to be using for 20 years or so (it should see me out!) it is well worth the extra.Works like a dream and I put the second half of my fence up in a morning compared to 2 days sawing the planks manually for the first half. And they look a whole lot neater; why have I spent the last 30 years using manual tools?!