Power Saws Reviews

Improved over the Mag 77- more power (15 amps vs 13 of the Mag 77, the redesigned blade guard is less likely to hang up on bevel cuts, and the shoe is far less likely to flex than that of the Mag 77. The Direct Connect works great; plug your extension cord directly into the saw. The built in rafter hook is a slick idea. Saw looked new ............ no way to tell it was a recon other than a sticker and the box it came in. Great saw at an excellent price.

So far, good performance, comfortable weight, good power, can't tell it has been reconditioned. Sky hook is wonderful feature.

I just received this saw from Amazon today after shopping for quite some time. My original pick was the Skil Mag worm drive saw but I like the features of this one better. The direct connect is a great idea. The tool hook they refer to in the specs doesn't show up in the pictures (it's NOT the hook you see below the handle, that's to hook the cord onto.) The tool hook is a folding piece of round bar, very heavy duty & looks like it's sized to hook on 2x framing material. The picture shows a blade with it but doesn't specifically mention it but it does come with a 24T diamond arbor Bosch blade. My unit came looking brand-new except for a couple of small nicks in the paint, I'm verry happy with the condition. [...] Also in regards to the Skil brand which is owned by the same company as Bosch, it mentions releif bellows & an oil level indicator. This saw does require oil for the gear box but it has a plug you must remove to check the level.
Overall I am very excited to use this saw, I have built a few decks over the years in addition to home projects & can't wait to see how it performs, I'm sure I won't be disappointed. One other note: I own a Bosch jig-saw & it's also the finest one I've ever seen.

These saw blades will be all you need, this is a great package deal.

I have owned a Delta unisaw for 3 years. Hard maple is one of my main wood choices. After recieving these blades, I now understand how a rip blade differs from a cutoff blade. I used to get great cuts from my first Freud blade, but now, ripping butcherblock is effortless, and clean. I suspect during cabinet building with some of my cherry stock, the combination blade will be more a fixture in the saw, however, this weekend is time for prefinished oak flooring, where the 80 tooth finecut blade makes cuts as clean as...as it should be.

The Freud R-Bladepack is one of the gifts I will be waiting for under the tree for Christmas. Whoever thought of making Teflon coated saw blades had a great idea. Personally, I think that this package is a great Christmas gift to give to anybody who has a 10" powered saw, whether it is at home or at work. The Teflon coating makes the cuts a lot smoother and more accurate. Most of the carpenters I know have recommended the Freud Teflon coated blades.

The Freud R-Bladepack will last you a looooong time.

What a perfect tool for cutting Hardi-Backer, sheetrock, and thin boards. Easy depth setting, good dust collection (especially when hooked to a vacuum with the built dust port), and lightweight. Need to cut out a section of drywall without going too deep? Set the depth, mark the wall, and start cutting. Much faster than any other tool. Wish it had a case for it, but oh well. Can't have everything!

THis item had been discontinued by Makita . ALl gone! RIP!

Our company has been using this saw for several years with great results. In an environment where low dust is tolerated this is the saw to use. We use it with metal cutting blades and have acheived great results.

I have owned Dewalt, Delta, Hitachi, Ryobi. Hands down this makita is the best saw. End of story.

Over the years I have owned the DeWALT DW708, I've recently tried the Bosch 4412, and recently purchased the Makita LS1013, this Makita saw is PERFECT.

It cuts precisely and accurately right out of the box. I did not have to adjust anything, and am very happy with this saw.

This 10" saw can do most things a 12" can, and since it's a 10" there is no blade deflection, as often experienced on 12" models.

I LOVE this saw, it's dead-on accurate and very comfortable to use. Only thing worth noting is that the left / right miter control is set-off to the right side of the saw, not up-front like other comparable brands. This is taking me some time to get used to, as I'm used to the miter control being located up front. I've been using this saw for a few days, and am slowly getting used to this feature.

The most important thing in a dual-bevel compound sliding miter saw (or any saw for that matter) is accurate cuts, and this saw delivers just that flawlessly!

I have never owned Makita tools, in fact up until now I have been a die-hard DeWALT fan. However, I did not like the new DeWALT DW718, and my DW708 was in need of replacement.

After trying the Bosch 4412, which was a HUGE disappointment, I decided to try the Makita saw, after hearing many professional carpenters highly recommending them.

This saw is easily THE best SCMS I have ever owned, and I would 100% recommend this saw to everyone who needs an accurate, precise saw for cutting and installing fine trim molding! Don't get me wrong, this saw can be used for cutting 2x stock, 4x stock, etc but it shines when cutting detailed trim molding!

Well, I've used the saw atleast a dozen times since I purchased it. It was already zeroed in on 0 degrees and all the standard miter/bevel stops. They do provide instructions and a precision triangle if any fine tuning needs to be done. I've cut over 2 dozen oak and brazilian cherry 4" posts (very hard wood for building staircases) and the saw has performed flawlessly. The laser is online although I have to admit I'm old fashioned and don't us it much. I did make some blind cuts with and without the laser to check it's accuracy incase I ever needed it...and it was right on!!!!!

Unlike DeWalt, Milwaukee used the same design of their electric saw to build a cordless. The early model had less than spectacular quick-change clamp but that was remedied quite nicely.

Just want to say that it's great Milwaukee offers the "tool only" so we don't have to keep purchasing batteries and chargers. I've purchased 2 milwaukee cordless tools with 2 batteries and a charger each, and then was able to purchase this saw and a work light without those items. So now I have a bettery for each tool and a backup charger, and they all fit in one case....beautiful!!!

P.S....I've had the 18 volt drill, circle saw, sawzall and light for well over a year now and use them heavily , no problems, excellent tools.

I'm a concrete and masonry contractor and my guys use this tool for everything from cutting forms to cutting roots in their way. Exceptional performance, we usually use up two batteries in a day, but the fast charge can usually keep up. Almost indistructable, have seen it droped from over 8 ft. from scaffolding and just bounce. The keyless chuck is fantastic. I have had too many tools with keys or allen wrenches sit in the truck unused for the want of a key. Have had the tool for over two years and am still using the original batteries but, this morning the battery charger gave up the ghost. I guess thats what you get for leaving it out in the rain a half of douzen times, more or less. I do not buy cheap tools, I feel that my employees deserve the best to make them the best. If I only had enough money to buy one tool this would be it.

I have operated these saws for over 25 years. They run cooler and are more accurate than any other saw. Because of the position of your hand relative to the blade, more precise control can be exerted without holding on to a motor barrel like on some other saws. Although expensive, they will outlast any other saw I have ever used in my 40 years of experience. One man said to me that it only cuts at 90 degrees; My response was that in all my experience, I've never used a hand held jig saw on anything but 90 degrees. For my use cutting at angles is just a gimmick. Maybe if Porter Cable pushed this item more, they could get the price down and attract more customers. If you are a serious craftsman, there is no better tool for the job.

I own a Rockwell bayonet saw, it is exactly like the Porter-cable part for part. As you know Rockwell doesn't make these anymore and hasn't for years. The one I have is at least 30 years old. Works PERFECT. IF, for any reason I have to ever get another jig saw, I would definately get a Porter Cable Bayonet saw hands down the best most heavy duty saw you can possible purchase. Worm drive and oil lubricated they will last forever.

I operate a door installation co. We specialize in hollow metal doors & frames. We own 5 #548 saws and have tried every other brand on the market.For light to medium gauge metal none will cut as fast & straight or last as long.We use them every day.The one I use is over 12 years old.I wish all my abused tool were this good!

I am happy with it every time I use it. It performs the way a table/cabinet saw should - it cuts everything perfectly, every time. It makes glue ready joints every time and I don't even use a fancy forrest blade. I use a decent 60 tooth Freud and I'm happy. It is amazing. The excalibure table is useful, though massive. It isn't the answer to all problems, but with some effort, you can make accurate & precise cuts on full sheets of plywood. I recommend an outfeed table in addition to all this saw has. It makes the sliding table more stable, and improves cuts. The 5 HP motor is great. It doesn't slow down under a load - ever, no matter what. You can rip through solid maple like it was balsa wood. The much touted cast iron top and trunion deserve the praise they receive. This saw is as solid as a tank. You could easily use it for 50 years and still be happy with the cuts!

Buy it and enjoy!

This is one big heavy saw. It took me three to four hours to set it up after watching the video on the sliding table, the table saw is machined perfect and is very powerful, the five horsepower motor will run though any hardwood you can cut. I have installed a Forrest Blade on it. With the sliding table I can cross cut a full sheet of plywood by myself.I build a lot of cabinets and I need a saw that will stay where you put it, this one will not move with a sheet of 3/4" plywood on it. The rip fence is strong and accurate. You want be disappointed with this saw, it is by far this best table saw on the market today.

This saw replaced a Delta 10" Cabnit Saw - which was a very good saw.

The Powermatic 5HP is one big saw. It will cut anything wood without burning. No matter how slow or fast I feed wood into it the powerful 5HP saw there are no problems. Plywood in sheets can be feed with ease. The cuts are straight the first time and require no secondary working. I have not had one poor plywood cut on this machine. This is the best ripping saw I have ever used. Again the cuts are true and I have not wasted any wood since the purchase of this unit. Wonderful work products can be produced with ease.

The sliding table was set up after viewing a video tape. Using the tips in the video I set up the sliding table - leveled and set it even with the blade in 3 hours. A recent review I read on sliding tables said it took six hours - anyone could do it alone in three following the video. If you have someone to help you - 2 to 2.5 hours. This is not a mobil unit - save your money - do not buy a mobil base. The sliding table must stay stationary to stay properly set.

The rail and fence fit the saw table and sliding table without the need for any cutting. The fence once aligned matains square. It adjusts with little effort. Repeat cuts are exact duplicates of one another. This is as good of fence as I have used and recommend it highly. There is no need of an upgrade here.

With the cast iron extention to the right of the blade and the wood extention table you have an unbeatable work service. Your work is fully supported. You can control cuts with little effort. You will be able to work plywood sheets all day long with this saw, it's sliding table to the left, and the 50 inch extention to the right.

The fit and finish are excellent. Everything went together with ease. The instructions were clear. I put on a Forrest blade and it was in perfect alignment without the need of adjustment - none! I could not believe that it was set right out of the box. The table was level and ground properly - my straight edge was dead flat over every surface of the table. The extension cast iron wing may be a bit off to the left outside but not that it effects cuts or quality of work. It is so close I just can not tell for sure.

This saw will not make better end results BUT it will allow you to work with confidence, building your skills. It is a high compacity workhorse. It will be the last cabnit saw I will buy.

I really love this tool. After using a 14" abrasive cut-off machines for years, it's a delight to use a saw that cuts so cleanly and precisely, makes few sparks, no smoke or smell, generates very little heat in the work, and that is portable. I would not hesitate to reccomend this tool.

This saw is powerful. It can cut thru 4 inch cast iron pipe with a new blade. It is easy to operate. The case is nice for storing blades.

Overall, this saw has worked really well for me. I don't work with it everyday like a framer would, but i think i have put it through my own tests. It has plenty of power for cutting sheet goods and 2 x lumber. When used with a staight edge, you can make perfect clean cuts that rival a table saw. The electric brake is a nice touch, it stops the noise faster, and i guess it's a decent safety feature too.

Of all the things i have used this circular saw for, the most greuling would have to be cutting slab granite. I have cut through some of the hardest stone on earth with this saw and a diamond blade. It comes through everytime, and does it accurately. there have been times the saw has been cutting for 20 minute intervals through very hard stone. That is why i have given 5 stars to this tool.

The saw is a really good saw i think that if you are a construction worker then you should get it. All the other saws were not as good as this one because it has a better angel on it, no other saw has the 15 amp motor or the deep cut on the max angel. I am going to go with Bosch i am going to buy a sliding compound saw for a great price! If bosch could only put out another better sliding compound saw then they would sell alot more saws. The bosch saw is the best!

I bought this saw about nine months ago just for kicks since I already had the 24 volt drill, circular saw, and recip saw. I was more than impressed when I got it. It's lightweight and easy to carry, powerful, accurate, and has a good runtime (I quit counting at 75 2x4's ). I use mine for trimming and it is ideal for this. The saw overall is a good value with 2 batteries and a one hour charger. It won't replace a corded miter saw, but it comes pretty close.

I consider myself to be an advanced do it your selfer to let you know where I'm coming from. I've always wanted a compound miter saw, and have been putting it off for one reason or another. Recently I purchased a Bosch 24 volt drill/circular saw combo kit, and noticed this miter saw kit. One of the things I liked was that the batteries were interchangeable. It comes with two, plus the two from my kit, this would enable me to have an infinite supply of power. I checked the fence, and table for square, and they were good to go right out of the box, I was in shock. By looking at the manual, if you had to make an adjustment it didn't look that difficult. If anyone has ever set up a table saw, or radial arm saw you can appreciate this. I charged the batteries and immediately put it to work cutting 2" X 6" rafters for a 12' X 18' shed that I'm working on. Please note that you can't cut more than a 15 degree miter on a 2" X 6". I have to tell you that this saw has power. The fact that it is cordless is a non event. Actually it is an event, I was re-trimming out our bedroom. Since I was cordless I didn't interrupt my homes electrical system, and I didn't have to hear my wife complain about me messing up the TV. The trigger, and safety are comfortable to use. The dust collection system works good enough. The settings are accurate, and easy to read. The safety shield doesn't obstruct your view, and works smooth. The motor brake will stop on a dime, and give you nine cents change. I really like this saw, I feel it will meet or exceed all of your expectations.