What circular saws don't do this ?

[specialist]

my makita after 10 years is still straight. I just don't drop or abuse it. In any case is it such a big deal if you are only rough cutting?

Just my two cents worth

Robert

[JDarvall]

my makita after 10 years is still straight. I just don't drop or abuse it. In any case is it such a big deal if you are only rough cutting?

Just my two cents worth

Robert

Well, I haven't abused mine or the ones at work. I don't think I've ever dropped mine. Their all used pretty heavily though.

For ruff cutting I think your right. No big deal.

But you can be quite accurate with these things off a straight edge or square with practise should you need it. Just a matter of making practise cuts and adjusting the tool on scrap until it cuts spot on.....sometimes its just the best way of making a cut. More convinient than a drop saw etc....and if that edge is bowed, there goes some accuracy.

[wheelinround]

Mines still fine after 15 years it is a cast plate Hitachi

[Hardenfast]

I have 2 of the little basic Makita 185mm circular saws (5806B), Jake. They do tend to end up with a cupped or twisted base depending on the user and work being performed, and the occasional droppage. However, a bit of panel beating from time to time seems to keep them in reasonable order, and accurate enough for general works. As you say, like any tool they will always benefit from a bit of fine tuning and attention to detail in initial setting up.

You've probably noticed that a lot of the Makita stuff, including these saws, is now made in China. I guess they have to do it to compete with the $10 stuff at Bunnings. Everything is minimised to keep costs down. The casings are a little thinner, the cords are a little shorter - even the blades are thinner - although this is a good thing (love those thin kerf blades). I'm sure that the base plates have been similarly diminished of late as well.

Still, these things are usually only around $150 and can take a real flogging over many years. I'm talking real trade work versus occasional weekend project stuff, so I guess you can't complain too much.

As a matter of interest I also have a Makita 185mm in the 5007B model. This is the professional version of the 7 1/4" saw with a sold 3.5mm aluminium base plate and is made in Japan. It also has a much bigger motor at 1500w versus 1050w for the basic saw. Just an altogether better machine and much heavier. Also nearly twice the price.

As the guys have said both Makita and Hitachi make the solid base plate saws in the 9 1/4" (230mm) version as well. I have both and they're fantastic bits of equipment for the price - you can't kill them. I guess one of the few perks in being a broken down old builder is that I've still got a collection of tools (hand & power) that many would drool over, even if some of them are getting a bit dated.

Regards. Wayne