Makita 5090DW 3 3/8 Inch Cordless Circular Saw Kit

Customer Reviews

Easy Handling

2007-08-09
I am not a user of workshop equipment and found that this saw was made for me. It was easy to handle but powerful enough to cut 1/2 inch material. I would recommend it for anyone who can handle an electric drill. The batteries lasts long enough for multiple uses.

To do the job right, you need the right tool

2007-05-21
I needed a tool to cut through about 3/4" of underlayment and cut as close as possible to a wall and a toe kick under some cabinets. A regular saw was too big and tall. This saw just did the job. It spins slower than you might think, and the blade is very thin leaving a kerf only a pencil line wide. Very little dust and noise is a plus when working in a confined space. The battery didn't last very long, only about 10 - 15 feet per charge, but this was a TOUGH job for such a little tool. I suspect you can get much further in lighter material. I had to cut some 1/4" plywood with it (in place cuts on a back panel of a cabinet). It was surprising how straight the line was when cutting by hand (not wavy like a jig saw). Also, a very clean cut.
This one's staying in my toolbox. I might even get a spare battery and some more blades. It's a keeper.

Great for those odd tasks at odd angles

2007-05-15
When remodeling, it's like a surgeon's scapel. I use it to remove material and to score-cut before chiseling or for deep line cutting guided with a straight edge. It's battery is large and strong. When I am doing shimming and working with 1/8" thin materials etc. this is what I use. You can shave cut miters on trim work. It gets used to cut hose, tubing, PVC and copper. If it's within reach it gets used. It's weight and size makes it easier to control than
a larger saw.

A Handy Mini Circular Saw

2007-05-10
I bought this tool primarily for cutting out drywall, while repairing the results of a major drain leak under my kitchen floor. I have used various methods for cutting drywall, but this has become my favorite. The ability to set the depth of cut to exactly that of the drywall, makes for a much safer endeavor when cutting out portions of wall behind which are many electric wires. I also use it when cutting pieces on a workbench, as it's so quick and easy. I chose this one rather than the 14V version because it looked like it would get into tight spaces more easily. It's worked fine. If I were a contractor, I might look at the other. But for the homeowner this is a great little tool.

precise cutter

2007-05-09
Bought this saw for a specific project on fragile stock. Worked exactly as advertised and better than I expected. Light weight and easy to maneuver for precise cuts with enough power for moldings, trim and 1x4s. Especially good for working overhead and in tight spots.

Works fine, battery lasts a long time!!!!

2008-07-22
I bought this saw for all of those little quick cutoff jobs like the stakes for bender board, cutting up yard debris, etc.

For what I got it for, the saw is PERFECT!

Buy a carbide blade

2008-03-05
I bought this because it was the smallest cordless circular saw I could find. The project I bought it for was patching in old damaged siding on my house. It was a bonus that I already had a 9.6v Makita drill because you can never have too many batteries and chargers! The blade that came with it didn't last very long so I bought a carbide tipped blade. What a difference! I was amazed at how much better it cut and how much longer the charge lasted. It also gave a wider cut so there is less chance of binding.

Ditch the stock blade.

2008-01-21
Like many others, I originally bought this saw for cutting in close on old work drywall. Battery life sucked with a Low battery after cutting around ONE Patio Door.
I replaced the blade with a Carbide tipped one and now this saws cuts faster and many feet longer through a wide variety of materials.

The only drawback with this saw is the long battery handle. You can't start close to walls or floors when you need the blade on the right. It would be very nice to have the handle rotate to near perpendicular to the foot for this kind of work.

Still, I would give this saw a BUY, especially if you already have other 9.6V Makita items so you don't have many different chargers and batteries that don't fit your other tools.

Broken out of the box. Craftsman better.

2007-12-13
When I received this, I first noticed that the blade guard was very sticky. It certainly would not have safely moved out of the way if I were push the saw through wood. The handle on the blade guard is made out of thin sheet metal, so when I tried to use the handle to move the guard, the handle bent very easily. I was already discouraged, but I fired it up, and the blade rotated so slowly, I decided to send the whole thing back. Instead I bought a Craftsman #10872. This is a saw that is similar to the Makita, but it runs off AC, and rotates at 2800 RPM. It is very well put together, and includes a case, laser sight, work light, and carbide blade for $110.

Small tool only for small project

2007-10-17
I got this tool used. My intension is to use it to trim the window frame to fit my new window. but it turns out that it is too weak for this job. The corded circular saw and chisel are the right tool for my task.

But I found this tool is very useful to cut off the drywall and 1/2" wood for window seal and moldings. It's very light to hold! Yes, it is a bit slow but I can get good cutting edge with proper guide.

I wish it can be more powerful. Wish to see a lithium version (or corded) with higher RPM. I might get rid of it after I finished my windows.