Makita 5402NA 16 5/16 Inch Circular Saw :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

nice unit

2004-07-29
Great saw, cuts well with plenty of power. Electric brake stops on a dime. Guard works well.

The only downfall is the safety switch is awkward to reach while holding the saw and trying to pull the trigger.

As a post and beam framer I would recommend this saw.

Big, Big saw

2004-07-12
This is THE tool for cutting 4xs and 6" Glu-lams. I was surprised at the smooth opperation of this saw on doug fir glu-lams and SYP 4x8s. The 32 tooth blade is the correct unit for very good cuts while framing. The only thing I do not like about this tool is the thumb safety button. Re-locating it to the forward handle would be a big help and ensure that the operator keeps both hands on the saw when starting it. I found myself using my left index finger to press the "safety" button to start each cut, therby removing my L hand from the saw. My right thumb is too large to work the [safety] button.

Tough Jobs demand tough tools

2002-08-30
The 5402na is defintly a powerhouse. It slices through 6x stock
with ease. The electric brake stops the blade on a dime and the blade stablizer is wonderful. I strongly reccomend this saw for anyone who works with 6x or 8x stock on a regular basis. It really saves time and effort.

home maker

2008-06-24
This saw was the work horse for my new log home. It cuts through the 6by12
logs and beams with ease. I am still in the process of building my home
and would recommend this saw to anyone who is doing the same.

Big Beam, Makita-Momma-Jama !!

2007-01-05
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

2005-09-15
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

2005-08-21
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

2005-08-17
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!