Makita 5277NB Hypoid Saw
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br /I've owned an earlier model of the Hypoid saw since the early 1990's. Have used it to build decks, additions, finish basements, etc. In all those years of use, the only maintenance performed was to use an air gun to blow it clean at the end of each day. It's never needed any parts except new blades. Have cut through just about every type of material one of these saws can be used for, and as long as the correct blade is mounted, it's a great saw, and easy to follow a cut-line. As with any circular saw, if you need a perfectly straight cut (e.g., trimming a door bottom), use a saw guide of some type. My saw has never lacked for power, and this newer model has even more power.
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br /I find this type of saw safer than circular saws with the handle near the blade, because it's near impossible to have the tool torque out of your hand. This saw is designed for a right-handed person; i.e., with the blade on the left it's much easier (and safer) to see what you're doing, than with the blade on the right. I frequently use just my right hand for guiding the saw -- it's that easy to control. I bought a Hypoid saw because it's lighter than a worm drive saw. That was important to me at the time as I was constructing a 2 x 8 roof truss system 2 stories up. You might want to personally compare the weight of this Makita to a worm drive model, in a local store, before deciding.

Being from the east coast ive used mostly right handed box saws.. However this saw is definitely worth its salt. Once i got used to the blade being on the wrong side (which i later found an advantage when cutting plywood) i really liked it. It is lighter than some of the other worm drives ive used and is almost impossible to bog down ripping large stock. Another good feature is that i dont have to ever worry about checking the oil level as with conventional wormys.

I've had this saw for about a year now, and I have to say, it's a little on the fragile side. It definitely has the power to do just about anything, as a worm-drive or hypoid should. I work for a remodeling company, so it's usually got a $5 cheapo blade on it that's been thrashed around far beyond its useful lifespan, and I can still cut down the siding on a wall, nails and all, right down the stud (why I've done this, is another story). It's easy to control, and cuts straight, once you get used to the kick - it's important to note that worm-drive saws kick sideways, if you've never used one. The blade on the left makes it really easy to see what you're doing. I cut a cord and had to replace it, and when I took it apart, I noticed that the internal clamp that holds the cord is one of the beefiest things I've ever seen; I have no problem using it to support the saw's weight to lower or raise it from a roof.
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br /However, it isn't quite as rugged as some similar saws out there. While the shoe has remained straight, it has on a couple occasions developed little jagged spots that have damaged finish-grade material (yes, I do use this as my finish saw). The lever to retract the blade guard (a cheap piece of plastic) broke off when it fell off a sawhorse once; it's not much of an issue for me, because I keep the guard wedged up (which I highly recommend NOT doing, unless you're a professional who's okay with taking that risk). The bevel adjustment has also drifted out of square on a couple occasions, probably from being banged around in the back of my truck, dropped, etc., and the lever on the depth adjustment seems to need to be removed and bent back into shape once a month or so to keep it from snagging on the rail.
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br /All in all, I feel like I got my money's worth from this saw, and it's paid for itself more times over than I can even guess, but my next saw is probably going to be a Mag 77 (more rugged) or a left-blade sidewinder (lighter).

This saw is a replacement for a craftsman sidewinder that met its end cutting wet decking tearing out a deck. This thing has so much power, I doubt I could kill it. the weight is not too bad, and the cord is a nice length and gauge but I wish every manufacturer would follow milwaukees quick lok or bosches direct connect feature... The carbide blade is great, as is the tool belt I got as a bonus. However,A GREAT SAW LIKE THIS DESERVES A PROTECTIVE CASE BUT mAKITA GOT CHEAP HERE.

THIS MAKITA SAW IS A GREAT PRICE FOR THE DO IT YOUR- SELFER OR PROFESSIONAL. WITH A POWERFUL MOTOR AND LOW VIBRATION THIS IS A " MUST HAVE" FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES TOOLS AND USES THEM OFTEN.THE ONLY DRAW BACK IS IT DOES NOT COME WITH A CASE TO PROTECT IT AND TAKE IT FROM JOB TO JOB. WAKE UP TOOL MANUFACTURERES,INCLUDE THE CASE ALREADY!WITH A PROVEN POWER TOOL RECORD MAKITA HAS MADE THIS SAW LIGHTER THAN MOST AND JUST AS POWERFUL IF NOT MORE SO.EASY TO HANDLE AND WITH A GOOD SIGHT LINE OF CUT I RATE THIS A 5 STAR TOOL.

This is my second Makita hypoid saw. The first one was still going strong after 12 years of moderate use before it was stolen. It is annoying that there is no tool case with this saw. I purchased a steel Milwaukee worm drive saw case, which works well, but it is another $55. I have also used Skill worm drive saws and I prefer the feel of the Makita. It has plenty of power and will cut through anything as long as the blade is reasonably sharp and not pinched/binded in the kerf. Both saws (and all worm/hypoid saws) are heavy and thus not easy to use in awkward positions (overhead, sideways, etc.).

I've been using this saw for the past 6 months on several jobsites. We're a small crew and there are several other saws available: a Skil Mag 77, a Bosch Wormdrive and mine. Where ever we are on the jobsite, we reach for the saw at hand, so I guess I make my review based on those comparisons.
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br /Couple of things I like: First, the power and the fact that it gets up to speed quickly. Ive' used several different blades on this from steel, concrete and traditional lumber, including pressure treated, it's got plenty of power to cut through what you need it to. No question.
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br /It's got better kerf sight lines than the Skil and about the same as the Bosch.
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br /Since it's a hypoid, I don't ever have to fuss with changing the oil like in a Skil.
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br /I like the nylon housing. I know it won't crack when I drop it. And it's blue, which is cool...
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br /I like the steel foot. It does get bent from time to time, you know, cause it's a jobsite and all, but it's easy to true it back up in 5 minutes with a pair of visegrips, a combination square and a hammer. Try that with an aluminum or magnesium foot. (I know, I know, they're tougher to start out with...which is probably true. but if they fail, both fail catastrophically, which means they snap. Steel is great because it bends...)
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br /The numbers are easy to read because the indents for each number/tickmark fill up with dust, showing contrast against the black painted shoe.
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br /Things one needs to get used to: the handle size. It's fairly large. The other guys on the site comment on it. It's got a thicker hand grip than the Skil or Bosch. I'm used to it and don't notice it any more.
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br /Things I modded: I added a rafter hook so I could keep this thing off the friggin' ground/floor. I don't think Makita is selling a hypoid without one anymore so that shouldn't be an issue. I went through too many blades setting the thing down carelessly on a cement floor. I finally had enough and ordered a hook for another saw and fiddled with the thing and found a way to make it work. 'Gotta have a hook...(I give it 4 stars because of that and the weight issue)
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br /I run it with a Freud Diablo blade which seems to work pretty well. Overall, it handles nicely, but it does have some startup torque. If you're used to handling worm-drives/hypoids, you won't even notice it.
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br /It's heavy at 15 pounds, although Makita's new 5377MG is lighter by 2 lbs. Trying to give DeWalt a run for the money. You know, I'll never wear this thing out. And as far as I'm concerned, these are all fine, capable saws. Just get one and learn to use it well.

I purchased this saw after debating among other manufacturers' wormdrives.
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br /This saw is lighter than most wormdrives, but delivers as much if not more power. I have used it to cut through everything, from pressure treated stock to concrete. The saw doesn't even blink despite the load put on it.
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br /All of the adjustment levers are well placed. Blade changing is a cinch. It is, of course, heavier than sidewinders, so overhead cutting can get difficult and dangerous after a while. It is the tool of choice, though, for anyone in the market for a wormdrive or alternative.

Once again Makita [...]! Like many of you out there, I went along for years with a regular circular saw (a Makita of course,) thinking "Why do I need that extra weight and bulk?" "What am I gaining?" Well. all I can say is, once you try one of these and get used to it, you will say to yourself "Why didn't I get one of these years ago!"
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br /It drives like a "Hummer" through anything before it, very smooooth and steady! I will never be without one now.

This Makita product is a powerful well designed hand saw. Much to my dismay, it is made in China! This wormdrive saw is solid and heavy , perhaps too heavy. The blade that it comes with cuts fine but isn't one of the sharpest or best quality. For the price this saw is a great value and perfect for home use but I would not recommend it for a contractor, builder or other proffessional that would use it on a daily basis due to it's weight.

I Have been involved With Construction Since 13 years old With My dad
br /I'm Now 43. over all the years I've Have Taken many House construction projects The latest is Building My Own Garage from ground up 24'L x 22'W x 14'H I have owned many circular saws mainly heavy duty homeowner type
br /For my latest project I decided it was time to invest in a saw geared more toward the profesional carpenter i did some research At AMAZON and found the makita with good ratings I purchased the Makita 52277NB Hypoid saw I bought it from AMAZON You Can't Beat Their Service if Purchasing on-line. I'm Very impressed with the smoothness, speed and low noise
br /I've used it for all the framing For my new garage so far it has performed great by the way I also Bought the skilsaw worm drive
br /HD 77 which i havn't used yet because im so happy using the makita right now.

I have been using circular saws since 1970. I am not a professional carpenter but I am always building something. I had no idea a circular saw could work so well. I have never had a saw with a brake so I don't miss it. Do yourself a favor and buy this saw!

I asked Dan what he thought and he said this was the best saw ever made. In fact, he said he'd trade his wife for this saw. I'm sold!

I'm a framer. I was really skeptical about buying this saw, I couldn't stand the earlier models. I've strictly used Skil, and recently the new Bosche. My Bosche gave out in less than 2 years. I got this Makita to back up my (back up)Mag 77, but after one day at work it is my primary saw. Just as powerful as the worm drives, but way smoother!!!. And cheaper to boot!

This is the most overlooked saw in the world. The most powerful you would have to try it. I have used skils, milwaukees, they are weak. Try this saw. Electric brake is handy especially if blade guard gets pinned back. ( accidentally of course... wink,wink) Some guys fear the power I understand it has a torque twist and is not good for guys with weak wrists.

I do not have this saw but there is no brake as a previous reviewer said;the warning in the man. says "blade coasts to a stop." Look at the Makita web site manual .pdf.
br /I will pass as I want a brake. I have a Bosch WD and PC without it,good saws but I like to have a blade brake now. Got used to it on my Milwaulkee 18v cordless.
br / Note: This is the new model,better shoe,rubberpad on handle,15A not 14A, as before on "5277N".