Makita 5005BA 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used many different circular saws and have a Bosch 7-1/4" contractors saw. It is a real workhorse, but is heavy. I have also used the old Rockwell trim saw, similar to the Porter Cable trim saw which has many reviews both pro and con. These little saws are lightweight and easy to use, but they lack power. The Makita 5005BA has plenty of power, is lightweight, the blade is on the left side, so it is easy to see your cut if you are right handed. And, unlike the old Rockwell or the new Porter Cable trim saws, the Makita 5005BA will cut a 2 x 4 with its 1-3/4" depth of cut. I bought a Makita plywood blade (as this is the main use for this saw) and it cuts a nice smooth splinter-free cut. The brake is an excellent safety feature. The blades are easy to find and buy. I spent several hours researching a lightweight circular saw. This one is the best I could find for the price.

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This circular saw from Makita is lightweight and easy to handle. The blade, located on the left side, cuts up to 1-3/4-inch at 90 degrees and 1-3/16-inch at 45 degrees. The mighty 8-amp motor guarantees accuracy and speed. The shaft lock takes care of quick blade changes, and the electric brake ensures immediate stopping of the blade. The double insulated lock-off button keeps accidental starts from happening. This saw comes with a combination blade, rip fence, and socket wrench.

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Porter-Cable 314 4.5 Amp 4-1/2-Inch Trim Saw Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had a Porter-Cable 0314 4-1/2" Trim Saw since the 1980s - and it was such a good design, the current version is virtually identical. (E.g., mine has round knobs; new knobs are triangular!) Being corded, it will also be just as good 20 years from now, given that I won't use often enough to wear it out. This is one tool to hand down to your children...
One reviewer suggested buying a battery powered trim saw. That might be a smart choice if you will use the tool often; e.g., weekly. Otherwise, this saw, over the long haul, will be MUCH less costly because it will never need battery, or tool, replacement. Every battery-operated tool manufacturer periodically changes/improves their battery design. Next generation batteries probably won't fit your [old] tool and/or will be a different voltage. So, when the batteries die, and they all will, you'll have to replace the two batteries - and they are expensive. Or, "your" batteries will no be longer available, so you'll have to buy a new saw.
Another reviewer said his saw's sole plate was "out of parallel with the saw blade 3/64" over the length of the plate. Mine is also off, but only by 1/64"; which hasn't been an issue when using a straightedge to guide the saw. If it were, some judiciously placed thin washers in the adjusting mechanism would bring that to zero.
Still another reviewer said his saw's sole plate was "flimsy and inaccurate". I don't understand that comment, unless Porter Cable has used different plates. The sole plate on my saw is very stiff steel, 1/16" thick - rolled at the edges for strength, and is attached to the saw in four places - it doesn't flex and works exactly as expected.
This is a lightweight; very portable and maneuverable saw; having less torque & power than a full-sized circular saw. Those are distinct advantages in many situations, such as using it vertically or over your head, or when cutting trim-sized stock. On some jobs it's just more practical to use a small saw. It's also safer than a large saw because it's lower torque means a reduced chance of the saw getting away from you. E.g., my wife wouldn't use my [huge] worm-drive or standard-sized circular saws, but this one is perfect for her.
I've been happiest with this saw since a carbide blade was installed some years ago. Although this is a terrific TRIM saw, I wouldn't recommend it for the ONLY circular saw in your toolbox. This is because maximum cutting depths are too shallow for 2x4s and other thicker stock, and because it cuts much slower (on heavy stock) than a bigger, more powerful, saw. It is a well-designed, professional grade tool.

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