Best Makita Saws

Updated December 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Makita JR3050T 11 Amp Reciprocating Saw
Makita
JR3050T 11 Amp Reciprocating Saw
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Bottom Line

A sawzall for DIYers that pros wouldn’t be embarrassed to use, this reciprocating saw tackles a variety of demolition and precision cutting tasks.

Pros

Keyless chuck enables fast blade changes. Less powerful 9-amp motor allows better control/cutting precision. Cuts old wood fences, metal fence posts, and more with ease. Doesn’t bog down after hours of use.

Cons

Trigger can be easily unlocked. Tool grows hot after continuous use. Some users are stymied by the blade-changing process.

Best Bang for the Buck
Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake
Makita
5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake
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Bottom Line

A fairly light circular saw that offers enough power for most DIY jobs along with desired safety features like a guard and brake.

Pros

Fairly lightweight and easy to control. Users can see cutting guides from either side of the saw. Cuts most materials without splintering. Brake is a welcomed safety feature. Blades are easy to swap out.

Cons

Keyed chuck adds time to blade changes, and key could get lost. Doesn’t fit well in its included case.

Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw with Guide Rail
Makita
SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw with Guide Rail
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Bottom Line

A circular saw that experienced users swear by, this Makita is precisely aligned right out of the box and cuts easily through most woods.

Pros

Durable, precisely aligned saw offers years of performance. Excellent dust control and collection, esp. when paired w/a wet-dry vac. Easy to use for both straight and angled cuts.

Cons

Cutting track can slip if dust accumulates underneath. Blade can scorch certain types of wood, and saw struggles through hardwoods. Score lever knob falls off easily. Power cord is fairly short.

Makita 4329K 3.9 Amp Variable-Speed Top-Handle Jig Saw
Makita
4329K 3.9 Amp Variable-Speed Top-Handle Jig Saw
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Bottom Line

This jig saw’s smaller motor makes for a lighter, easier-to-handle saw without compromising cutting accuracy.

Pros

3.9-amp motor is about half the power of other saws but makes for a lighter, easier-to-handle jig saw. Stays on course. Runs smoothly and quietly. Included case is sturdy.

Cons

Keyed chuck slows blade changes, though some users find it a more secure option. Bevel lock is not exact.

Makita LC1230 12-Inch Metal Cutting Saw
Makita
LC1230 12-Inch Metal Cutting Saw
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Bottom Line

For garage workshops, this saw is a durable, precision-cutting workhorse when working with smaller-diameter metal.

Pros

Perfectly square, burr-free cuts w/no “wandering” or deflection by the blade. Parts remain cool to the touch. Work table is sturdy. Blade stays sharp through multiple cuts.

Cons

Chip collector tray doesn’t catch everything. Reports of saw blade not properly centered, cutting into the deck. Chain hold down should be redesigned, users feel.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

7 Models Considered
1 Experts Interviewed
161 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

The team that worked on this review
  • Melissa
    Melissa
    Senior Editor
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Makita

5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake

Makita

5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake

A fairly light circular saw that offers enough power for most DIY jobs along with desired safety features like a guard and brake.
$187
×

Makita

SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw with Guide Rail

Makita

SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw with Guide Rail

A circular saw that experienced users swear by, this Makita is precisely aligned right out of the box and cuts easily through most woods.

$419
×

Makita

JR3050T 11 Amp Reciprocating Saw

Makita

JR3050T 11 Amp Reciprocating Saw

A sawzall for DIYers that pros wouldn’t be embarrassed to use, this reciprocating saw tackles a variety of demolition and precision cutting tasks.
$89
×

Makita

4329K 3.9 Amp Variable-Speed Top-Handle Jig Saw

Makita

4329K 3.9 Amp Variable-Speed Top-Handle Jig Saw

This jig saw’s smaller motor makes for a lighter, easier-to-handle saw without compromising cutting accuracy.
$69
×

Makita

LC1230 12-Inch Metal Cutting Saw

Makita

LC1230 12-Inch Metal Cutting Saw

For garage workshops, this saw is a durable, precision-cutting workhorse when working with smaller-diameter metal.
$419

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