Circular saw Makita 5704R, reviews

MAKITA is a renowned power tool manufacturer. The products of this brand are used in almost all sectors of construction. Users characterize the product line as a high-performance tool, note the build quality and high margin of safety of any tools. The product range includes the Makita 5704R. This is a circular saw designed for woodworking. When using a profile disk the tool can cope with soft metal sawing. Due to these features, this circular saw is in great demand among specialists in the field of construction and finishing works. An interesting fact is that negative reviews about this model are extremely rare. At the same time, buyers note only minor flaws that cause inconvenience during operation. There are practically no complaints about performance and technical parameters. In order not to be unfounded, we will make an impartial review that will help you learn all the features of this tool.

Destination

What are the basic requirements for power tools? The main selection criteria are performance and versatility. With these indicators, the Makita 5704R circular saw is all right. The disk rotates at a speed of 4,900 rpm with a power consumption of 1,200 watts. This is enough to work with any kind of building and finishing materials. Manufacturers claim that the product is able to cope with the following types of building materials:

• Block house.
• Laminated and parquet board.
• Timber.
• Drywall.
• MDF panels and decorative plastic.
• Lining.
• Edged board and timber.
• Aluminum (profile and sheet).
• Siding.
• Natural wood: knots and thin tree trunks.

Based on the above list, it can be noted that this saw is an indispensable tool for the construction of private houses and farm buildings.

Technical features

It is worth paying attention to the depth of cut. For this model, these indicators are 66 and 46 millimeters, for the angle of entry of the disk 90 and 45 degrees, respectively. The circular belongs to the category of hand tools: weight 4.6 kilograms, product length - 345 millimeters.

Despite the good performance characteristics, the saw works almost silently (compared to similar models from other manufacturers), the vibration level is minimized. The circular saw is equipped with a parallel guide, which in combination with two handles allows you to confidently control the position of the tool when performing work. Makita 5704R has a special bell designed to connect a vacuum cleaner. This element removes sawdust in the cut area, providing proper control over the cut line.

Cutting element

The review will not be considered complete if we do not mention the main element of the saw: the cutting disc. The diameter of the cutting element is 190 millimeters, with a radius of the seat of 30 mm, the thickness of the cutting blade does not exceed 1.6 mm. This is due to the fact that the tool is equipped with a propping knife, which prevents jamming of the disk when performing longitudinal cuts. In the basic configuration, the saw comes with one disc: B-07967. For quick change of the cutting blade, a shaft lock key is provided. The thought-over arrangement of this element completely excludes accidental pressing.

Considering the technical characteristics, it is impossible not to note the high level of safety when performing work. In particular, the teeth of the disc are protected by a removable casing, this significantly reduces the risk of injury when working with the tool. In addition, the saw is equipped with an automatic lock: the tool is turned on only with the simultaneous pressing of the lock key.

If we take into account the characteristics declared by the manufacturer, the circular saw looks quite good. However, for the review to be complete, potential buyers need to know how the tool will behave during prolonged use. Given that the cost of the Makita 5704R varies in the range of 6,000-7,000 rubles, the tool is purchased for years, so you need to have a complete understanding of the possible problems.

Advantages

To begin, we will analyze the advantages that are available with the Makita 5704R circular saw. This information is based on feedback from users who have worked with the saw for 1.5-3 years.

• Case for storage. Surprisingly, not all circular saws have such a case. For example, BOSCH does not include this accessory in the basic package. Accordingly, people are forced to bear additional costs (2,500-3,000 rubles) in order to provide the power tool with an appropriate storage place. Makita 5704R is sold in a special case, which is very pleasing to customers.
• Convenience in operation. The saw is quite light, in addition, it has a smooth start and a relatively low level of vibration. This allows you to operate the tool with one hand. Some customers complain that the saw is inconvenient to use upside down. Note that this option is not acceptable from the point of view of labor safety.

• Universality. A key role in the use of the tool is played by interchangeable disks, which are designed for sawing various materials. Here MAKITA turned out to be on top: there is even a diamond blade for cutting granite on sale. Please note that the power of the tool for this is quite enough.

• Dust collector. Thanks to this option, it is possible to carry out work inside residential premises. The fine fraction that appears during operation is sucked up by a vacuum cleaner, which guarantees the cleanliness of furniture and floor coverings. By the way, the vacuum cleaner also has drawbacks, but more on that later.
• Flat cut. Thanks to the guide, the saw goes quite smoothly, regardless of the density of the material being cut.
• Build quality. With regular use of the resource, the saw is enough for 3-5 years. At the same time, if you work carefully, then in the first two years you will not even have to purchase spare parts: a removable disk, brushes.

disadvantages

Any tool has not only pluses, but also minuses. Makita 5704R did not escape this fate. Here's what consumer reviews say:

• Short cord. The circular saw is equipped with a power cord, the length of which is 2.5 meters. In principle, this is enough for private construction. However, professional finishers say that this cord length is often not enough, for example, when installing ceiling coatings. Therefore, you have to use extension cords or perform work in the immediate vicinity of the power source. In fairness, we note that although the cord is short, it is rather thick and elastic, accidental damage and excesses can be excluded accordingly.
• The drive is jammed. Judging by some reviews, when performing long longitudinal cuts, the propping knife does not cope with its function.
• A vacuum cleaner. When working, especially with wet wood, the dust collector pipe is often clogged. Therefore, you have to take forced breaks and clean the bell. This negatively affects performance, especially in professional use.
• Inconvenient handle position. This element is located under the left hand, which requires getting used to.
• Spare parts. As a working canvas, a rather non-standard disk is used: 190 millimeters with a seat of 30 mm. The problem is solved by using a ring with a smaller radius of landing disk. This item is not included in the basic package and is purchased separately. By the way, Makita 5704R spare parts are purchased only from authorized dealers, interchangeability with other manufacturers is not provided.
• The lever for changing the depth of cut. This element is located too close to the teeth of the saw, which causes some inconvenience in the process.
• Lack of rubberized handle. If a circular saw is used in the summer, this nuance is usually not paid much attention to. When working in the winter season, many users want the tool not to slip, but to lay securely in its hand.

Conclusion

Makita 5704R is a completely reliable saw designed to perform a wide range of work during long-term operation. The product has good performance, works very quietly and accurately, suitable for sawing almost any building material.

However, manufacturers should slightly change the design, making it more convenient to operate. In particular, increase the length of the cord and revise some structural elements (propping knife, depth regulator, vacuum cleaner operation). If we consider only the technical parameters, the saw deserves the highest rating on a ten-point scale. But significant design flaws reduce this figure to an eight-point mark.

Please note that there are many fakes on the market. To purchase an original tool, take into account 2 main points: marking G - indicates the country of manufacture (Great Britain). In addition, the original saws on the handle have a signature engraving - MAKITA.