Convenient features such as dust management and guiding lights are not always present in standard circular saws, but the Makita 5007F circular saw begs to differ. To make any job site work less frustrating, having a quality tool with all the features that simplify work and save time would be a game-changer.
I’ll be reviewing this saw by running through its specs, features, pros, and cons, so you’ll decide for yourself in the end whether to purchase or pass.
Makita 5007F Circular Saw
This corded circular saw focuses on job site usability thanks to its LED lights and dust blower, which can save you time. It also has sufficient power, speed, and cutting capacity while bearing a well-balanced design for different cutting and framing tasks.
Specifications
This circular saw has a speed of 5,800 RPM, which puts it above most units (of the same brand and others). Weighing 11.1 pounds, it spans at a length of 12 inches, which makes it more easily portable.
Bearing a 15-amp motor, it has a blade diameter of 7-1/4 inches, an arbor size of 5/8 inches, and a maximum cutting capacity of 2-3/8 inches at 90 degrees. The bevel cut is up to 45 degrees.
Quality
A 1-year warranty is assured by Makita for this tool. This covers defects in workmanship and materials and can be taken to any of their authorized service centers.
Nonetheless, to keep it durable for long-term use, it has heavy-gauge aluminum for its base to maintain stability. Also, the motor is cooled more efficiently compared to other units thanks to the centrifugal fan and baffle system.
Usability
When it comes to convenient features, it has a lower guard design, which will aid in narrow cutting and making bevel cuts. What I like the most is the combination of two LED lights to illuminate the line of cut. This ensures not only accuracy, but also time-saving qualities, especially for beginners who don’t want to worry about making repetitive mistakes.
What’s more, the dust blower not only keeps debris at bay (and away from the motor to avoid clogging), but it also clears the line of cut so you’ll see exactly what you’re working on without any annoying dust in the way.
Additionally, the motor’s flat housing design upholds stability so the process of changing the blades is easier.
Should You Buy the Makita 5007F?
The Makita 5007F is for you if you work in the contractor industry, such as for framing, forming, siding, and building. It has more than sufficient features and specifications when it comes to cutting capacity, speed, and comfortable design.
People who often work in dark areas or just need a better cutting guide will like this model as well. Its LED lights are helpful and convenient while the dust blower also clears away your line of cut.
If you are still unsure about the decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.
Pros of the Makita 5007F
Let’s start with the pros.
It has LED guiding lights.
The LED guiding lights will help ensure accuracy for each cut. No more worrying about making frequent mistakes due to misalignment – these lights will keep your cuts steady and consistent.
It has a dust blower.
Nobody likes workplace dust flying around, and that’s why a dust blower is a great plus point for a circular saw. Not only does it keep your workspace clean, but it also clears your line of cut so you will see what you’re working on much clearer than if you didn’t have a dust blower on the tool.
It has a high no-load speed.
At 5,800 RPM, you will get more cuts done faster with this kind of no-load speed. This is also an important feature when handling tougher jobs and bigger materials.
It has a unique motor cooling system.
Due to the centrifugal fan and baffle system, working with the circular saw for hours won’t be a hassle because of frequent stops to avoid overheating. This cooling system will help with productivity for any of your projects.
Cons of the Makita 5007F
On the other hand, while it has good points, the product has some minor drawbacks.
The footplate or shoe isn’t magnesium (it’s aluminum).
Although the circular saw’s shoe isn’t magnesium-made, it is still made of heavy-gauge aluminum. However, if you’re after a magnesium shoe for extra durability and stability then this isn’t going to be your tool.
It is a little on the heavy side.
The weight of 11.1 pounds isn’t exactly lightweight for a circular saw, but the 12-inch length is still portable enough to fit into most toolboxes.Nonetheless, if stability is what you’re after then a higher weight probably isn’t much of a downside for you.
What Are the Alternatives to the Makita 5007F?
If the Makita 5007F is not your type of circular saw, I have other options for you. The Makita 5007MG (read my review) is an alternative that has a magnesium shoe for extra stability while also slightly lighter in weight (10.6 pounds). It also bears a 15-amp motor and 5,800-RPM speed, alongside LED lights to illuminate the line of cut. The cutting capacity of this one is bigger, at 2-1/2 inches, so it is built for tougher job site tasks.
On the other hand, the Skil 5280-01 (read my review) is for you if you prefer a laser guide instead of simple LED lights for illuminating the line of cut for accuracy. Although this one has a lower speed of 5,300 RPM, it has a higher bevel capacity of up to 51 degrees and has a lighter weight of only 6.95 pounds. It has a dust blower as well, like the Makita 5007F.
If you’re eyeing on a similar 7-1/4-inch tool, the DeWalt DWE575SB (read my review) is another consideration, which is at 15 amps and has an electric brake for repetitive tasks. It is also lightweight at 8.8 pounds and also has an aluminum shoe, much like the Makita 5007F.
Finally, make sure to also check my list of the best circular saws for beginners.
Summary
Overall, the Makita 5007F is a powerful tool that has more than sufficient speed, cutting capacity, and other convenient features for various job site tasks. If you prefer a circular saw that has LED lights and a dust blower to ensure work accuracy, I think that this is the tool for you.
Before committing to this one, though, make sure to also check my comparison of the four most popular Makita 5007 Series circular saws including this one.