MAKITA is a renowned manufacturer of power tools. 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 safety margin of any tools. The Makita 5704R is also included in the number of products. This is a circular saw designed for woodworking. When using a profile disc, the tool can handle sawing soft metal. Thanks to these features, this circular saw is in great demand among specialists in the field of construction and finishing works. It is interesting 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 find out all the features of this tool.
purpose
What are the main requirements for power tools? The main selection criteria are performance and versatility. With these indicators, the Makita 5704R circular saw is all right. The disc rotates at 4,900 rpm with a power consumption of 1,200 watts. This is quite 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.
- Bar.
- Drywall.
- MDF panels and decorative plastic.
- Clapboard.
- 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 outbuildings.
Technical features
It is worth paying attention to the depth of the cut. For this model, these figures 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 runs almost silently (compared to similar models from other manufacturers), the vibration level is minimized. The circular saw is equipped with a parallel guide, which, together with two handles, allows you to confidently control the position of the tool when performing work. Makita 5704R has a special socket designed to connect a vacuum cleaner. This element removes sawdust in the kerf area, providing proper control over the cut line.
cutting element
The review will not be considered complete without mentioning the main element of the saw: the cutting disc. The diameter of the cutting element is 190 millimeters, with a seat radius 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 riving knife, which prevents the blade from jamming when performing longitudinal cuts. In the basic configuration, the saw comes with one disc: B-07967. For fast change of the cutting cloth, the key of blocking of a shaft is provided. The well-thought-out arrangement of this element completely eliminates accidental pressing.
Considering the technical characteristics, it is impossible not to note the high level of safety in the performance of work. In particular, the teeth of the disk are protected by a removable casing, which significantly reduces the risk of injury when working with the tool. In addition, the saw is standardly 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 with prolonged use. Considering that the cost of the Makita 5704R varies between 6,000-7,000 rubles, the tool is purchased for years, so you need to have a complete understanding of possible problems.
Advantages
To begin with, let's analyze the advantages that the Makita 5704R circular saw has. This information is based on feedback from users who have been using the saw for 1.5-3 years.
- Storage case. 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 proper storage space. Makita 5704R is sold in a special case, which is very pleasing to buyers.
- Ease of use. 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 buyers complain that the saw is inconvenient to use upside down. Note that this option is unacceptable from the point of view of labor safety.
- Versatility. A key role in the use of the tool is played by interchangeable discs, which are designed for sawing various materials. This is where MAKITA excels: there is even a diamond blade for sawing porcelain stoneware on sale. Please note that the power of the tool is quite enough for this.
- Dust collector. Thanks to this option, you can perform 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 disadvantages, but more on that later.
- Straight cut. Thanks to the guide, the saw runs quite smoothly, regardless of the density of the material being cut.
- Build quality. With regular use, the resource of the saw is enough for 3-5 years. At the same time, if you work carefully, then in the first two years you won’t even have to purchase spare parts: a replaceable disk, brushes.
Flaws
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 quite enough for private construction. However, professional finishers say that this length of cord is often not enough, for example, when installing ceiling coverings. Therefore, you have to use extension cords or work in the immediate vicinity of a power source. In fairness, we note that the cord, although short, is quite thick and elastic, so accidental damage and kinks can be excluded.
- The disk jams. Judging by some reviews, when making long rip cuts, the riving knife does not cope with its function.
- A vacuum cleaner. When working, especially with wet wood, the nozzle of the dust collector is often clogged. Therefore, you have to take forced breaks and clean the bell. This negatively affects performance, especially for professional use.
- Inconvenient handle position. This element is located under the left hand, which requires getting used to.
- Spare parts. A rather non-standard disk is used as a working canvas: 190 millimeters with a seat of 30 mm. The problem is solved by using a ring with a smaller disk landing radius. This item is not included in the basic package and is purchased separately. By the way, Makita 5704R spare parts are purchased only from official dealers, interchangeability with other manufacturers is not provided.
- Lever for changing the depth of cut.This element is located too close to the saw teeth, which causes some inconvenience during operation.
- No rubber grip. If the circular saw is used in the summer, this nuance is usually not paid much attention. When working in the winter season, many users want the tool not to slip, but to lie securely in the hand.
Conclusion
Makita 5704R is a very reliable saw designed for a wide range of work, with long-term operation. The product has good performance, it works very quietly and accurately, it is suitable for sawing almost any building material.
However, manufacturers should slightly change the design, making it more convenient to use. In particular, increase the length of the cord and revise some of the design elements (riving 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 lower this figure to an eight-point mark.
Please note that there are many fakes on the market. To purchase an original tool, consider 2 main points: the G mark indicates the country of origin (UK). In addition, the original saws have a branded engraving on the handle - MAKITA.
