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It is kind of heavy, but really just a large circular saw. Great saw for timber beams. I use these type of reviews to make buying decisions,so should pass on my thoughts. The only issue, which is prob issue with any large saw, is that the act of setting the saw down, pushes on the blade adjustment plate, and after 30 or so cuts, needs a slight re squaring of the blade. I did get better results with a freud carbide tip, thin kerf blade, but that is only to be expected versus non carbide blade. great ergonomics for holding saw. Not a big deal, but i am sure it happens because of the heft of the saw. take a second and readjust and back in business with square cuts.
A clamp down guide is a must for such a big saw. This is the only way to make smooth cuts on 6x material. I don't have too much trouble with the safety button as others have mentioned. It kicks when starting so I hold it slightly away from the cut when turning it on. I find that covering the wood with a piece of wax paper makes it much easier to slide.
My husband purchased this for building our log home. it was the only tool that could cut through the logs in 2 passes. My husband is quite picky and he was very pleased with it.
Positioning the saw to begin the cut and turning it on in conjunction with depressing the safety button is definitely a challenge as other reviewers have stated. With the stock blade the saw will bog down if you force the cut and not let the tool do its job. The two handles are definitely needed to control it. I purchased this saw to cut several 4x4 landscaping timbers to outline a driveway along with a variety of mulch beds. http://video.aol.com/video-detail/makita-beam-saw-cutting-with-jig/1638302903. The blade stabilizer is effective in preventing excessive runout.
The 32 tooth stock blade is OK for rough cuts.
However, once you develop a technique it becomes less burdensome.
I constructed some jigs to make the alignments of my 90 and 45 degree cuts much easier.
This saw is a beast.
But it still is a fine tool for making cuts on wood with such large dimensions.
The saw does not have a soft start feature and will jerk when first turned on.
It also is equipped with an electric brake which performs as expected.
Please view this video to see the saw in action using one of these easy to make jigs.
If you have some large timbers or landscaping ties to cut, I would definitely recommend this saw.
This saw was the work horse for my new log home. It cuts through the 6by12logs and beams with ease. I am still in the process of building my homeand would recommend this saw to anyone who is doing the same.
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