Makita 5377MG 7-1/4" Magnesium Hypoid Saw

The Makita 5377MG Hypoid Saw is an absolute workhorse. This thing has power for days and cuts through material without hesitation, like it knows you’re on a schedule. The hypoid gearing delivers serious torque, and it never feels strained—even when you’re pushing it. Despite being built like a tank, the magnesium housing keeps the weight reasonable, and the balance is excellent. The rear handle design gives great control and makes long cuts feel smoother and more intentional instead of slightly terrifying. Everything adjusts solidly and stays where you set it, which I appreciate greatly in a power tool. This saw clearly wasn’t designed for light, occasional use—it’s meant to work hard and keep going. If you want a dependable, powerful saw that doesn’t complain and makes your old one feel inadequate, the Makita 5377MG is an easy recommendation.

My husband loves this saw! It works great, cuts like it should and it’s simple to use! I purchased the used one and it’s in fantastic condition and worth the money! Fun to use for myself as well!

Makita 5377MG Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Hypoid Saw Worm drive (or hypoid gear) saws are heavier than standard circular saws, but have several advantages. - their gearbox slows blade rotation to about 4400 rpm from the typical 5800 rpm (e.g., Porter Cable Sidewinder). Makita says this is to increase torque and cutting power. - the motor is parallel with the cut line, so the saw is long and relatively narrow. This increases tool control since there is less potential for the saw torquing away from the cut. E.g., it's easier to control this type of saw with one hand once the cut begins. - having the blade on the left side of the tool is a boon to right-handers, because you can see the blade as it cuts. I sold my first generation Makita hypoid saw recently, even though there was nothing wrong with it, and immediately purchased the 5377MG as its replacement. Pros: - as of this writing (November 2011) no saw of this type is lighter than this model's 13.2 pounds. Magnesium is used for the motor case, the blade shroud, the blade guard, and the baseplate. No doubt, other makers will soon make lightweight magnesium saws... - hypoid drives (see Customer Image) run cooler than worm drives, which allowed Makita to seal the gear box. As a result, no oil changes are ever required. Hotter running worm drive saws used frequently will require periodic gear-case oil changes and the gears wear faster - at least according to Fine Woodworking. - excellent ergonomics - well balanced and comfortable for my XXL hands. The rubber coated rear handle is really nice. - all control levers have a thick non-slip rubber exterior. It's quick and easy to set depth of cut, angle, and to control the blade guard. - the blade guard is much improved over my old hypoid; it doesn't seem to hang up, regardless of the material width, thickness, etc., and its placement is just right. - the baseplate on my 5377MG is perfectly flat. - cutting angle is easily adjusted between 90 and 51.5 degrees. To go over 45 degrees, there is a separate knob to turn, just in case you didn't mean to set it that high. - includes a stored-in-the handle Allen wrench for blade changes. - heavy-duty rafter hook is easily swivelled out of the way. - 10', 14 gage, 3-wire rubber cord with a superb cord protector at the motor end. Cord stays flexible even in very cold temperatures. - includes a 24-tooth carbide thin kerf blade Cons: - Steel reinforced magnesium or all steel, base plates, available on competing models, are less prone to bending (if dropped) than the all magnesium 5377MG plate, according to Fine Woodworking's Tool Guide. - There is a small torque-kick when it first starts - just be aware of it. Other: - there's no blade brake, but a spinning blade under zero load will stop in just over 3 seconds. - A rip fence is an extra cost item. If you need one, do an Amazon search on "makita rip fence". This is a con if you need a rip fence - for everyone else, it's lacking makes the tool cost less. Summary: This excellent lighter rear handle saw should be on your short list.

Been using this for 11 years now around the farm. Bought it when building a deck but since then it just gets occasional use. I'm not really a fan of handheld circular saws, I prefer 10 inch blades on a table saw or miter saw. My Skil recipricating saws get the most use. This Makita is far and away the best handheld circular saw I've ever used. It wasn't treated with kid gloves. Never cleaned or oiled. Every control still works like new. It uses very few blades. It cuts quickly, accurately, and cool. It has great torque, but between the stock narrow kerf blade and its heft, it doesn't feel like it even uses it. For trimming and plunge cuts I really appreciate the stability and visibility. I will buy another if this one ever gives out, which doesn't seem like it ever will.

Love this saw, extremely well made. A little heavier than a sidewinder, takes some getting used to.

It works like a brand new one. Very nice.

If you are tired of trying to look over the top of your saw to see the line that you are cutting, don't ever purchase another "left-handed" saw! That is if you are not left-handed yourself. I'm still waiting for my new 5377MG to arrive at my house to replace my 15 year old 5277NG. The only reason that I'm replacing that saw is the fact that I was able to convince my wife it would be cheaper than repairing the couple of broken parts on the old saw. By the way, they were broken by a co-worker that accidentally dropped the saw from 25 feet above the ground onto a board. And as soon as the new saw arrives, I will be ordering the parts for the old saw because it has NEVER let me down. Even in it's now broken shape. Believe me, once you have made the purchase of a true "right handed" saw (that would be a saw that you can pick up with your right hand and cut every piece of wood needed) you will not turn back! This series of saws from Makita will leave you wondering why you waited so long to buy one. As opposed to "left-handed" saws, when you push this saw forward, it will cut straight without forcing the saw to stay straight. Actually, I have a lot of experience cutting s-curves with a standard circular saw, as I'm sure you have had the same problem. And, with the saw in your right hand, the line that you are trying to cut is right in front of your eyes. Also, this saw will cut any piece of wood you put in front of it. And it will do that all day long. I have personally turned many people away from the traditional "left-handed" saws just by having them use a Makita Hypoid-Drive saw. When you look at the weight of this saw, you may think that it is too heavy to use all day, believe me it is not. When you pick-up this saw and use it all day to cut everything from 2x4's to railroad ties, YOU WILL BE IMPRESSED!! The only downfall that I can personally find with this saw, is the fact that almost every tool Makita makes has a case, but so far not this saw. I am the type of person that wants everything in it's place, so I will purchase another tool box to keep this saw in.

Cuts thru wood like butter. Great saw