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Makita HS7601J/2 240V 190mm Circular Saw Supplied in a Makpac Case

£9.9£99Clearance
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The baseplate has a rough texture to it, and it didn’t seem very flat. After using it a few times the high spots on the shoe were getting marked already. It just didn’t slide smoothly enough. The silky smooth baseplate on the Makita HS7601J is much easier to slide across the surface of timber in comparison.

Best Makita Circular Saw Reviews 2023 - Top 8 Models Compared Best Makita Circular Saw Reviews 2023 - Top 8 Models Compared

Evolution have carved out a good name for themselves in the DIY sphere. Their blades are well-liked as the average user doesn’t want to swap them out each time they need to cut different materials. This saw does well at the basic jobs of crosscutting timber and can cut a serious size bit of wood as well. The main trigger grip feels nice with my nitrile gloves on. There’s plenty of grip even without them on and it sits well in the hand, which is vital thanks to the weight of this big saw. The front handle is a bit disappointing though, it’s just hard ABS plastic without any added grip. It’s fine when you’ve got gloves on but without them it’s not so comfortable. When it’s running this is an incredibly loud saw. Even under no load, it’s punishing. Compared with the cordless circular saws I’ve tested out; they feel like they’re whisper quiet. I wouldn’t dream of using a circular saw without proper PPE, but even with my British Army issue Peltor ear defenders on, it’s a bit too loud. Seeing as this saw comes with Evolution’s legendary multi material TCT blade, I thought I should use it on a few different materials. It’s this saw’s ace in the hole and what sets it apart from the other circular saws on my list. As good as the Makita and Bosch saws are, you can’t use them on metal unless you buy a separate blade. Sheffield based tool firm Evolution have been in the DIY game since 1992. Specialising in multi-material saw blades that can cut through just about anything you can throw at them, they’re loved by plenty of handy people all over.

The first tests I performed were on standard constructional softwood timber. I made a series of cuts at 0 and 45°, then upped the ante by doing the same with some hard English oak I had seasoned in my attic.

197005-0 Guide Rail Adapter Set - Black/Blue Makita 197005-0 Guide Rail Adapter Set - Black/Blue

Again, I suspect it’s down to the blade. The teeth are relatively small, and if they’re designed to work on multiple materials then they might not be fine-tuned for optimum cutting timber. I suspect that the multi-material blade is a good all-rounder but not ideal for any particular job. There was a fair bit of tear out when working with the constructional timber. It left a lot of ragged fibres on the end of the cut, which would need cleaning up if you were trying to do anything with precision. In comparison with the Makita DHS680Z, I know which saw I’d want to use for second fix work! Even though prices fluctuate, the Evolution R185 CCS Circular Saw is less than half the price of one of the more premium circular saws I tested. The Makita DHS680Z might be a lot lighter and more accurate, but if you’re on a budget it’s just not an option.There’s something to be said about big heavy tools. You’re less likely to try out dangerous manoeuvres and keep them down on the bench. Even though there’s a fair amount of plastic on this saw, Evolution have used metal where it counts. The saw guard and blade housing are made from aluminium, so it makes you feel confident during use.

Makita HS7601J 190mm Circular Saw in Makpac Carry Case

One thing I really like about this saw that blows the rest of the competition away is the range of bevel degrees you can choose from. You can set the bevel on this saw to a massive 60°. This is incredibly useful if you want to build triangular objects.The cable protector, the rubber boot sleeve that comes out of the body of the saw, isn’t quite long enough. It doesn’t really help to stop the cable from crimping close to the saw, which could shorten its useful working life.

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