If you're looking for the best portable table saw, here it is. I've used my boss' Bosch portable saw for seven years or so, and I love it, but this one is even better. This saw is very similar to the Bosch portable as far as quality, engineering, and features. The Makita is just bigger and badder! It's heavier too, but you'll have to deal with it, because if you want precision, longevity, and efficiency, you're going to want this saw. I just looked at the DeWalt portable at the store too, and I can tell you that it has some nice features, but if you want something you'll have forever, the Makita 2705 is your saw (and you do want your saw forever!) I bought the Makita 2705 never having seen it before, because I can't find one locally. I trust Makita wholeheartedly, and I'm glad I did. Most of my stuff is Makita because they not only have a reputation for quality, but their tools are just damn fun to use, comfortable, and user friendly. My local tool shop owner stands by their stuff too, and he urged me to check it out. You can forget about the negative reviews on this saw, because Makita must have fixed the fence problem since then. I don't know what the old one was like, but this saw comes with the best rip fence I've seen in a tie with Bosch's. If you don't know already, the rip fence is an ESSENTIAL part of the saw. It's what makes the saw accurate. It's one major reason you need a table saw in the first place. The Makita fence (like Bosch's) is a strong, sturdy, single piece of aluminum tubing basically, which means it's stronger than most other fences like DeWalts', which is a flimsy "L" shaped aluminum piece with only two sides to get strength from. Makita's rip fence slides smoothly across the nice, flat table. The Makita has a great, precise magnifying lens to view your ripping measurements (like Bosch's.) This saw is a little larger and certainly more powerful than Bosch's, with a higher RPM. The Makita is the only 10 inch table saw I know that can rip all the way through 4x material in one pass. That is a huge feature in itself. The table extension extends very smoothly and squarely, just like you want it to. It has two locking levers that function solidly. The rip measurements are easy to read; made on nice metal plates, recessed in the metal slide so they won't wear off. The blade height adjustment wheel has a nice feel and sturdy sound to it when you raise and lower the blade. Nice feel and sound to the on/off switch as well; easy to use even with gloves on. The bevel adjustment lock is basically the same as Bosch's too, which is the best on the market. Although the Makita requires you to turn the bevel adjustment wheel to adjust bevel angle, instead of just pushing the bevel mechanism like Bosch's. Both brands features have their pros and cons in the bevel department.
To use this saw on the job, I bought the Bosch gravity rise stand, because it's the best, fastest, strongest, and easiest to use of the ones I've seen. I tried the DeWalt one (which is light and portable, but flimsy), and I can tell you the Bosch is better hands down in quality, strength, and ergonomics.
| Brand | Makita |
|---|---|
| Color | Blue & Metallic |
| Blade Material | High Speed Steel |
| Surface Recommendation | Glass |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Special Feature | Brake |
| Included Components | stand |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Item Weight | 85 Pounds |
| Speed | 4800 RPM |
| Blade Length | 10 Inches |
| Number of Teeth | 50 |
| Cutting Angle | 90 Degrees |
| Manufacturer | Makita |
| Part Number | 2705X1 |
| Item Weight | 85 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 24.6 x 22.4 x 28.6 inches |
| Item model number | 2705X1 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Style | Table Saw with Stand |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 2 |
| Special Features | Brake |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 1 YEAR |
