This is our Makita HS7601J review. This is a high quality 190mm (7.5") electrical corded circular saw. Circular saws are useful for a whole range of tasks that include cutting laminate flooring, cutting joists, framing, shaving doors, etc. This HS7601J model can do regular straight cuts, plunge cuts and bevel cuts. It can also be used with a guard rail though that is a separate purchase.
This saw however does come with a basic Makita TCT saw blade for wood, a dust nozzle, a Hex wrench, a rip fence (guide rule), and a Makita Makpac case. Below we look at this highly rated circular saw in more detail and compare it with similar products on the UK marketplace.
Summary:
The Makita HS7601J/2 has a nice compact and lightweight design, and yet it is a very powerful circular saw. It comes with a good quality carry case made of a hard plastic. It is also a really nice balanced saw that sits really well in your hands.
Buyers said the cord is a nice length and that makes it a lot easier to use. Buyers said this saw is easy to use and also easy to change blades and set the correct depth.
Overall, they said it was a nice weight and cut really cleanly and with great accuracy.
Key Features:
overall
Based on 2,500+ online buyer reviews.
Accuracy
The vast majority of online buyers say the saw is really accurate.
Versatility
The saw can do straight cuts, bevel cuts and plunge cuts.
Ease of Use
This circular saw is easy to use and also really powerful so care is needed.
Value
On average this saw costs around £120 which is slightly higher than average.
“Over the years we have used circular saws from various tool brands. This expertise allows us to give you the best advice on picking the right circular saw for your needs. In our opinion this Makita HS7601J/2 is a workhorse, that is very accurate and portable and can do most types of cut with ease. It is good value for money, comes with an excellent guarantee, very good customer service and parts are available at the Makita website, should you ever need them.”
Makita HS7601J/2 Key features in depth
Feature 1 - Power Options
- This circular saw is available as a standard UK 230V electric option and comes with a UK plug and a 3 metre long cable
- It is also available as a 110V option suitable for building sites
- The saw uses 1,200 watts with an RPM of 5,200 RPM
Feature 2 - Size, Weight and Other Information
- Measures 23.2 x 25.5 x 30.9 cm (9" x 10" x 12.1") - this is the standard size for a 190mm circular saw
- Weighs 4.0 Kg (8.8 lbs) - this is a heavy, well made circular saw with many metal parts. If you have used cheaper brands you will notice this one weighs a lot heavier
- Rear dust exhaust port connectable to dust extractor
Feature 3 - Cutting Capacity
This saw can use any 190mm blade with a 30 mm bore size. It has a single action lever for the quick adjustment of cutting depths. It also has a rear angular guide for the smooth and precise adjustment of the bevel
angle. To operate, loosen the lever on the depth guide and then move the base up or down. At the desired depth of cut, secure the base by tightening the lever.
- Depth of cut at 90 degrees is 66mm
- Depth of cut at 45 degrees is 46mm
Feature 4 - Bevel Cutting
This saw can bevel between 0-45 degrees. The bevel can be selected by loosening the clamping screws. You can then set the desired angle between 0° - 45° by tilting the base. Once you get the right angle then tighten the
clamping screws securely.
For straight cuts, align the 0° position on the front of the base with your cutting line. For 45° bevel cuts, align the 45° position with it.
Feature 5 - Dust Extraction
All circular saws create a lot of sawdust. You can connect a Makita vacuum cleaner to your saw. Install the dust nozzle on the tool using the screw.
Then connect a hose of the vacuum cleaner to the dust nozzle.
This model comes with a dust adapter.
Feature 6 - Fence Guide
This saw comes with a rip fence guide which is optional to use. This really helps a lot to make straight cuts and is really useful for beginners. A rip cut is a cut made with the grain of a board.
It is tightened into place by 2 thumb screws. The benefit of using a rip fence guide is really speed.
These should not be confused with guide rails which helps reduce the amount of splinters and allow for a better clean straight edge on rip cuts.
Feature 7 - Storage Box (Makpac Case)
The saw comes with a hard plastic storage case that makes sure your saw is well protected when not in use.
This case is part of the Makita range and is also stackable.
Lots of room inside and holds the saw, with plenty of room to hold the saw, the rip guide and the various accessories.
Features the Makita HS7601J/2 doesn't have
- It isn't cordless
- There is no electric brake and that means the blade takes slightly longer to stop spinning
- The blade supplied is for cutting wood. If you plan on cutting other materials you will need to buy blades for that purpose. The blade size is 216 mm with a 30 mm bore
- It doesn't have the newer brushless motor
- It doesn't have an LED light
Video Review of the Makita HS7601J/2
There are a number of videos on YouTube about this saw. We have included an unboxing video below.
Online Buyer Ratings and Comment Summary
We have read many hundreds of buyer reviews from a range of websites so as our readers don't have to. We then summarise our findings to make these easier to read and understand.
- The Makita HS7601J/2 240V 190mm circular saw gets an overall satisfaction rating of 96% which is an excellent rating by any standards.
- This is based on 2,500+ online buyer reviews left at the Makita website, Amazon UK, Power Tool World, and Wickes.
Pros
Cons
Check Amazon UK - Average UK Price £145-160 - 96% buyer satisfaction based on 2,500+ online buyer reviews
Comparison with Similar Circular Saws
We like to run a comparison as it helps place the product on the UK market place. We have compared the Bosch GCM 8 SJL to other brands who make similar saws. In this case we compared it to the Evolution R185CCS which is a cheaper option and suitable for most homeowners and DIYers. The Bosch is more similar in terms of features but slightly more expensive.
Evolution Power Tools R185CCS
94% buyer satisfaction based on 800+ online buyer reviews
Much cheaper option with an RRP of £80 which is why it is more popular, and comes with a multi-purpose blade.
This one is better suited for DIY use rather then professionals.
Makita HS7601J
Bosch GKS 190
96% buyer satisfaction based on 600+ online buyer reviews
A similar saw from Bosch at around £177 RRP) with a cutting depth of 70mm and a more powerful 1,400 watt motor.
It is slightly heavier but still a good option.
Our Summary
The Makita HS7601J circular saw is an electrical corded saw which overall will be a good investment for anyone considering a purchase. It is especially good for those who need constant power as cordless circular saws are just not for everyone. (slightly less powerful and battery life issues - noticeable if you are doing a lot of cutting)
This saw sits at the top end of circular saws and we believe it is worth the money. It is very well engineered and highly durable. For sure it costs more than other models but you are getting quality.
This model is an upgrade and improved version of the Makita 5004RK model. Makita have added an aluminium base plate and single action levers to make it lighter and more user friendly.
The saw comes with a 1 year warranty, which you can increase to 3 years should you decide to register the product online at the Makita UK website.
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