Let’s look at the DeWalt DWE575SB and the Makita 5007MGA. Both of these are portable circular saws commonly used by general contractors, framers, carpenters, roofers, remodelers, and do-it-yourselfers at home. It’s hard to choose between two big names and two popular models. We’ll look at their pluses and minuses to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
DeWalt DWE575SB 7-1/4-Inch Lightweight Circular Saw with Electric Brake
The product name says it all. Of these two saws, the DeWalt is the lightest at 8.8 pounds. Lightweight doesn’t mean weak. This saw has some tough-to-beat features.
Advantages
- Its 15amp motor runs at 5200rpm under no load. It reaches 1950 maximum watts out when needed.
- The electric brake stops the blade when the trigger is released. This makes it quicker to move on to the next cut and safer to use.
- The built-in dust blower keeps the line of sight along the cut clear.
- The lower guard retracts smoothly out of the way and resists jamming even in dusty conditions. It is made to stay snag-free during cuts.
- The handle design is ergonomic with enough space even when the user is wearing gloves.
- The maximum depth of cut at 90 degrees is 2-9/16-inches and 2.55 inches at 45 degrees.
- The saw bevels up to 57 degrees and has positive stops at 22.5, 45, and 57 degrees.
- DeWalt purposefully made the power cord 12 times more resistant to being accidentally pulled out of the saw.
- The blade wrench has a storage spot onboard the saw.
- The saw comes with a 7-1/4-inch carbide-tipped 18-tooth blade, the blade wrench, and a carrying case.
- DeWalt backs it all up with a 30-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, and a 3-year limited warranty.
Disadvantages
- Some owners have complained that the cut depth adjustment lever wobbles. This makes it hard to get accurate cuts.
- There is no rear pivot, no rip fence, and no onboard light.
Makita 5007MGA 7-1/4-inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake
The MG in the name means magnesium, and that’s what the shoe is made of on this saw. Magnesium is a lighter material than the stamped aluminum on the DeWalt, but this saw still weighs in at 10.6 pounds, about two pounds more.
Advantages
- The 5007MGA comes with a rip fence and twin LED lights along with its dust blower. The lights are on as long as the saw is plugged in, a nice safety feature.
- It also has an electric brake so the blade stops when the trigger is released.
- The blade depth adjustment has ¼-inch markings to make it easier to do finer cuts. Adjustments can be made one-handed.
- Its 15amp motor idles at 5800rpm and has a maximum of 2300 watts out.
- Makita says the saw can handle masonry and metal, not just pressure-treated lumber and plywood.
- It bevels up to 56 degrees and has positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. The maximum cut depth at 90 degrees is 2.5 inches and 1.75 inches at 45 degrees.
- The saw comes with a 24 tooth carbide-tipped 7-1/4-inch blade, a blade wrench, a rip fence, and a carrying case.
- Makita backs up the saw with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a 1-year warranty.
Disadvantages
- Some owners of multiple saws have complained that the 5007MGA doesn’t have the same power as other saws to rip with the included stock blade.
- The Makita saw is heavier than the DeWalt.
- The maximum bevel is less at 56 degrees and the cut depth is also slightly less than the DeWalt.
Conclusion
The choice comes down to weight, warranty, extra features, and ability.
If weight is a serious consideration, the DeWalt DWE575SB may be the saw for you. For maximum flexibility of use it has a greater cut depth and more beveling capacity. DeWalt also provides the superior warranty.
The Makita 5007MGA comes with all the extras. It doesn’t just blow dust out of the way, it lights up where the blade will go. The rip fence adds to the safety of the user.
Click here to purchase DEWALT DWE575SB on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Makita 5007MGA on Amazon!