Best Hypoid Circular Saw Reviews
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Product Name:
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Price:
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Rating:
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Makita 5377MG
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$$
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Makita 5477NB
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$
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Makita 5377MG
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$$
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Makita 5477NB
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$
Good for
Power tools are great for a vast variety of jobs and projects. Hypoid saws come in handy if you’re planning on tackling a massive DIY project because they have more power and torque in comparison to some other types such as sidewinder saws. Because gears drive the motor, it is able to deliver significant amounts of power and allow you to cut through big pieces of plywood, lumber, and so on.
The group of people that profits the most with hypoid saws is the professionals. Experienced professionals know how to use the full potential of these units and turn them into a worthy investment. The hobbyists also love to work with hypoid models, but due to the price difference between this type and all others, it’s not always the best possible solution, especially if you’re not going to push your new tool to its limits.
Not recommended for
These machines are heavier than sidewinder ones. It means that hypoid saws tend to cause fatigue and be tiring to use after a while. It’s not a crucial problem per se, but it can be a burden for people who work with power tools on a daily basis. While these machines aren’t particularly hard to use, they aren’t recommended for absolute beginners. You can do most of the things with a regular circular saw, but for less money.
Truth be told, you will lose some torque and power if you opt for the more conventional circular type, but if you’re a hobbyist, then you probably don’t need that much power in the first place. Also, sidewinder units usually offer higher RPM because the spur gear is in line with the rotating blade. On top of that, conventional saws are usually a bit cheaper than the new hypoid ones.
Top-Rated Hypoid Circular Saws
Makita 5377MG
Our Rating: 4.5
People who look for affordable yet efficient power tools might enjoy the 5377MG model. It features a powerful 15-amp motor which is able to deliver up to 4500 RPM. It also features the compressed winding technology which keeps the size compact without compromising the overall durability of the unit. As you can tell, it’s a great piece of equipment both for professionals and some devoted DIY-ers.
The design is a pretty standard one as far as the ergonomics go. However, the materials used in production are somewhat special and innovative. Engineers have decided to use magnesium components because they are lighter and as durable and trustworthy as other metals. Thanks to these components, the unit weighs only about 13 pounds. When it comes to balance and stability, the 5377MG model is quite good. One cannot say it offers perfection in any way, but it does offer more than enough to tackle a serious woodworking project.
The gears are made of steel instead of traditional bronze-alloy. It might not sound fundamental, but it’s quite an important piece of data. Steel wears much slower than bronze or other alloys. Therefore, you can rest assured that this model contains reliable and sturdy components that guarantee a long life as long as you use it and maintain it properly. The big rubberized levers alleviate the hassle of adjusting by a lot. In simpler words, instead of having to use various tools in order to fine-tune the machine, all you have to do is set up the levers in an appropriate manner.
As far as the overall price goes, it’s acceptable. We would have liked to see it being a bit lower, but as long as it’s affordable one cannot complain much. This model is great for the ones who want to invest in a well-designed substitution for their old and worn out power tool.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Makita 5477NB
Our Rating: 4.7
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance model, this particular one seems like a pretty good candidate. Thanks to the sealed gear section and oil bath technology, this machine doesn’t require frequent maintenance, cleaning, and so on. On top of that, it features a 15-amp motor and more than enough RPM to boost the productivity by a lot. When it comes to complexity, it’s quite a simple machine, and it’s easy to use. Therefore, even the inexperienced individuals can find good use in this particular hypoid saw.
The overall design is okay, but the magnesium components are lacking. The weight and durability are slightly affected, but it’s not a significant impact. The biggest advantage of this model is its stability. On top of that, the torque is quite good. One more thing people usually notice about the 5477NB model is its versatility. It is designed for a wide array of applications, from roofing to cutting laminate. In other words, you can rest assured that it will cut through anything you put in front of it as long as you set up the machine right and use the proper blades.
Control and comfort are at a high level as well. The unit is designed to accommodate people who aren’t as experienced. The amount of vibrations is tolerable, and it’s reduced thanks to the rubberized hand grips. The grips are also oversized which increases the ease of use even further. The bevel capacity is 0-51.5 degrees with positive stops at 45 and 51.5 degrees. It’s especially convenient for truss and rafter cut-outs.
The price is okay, and it’s a bit cheaper than the 5377MG model. If you want a decent hypoid saw with a sufficient amount of features and advantages take a moment and check this model out, it might be the one you’re looking for.
Makita 5477NB
Our Rating: 4.7
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance model, this particular one seems like a pretty good candidate. Thanks to the sealed gear section and oil bath technology, this machine doesn’t require frequent maintenance, cleaning, and so on. On top of that, it features a 15-amp motor and more than enough RPM to boost the productivity by a lot. When it comes to complexity, it’s quite a simple machine, and it’s easy to use. Therefore, even the inexperienced individuals can find good use in this particular hypoid saw.
The overall design is okay, but the magnesium components are lacking. The weight and durability are slightly affected, but it’s not a significant impact. The biggest advantage of this model is its stability. On top of that, the torque is quite good. One more thing people usually notice about the 5477NB model is its versatility. It is designed for a wide array of applications, from roofing to cutting laminate. In other words, you can rest assured that it will cut through anything you put in front of it as long as you set up the machine right and use the proper blades.
Control and comfort are at a high level as well. The unit is designed to accommodate people who aren’t as experienced. The amount of vibrations is tolerable, and it’s reduced thanks to the rubberized hand grips. The grips are also oversized which increases the ease of use even further. The bevel capacity is 0-51.5 degrees with positive stops at 45 and 51.5 degrees. It’s especially convenient for truss and rafter cut-outs.
The price is okay, and it’s a bit cheaper than the 5377MG model. If you want a decent hypoid saw with a sufficient amount of features and advantages take a moment and check this model out, it might be the one you’re looking for.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Makita 5377MG vs. 5477NB
Many people stumble upon a dilemma when buying a hypoid saw. It usually consists of questions such as – “Is this one better? Why is this one more expensive?”
However, the most common mistake people make is the fact that they turn their attention to things such as price or aesthetics, instead of looking into the features and capabilities of a particular model. On top of that, even if it turns out that the more expensive one is proportionally better, that doesn’t mean you have to invest money in it at all costs. If you’re in a dilemma which one to buy of these two, take a look at some of the points we have made.
The 5377MG is slightly more expensive than 5477NB, but it’s for a reason. The magnesium components make it sturdier and a bit more reliable. The other model is a whole pound heavier due to the lack of magnesium parts. It might not sound relevant, but that extra pound does cause an increase in fatigue over time, especially if you’re a frequent user. Therefore, if you’re looking for a lighter unit, the 5377MG is the right choice.
Both of these models have heat treated gears that are designed to withstand intense work hours. The oil bath technology allows you to use the machine without ever thinking about maintenance and oil changes. As far as the other features go such as cutting capacity, wattage, RPM, and blade diameter – they are identical in both cases.
As you can tell, the main difference between these two is in weight, materials used in production, and stability. The stability is directly affected by the lack of weight. In fact, even though these two models are quite similar to each other on paper, there are some notable differences in practice. The design and ergonomics are nearly identical, with some minor differences. For example, the 5377MG model has a bigger front lever which is rubberized to alleviate the hassle of fine-tuning the shoe.
In the end, is it better to buy one instead of the other? Truth be told, it all depends on your personal preferences and most importantly – available budget. If you’re specifically looking for a lightweight and yet effective machine, we would recommend investing in the model with magnesium parts. On the other hand, if that’s an irrelevant thing for you, the 5477NB model will do its job well and will cost you less.
A few words about Makita
There is a worrying opinion among some users of power tools that Makita is degrading their products. In simpler words, many people think that older Makita’s models were made with much more attention to details and mechanical aspects.
Whether this claim is true or not, we don’t know. What we do know is that a vast majority of Makita’s tools we’ve had the chance to cover have fulfilled our expectations. If you ever had the chance to buy or use a tool made by Makita after using a non-branded saw, then you are probably aware of the massive differences in quality and features.
Even though the opinions are mixed, no one can deny the international success of this company after they have sold millions of units. Apparently, they are still in the business, and they are doing quite well. It goes to show that they know exactly what they are doing, regardless of the negative connotation among some people.
On the other hand, it’s all about personal preferences. Some people like Dewalt’s units more, and it’s not wrong; saying that it’s better just because you like it – is. Objectively, Makita is a good manufacturer. They offer great warranty conditions, have a good quality control department, and are willing to help their customers 24/7 via customer support.
Quick Product Comparison
| POWER SOURCE | VOLTAGE | WEIGHT | PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Makita 5377MG |
Corded | 120V | 13 pounds | $$ | Check Price |
|
Makita 5477NB |
Corded | 120V | 14 pounds | $ | Check Price |
Before You Buy: How a Hypoid Circular Saw Works?
In order to find the best suiting unit for your needs, you have to comprehend the basic mechanical principles of these tools. If you aren’t familiar with the basic concepts, there’s a high chance that you’ll buy an overpriced or subpar power tool. It’s a worrying thing because if you end up with something that doesn’t meet your needs but costs a ton of money, you’ll have to go through the process of returning it and waiting for the new one. Instead of doing that, take a moment and check this article out, it will help you determine what is best for you.
Gears
These saws utilize a simple concept of worm gears in which power is transmitted to the blade via worm gears. Inside the casing, both components are perpendicular to each other. While it’s under operation, the wheel advances by one tooth on every 360 degrees of rotation.
Due to the lack of intersection of the components, worm drive gears allow unique configurations and make large diameter shafts possible. The most notable thing about this particular concept is the fact that energy can be transferred from various angles. Also, due to the large pinion diameter, these units are great for operations that require a lot of torque.
Maintenance
Worm-drive saws do require oil changes, but the hypoid ones don’t. Even though it may seem pretty irrelevant to some people, this particular thing is what makes the most difference when it comes to maintaining these power tools in good condition.
In fact, hypoid gears are much more durable than the ones found in worm drive saws because they are made of steel instead of bronze or other alloys. Therefore, one can safely say that hypoid gears are much more durable thanks to the materials used in production.
Best Hypoid Circular Saw – Buyer’s Guide
In order to avoid unpleasant scenarios, especially with expensive equipment like this, you have to get familiar with the features and capabilities of these power tools. In other words, if something is expensive and pretty doesn’t mean it’s the thing you were looking for.
In fact, many people get surprised by the subpar performance of expensive machines. The truth is – you are probably paying for the brand instead of focusing on sheer abilities of the said unit. We have made a list of things you should consider and pay attention to before departing from your wallet so that you don’t end up like hundreds of people that chose not to read the fine print.
Pay attention to power
The standard amperage of most of the models nowadays is about 15 amps. However, there are still some models that have less output. Even though it’s not necessarily a bad thing, those models are designed for particular applications and are usually not universal. In simpler words, you may end up buying a machine that is not capable of cutting through a beam due to the lack of power, RPM, or torque.
The best thing you can do is stick with 15-amp motors and play the safe game. On the other hand, if you’re an occasional user the weaker models will work fine.
Ease of use
While a lot of people don’t find saws particularly hard to use, there are some that are looking for the simplest ones. Truth be told, they all work on a pretty similar principle with minor differences. However, things like large bevel capacity or magnesium components can alleviate some of the hassles.
For example, you should look for units that have big rubberized bevels that are easy to access and don’t require any tools because that’s going to reduce the downtime by a lot. The better the bevel capacity, the easier it is for you to make angled cuts – it’s as simple as that.
Design
They all might look the same, but you can rest assured that the design plays a major role in the whole equation, especially when it comes to the materials used in the production. Yes, the units that contain magnesium parts are lighter, more reliable, and sturdier than the ones that don’t. Obviously, you should aim for MG models if your budget allows.
Other than that, ergonomics are also quite important. If you have the opportunity to try a tool in person, you should always opt for that option instead of buying online. That way, you can determine whether it feels comfortable and stable in your hands. The other thing about these saws is the vibrations. As you can assume, due to high amounts of RPM and a lot of torque, the hypoid saws tend to vibrate. However, most manufacturers solve this issue by cushioning the hand grips with rubber or other buffers. Try avoiding the ones that have hand grips coated in hard plastic because plastic isn’t a good reducer of vibrations.
The price
One thing you should always have in mind is that the price doesn’t dictate quality. In simpler words, if something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s a worthy investment. In fact, more often than not it’s a bad idea to invest significant amounts of money in something you either won’t use that often or can’t use its full potential.
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars just because you can, try to find something that suits your needs and will fulfill your expectations.
Conclusion: Why Makita 5377MG?
When it comes to our personal choice, it’s definitely the Makita 5377MG. The difference between it and the other model isn’t as huge as one might think, but it’s noticeable. The 5377MG contains magnesium components that are lighter and sturdier than other conventional ones used in the industry. Even though it’s more expensive than 5477NB, the price difference is justified by the advantages.
Bear in mind that doesn’t mean one is better than the other, as we said, it all comes down to your personal preferences and requirements. If you’re an occasional user, the cheaper model will perform quite well. However, for extensive use, we recommend the MG model because it doesn’t cause as much fatigue. Therefore, the professionals that are using these tools for several hours on a daily basis appreciate the weight difference a lot.
Even though the design is somewhat the same in both of these machines, the MG model looks like it has better ergonomics. Once again, it might seem like nitpicking to some degree, but it plays a major role nonetheless. As for the features, both models offer almost identical capabilities. Therefore, the main difference is in the build quality, endurance, and weight. For more detailed information, go ahead and check our full reviews out.
As far as we are concerned, both models are a worthy investment for people who are looking to refresh their tool inventory with a new hypoid saw. The MG is slightly better regarding reliability, but the 5477NB doesn’t fall far from the same capabilities.
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