Best Makita Table Saw Review
Best Makita Table Saw Review
If you need to cut wood accurately then a table saw is simply a must-have. Whether you complete most of your tasks on the bench of your workshop or on the job site of your project; Makita table saws always deliver high-quality cuts every time. Their extra-large capacity will rip material up to four times the size of the table saw in one pass. All of this is done whilst still maintaining completely accuracy cuts due to the precision-machined tabletop. Makita includes this design in all of their table saw models as it remains totally flat and true during operation providing complete control for the operator.
Makita table saws also all include a new technology used in their modular blade guard system. This latest innovation comes with adjustable dual side guards and makes it easier for the operator to quickly but precisely measure the distance between the rip fence and blade. This means that you can save so much time during the measuring process before you make the cut, without compromising on the quality of your cuts.
What we love is that all Makita table saws are thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving the factory. There is also a great option whereby if you are not satisfied with any Makita table saw within 30 days of purchase, you can return it and Makita will provide a replacement or refund. Add to this Makita’s standard warranty that replaces any faulty components or materials within the first year after purchase and you just know that your purchasing quality.
Quality and durability is now just a normal expectation when you are buying Makita power tools. Not only are they tough, but they also come in a range of designs in order to excel in different uses. Makita’s table saw range has a load of different models designed and built specifically to excel at different tasks. At Wonkee Donkee we have tested all of these different Makita models and written this review so that you can find out everything you need to know in one place. If you want to find out more about the different types and brands of table saws available on the market then you should check out our best table saw review.
Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw
The 2705/2705X1 Makita table saw is a bit of a dream for contractors. The 15 AMP motor delivers 4,800 RPM offers plenty of power and its electric brake that’s built-in really helps to maxmise productivity. In addition to being powerful, it is also really practical. It has a large cutting capacity (3-5/8-Inch at 90-Degree and 1-1/2-Inch at 45-Degree) that can rip 4x material in one pass. If you are wondering how the Makita 2705 table saw does this then look no further than its capacity to use up to a 13/16-inch dado blade.
The design also incorporates convenience too with features such as a large on/off switch and easy to read scale for fast cut measurement adjustments. Add to this that the table saw has a clever decent-size storage capacity hidden within its build to hold your most commonly used accessories including a saw blade, power supply cord, mitre gauge, rip fence, push stick, wrench, safety guard and dado blade. That’s a lot of great storage right? If you are wondering who the Makita 2705/2705X1 table saw is engineered for then the list is endless.
It is really easy to use whether you’re a beginner or an experienced table saw user. In terms of what professionals this table saw is most suited to our recommendations at Wonkee Donkee include remodelers, furniture makers, finish carpenters, cabinet installers, decking and flooring contractors and general contractors. This is because it is probably the best 10-Inch table saw available on the market, especially if you work at the job site and on the benchtop.
Our Verdict
Makita has done it again. They built a great table saw with a great motor that provides a massive amount of power whos output is competitive with most others available on the market. The blade brake works so intelligently and the table extension is great for ripping large sheets of material. As much as we think the Makita 2705 is a great table saw, it does have a few drawbacks.
The major downside again is in the Makita rip fence. At Wonkee Donkee we don’t understand why Makita engineers can’t figure out how to build a rip fence that locks tight and is easy to adjust tracking parallel with the blade. Makita’s older more portable model 2703 has the same problem – a poor rip fence. We love Makita motors and the overall table saw builds, but the rip fences just seem to let them down. The other negative is the weight, but this is kind of necessary as it is what provides the raw power to the saws blade. There is also a reasonable amount of weight from the cast frame that holds the motor which like the table is quite beefy – providing a great level of durability but making it so much less portable.
Specifications
- Motor Size: 15 AMPS
- Size: 32 x 36 x 15.3 Inches
- Weight: 82 Pounds
What We Like:
- Powerful Motor
- Electric Blade Break for Efficiency
- Compact Storage Section
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Makita 2703X1 15 Amp 10-Inch Benchtop Table Saw
The Makita 2703X1 is another powerful table saw, using a similar 15-amp motor. This power provides the capacity to rip 4x materials in a single pass, while still cutting smoothly. It also has the same electric brake to ensure immediate and controlled modifications while working on the broad 27 x 22-inch table. Other features include a dead-on cam locking rip fence, a large handle for easy depth setting, and accurate rack-and-pinion bevel adjustment.
Positive stops are located at 90 and 45 degrees too which means you can make precise cuts really quick and easy. The main benefit of the Makita 2703X1 over the Makita 2705 is the inclusion of a wheeled stand. This makes it so much easier to transport between job sites and the overall portability level of the table saw. This model also has other great features as you’d expect such as a carbide-tipped blade, rip fence, mitre gauge, and no 19 and no 13-22 wrenches.
Our Verdict
The Makita portable table saw in one form or another, has been around for about twenty years, and will no doubt continue to be around for quite a few more. It was being thrown into the open bed of a pickup truck on a rainy overcast day long before either DeWalt or Bosch were ever a job site presence. It is probably one the most popular but mishandled, abused and poorly maintained tools on any given job site.
The design has improved and changed over the years on it’s way to becoming the 10-inch 2703 but has always been very solid and capable, unlike many of the people I’ve seen attempting to operate it with satisfactory results. This saw was designed to be a rugged heavy-duty general-purpose portable job site table saw for use with or without table legs and as such, excels in this area.
I’m not sure a professional woodworker would want to attempt to build their heirloom quality furniture or custom cabinetry with any portable table saw, but I do know that with the proper setup it can be done successfully with this saw. Overall, we personally feel that with the combination of price, durability and capability the 2703X1 is easily the best portable table saw value on the market today.
Specifications
- Motor Size: 15 Amps
- Size: 71.1 x 63.5 x 33 cm
- Weight: 40 Pounds
What We Like:
- Great Motor
- Positive Stops for Easy Measurement
- Strong Carbide Blade
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Conclusion
Makita has become a household name due to its quality range of power tools available, and their range of table saws are no exception. The Makita 2705 and 2703X1 are prime examples of this. They both use the classic Makita 15 Amp motor which provides a huge amount of power output. The electric brake also maximises the efficiency of these Makita table saws and shows evidence of the type of cutting edge technology Makita uses.
If you are looking for our recommendation for the best table saw between these two models then, unfortunately, we have to sit on the fence and say it depends on what you need. The key main difference between these two table saws is the Makita 2703X1’s stand and wheels. As both of these power tools are rather bulky in weight this makes the 2703X1 so much much more suited to contractors who work on the go.
