Makita 5090DW 3-3/8-Inch Cordless Circular Saw Kit

I got this tool used. My intension is to use it to trim the window frame to fit my new window. but it turns out that it is too weak for this job. The corded circular saw and chisel are the right tool for my task.

But I found this tool is very useful to cut off the drywall and 1/2" wood for window seal and moldings. It's very light to hold! Yes, it is a bit slow but I can get good cutting edge with proper guide.

I wish it can be more powerful. Wish to see a lithium version (or corded) with higher RPM. I might get rid of it after I finished my windows.

I am not a user of workshop equipment and found that this saw was made for me. It was easy to handle but powerful enough to cut 1/2 inch material. I would recommend it for anyone who can handle an electric drill. The batteries lasts long enough for multiple uses.

I bought this because it was the smallest cordless circular saw I could find. The project I bought it for was patching in old damaged siding on my house. It was a bonus that I already had a 9.6v Makita drill because you can never have too many batteries and chargers! The blade that came with it didn't last very long so I bought a carbide tipped blade. What a difference! I was amazed at how much better it cut and how much longer the charge lasted. It also gave a wider cut so there is less chance of binding.

Like many others, I originally bought this saw for cutting in close on old work drywall. Battery life sucked with a Low battery after cutting around ONE Patio Door.
I replaced the blade with a Carbide tipped one and now this saws cuts faster and many feet longer through a wide variety of materials.

The only drawback with this saw is the long battery handle. You can't start close to walls or floors when you need the blade on the right. It would be very nice to have the handle rotate to near perpendicular to the foot for this kind of work.

Still, I would give this saw a BUY, especially if you already have other 9.6V Makita items so you don't have many different chargers and batteries that don't fit your other tools.

When I received this, I first noticed that the blade guard was very sticky. It certainly would not have safely moved out of the way if I were push the saw through wood. The handle on the blade guard is made out of thin sheet metal, so when I tried to use the handle to move the guard, the handle bent very easily. I was already discouraged, but I fired it up, and the blade rotated so slowly, I decided to send the whole thing back. Instead I bought a Craftsman #10872. This is a saw that is similar to the Makita, but it runs off AC, and rotates at 2800 RPM. It is very well put together, and includes a case, laser sight, work light, and carbide blade for $110.