Product · Makita
Makita HS7101J: 1,400 W saw with brake, LED and Makpac
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The Makita HS7101J is a 1,400 W circular saw aimed at carpenters who want site friendly features rather than outright depth. It has an electric brake, built in LED lighting and a bevel that goes past 45 degrees to 50. It also comes in a Makpac case that clips onto Makita's other stackable boxes, which keeps a van tidy.
- Blade
- Not stated
- Depth of cut
- 67 mm
- Power
- 1,400 W
- Weight
- 4.1 kg
- In the box
- Blade, Makpac case
In its favour
- An electric brake and built in LED lighting are listed.
- The bevel range runs from 0 to 50 degrees according to the listing.
- A Makpac case that stacks with Makita's system is supplied.
Good to know
- The listing does not state the blade diameter.
- A 67 mm depth of cut is a little less than the Bosch GKS 190.
Our take
Features listed by Makita
The listing describes a compact and lightweight saw with a 67 mm cutting depth, an electric brake and a bevel range from 0 to 50 degrees. LED lighting shines on the base plate so you can see the line in a dim loft or garage. A spring mounted parallel guide lock is mentioned for quick clamping, and the depth arm is mounted for easy adjustment.
The listed weight is 4.1 kg, a little lighter than the Bosch GKS 190.
Living with the brake and light
An electric brake stops the blade quickly when you release the trigger, which saves waiting for it to spin down before you put the saw down or move to the next cut. On a day of repetitive cross cuts that adds up. The LED is a small thing, but it helps when cutting dark timber or working in poor light.
The 50 degree bevel is handy for some roofing and trim cuts where 45 degrees is not quite enough.
What is missing from the listing
Makita's listing does not give the blade diameter in its specs, and the included components are described only as a blade. The tooth count is listed as 45, which suits cleaner cuts in sheet goods more than fast ripping. Check whether a parallel guide is in the case before relying on it.
The Makpac itself is a practical bonus. It locks onto other Makita cases, so the saw, spare blades and a guide can travel as one stack instead of loose in the van.
How it compares
Against the Bosch GKS 190, the HS7101J gives up 3 mm of depth but adds a brake, light and proper case. Against the Makita HS7611K, it has a clearer feature list, while the HS7611K has more motor power on paper. For sleepers, the DeWalt D23700 is still the only deep cutter in this group.
Verdict
Buy the HS7101J if you value an electric brake, LED light and Makpac storage on a mains saw used every day. If you want the deepest cut, look at the DeWalt D23700, and if you want a guide and dust adaptor in a lower cost package, the Bosch GKS 190 is the simpler buy.
Compared with alternatives in: Best corded circular saws
Amazon listing title: Makita hs7101j Corded Electrical Circular Saw 1400 Watt