Makita HS7601K: 1,200 W 190 mm saw with carbide blade

In the case

Makita lists a B-08355 carbide blade, 190 mm with a 30 mm bore and 24 teeth, and a plastic case. A 24 tooth blade is a general construction pattern that cuts quickly along and across the grain. For a cleaner finish on plywood or laminate you would swap to a finer blade.

Depth adjustment is the only feature called out in the specs.

Power and weight

At 1,200 W it has less motor than the Bosch GKS 190 and both other Makita saws in this group. That is enough for softwood and sheet materials, but long rips in thick hardwood will be slower. The listing gives a weight of 6.95 kg, which seems high for a 190 mm saw and may include the case.

For a homeowner the lower power is less of an issue than it sounds. Most decking boards, fence rails and 18 mm sheets are well within reach of a 1,200 W motor, provided the blade is sharp and you let the saw set the pace rather than forcing it through the cut.

Gaps in the listing

There is no stated depth of cut, bevel range or mention of a brake, light or parallel guide. The single bullet simply repeats the model name and power. That makes the HS7601K hard to compare feature for feature, so buy it on the strength of the Makita name and the included blade and case rather than any specific spec.

A practical tip: mark your depth setting on the scale once you find the right one for decking, so you can return to it quickly next time.

Choosing between the Makita saws

The HS7611K offers 1,600 W in a lighter body, and the HS7101J brings a brake, LED and Makpac. The HS7601K is the simpler, lower powered option. Outside Makita, the Bosch GKS 190 gives more power plus a guide and dust adaptor, which many DIY users will find more useful.