Makita SP6000J 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw

So happy with this model. It's usefulness goes beyond what I bought it for. Still working after several years of light use, and confident it will go for many more years.

Easy to cut a clean and straight line when paired with the makita tracks. The dust collection worked better than I expected.

This track saw is a game changer for breaking down 4x8 sheets. Great for making long accurate cuts. Dust extraction works really well.

Exceeded my expectations in quality of cut. I cut 3/4 plywood in one pass and got a perfect cut with zero tear-out. The connectors for my two 55-inch rails was flawless and provided a smooth transission from one rail to the other. There was no sign of being underpowered but I took two passes on hardwood. So far, I'm extremely happy with my seventh Makita tool. I'd recommend it to anyone whose budget won't allow a Festool track saw whose price is hundreds more. I did not opt for the brushless track saw due to cost.

I just discovered track saws, and chose the Makita after reading reviews. I build seed-cleaning machines for my business, which entails a lot of precise cutting of 1/2" prefinished plywood, mostly clamped together to cut three sheets at a time.Out of the box:I replaced the blade with a thinner-kerf Diablo 60-tooth blade - the same one I have been using on my circular saw. I had to adjust the set screws under the saw to get the 0-degree bevel exactly right - it was off by perhaps half a degree - and I also rotated the bevel indicator so that it pointed to 0 when the angle was actually zero - that was off by one degree. These things matter when cutting three sheets at once.I was concerned after reading previous reviews that the track would not be straight - something I have no ability to correct. Along with this track, I ordered a second 55" to connect for full 96" rips, and a 39" since much of my cutting involves small pieces. All three tracks arrived arrow-straight, with any deviation below by ability to detect (probably less than 1/64" along their length). Two of them are very slightly concave, contacting the wood on the edges and with a slight gap in the center. I may be able to correct this if necessary as the aluminum is bendable, but so far it seems to have no effect on accuracy and the tracks flatten as the saw passes over.Performance:This saw is a definite game-changer for me. Among the pros (compared to my previous DeWalt circular saw):At least 50% time savings. Where before I would measure, offset by 1.5", clamp a straightedge (or multiple straightedges), and cut, now I simply measure two marks, place the track, and cut. The tracks stay in place remarkably well without clamps, even on my slippery prefinished panels.Improved accuracy. With the circular saw I could achieve +/- 1/32" on most cuts with occasional deviations to 1/16". With this saw I am +/- 1/64" with occasional deviations to 1/32". That's more than good enough for me, and it means that I can stress less about each cut - which is a big deal for a perfectionist... With the track-clamps on the saw properly adjusted, there is no discernible play in any direction and the saw always cuts at 90 degrees.Improved safety. That's equally attributable to my change in method - cutting on a sacrificial surface vs. over open air before - which is made simpler by the very easily adjustable depth stop. Regardless this feels like the safest circular saw I have ever used.Surprisingly quiet. Probably about half as loud as the DeWalt. At first I was afraid that would translate to low power, but it has plenty of amps and doesn't bog down.Cleaner cuts: The rubber track edge covers the inside of the cut which helps to prevent chipping, but it is more than that. The track prevents any side-to-side blade movement which can cause tear-out, and the higher RPM also helps.And a couple of cons:The 55" track is just *barely* long enough to cut across a 48" width with the depth set just below the material being cut. That's a problem because if one of the track-guides on the saw leaves the track at either end of the cut the saw suddenly has substantial play and will wobble, creating a goof in the cut and also gouging the rubber guide on the edge of the track. It would really help to have an extra inch or two to work with.Any wobble in the blade before it enters the wood will slowly eat away the the rubber track edge, with the result that the rubber track edge is no longer perfectly straight and no longer a perfect indicator (within 1/64" or less) of where the cut will be. I think I can minimize this by religiously bringing the saw up to full speed before plunging past the track, but it is an annoyance.

Love it

Here is my review on the:Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit, with Stackable Tool case and 55" Guide RailI purchased this with my own money.This is the corded model.I don't have a dust collector so I cannot speak to that.In short, I love it and although I have never used Festool I feel this is the tracksaw/railsaw for me. I have no complaints whatsoever with the operation, quality, or overall appearance of this saw. What I love about it is the rail/track is compatible with Festool stuff and unlike DeWalt and many others proprietary in nature. So accessories from Ali Express or Festool or TSO, etc. will all work with this track/rail.I purchased rail clamps but I've never had to use them because the track is grippy! I couldn't believe that when I was considering the purchase of this saw, but keep the back side of the rail and your work blown off with compressed air and you'll have no slipping!I used this Makita system to build kitchen cabinets. And, prior to that, to make a straight edge on 8-foot-long poplar for door and window casings in my cabin.It's a high-quality piece of gear like all Makita stuff is. The track is heavy and nice aluminum.What I did was purchase (2) 55-inch Powertech rails that I keep fastened together for long rips, then I use the 55-inch Makita rail with this set for cross cuts. I bought an inexpensive rail square to help with that which works wonderfully. Very accurate cuts, very easy to accomplish.The hard case is nice to store the saw in. The soft start feature is very nice, the plunge feature works very smoothly. The Makita blade is exceptional. Exceptional. In fact, this blade, along with the rubber strip on the rail prevents tear-out better than some of my very expensive blades used on my Delta 3 h.p. Unisaw.I should have bought this a year or two ago. It's an expensive purchase, yes. But if you use it only 3-4 times (you'll use it much more!) I feel it has paid for itself.I love it. I highly recommend this Makita corded track saw.