Hypoid saws, typically used for plywood, lumber, and similar tough and industrial materials, need to be powerful and durable at the same time since they’re designed to tackle large-scale projects. The Makita 5477NB 7-1/4-Inch hypoid saw is one of the superior options out there for such jobs.
However, you might want to know about its features, specs, pros, and cons first before you buy it so that you’ll know whether or not it’s right for you.
Makita 5477NB 7-1/4-Inch Hypoid Saw
As a hypoid saw, the Makita 5477NB is a beginner-friendly tool that has maintenance-free features, such as sealed-gear selection, comfortable handle, and easy blade changes.
Specifications
This tool has a 15-amp motor at 2,300 watts with a 51.5-degree bevel capacity, along with positive stops at 45 and 51.5 degrees for rafter and truss cutting. It has a cutting capacity of 2-3/8 inches at 90 degrees and a no-load speed of 4,500 RPM.
With a 5/8-inch arbor, it has a total length of 17-3/8 inches and a weight of 14.3 pounds, which is understandable since hypoid saws are supposed to be heavy (and of heavy-duty build). It has a 10-foot power cord for easy maneuvering around the job site.
Quality
A 1-year warranty from Makita is assured on this tool for defects in materials and workmanship. You can take it to any Makita Factory or Authorized Service Centers for a free replacement or repair. They also have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee program, in which you can receive a refund if applicable.
Aside from the warranty, its oil bath technology and sealed gear housing makes it durable and easy to maintain at the same time – perfect for beginners or for users who want a fuss-free power saw.
As with most hypoid saws, it has a carbide-tipped blade, but this one has an advanced tooth design, which can go through nail-embedded wood and other challenging materials. Additionally, the base plate has corrosion resistance to extend its lifespan.
Usability
Due to the large levers, adjusting the depth and the bevel angle becomes a breeze. What’s more, blade changes are simple, thanks to the push-button spindle lock. To make narrow cuts and bevels without a lot of effort, it has a well-designed lower guard.
For comfort during long hours of operation, this tool has an oversized top handle. To help with user fatigue, it has rubberized hand grips as well, which reduces vibrations.
Should You Buy the Makita 5477NB?
You’ll like the Makita 5477NB if you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance hypoid saw. It has a sealed gear housing and it uses oil bath technology. You don’t need to frequently clean the unit, which makes it a good beginner’s tool when it comes to choosing a decent hypoid saw. It also has convenient features such as a push-button spindle lock for quick blade changes.
If you are still unsure about the decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.
Pros of the Makita 5477NB
Let’s start with the pros.
It has sealed gear housing for less maintenance.
Due to the oil bath technology and sealed gear housing, you don’t have to perform maintenance on the hypoid saw very often. It is a powerhouse tool but with this kind of construction, you don’t have to think much about upkeep, especially when using it for industrial purposes.
It has an ergonomic handle.
User fatigue is often a problem in the workplace and that’s where an ergonomic handle comes in handy. Added to that, the design of the handle and the motor reduces vibration so when you handle the hypoid saw, you won’t feel jittery afterward compared to other similar power saws.
Changing blades can be done quickly.
Thanks to its push-button spindle lock, you don’t have to fuss around with changing blades in between projects or materials. It is easy to switch your carbide-tipped blade to your diamond blade whenever and wherever you need to save time.
It has large adjustment levers.
Adjusting the depth and the bevel settings is simple thanks to the large levers. After all, a good hypoid saw should be flexible, in addition to being powerful enough for tough plywood jobs.
Cons of the Makita 5477NB
On the other hand, while it has good points, the product has some minor drawbacks.
It doesn’t have a magnesium shoe.
As compared to other hypoid saws, this one doesn’t have a magnesium shoe. On the up side, this makes it less heavy to transport, given that it is a hypoid saw.
The included hex wrench is not properly secured to the tool.
Although this is a common problem and scenario with quick-blade-change systems, perhaps adding a better security feature for the hex wrench would be an improvement to the tool.
What Are the Alternatives to the Makita 5477NB?
The Makita 5377MG (read my review), a sibling to the 5477NB, is an option for you if you prefer a magnesium shoe for durability and stability. Nearly every specification between the two Makita hypoid saws are the same, save for the added weight due to the magnesium shoe.
Although worm drive saws and hypoid saws are different, there are also worthy tools out there that can meet heavy-duty work demands without sacrificing quality.
A good choice is the DeWalt DWS535B, which is a worm drive tool that combines magnesium and aluminum for the construction (the shoe is magnesium for stability) while harnessing the power of the 15-amp motor. It has an electric brake for fuss-free pauses in between repetitive cuts and it uses its patented Tough Cord protection system to prevent cord pullout accidents. It has a 4,800 RPM no-load speed with a 53-inch bevel capacity.
Another worm drive on my list of suggestions (that is at par with hypoid saws) is the Skilsaw SPT77WML-01, which also has a 15-amp motor with a 53-degree bevel. It has an anti-snag lower guard for easy cut-off with smaller materials and it also has a magnesium construction for increased durability. With a cutting capacity of 2-3/8 inches, this unit has a speed of 5,300 RPM and dual copper windings to keep the motor running cool.
Summary
Overall, the Makita 5477NB is a user-friendly tool with all the basic features you’ll need in a hypoid saw. It has a decent amount of speed, cutting capacity, and adjustability. Although it doesn’t sport a magnesium shoe, it has the advantage of being fuss-free due to having a sealed gear housing for reduced maintenance.
