5007F Skillsaw / Circular Saw

Makita

The Makita 5007F Circular Saw is built for decades of professional use with its powerful 15 AMP motor delivering 5,800 RPM. Featuring a robust construction with all-ball bearing design, this workhorse handles large cutting capacities (2-3/8" at 90°) with precision. Built-in LED lights illuminate the cut line while the well-balanced frame ensures superior control and handling during demanding cutting tasks.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:14.25"L x 10"W x 10"H
Lifespan:20+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:China
Manufacturing:Makita's 5007F circular saw is manufactured in China, which is the primary location for Makita’s production of corded power tools sold in the United States.

Research Summary

The Makita 5007F circular saw is genuine BIFL territory with documented 20-30 year lifespans under professional abuse. Built like a tank with easily replaceable components, it follows the classic BIFL formula—overbuilt and repairable. The mediocre 1-year warranty is practically irrelevant given its proven multi-decade durability. Perfect for professionals or serious DIYers willing to accept the weight trade-off for bulletproof construction. Recent models use some plastic components versus all-metal in older versions—the only potential compromise in an otherwise exemplary tool.

  • Professionals report 20-30 years of heavy daily use, with units from 1995 still operating after being dropped from roofs
  • Exceptionally repairable—carbon brushes and triggers can be replaced with standard tools and minimal technical knowledge
  • Standard 1-year warranty is the weak point, but largely irrelevant given the decades of actual service life
  • The weight penalty is the primary trade-off for uncompromising durability—a worthwhile exchange for those valuing longevity
  • Consistently praised by professionals as the standard for reliability, with plastic adjustment brackets in newer models being the only common concern

Repairability Notes

8.5

The Makita 5007F circular saw scores exceptionally well for repairability with multiple professional users confirming long-term serviceability.

  • Parts access: Users specifically mention replacing triggers and carbon brushes without difficulty. One professional framer states they use them until triggers don't click anymore and then easily replace those components.
  • Longevity evidence: Many reviewers report 20-30 years of continuous service from older models with basic maintenance, indicating robust internal components and continued parts availability.
  • Design considerations: Some recent models have plastic adjustment brackets which could affect long-term durability compared to all-metal versions in older models, but core components remain highly serviceable.
  • Documentation: Standard construction and widespread adoption means repair information is readily available, though official repair manuals weren't specifically mentioned.

Bottom line: With standard tools and minimal technical knowledge, most users can keep this saw running for decades through part replacement and basic maintenance.

Durability Notes

8.5

This is peak workhorse territory — a saw that professionals abuse daily for decades and weekend warriors pass down to their kids. The evidence is overwhelming: users report 20-30 years of heavy use, with some still running units from 1995.

  • Built like a tank: Professionals mention dropping them off roofs and they keep running. One framer says they only replace them when the triggers fail after years of abuse, and even then they just swap the trigger.
  • Repairable design: Multiple users highlight easy maintenance like changing carbon brushes and triggers. This isn't disposable junk — it's built to be fixed when parts wear out.
  • Some modern compromises: Recent models use plastic adjustment brackets instead of all-metal like older versions, which worries some pros about long-term durability.

Bottom line: The 5007F follows the classic BIFL formula — overbuilt, repairable, and proven over decades. Just know you're trading weight for that durability.

Warranty Notes

5.0

Makita offers a standard 1-year limited warranty on the 5007F circular saw, covering defects in materials and workmanship from the date of original purchase.

  • Claim Process: Requires returning the complete tool prepaid to a Makita Factory or Authorized Service Center for repair or replacement.
  • Additional Protection: Includes a 30-day satisfaction guarantee allowing return for replacement or refund at Makita's discretion.
  • Limitations: Excludes normal wear and tear, misuse, improper maintenance, or alterations by third parties. Does not cover accessories or consumables like saw blades.

Bottom line: A standard manufacturer warranty for power tools with no exceptional provisions, but Makita has a solid reputation for build quality that often exceeds the warranty period.

Social Analysis

9.0

The Makita 5007F circular saw has a stellar reputation among both professionals and DIYers as a true BIFL tool with decades-long durability.

  • Longevity: Many users report their Makita saws lasting 20-30+ years even under professional use conditions. Framers mention dropping them from roofs and still getting reliable service.
  • Repairability: Frequently praised for being easy to maintain and repair, with users specifically mentioning replacing triggers and carbon brushes to extend lifespan.
  • Quality construction: Solid build with a rigid base plate that doesn't flex, ensuring accurate cuts and contributing to its durability.
  • Trade-offs: Weight is mentioned as the main drawback, and some users note the lack of included accessories like rip fences.

Bottom line: The consistent theme across reviews is "buy it the first time" with numerous testimonials of multi-decade usage making this a genuine BIFL community favorite.

BIFL Total Score:
8.0Excellent
5007F Skillsaw / Circular Saw
Crowd Favorite
Repair Friendly
Amazon
$143.29

Product Scorecard

BIFL TOTAL SCORE
8.0
Durability Score
8.5
Repairability Score
8.5
Social Score
9.0
Warranty Score
5.0

Based on 199 reviews

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability. Our scores are built from a wide net of sources: Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, expert opinions, brand sites, Google reviews, and what people are actually saying online.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

20-30 year lifespan even with abuse

Easily repairable with replaceable parts

Built like a tank for professional use

Rigid baseplate ensures accurate cuts

Areas for Improvement

Heavier than competing circular saws

Newer models use some plastic components

Limited 1-year warranty coverage

No included accessories like rip fence

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

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5007F Skillsaw / Circular Saw - Main view

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Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: As NeededInspect and maintain the saw before each use and after heavy or dusty work for safety and longevity.

Step 1

Clean

Wipe the saw body, base plate, and blade area with a dry, lint-free cloth after each use to remove dust and debris. Use a brush for built-up sawdust in hard-to-reach areas. Avoid solvents or excessive water near electrical components.

Recommended Products

  • Lint-free Microfiber Cloth$5
  • Soft-Bristle Brush$8
Step 2

Condition / Maintain

Regularly check and clean carbon brushes, replacing them when worn to the limit mark (both should be replaced at the same time with identical brushes). Lightly lubricate moving parts such as the bevel and depth adjustment mechanisms with a small amount of silicone spray for smooth operation.

Recommended Products

  • Makita Carbon Brushes (5007F compatible)$15-20
  • Silicone Spray Lubricant$10
Step 3

Protect / Store

Store the saw in a dry, dust-free environment, ideally in its case or on a shelf. Keep the blade guard retracted if storing for long periods to prevent spring fatigue.

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