Makita is a brand that doesn’t need an introduction. They have a reputation as one of the leading power tool companies in the industry. Their table saws are among the best-selling affordable models you can buy. Their latest model, the 2705 10-inch contractor table saw has earned top marks in a variety of areas. It’s known for its superb speed and power, not to mention it’s impressive, durable, blade.
This highly portable table saw by Makita comes loaded with all the right features including a 15-amp motor and a 10-inch blade. Its versatile and comes with table extensions that allow you to rip longer lumber and plywood sheets, which is a huge incentive for the professional woodworker. The built-in safety features, combined with the included riving knives and the saw’s overall versatility, allows you to take on a wider range of cuts. While the price tag is a little steep, and the housing seems somewhat fragile, for the price this model is definitely a steal and a worthy investment. I would recommend this model to the serious woodworker or for on the job use, however, if you’re a beginner this type of power and complex set up may be overkill.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
This model is designed with the professional in mind, however, that doesn’t mean you can’t add this powerful table saw to your woodworking shop. You can tell right off the bat that this is a pro model due to its top-of-the-line build quality, large rip capacity, and the features that you won’t find on table saws designed for the beginner.
Another important feature is the saw’s telescopic fence rails. While the saw’s table is massive, measuring in at 24-inches by 22-inches, once the rails are extended it will provide a 25-inch rip capacity. This means that the user can do pretty much any type of fabricating, including larger sheets of material that you can’t rip using a standard table saw.
Our Rating:
- Lightweight design
- Table extension
- Fifteen-amp motor
- Riving knives
- Durable blade
- Versatile
- Pro-quality
- Portability
Table
If you plan on using this model for the workplace then you’ll need to move it from one location to another. Fortunately, you can easily purchase a spring-loaded stand for transport. Additionally, this model weighs in at just 115 pounds, which is pretty light for a table saw that offers this type of cutting capacity.
Power
If you’re looking for a pro-quality machine, then it’s cutting power is the first thing you should check out, and this model is definitely no slacker in that department.
When it comes to power this model is a total Beast. Its large 15-amp motor is one of the most powerful on the market. Was this type of engine, the saw can cut as deep as a little over three and a half inches at a 90-degree angle. At 45 degrees it can cut up to 2 and 1/2 inches. The included stock blade is 10 inches in diameter, which is more than enough to complete most woodworking jobs.
Brake System
It also comes equipped with an electric brake which is another rare feature to find on a saw this price bracket. If you don’t know how to operate a table saw, then you can’t go wrong with a model that’s heavily loaded with the latest in safety features. Because of this, you’ll love the saw’s built-in electric brake which can be engaged should you lose control of the material you’re sawing. The electric brake works to stop the blade instantly.
Powering off the saw without this type of brake can take time, which will allow the blade to do plenty of damage. Using this brake, you can shut down the entire system in milliseconds. The brake lever is also very large so it’s easily accessible and can be used even if you’re wearing gloves. For most beginners, this feature alone will be a huge incentive to buy.
Use
Would I say that this model is the best choice for the beginner? No. A standard table saw can offer more than enough power for the beginner, but when you throw a pro-quality model into the ring, one that comes loaded with a variety of cutting options and a lot of power, it may not be the best choice for the newbie. Of course, if you’re serious about your new woodworking hobby or you have a lot of remodeling work to do around the home, then you’re going to want to invest in a saw that’s built tough and designed to last.
Before use, reading through the user’s manual will be critical. This model comes loaded with several features that you’ll want to learn how to take advantage of.
Most pro-quality table saws come with a variety of attachments and safety features. Fortunately, this model comes equipped with a 3 piece modular safety system. The system includes a blade guard, anti-kickback pawl, and a riving knife. The riving knife is very versatile and can be placed in three different positions depending on the type of cut you’re looking for. The type of cuts this machine can support include dado cuts, non-through, and through.
Extension
If you’re using this saw for small projects, then the extension isn’t going to be a big deal to you, but if you’re a serious woodworker or contractor, then this feature is definitely something to get excited about.
The addition of a telescopic extension is a huge plus. The extension expands to the right of the blade, providing a rip capacity of 25 inches, which is nothing short of impressive. Keep in mind, full-sized sheets of plywood or any type of material are commonly around 23 inches to 24 inches wide. With the extension, you can easily manipulate these sheets safely, which is something that usually isn’t possible with standard table saws designed for home use.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Telescoping extension
- Powerful 15-amp motor
- Excellent rip capacity
- Low price
- Two anti-kickback pawls
- Riving knives
- Versatile
Cons
- Does not include a table
- May be difficult for beginners to operate
- Price
- Housing is somewhat fragile
Mikita Versus SKIL 3410-02 Table Saw
So how does this Makita table saw measure up to the competition? The latest model from SKIL, 3410 – 02 is also a 10-inch portable table saw that’s packing some serious power. This model is perfect for woodworking projects and DIY projects around the home. It’s designed to handle a variety of material sizes offering a three and a half-inch height cut capacity.
But unlike the Makita saw, this model comes with its own 20 inch by 26 inch table made out of cast aluminum. The table works to securely support the saw, preventing wobbling or shaking during operation. With the Makita, you’ll have to consider the extra cost that will come with purchasing a stand for the saw. Additionally, the model by SKIL comes equipped with a rip fence that’s self-aligning, as well as an EZ View measurement system that’s designed to improve cutting accuracy, which makes it a great feature for beginners. Setting up this table is incredibly fast thanks to its Quick Mount system. However, it doesn’t come with this many built-in safety features, such as the two anti-kickback pawls that the Makita offers.
It also doesn’t feature the built-in extension, or riving knives, however, it does come with a built-in blade guard. It’s also available for a fraction of the price that the Makita is going for. Keep in mind that you often get what you pay for. While the SKIL saw offers a solid performance, it’s not considered pro-quality like this model is. However, for smaller jobs around the home or in the workshop, it offers just enough juice and cutting capacity to get the job done.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
This model by Makita is simply a stunning piece of woodworking equipment and it provides an excellent way of ripping lumber that you won’t get from your standard table saw designed for home use. Is this the best portable table saw on the market? Possibly. If you’re searching for a high-performance model that comes loaded with all the right cutting and safety features, then your search is over. In terms of safety features, this model offers top-of-the-line features, impressive ease-of-use for a pro-quality machine, anti-kickback pawls, and a built-in blade guard. I would definitely recommend this model for woodworkers of all skill levels in search of a saw that can handle so much more. I gave this model a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
