Makita 5104 vs HS0600: 10-Inch Saw Guide

Makita 5104 vs HS0600 is a choice between a heavy old classic and a fast new tool. I spent many days on the job with both of these big 10-1/4 inch saws. This guide shares my honest thoughts to help you pick the right one for your work.

My Experience with the Makita 5104

I first used the Makita 5104 to cut thick wood posts for a large deck. The first thing I felt was the weight. It is a very heavy tool. At over 20 pounds, it stays flat on the wood. It does not shake or move while you cut. I made many cuts on thick lumber to see how it felt. The electric brake is the best part. When I let go of the switch, the blade stops right away. This kept me safe and helped me move fast from one cut to the next.

The motor has plenty of power. It did not slow down even in wet wood. I used a smaller saw before this, and there is no comparison. The 5104 feels like a solid shop tool. The cuts were very straight. I used a square to check my work. Every cut was a perfect 90 degrees. It is a very steady and true saw.

Pros and Cons of the Makita 5104

After three weeks of use, it still looks and feels new. I dropped it once by mistake, and nothing broke. The only problem is that it is hard on the arms. If you cut all day, you will feel tired. It is great if you want a tool that feels very solid and stops fast.

Real World Testing the Makita HS0600

Moving to the Makita HS0600 felt much easier. It is much lighter than the 5104. This makes a big difference when you work all day. I used this saw to cut very large beams. It has a big guard that lets you use a 270mm blade. This means it can cut 4 inches deep in one pass. It went through thick posts with no trouble at all.

The motor is very fast. It clears out wood chips in a hurry. When I pulled the switch, the saw had a lot of kick. There is no soft start, so you must hold it tight. I compared it to my old corded saw, and the HS0600 was much faster. The grip is soft and feels good in the hand. It is easier to use for one-handed tasks, though it is still a big tool.

Pros and Cons of the Makita HS0600

I did see one small issue. The blade takes a long time to stop spinning. You have to wait before you put it down. But for real work like roof framing, it was much easier to use. The rubber grips stay comfortable in the heat. It is the saw I would take if I had to move around a lot on a jobsite.

Details Comparison for Makita 5104 vs HS0600

Both saws cut big wood, but they feel very different. Here is a look at what matters most for real use on the job.

Core Capability Comparison

The 5104 is a steady tool for the shop. The HS0600 is built for speed and more depth. The HS0600 can also tilt more, which helps for complex roof cuts.

Accuracy and Stability

The 5104 felt more stable to me because of its weight. It does not move off the line. The HS0600 is very accurate but you have to guide it more since it is so light.

Design and Practical Use

Weight is the main point here. The 5104 can make your arms sore after a short time. The HS0600 feels good all day and fits into tighter spots much better.

Build Quality and Durability

The 5104 uses thick metal parts. The HS0600 uses light magnesium. Both are professional tools. The 5104 feels like it can take more of a beating on a rough site.

Final Practical Comparison

This table shows what I found after using both saws for many weeks. It shows the real-world results of my tests.

Conclusion

If you want a saw that is solid and stops fast, get the 5104. It is great for a shop where you do the same cuts often. But for most work, the HS0600 is the winner. It is lighter and cuts deeper, which makes the day much easier.