Timber Framers Guild Forums Tools Tool Forum Makita 13" saw

You can count me in for 1. I've been most disappointed with my bigfoot.

mmmmm....13" Makita.....*drools*
Count me in.

i'd like one as well.

thanks,
pete

We would also buy a few for the same reasons already posted.

I've only used a 13" once, and I found it to be smooth. Some tools have geometry and others have, well, clunkiness.

I bought a bigfoot without much thought on a recommendation and it lasted about a month before we all cussed it out and then my dad bumped the foot and broke the base.

We need robust, light tools with proven geometry. I'd buy a 13" Makita.

Zach

I'm lucky enough to have a coveted 13" Makita. I bought it through an American importer of Japanese tools that subsequently received a not so nice legal letter from Makita Japan. In general I like it. It's not as easy to handle as a Bigfoot, but it cuts a whole lot straighter. The Makita 13 can still wander a good bit (mmmm paring end grain) and I'm guessing the remedy would be a fatter blade like the Mafell. But then you need more power and so on. I believe I bought it for about the same price as the 16" Makita. I would definately support Makita Japan importing some of their tools.
B

For the record I would also be very happy if Makita would make available the saws that are sold in the UK. Those (the 10 and 14 inch) saws are awesome. I heard a rumor that they may be available in Canada in the next year or so. I will not divulge my source. (It was some guy named scooter)

gh

I tried to by one of the 14" saws Gabel spoke of online from the UK. I got as far as confirmation with a credit card, and than it shut me down and said that they needed to contact me on the phone. They never did, and the phone number they gave me is always busy. I will keep trying.

I had a similiar experience as Bill Sturm when I tried to order the European 5103R and the 5143R.

I know folks like the antiquated 13" and I have one and like it also, but it is soooo old school/medieval compared to the newer Euro saws they sale.

Are the craftspeople of North America not worthy of these saws?

Do you know what the gentleman at Timber Wolf Tools said when I asked him about it?

He said that he has spoken to the North American Makita representative (the main dude) and that guy said that North Americans do not want such quality and prefer the cheaper stuff instead.

I pared it down, but that was the jist of it.
-Collin

I heard the same story from Timberwolf when I talked to them at a conference a couple of years ago.I just dont buy that reasoning, all the other tools that Makita sells in Europe are the same ones we get here! The number of posts on this topic would lead one to believe that their are some of us who do want quality tools, and are willing to pay a little extra to get them.
Does any one know what would be involved in someone buying the tools in Europe and shipping them privately? The reason I ask is that my daughter is spending this semester in France. Tom