tom,
We've had a large power tool shipped to us from the UK. We had an acquaintance buy it and ship it to us. Usually you have to pay customs on it (I forget how much but I think it's around 15-20%). We got lucky. You would need to be prepared to pay the customs duty on it. Other than that, there's nothing really to it. If you buy from the UK, make sure you aren't paying VAT, which is 17%. Items leaving the country are exempt.

I agree with everyone that Makita should offer these tools to the North American market. The alleged reasoning for not offering them here is B.S. True, the average carpenter has no use for a 14" saw, but the ones who do expect quality.

I doubt Makita will ever re-release the older style 13" saw here as it's not double insulated. I think they should just get on the ball and sell us the European tools. Until then, I will just have to pick mine up "in country" and bring them back.

gh