I heard somewhere about a heavy duty shoe plate for a Makita 5402 16 5/16". While I like the saw, I'm looking for a more substantial shoe plate/deck. I called Makita and they didn't know anything about it. I guessing it must be an aftermarket item. Does anyone have any information on sources for such an item? Thanks.

The Guild sells them, but they aint cheap.

I just got off the phone with a tool company and he told me the same thing.... Sometimes it right under your nose, but you just can't find it. Thanks.

Makita does in fact make the 415mm saw with a stouter base plate:




The Japanese domestic market gets that one.