Makita MAKHS7601 Review

Straight, accurate cuts in sheet materials and solid timber are the backbone of almost every woodworking and construction project. Whether you are breaking down full plywood sheets for kitchen cabinets, ripping floorboards to width, or cross-cutting structural timber on a building site, the circular saw is the tool that gets it done. Unlike a jigsaw that follows curves or a reciprocating saw that demolishes, the circular saw is built for one thing: clean, repeatable straight lines at speed. A quality circular saw combines a powerful motor that maintains blade speed under load, a rigid base plate that stays square to the blade, and precise depth and bevel adjustments that let you dial in exactly the right cut. For professionals who rely on their saw daily, corded power means unlimited runtime and the torque to push through dense hardwoods and thick sheet goods without hesitation. A well-built 190 mm saw like the kind favoured by carpenters and joiners worldwide sits in the sweet spot between the portability of smaller 165 mm saws and the raw capacity of larger 235 mm framing saws.

Circular saws are defined primarily by blade diameter and motor power, which together determine what the saw can cut. The 190 mm blade size is the European professional standard, offering a maximum cutting depth of approximately 65–66 mm at 90 degrees and 45–47 mm at 45 degrees. This handles most common tasks: cutting through 50 mm worktops, ripping 45 mm structural timber, and cross-cutting joists and rafters in a single pass. Motor power for 190 mm saws ranges from 1,000 to 1,800 W, with 1,200 W representing the professional entry point — enough power for hardwoods and dense sheet materials without the weight penalty of the largest motors. Blade speed, typically 5,000–5,500 rpm, affects cut quality: too slow and the blade tears rather than shears, too fast and it burns the wood. A rigid magnesium or aluminium base plate is essential for accuracy — stamped steel plates can flex and throw cuts out of square. Depth and bevel adjustments should be tool-free and positive-locking, with clear, easy-to-read scales. Dust extraction capability matters enormously for indoor work: an enclosed blade guard with a vacuum port keeps the workspace clean and the cut line visible. Finally, consider the ergonomics: a slim grip circumference, well-positioned controls, and good balance between the motor and the base plate reduce fatigue during production cutting.

This review examines the Makita HS7601, a 1,200 W corded circular saw with a 190 mm blade that has earned a 4.4 out of 5 stars average from 256 ratings on Amazon.fr. We evaluate its cutting performance in wood and metal, the accuracy of the parallel guide and bevel adjustment, and how the ergonomic handle design and 4 kg weight balance contribute to all-day usability. We also assess the included accessories — TCT blade, parallel guide, and dust extraction port — and consider how the €183.76 price compares to professional rivals from Bosch Professional, DeWalt, and Metabo.

The Makita HS7601 (model MAKHS7601) is a corded 190 mm circular saw powered by a 1,200 W motor that spins the blade at 5,200 rpm — a speed well-judged for clean cutting in both softwood and hardwood without burning. It runs on 230 V mains power, and the substantial motor provides enough torque to maintain speed through 65 mm deep cuts in oak, beech, and dense sheet materials without the blade bogging down. The saw uses a 190 mm blade with a 30 mm bore — the European standard — and ships with a 24-tooth TCT (tungsten carbide-tipped) blade that handles both rip and cross-cut work in timber. A parallel guide is included for straight, repeatable ripping, and the hex key for blade changes stores on the saw body so it is always within reach. The dust extraction port connects to standard vacuum hoses for clean indoor cutting.

Makita's reputation for build quality is evident throughout the HS7601. The base plate is rigid and machined flat, ensuring the blade stays square to the workpiece and the saw tracks true along a guide rail or straight edge. The depth adjustment is tool-free and locks positively — no creep during long rip cuts — and the bevel adjustment tilts the blade smoothly for angled cuts. The blade guard is well-designed, retracting cleanly as you push into the cut and snapping back to fully enclosed as soon as the saw lifts from the workpiece. At 4 kg, the saw has enough mass to feel planted and stable during cuts yet remains manageable for one-handed operation when needed. The grip is ergonomically shaped and positioned forward of the motor for a natural pushing angle that encourages straight tracking without fighting the saw.

Using the HS7601 on real projects reveals why Makita dominates professional job sites. The 5,200 rpm blade speed, combined with the included 24-tooth TCT blade, produces clean, splinter-free cuts in plywood, MDF, and softwood with minimal tear-out on the underside — the side where circular saws typically leave a ragged edge. The parallel guide locks securely and produces consistent rip widths without the saw wandering, which is essential when cutting multiple identical components for cabinets or shelving. The dust extraction port, when connected to a vacuum, captures the majority of sawdust at source — a significant advantage over open-ported saws that spray chips everywhere. Cutting capacity at 90 degrees is approximately 65 mm, and at 45 degrees approximately 45 mm, putting it in the standard 190 mm class. The motor runs smoothly with minimal vibration, and the noise level is typical for a saw of this power — hearing protection is recommended but the saw is not unusually loud.

The included accessories make the HS7601 a ready-to-work package. In the box, you get the saw itself, a 190 mm 24-tooth TCT blade (model B-08224), a parallel guide for rip cuts, the hex key for blade changes (stored on the body), and the dust extraction nozzle. The TCT blade is a genuine Makita accessory, not a generic placeholder, and provides excellent cut quality out of the box. The parallel guide is robust and clamps firmly — not the flimsy afterthought included with budget saws. For users who work extensively with sheet materials, Makita's guide rail system is compatible with the HS7601 via an optional adapter, giving you track-saw-like precision at a lower cost than a dedicated plunge saw. The blade bore of 30 mm is the most common size in Europe, and replacement blades from Makita and third-party manufacturers are universally available in every tooth count and configuration.

Customer reception for the HS7601 is strong and consistent. With a 4.4 out of 5 stars average from 256 ratings on Amazon.fr, it ranks among the better-reviewed circular saws in the professional segment. The #380 ranking in Circular Saws and overall #347,377 in DIY & Tools reflect its position as a professional tool that sells in steady volumes rather than spikes of consumer interest. At €183.76, it is priced at the professional level — roughly double what a DIY-grade 190 mm saw costs from the green Bosch or Black & Decker ranges, but competitive with professional alternatives from Bosch Professional (blue), DeWalt, and Metabo. Makita's extensive service centre network and spare parts availability across Europe provide confidence in long-term ownership. The saw carries UL certification and is designed primarily for wood, with the TCT blade capable of cutting non-ferrous metals and plastics. Dimensions of 30.9 × 23.2 × 25.5 cm and the 4 kg weight place it in the standard footprint for a 190 mm saw, fitting easily into tool bags and van racking systems.

The Makita HS7601 is the professional carpenter's daily-driver circular saw — a 1,200 W, 190 mm workhorse built for accurate, repeatable straight cuts in sheet goods, structural timber, and joinery stock, backed by Makita's legendary durability and service network.