Makita 5103R Electric Hand Circular Saw Manual
PDF manual · 56 Pages
English
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- High cutting capacity: up to 100 mm depth at 90° for thick stock.
- Robust build with front and rear grips for secure two-handed control.
- Comprehensive safety features: spring-actuated lower guard, riving knife, lock-off button.
- Dust extraction port and rip fence for cleaner, more accurate cuts.
- Serviceable design: replaceable carbon brushes and readily adjustable settings.
Disadvantages
- Relatively high noise level (LpA ~97 dB(A)); hearing protection required.
- Heavier than smaller saws (net weight ~9.4 kg) — less suited for extended overhead work.
- Lower no-load speed (3,800 min–1) may be slower for some fine-finish blades.
- Requires strict blade/riving knife compatibility; incorrect blades increase kickback risk.
- Maintenance and repairs should be handled by authorized centers for safety and warranty.
Ask a Question
Frequently Asked Questions
The Makita 5103R provides a maximum cutting depth of 100 mm at 90° and approximately 73 mm at a 45° bevel. Adjust the depth using the depth guide and tighten the lever securely before cutting.
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Use blades up to 270 mm diameter compatible with the saw’s arbor; Makita specifies a blade thickness up to about 1.8 mm and a minimum kerf of 2.2 mm for safe riving knife clearance. Always use blades recommended in the manual.
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The riving knife prevents the kerf from closing behind the blade and reduces the chance of pinching, binding and kickback. It must be correctly adjusted so the distance to the blade rim is within specified limits and engaged for all cuts except plunge cuts.
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Yes. The 5103R has a joint for connecting a Makita vacuum cleaner or compatible dust extraction hose to improve cutting cleanliness and reduce airborne dust when properly installed.
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Verify the lower guard moves freely and closes instantly, ensure the riving knife is straight and correctly adjusted, confirm blade installation and tightness, check switch and lock-off button function, and wear eye, hearing and dust protection.
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Inspect carbon brushes regularly and replace them when they reach the wear limit mark. Replace both brushes at the same time using identical parts to maintain motor performance and safety.
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Yes. The tool is double-insulated and can be used from sockets without an earth wire, but it must be connected only to a power supply matching the voltage on its nameplate.
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Product Description
Makita 5103R Electric Hand Circular Saw — Powerful, Precise and Safety-Focused
The Makita 5103R Electric Hand Circular Saw is a heavy-duty corded model designed for demanding woodworking tasks. Built with a large 270 mm blade and a robust motor, this saw delivers deep, accurate cuts (up to 100 mm at 90°) for ripping, crosscutting and bevel operations. Its overall construction emphasizes stability and user control: a wide base plate, front and rear grips for two-handed operation, and clear sighting notches for straight and angled cuts make alignment and handling straightforward on long boards and large panels.
Safety is a central focus of the 5103R. The saw features a spring-actuated lower guard that must move freely and close instantly, plus a riving knife (spaltkeil) to reduce kickback risk when engaged. A lock-off button prevents accidental starts, while the shaft lock and included hex wrench let users change blades securely. Makita specifies blade and flange dimensions to ensure compatibility and safe operation — the riving knife thickness and blade kerf recommendations are critical to maintain proper clearance and prevent binding.
Performance details show a modest no-load speed relative to smaller saws (about 3,800 min–1) but the larger blade diameter and deeper cutting capacity make the 5103R ideal for thick stock and heavy-duty applications. Noise and vibration values are provided per EN60745 standards: this model reaches higher sound levels (LpA ~97 dB(A), LWA ~108 dB(A)), and vibration emissions are controlled but should be considered when planning long-duration use — ear and dust protection are strongly recommended.
Maintenance and usability are addressed with practical features: replaceable carbon brushes with clear wear limits, a vacuum cleaner joint for dust extraction, and a rip fence for accurate repeated cuts. Makita stresses using only recommended blades and accessories and advises routine checks of guards, springs and fastenings before each use. For repairs and parts, Makita Authorized Service Centers ensure safety and original replacements.
In short, the Makita 5103R is a rugged, high-capacity circular saw targeted at professionals and serious woodworkers who need deep cutting capability, dependable safety systems, and serviceable components. Proper setup, the correct blade selection, and adherence to safety and maintenance guidance unlock the saw’s best performance while minimizing hazards.
Notes
- Maximum cutting depth at 90°: 100 mm; at 45°: 73 mm.
- Blade compatibility: max 270 mm diameter; observe blade thickness and kerf limits.
- Noise: LpA ~97 dB(A); wear hearing protection. Use dust extraction when possible.
- Always verify lower guard and riving knife operation before use.
- Replace carbon brushes in pairs and service only with genuine Makita parts.
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