On Sunday, August 7, 2011 1:39:39 PM UTC-4, Edward A. Falk wrote:
I mainly use my girlfriend's Makita 5277B, it totally rocks.

I would trust Milwaukee or Porter Cable any day.

Alas, the passage of time changes the qualities of
our favorite brands. I've seen two killer faults in circular
saws (corded), which are plastic frames (if the soleplate
isn't metal-to-metal at the pivot, do NOT buy that saw),
and aggressive bladeguards. Both made straight cuts
nearly impossible, and plunge cuts dangerous.