Makita SH02R1 vs. Rockwell RK3440K

Let’s compare these two circular saws: the Makita SH02R1 and the Rockwell RK3440K.

Features & Benefits

You can read our roundup of the best compact circular saws.

Power & Motor

The RK3440K is corded, runs on 120 V, and draws 4 amps. Standard U.S. residential circuits are 120 V, 15 A, which will support the.

The SH02R1 is cordless and requires 12 V batteries.

The SH02R1 motor produces 1500 rpm and the RK3440K motor produces 3500 rpm. But don’t pay too much attention to these numbers, because the manufacturers measure them under no-load conditions, so they don’t have a strong impact on the saw’s real-world capability to handle different material.

The SH02R1 has a direct-drive motor. The RK3440K has a direct motor. Direct-drive motors are usually lighter than other styles, but their side mounting makes the saw a little harder to control.

Blades & Capacity

Both circular saws accept 3 3/8” diameter saw blades. The SH02R1 has a 15 mm (0.591”) arbor. The RK3440K has a 19/32” arbor.

The SH02R1 can bevel its blade up to 45°, will cut up to 1” at 90°, and can cut up to 5/8” deep at an angle of 45°. The RK3440K can bevel up to 0° and is able to cut up to 1 1/16” at a 90° angle.

When beveling the saw, most circular saws will have positive stops at common angles such as 45° and 90°. This ensures you are making precise cuts. Some saws have additional stops at other angles.

The Makita has the blade on the right side of the saw. The Rockwell has the blade on the left side of the body. Right-handers sometimes find it easier to see and control blades mounted to the left, while left-handers might find the same true for right-mounted blades.

Pros & Cons

Let’s take a look at some of the pluses and minuses of these products.

For the Makita:

For the RK3440K:

Comparison Chart

Here is a full side-by-side look at these products’ specs. You can view comparisons of the Makita SH02R1 with other products

	Makita SH02R1	Rockwell RK3440K
Brand	Makita	Rockwell
Power Type	cordless	corded
Power - Voltage	12 V	120 V
Power - Amps	n/a	4 A
No-load RPM	1500 rpm	3500 rpm
Blade Diameter	3 3/8”	3 3/8”
Maximum Bevel	45°	0°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	1”	1 1/16”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)	5/8”	n/a
Arbor Size	15 mm (0.591”)	19/32”
Weight	3.5 lbs	4 lbs
Blade - Side	right	left
Drive Mechanism	direct-drive	direct
Stops		n/a
Warranty	3 years
Pros	Lightweight and easy to handle Good battery life	Very lightweight Laser guide for accurately following cut lines
Cons	Non-standard blade/arbor size can mean limited selection of blades	Safety mechanism can be confusing, requires pushing plate down onto work surface
	Check Price	Check Price