Toolbox Trends logoToolbox Trends
  • Table Saws
  • Circular Saws
  • About Us
  • Table Saws
  • Circular Saws
  • About Us
Table of contents
Table of contents

Makita SH02R1 vs. Rockwell RK3440K

Looking for a new circular saw? Compare the benefits of the Makita SH02R1 and Rockwell RK3440K and make a smart purchase!

Lets compare these two circular saws: the Makita SH02R1 and the Rockwell RK3440K.

Makita SH02R1
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 dont pay too much attention to these numbers, because the manufacturers measure them under no-load conditions, so they dont have a strong impact on the saws 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

Lets take a look at some of the pluses and minuses of these products.

For the Makita:

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • Non-standard blade/arbor size can mean limited selection of blades

For the RK3440K:

Pros

  • Very lightweight
  • Laser guide for accurately following cut lines

Cons

  • Safety mechanism can be confusing, requires pushing plate down onto work surface

Comparison Chart

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

and comparisons of the Rockwell RK3440K with other products.

Makita SH02R1Rockwell RK3440K
Makita SH02R1
Rockwell RK3440K
BrandMakitaRockwell
Power Typecordlesscorded
Power - Voltage12 V120 V
Power - Ampsn/a4 A
No-load RPM1500 rpm3500 rpm
Blade Diameter3 3/8”3 3/8”
Maximum Bevel45°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)1”1 1/16”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)5/8”n/a
Arbor Size15 mm (0.591”)19/32”
Weight3.5 lbs4 lbs
Blade - Siderightleft
Drive Mechanismdirect-drivedirect
Stopsn/a
Warranty3 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
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.