Makita Cordless 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Preview

18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Cordless 7-1/4″ Circular Saw

Makita XSH01Z Circ SawThe crew at Makita has officially announced their all new 7-1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw powered by two 18V batteries. We’ve seen a couple sneak peaks at the saw recently and just got one in the shop for testing. This is a powerful platform built to offer corded power and performance. We’ll be doing a full review after jobsite testing. In the meantime, check out the Makita Press Release below for more information.

La Mirada, CA – Makita has delivered a new industry standard with the 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Cordless 7-1/4″ Circular Saw. The new XSH01X/Z is the world’s first cordless 7-1/4″ circular saw powered by two 18V batteries, providing the performance of a corded saw without leaving the strongly-preferred 18V platform.

It’s the latest addition to Makita’s expanding 18V LXT® Series, the world’s largest 18V lithium-ion cordless tool line-up* with over 70 tools powered by the 18V LXT® battery that reaches a full charge in only 30 minutes.

Makita XSH01Z Circ Saw Cutting

A New Industry Standard

“For years, contractors have made it clear that cordless circular saws fall short on run time, power and capacity,” said Mario Lopez, Product Manager, Cordless, Makita USA. “Until now, no one has ever been able to deliver a cordless circular saw with a 7-1/4″ blade within the 18V platform that gets the end user closer to corded saw cutting power. Today, the Makita 18V X2 LXT® 7-1/4″ Circular Saw is the new industry standard in cordless circular saws.”

Longer Run Time

The Makita-built motor delivers 4,800 RPM for fast cutting and ripping. In performance testing the XSH01X/Z made 250 cuts in 2×4 lumber per charge**, which is up to 2.5 times more cuts per charge than the Makita 18V Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw, model BSS611Z.

More Capacity

With a 7-1/4″ blade the XSH01X/Z has a cutting capacity of 2-5/8″ at 90 degrees, which is more than the Makita 5007F, a market-leading corded circular saw with 2-1/2″ cutting capacity.

Fast Cutting

In side-by-side testing the XSH01X/Z exhibited corded power and speed, cross-cutting a 2×10 in only 1.5 seconds and matching the cutting time of the corded 5007F.

More Features, Less Weight

Model XSH01X/Z has a reinforced magnesium base for added durability and weighs only 10.1 lbs. (with batteries). The saw includes two L.E.D. indicators that monitor battery charge status and temperature. Additional features include an on-board blade wrench for added convenience, an electric brake for maximum productivity, rubberized soft grip handles for increased comfort, and a built-in dust blower engineered to clear the line-of-cut for improved visibility.

Model XSH01X is a kit and includes the saw, two 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion batteries, the ENERGY STAR® qualified Rapid Optimum Charger, a 7-1/4″ 24T Ultra-Coated Framing Blade, Saw Guide, and Contractor Bag. Model XSH01Z is a bare tool (tool only). For more on the new industry standard in cordless circular saws, go to the new Makita 18V X2 microsite.

About the author

Todd Fratzel

Todd Fratzel is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz, and the President of Front Steps Media, LLC, a web based media company focused on the Home Improvement and Construction Industry.He is also the Principal Engineer for United Construction Corp., located in Newport, NH. In his capacity at United he oversees the Residential and Commercial Building Division along with all Design-Build projects.He is also the editor of Home Construction & Improvement.

@tfratzelTodd Fratzel

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2 Comments

  1. Looking forward to your hands-on review. It will be interesting to see how Makita does with this model because it seems like they have eliminated most of the common objections to cordless saws. It uses a more common 7.25″ blade, 18V batteries that many already own, and offers “corded saw cutting power”. Seems like it could be a very popular product for them.

    1. Todd Fratzel

      So far it looks pretty good. My crew has been using it this week and I haven’t heard a complaint (which I think is a good sign).

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