MakitaXSH03Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6-1/2" Circular Saw, Tool Only

I've used 4 different Makita 6.5" circular saw models on the job site and can confidently say that this unit (XSH03Z) is far and wide better than the rest.Biggest pluses are:1) Brushless motor - runs cooler, longer battery life, and translates in to more power.2) LED illumination - just enough additional light to ensure the cut is on point.3) 5,000 RPM with automatic torque converter - This extra speed makes a surprising amount of difference compared to the 3,000-4,000 RPM models. The blades cut far smoother and there is far less tear out from your material. It makes a battery powered saw cut and feel like a high power corded saw. The automatic torque adjuster kicks in should your material be extra tough...it drops the RPM's down but kicks up the torque to prevent bogging down / binding. Very nice touch!4) 45 degree lock on the bevel - there is a nice flip down tab that allows quick adjustment to a rock solid 45 degree bevel cut... As opposed to eyeballing where the 45-degree mark actually is. Nice time saver that ensures consistency.5) Brake - the automatically engaging blade brake that kicks in after the trigger is released is a wonderful plus. Once you have that feature, you'll never go back.As for negatives, for the price & class of the saw, there really are next to none. However, here are the couple that stick out:1) for a saw that costs in the 175-200 range, it is a bit ridiculous they don't include the $13 Makita 164095-8 Rip Fence with it. It's not a critical accessory by any means, but it's sometimes nice to have and worth the ten bucks or so.2) I wish this model had the blower that puffed air by the front area of the blade to improve visibility (like the finish saw model). Not a big issue, but would be nice.In summary, this is a first rate saw in its class. Other than this item, the next real step-up is the Festool track saw (which I own & love like no other)... however, this saw & vacuum combo runs in the $1,500 range and is like comparing apples to oranges.

I've been a Makita fan for some time, building up my 18v collection, so this was a no brainer. Not to mention the price was the best I found any where. I had some batteries, but bought a new 4Ah battery just for this saw. Good enough reason to buy a new battery, right? Can never have enough.The last cordless saw I used was my dads old 19.2 volt craftsman, and that one was "okay", nothing spectacular. So I was a little hesitant when it comes to cordless saws. Boy was I wrong and missing out. Why did I want so long?Can't say I've used it too much, but everything I cut, it's been very powerful. Lately I've been breaking down some 3/4 MDF sheets and it cuts through it like nothing. No bogging down, just cuts right through, and this is with the stock blade, which makes a pretty smooth cut.I also love the dust collection port, that works very well. Cutting the MDF, there was no dust around, or very little. Works surprising well. Best yet, my hose hooks up nicely.Since buying this saw, I have not used my old corded Makita 7 1/4" circular. Haven't needed it. Plus the old saw has NO dust collection.Adjustments are easy and all there. I could do without the rafter hook, as I am a home woodworker.Before I bought this unit, I was so close to buying the black compact brushless and I am so glad I did not. For one it costs more, but after reading reviews and video reviews and checking it out, it is made so much cheaper.My only complaint is that I had to buy the dust collection port separately, it should come with the saw. Also I had to buy the port somewhere else.Very happy with the tool, glad to cut the cord and real happy to have dust collection on a circular saw. Would buy again without hesitation.

I'm a long time fan of the Makita 18 volt platform, I have lots of 5-amp batteries and chargers. . I looked at this saw a long time before I finally bought it.It is SO NICE. Light in weight, no annoying cord and more powerful than my corded Skilsaw. I cut 2x4 and 3/4" PT plywood like a hot knife through butter. I bought the Makita 40T blade and it is great for general use, cuts very smooth in a variety of wood materials.I'm building more structures on my farm since buying this saw. Not having to mess with a cord and having this much power in my hand is addictive.I bought the more expensive of the two models available and I have zero complaints. The guide on the saw is precise so I can just "wing it" on a variety of small cutting jobs and it's perfect. I wondered if the smaller diameter cutting capacity would limit me but it has not been a problem, I've cut everything I wanted.The only way I could be happier is if I could go back in time and buy this saw sooner. Another 18 volt cordless Makita winner!Happy sawing to all!

I’ve been a carpenter for over 40 yrs. Bought this one in 2016 and built my home with it alone. Just about got finished and dropped it and cracked the plate next to the blade on the narrow part. Checked it everytime I went to use it and still worked great. It’s a very balanced saw. Love the light. Great for working in late evening of dim lit areas. This saw cut everything-plates, subfloor, rafters, joists. Whatever I cut to build my house, this saw cut it. And very well. I really like this saw. Might finally buy my 2nd one now.

Great for framing

Plenty of power cutting 2x wood and ripping 3/4" plywood. Depth adjustment and angle adjust are easy to use. At first I thought the plate was plastic, but turned out it is metal. With the blade on the left side, making it easy to see the cut for a right handed person.The down side, saw ejects the saw dust all over your shirt and legs. I fixed that problem by getting the vacuum attachment and inserting a short length of pool line pipe and having it curve away from me. Saw now blows dust around the battery. to the other side of saw.I would buy one again if it walked off the job site or was damaged.