Makita XSH01Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Cordless 7-1/4" Circular Saw (Tool Only), Teal

Ok, I like the saw. The power is good, it just takes 1/2 a second to get up to speed. What I don’t like is the bag it come with!! I get it, some bean counter down at the home office figured out they can save $1.00 by not making a tool box to carry this thing. A bag has to be cheaper right?? Well at least you could have made the bag big enough to hold the saw! I tried every which way to put the saw in the bag. It fits, but just won’t zip al the way. Very frustrating!! You’d think for the price you pay for this you’d get a bag that actually holds the saw, and maybe a few other accessories. Pour execution by Makita on this one!

I had high high hopes for this saw, technology is breaking in to new levels all the time so I expected this saw to be a monster. My 6 & 1/2 inch Makita saw is a beast, it doesn't take 2 batteries or run off of 36 volts. So when I saw that Makita was finally making a 7 & 1/4 inch circular cordless saw, and that it took 2-18 volt batteries, I was stoked. I ordered it through Amazon & it came right away, very pleased with that. The next day I charged my 2 brand new 3.0 18volt batteries & went to work. I didn't get to use it much that day, but the very first assignment left me disappointed. A straight cut thru a 2 x 10, this is what this baby was made for right? I was excited!! I hit the trigger, like it was old faithful 6-1/2", expecting it's instant power to surpass that of my old favorite. There was a delay, A freaking delay?!!CONS:Disappointment #1 no instant power like you expect from a circular saw, I just like to feel the power once I pull the trigger, THERE"S A DELAYDisappointment #2 it is heavy, make no mistake- for whatever reason I told myself it wouldn't be too badDisappointment #3 It bound surprisingly easy, a few inches in to that 2 x 10 it was bindingDisappointment #4 those 2 batteries are heavy & the weight is distributed to the saw in an abnormal feeling way, it feels awkwardPROS:#1 It is a quality Makita saw, the angle markings are very clear & easy to use, Depth markings too#2 If you need a full size saw to run your siding table, this one will, while the Ol' 6&1/2 will not#3 It may save you the need of a generator some days- New construction home without power- BIG PLUS#4 Makita is dabbling with the technology that will lead to a 7&1/4 cordless that is a "must have beast", this IS NOT that sawSummary:When they make this with a brushless motor, it may or may not need 2 batteries, & will surely be a big improvement over this, their first attempt at a good cordless 7&1/4" saw. I see Milwaukee has a single battery brushless 7&1/4 right now- I have a feeling that it is a much better saw than this one. It's too bad I've got like 10 Makita 18volt tools & 6 batteries, or I'd certainly look at Milwaukee's offering in this cordless class.

An excellent product which performs superbly, sadly the included carrying bag is too small to fit the tool alone much less the tool, a charger and spare batteries. Makita would have been better off not providing the bag at all as that is the only thing which stands between it and a five star review.

It’s a great saw with lots of power but the bag they send you is worthless. It won’t hold the saw.

This saw is extremely difficult to make exact to precise cuts being a right handed person. You can't comfortably see the blade hit your material let alone the line on your material. Perfect if your a lefty. This saw is quiet, powerful enough to cut dimensional lumber with ease, we ripped treated sheeting up 3/4" with ease, plunge cut into wood about 1" thick, definitely recommend using with Makita's double life 18v batteries because this saw uses plenty of battery. Super lightweight and very well balanced with 2 double life batteries.

While this is very easy to use, it's somewhat heavy and binds rather easily. I expected it to have a little more power, but the battery life seems to be pretty good. I'm still happy I purchased it over a corded version since I don't use it much. If you plan on making a lot of cuts, get a corded version.

Bought this saw (with 5.0 amp hour batteries) to do live demonstrations at tool and woodworking trade shows where electric service can get expensive. Saw is pretty solid feeling, noticeable weight with both batteries but it isn't horrendous. Battery life is exceptional with the larger batteries and the cut speed is acceptable - not exactly matching a nice corded saw but very close. It has a slow start feature so you have to wait a second or two for the blade to spin up to full rpm before engaging the cut.

I don't use this saw as a traditional framing saw but rather put a 60 tooth ultra fine blade on it for cabinet work. It has plenty of power and feels really good in the hand. But it needs a light. It would be a perfect tool if it had the light.