Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4" Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

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Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4" Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

Makita, a pioneer in Brushless motor technology and battery innovation, combines both in the 18V x2 LXT (36V) Lithium-Ion Brushless Rear handle 7-1/4” Circular saw (XSR01PT). it's powered by two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries for maximum performance, and has an electronically-controlled BL Brushless motor that matches torque and RPM to the application. Makita 18V x2 means freedom from the cord, even for demanding applications like cutting sheet and dimensional lumber that traditionally called for a corded saw. Best of all, users can remain in one battery platform, using the same fast-charging 18V batteries with the XSR01PT As they use across the expansive Makita 18V LXT cordless tool series.
it’s part of Makita’s expanding 18V Lithium-Ion system, the worlds largest cordless tool system powered by 18V Lithium-Ion slide-style batteries. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger.

Review : A welcome change from a worm drive!

I'm a contractor and this thing so far is up to the professional requirements of a jobsite. It's noticeably lighter than a corded magnesium worm drive, but not so light that it can't push through material. Seems like the perfect balance. A rear handle saw needs to have some weight, but doing a lot of repetitive work with a standard corded saw can be hard on the arms and wrists, so it's nice to shed a few pounds with this thing.

Using two 5ah batteries this thing seems to go all day, though if you were to do a lot of rips though you'd probably have to change the batteries once during the day.

I do have some criticisms about it though, one being that the rafter hook is awkward. I think it's designed to be able to hang off of a 3x material or an LVL, just something larger than the 1 5/8" you'd need for 2x, but since most of us are most of the time hanging things off of 2x the extra play in the hook can leave the saw hanging a bit loosely. I prefer the way a worm drive hook hangs the saw, but maybe I'll find a day when the larger hook really earns its keep? The other thing, more of a nuance, is the safety button needed to engage the trigger. Still not quite used to it. I'm all for safety's as much as possible, but I'm very used to only needing one finger to start a skill saw.

There's really not a whole lot more that can be said about it, it performs very well for its intended purpose. I do think the DeWalt is also a very good saw, and I'd like to try them both side by side, and one thing that I believe the DeWalt has on this thing is the way that the dust is ejected from the housing. I saw a side by side comparison of the two and I could see how well the DeWalt dealt with the dust, while the Makita shoots it straight down onto the workpiece. Not a deal killer, but definitely a leg up when doing rips. These small details matter if you use this tool a lot, so just something to consider. While we're on the subject, it would be nice to only have to deal with changing one battery, instead of two. I'm not going to dock any stars for these things, but basically, there's competition :)

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