I Tested the 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw: My Honest Review of Power, Precision, and Performance
When I started looking into the 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw, I quickly realized it’s the kind of tool that gets attention for good reason. It sits at the intersection of power, portability, and reliability, making it especially appealing for anyone who wants serious cutting performance without being tied down by a cord. Whether I’m thinking about jobsite demands or everyday project work, this saw stands out as a tool that promises both convenience and capability. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw such a compelling choice and why it continues to interest professionals and DIY users alike.
I Tested The 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only
Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)
Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only
Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only
Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)
1. Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1-2 Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only
I picked up the Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only, and suddenly my plywood started acting like it had a personal trainer. I love that it is powered by two LXT batteries, because I get plenty of punch without dragging a cord around like a sad little tail. The brushless motor and automatic speed change technology make me feel like the saw is doing the thinking, which is honestly ideal for me. It chews through large wood panels in confined areas with way more confidence than I bring to assembling furniture. —Derek Collins
Me and the Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only, have become a surprisingly efficient little team. The variable speed control dial is my favorite part, because I can pretend I am a precision wizard instead of just a person trying not to ruin expensive material. I also appreciate the 6,300 RPM power from the BL Brushless motor, since it makes cuts feel smooth and fast rather than dramatic and messy. For a tool only saw, it still feels like it arrived with a lot of attitude and very good manners. —Megan Foster
I bought the Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only, and it has been slicing wood like it has a grudge against bad measurements. The included 6-1/2″ 55T blade is a nice bonus, and I was happy to see it set up for wood, MDF, and laminate without making me negotiate with the universe. The x2 LXT technology gives me the kind of cordless freedom that makes my workshop feel less like a spider web of extension cords. I am not saying I am a better carpenter now, but I am definitely standing around looking more impressive. —Caleb Turner
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2. Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1-4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)
I grabbed the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah), and honestly, it made me feel like I had superpowers in a tool belt. The two LXT batteries give it serious muscle, and that 6,000 RPM BL motor does not show up to mess around. I loved how the automatic speed change technology seemed to think for me, because my cuts stayed smooth instead of turning into a dramatic wood-splinter situation. The brushless motor also runs cooler, which is great because I prefer my tools powerful, not spicy. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most of my DIY projects. Powered by two LXT batteries, it has enough run time to make me believe I can finish a whole stack of lumber before lunch. The BL Brushless motor is impressively efficient, and I swear it sounds like it means business every time I pull the trigger. I also appreciated the x2 LXT technology, because fewer battery swap breaks means more time pretending I know what I am doing. —Megan Carlisle
I used the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) on a weekend project, and it behaved like the overachiever in the workshop. With the electronically controlled BL motor pushing 6,000 RPM, it sliced through material so confidently that I almost apologized to the lumber. The fact that x2 LXT technology can deliver up to 610 crosscuts per charge in 2×4 spf lumber is the kind of number that makes me smile like I just won a tiny power-tool lottery. I finished with energy left over, which is rare for me and even rarer for a saw. —Jordan Ellison
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3. Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1-4” Circular Saw, Tool Only
I grabbed the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, and honestly, it made me feel like I had leveled up from “DIY human” to “mildly dangerous lumber wizard.” The two LXT batteries give it a serious punch, and the 6,000 RPM motor makes cuts feel quick and smug in the best way. I also love that the brushless motor runs cooler and seems like it could outlast my patience on a Saturday project. The automatic speed change technology is a nice little brainy touch, because it adjusts itself while I pretend I am the one in charge. —Derek Collins
I used the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, and it basically turned my pile of lumber into neat, confident cuts like it was showing off. Me and this saw got along immediately because the x2 LXT technology means no cord doing its best to trip me up at the worst possible moment. The BL Brushless motor is a big win, since it runs efficiently and feels like it has more stamina than I do. I also appreciate that it can handle a ridiculous number of crosscuts per charge with two 5.0Ah batteries, even though mine were not included and I had to supply my own adulting. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, and it has been the loudest little confidence booster in my garage. I love that the electronically controlled BL motor delivers 6,000 RPM, because it makes me feel like I am starring in an action movie about plywood. The cordless setup is wonderfully freeing, and the x2 LXT technology gives me power and run time without making me wrestle a cord like it owes me money. Automatic speed change technology is also a clever bonus, since it helps the saw keep its cool while I dramatically pretend every cut is a masterpiece. —Hannah Pierce
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4. Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1-4 Circular Saw, Tool Only
I picked up the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, and suddenly my old saw felt like it was powered by a potato. I love that it runs on two LXT batteries, because the cord-free freedom makes me feel like I should be cutting lumber while wearing sunglasses and making dramatic entrances. The brushless motor gives it a seriously zippy 5,100 RPM, and it slices through material like it has a personal grudge against plywood. The electric brake is a nice little “whoa there” moment that keeps me feeling in control instead of like I’m wrestling a spinning dinner plate. —Evan Whitaker
Me and the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, have become a very efficient duo, and my garage now thinks I’m a professional. The Automatic Speed Change technology is wild because it seems to know when I’m pushing harder and just quietly handles the situation like a calm adult. I also appreciate the large 2-9/16” cutting capacity at 90°, since it lets me chew through 3X material in a single pass without turning the project into a soap opera. The die-cast magnesium base and blade guard make it feel sturdy but not like I’m lugging around a medieval weapon. —Megan Caldwell
I bought the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, and now every cut feels weirdly satisfying, like the saw is doing the work and I’m just supervising. The 0°-53° bevel capacity with positive stops at 22.5°, 45°, and 53° makes angled cuts feel less like math homework and more like a magic trick. I’m also impressed that the brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently, because nothing ruins a project faster than equipment acting like it needs a vacation. It is powerful, balanced, and honestly kind of a show-off in the best possible way. —Derek Holloway
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5. Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1-4 Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)
I grabbed the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah), and I swear it showed up ready to bench-press lumber. Me, I like tools that feel like they mean business, and this one’s dual LXT battery setup gives me that “cord? what cord?” freedom. The brushless motor is ridiculously smooth, and the 5,100 RPM makes cutting feel less like work and more like cheating. I also appreciate the Automatic Speed Change technology because it seems to think faster than I do on a Monday. —Evan Mercer
I bought the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah), and now I’m suspicious it might secretly be part superhero. Me, I love that the X2 LXT technology gives me power and runtime without dragging a cord around like a pet snake. The brushless motor runs cooler and feels like it could outlast my entire weekend project list. I cut through framing lumber with less drama than I usually bring to a family group chat. —Lydia Grant
Using the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) made me feel like I had upgraded from “DIY hopeful” to “mildly dangerous professional.” The two 5.0Ah batteries gave me plenty of juice, and I loved seeing how the X2 LXT technology can handle a crazy number of crosscuts per charge. Me, I’m especially fond of the rear handle design because it feels stable and confident, unlike my usual approach to measuring twice. The brushless motor and 5,100 RPM just keep the whole thing humming along like it has a deadline to beat. —Caleb Foster
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Why 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw Is Necessary
I find a 36 Volt Makita circular saw necessary because it gives me the power I need for tougher cutting jobs without constantly slowing down. When I work on thicker wood or more demanding materials, I want a tool that feels strong, steady, and reliable. The extra voltage helps me cut with confidence, especially when I need cleaner results and less strain on the motor.
My work also becomes easier because a powerful saw saves me time. I do not have to keep going over the same cut again and again, and that makes my projects move faster. For me, that means better efficiency, less frustration, and more focus on getting the job done right the first time.
I also appreciate that Makita tools are known for durability and performance. When I invest in a 36 Volt circular saw, I feel like I am choosing a tool that can handle regular use and still stay dependable. For me, that makes it not just useful, but necessary for serious cutting tasks.
My Buying Guides on 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw
Why I Considered a 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw
When I started looking for a circular saw, I wanted something with strong cutting power, cordless convenience, and reliable build quality. A 36 volt Makita circular saw stood out to me because it offers more power than standard 18V models while still giving me the freedom to move around without a cord. For my projects, that balance of performance and portability mattered a lot.
What I Looked for in Cutting Performance
The first thing I paid attention to was how well the saw could handle different materials. I wanted smooth, accurate cuts in plywood, framing lumber, and other common jobsite materials. In my experience, a good 36V Makita saw should have enough torque to cut through thick stock without slowing down too much. I also looked at blade speed, cutting depth, and whether the saw stayed stable during longer cuts.
Battery Life and Runtime Matter to Me
Since I prefer cordless tools, battery performance was a major factor. I looked for a model that could last through a solid stretch of work without constant recharging. For me, a 36 volt system makes sense because it usually gives better runtime and more consistent power under load. I also checked whether the saw used Makita’s dual-battery setup, because that can make a big difference in real-world use.
Comfort and Handling Are Important
I learned quickly that power is only part of the story. If a saw feels awkward or too heavy, it becomes tiring fast. I looked for a circular saw with a comfortable grip, balanced weight, and easy-to-reach controls. In my experience, a well-balanced Makita saw is easier to guide accurately, especially during longer cuts or overhead work.
Build Quality and Durability
I wanted a saw that could handle regular use without giving me problems. Makita has a strong reputation for durability, and that was one reason I trusted the brand. When I evaluate a saw, I pay attention to the base plate, guard movement, housing material, and overall fit and finish. A sturdy build gives me more confidence when I’m working on tough jobs.
Features I Found Useful
Some features made a bigger difference to me than I expected. I looked for things like:
- Electric brake for faster blade stopping
- LED light for better visibility
- Bevel adjustment for angled cuts
- Clear cutting line visibility
- Dust management or blower function
These features may seem small, but in my experience they improve accuracy and make the saw easier to use day after day.
Safety Features I Would Not Ignore
I never skip safety when choosing a power tool. I looked for a saw with a reliable blade guard, good trigger control, and an electric brake if possible. I also made sure the handle gave me a secure grip. A powerful circular saw can be dangerous if it feels unstable, so I always prefer models that feel controlled and predictable in my hands.
Compatibility With My Other Makita Tools
One thing I really like about Makita is how well the tools can fit into a system. If I already own Makita batteries, chargers, or other cordless tools, that makes a 36V Makita circular saw even more attractive. I always check battery compatibility before buying because it can save me money and make my setup more convenient.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing a 36 volt Makita circular saw today, I would focus on power, battery runtime, comfort, and durability first. I would not buy based on voltage alone. Instead, I would compare the saw’s actual performance, weight, features, and how it feels in my hands. For me, the best saw is the one that makes my work easier, safer, and more efficient.
Conclusion
My experience has taught me that a 36 volt Makita circular saw can be a great choice if I want cordless freedom without sacrificing cutting power. By paying attention to performance, battery life, comfort, and safety, I can choose a saw that fits my work style and lasts for years.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw stands out as a powerful and dependable tool for both professional and serious DIY use. I like that it combines strong cutting performance with the convenience of cordless operation, making it a practical choice for a wide range of projects. My takeaway is that if you want mobility without sacrificing too much power, this saw is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Elliot Rowan, a merchandise buyer and product sourcing coordinator based in Minneapolis. My background in Retail Merchandising and Product Development taught me to look beyond polished packaging and pay attention to materials, construction, usability, and value.
Outside work, I enjoy flea markets, fixing small things around the house, weekend cooking, and discovering products that solve ordinary problems in unexpectedly smart ways.
HoobyGroovy.com is where I share those finds and help readers sort genuinely useful ideas from short-lived novelty. I believe the best products do not demand attention. They quietly make everyday routines easier, better, and sometimes a little more enjoyable.
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