Makita XSR01 Circular Saw Review

Mini Review
The Makita XSR01 feels solid and smooth, when cutting your material. The cord free usage is a game changer, for a saw with this kind of power. This particular kit (XSR01PT-R) was a winner with the 2 extra batteries and Makita bag, which helps you to transport your new saw from job to job – plus, you’ll probably never run out of power.
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- Overall Rating
- In The Box
- The Cost
- Product Website
- Shop For It
This kit (Makita XSR01PT-R) is Available at The Home Depot and on Amazon
Overview
The Makita XSR01 is a powerful 36v (18v X2) rear handle circular saw that has a large 2-5/8″ cutting capacity. With a built-in dust blower, durable design and automatic Speed Change™ technology, this saw can stand up with some of the best. Not to mention, it takes advantage of the same 18v batteries that powers the rest of your Makita lineup of power tools – saving you time, money and space in your workshop.
What We Like
- Solid construction and well made.
- Cordless versatility and still powerful.
- Comfortable grip.
- Easy to swap out blades.
What We Don't Like
- Not cheap, but not overly expensive.
- Huge battery charger.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, this Makita saw just felt solid. You can grip it easily (with the comfortable rubberized handle), but with it being a rear-handle, it is heavier than your average circular saw. With that being stated, this particular rear-handle saw is on the lighter end, at only 12.4lbs – and that’s with two 18v batteries on board. The included battery charger with this kit is massive…at least from my experience. However, the ease of popping batteries in and out is effortless, unlike some other brands, which will remain nameless. The bag is nice, but in all honesty, it’s just a bag. If you need one, great, but if you don’t, it’s just going to collect all the dust that this Makita saw will create…which is a lot.
What's In The Box
- (1) 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless 7-1/4” Circular Saw (XSR01)
- (2) 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery (BL1850B)
- (1) 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Dual Port Charger (DC18RD)(1) 7-1/4″ 24T C.T. Circular Saw Blade (B-61656)
- (1) Hex Wrench (783204-6)
- (1) Dust Extracting Attachment (196520-1)
- (1) Tool Bag (831271-6)
Specifications
- Blade Diameter : 7-1/4″
- Arbor : 5/8″
- Max. Cutting Capacity (at 90°) : 2-5/8″
- Max. Cutting Capacity (at 56°) : 1-5/16″
- Max. Cutting Capacity (at 45°) : 1-13/16″
- No Load Speed : 6,000 RPM
- Battery : 2X 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion
- Overall Length : 13-1/2″
- Net Weight (with battery) : 10.5 lbs.
- Power Type : Cordless
- Handle Type (Circular Saws) : Top handle
- Form Factor (LXT) : X2
- Motor Type : Brushless
- Shipping Weight : 21.21 lbs.
Full Review
I had an old sheet of plywood sitting on my Bora Centipede Folding Workstand, and just started ripping through it with ease. Then I grabbed a few stray 2×4’s – yup, you guessed it – like butter. The saw stayed incredibly straight with little to no effort, and the included 7‑1/4″ 24T Carbide‑Tipped Max Efficiency Circular Saw Blade was sharp! So much so, I barely nicked the tip of my finger when inspecting the saw, and welp, let’s just say I had to take an intermission. All bandaged up, I was able to take a second look and it’s actually a fairly straightforward saw, which is nice coming from an upper tier brand like Makita. I appreciate the lack of frills on this saw. It’s just a well built framing saw. The depth measurements were easy to find, the safety switch is in a comfortable spot and the adjustment screws were right where you’d expect to find them. The included blade, at 24T, is basically for framing, which is honestly a great use of this saw – but, you’re not getting super clean cuts right of the box. The good news is, it’s easy to swap out to a blade to one with a higher tooth count. Using the saw as is though, you’ll be ripping through boards precisely and quickly, and not spending too much time complaining about it.
The Tool Space recommends this product for: Handyman and Contractor
Warranty Information
MAKITA® 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY, LITHIUM-ION TOOL, BATTERY, CHARGER, AND PNEUMATIC NAILER
Every Makita® Lithium-Ion Tool, Battery, Charger, and Pneumatic Nailer is warranted to be free of defects from workmanship and materials for the period of THREE YEARS from the date of original purchase. Should any trouble develop during the three-year period, return the COMPLETE Lithium-Ion Tool, Battery, Charger or Pneumatic Nailer to one of Makita’s Factory or Authorized Service Centers. If inspection shows the trouble is caused by defective workmanship or material, Makita will repair (or at our option, replace) without charge. Learn more here: https://www.makitatools.com/service/warranty
Tool Space Recommendation
We recommend this tool to the following skill levels.

