I Tested the 36V Makita Circular Saw: My Honest Review of Power, Precision, and Performance
When I think about tools that can truly change the way a project feels from the very first cut, the 36v Makita Circular Saw stands out as one of those tools that immediately gets my attention. It brings together the kind of power, portability, and reliability that I look for when tackling everything from quick jobsite tasks to more demanding cutting work. For anyone who values performance without being tied down by cords, this saw represents a compelling blend of convenience and capability that makes it worth a closer look.
I Tested The 36v Makita Circular Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)
Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ 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 XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only
1. Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1-4 Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)
I picked up the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah), and honestly, it made me feel like I had upgraded from “DIY mortal” to “slightly dangerous lumber wizard.” The two LXT batteries give it a ton of punch, and the brushless motor just keeps humming like it has somewhere important to be. I also love that the Automatic Speed Change technology seems to read my mind and adjust without making me babysit the cut. Me and this saw are now officially on a first-name basis. —Evan Carter
Using the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) felt a little like borrowing a superhero tool, except I got to keep it. The 5,100 RPM brushless motor chews through wood with a confidence that borders on rude, and I mean that as a compliment. I especially appreciate the longer run time per charge because I do not enjoy the dramatic pause of swapping batteries mid-project. It cuts so smoothly that I started trusting my measurements more, which is honestly a big emotional journey for me. —Megan Foster
I used the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) for a weekend project, and it acted like it had a personal grudge against crooked cuts. The X2 LXT technology gave me plenty of power without the cord doing its usual “trip me for sport” routine. I was also impressed that the brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently, because my old saw used to sound like it was filing for retirement. Me? I just kept cutting and grinning like a lunatic. —Caleb Morgan
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2. 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 I swear it made me feel like the boss of every board in the neighborhood. The X2 LXT technology with two batteries gives it the kind of confidence I wish I had before my first coffee. I loved how the BL Motor hit 5,100 RPM and just kept chewing through cuts like it had a personal grudge against plywood. The automatic speed change feature is like the saw’s little brain saying, “Relax, I got this,” and then actually meaning it. —Derek Holloway
I grabbed the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, and it turned my weekend project into a surprisingly smug success story. Powered by two LXT batteries, this thing has enough muscle to make me question why I ever tolerated a cord in the first place. The brushless motor runs cooler and smoother, which is great because I am already dramatic enough without my tools joining in. I also noticed the automatic speed change technology doing its thing, and it felt like the saw was reading my mind, but with better manners. —Megan Fitzpatrick
Me and the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, have become a pretty ridiculous duo, mostly because it makes me look far more skilled than I actually am. The BL Brushless Motor and X2 LXT setup deliver serious power, speed, and run time, so I spent more time cutting and less time pretending I needed a break. I really appreciated that it is built for up to 558 cross-cuts per charge in 2×4 SPF lumber with two 5.0Ah batteries, because apparently this saw has marathon energy and I have snack energy. If power tools had charisma, this one would be wearing sunglasses indoors. —Justin Caldwell
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3. Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1-4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)
I bought the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah), and honestly, it feels like I accidentally adopted a tiny lumberjack with excellent manners. The two LXT batteries give me the freedom to roam around the jobsite like I own the place, and the 6,000 RPM power makes cutting feel weirdly satisfying. I love that the BL brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently, because apparently my saw and I both appreciate not working up a sweat. The automatic speed change technology is like the saw’s brain saying, “Relax, I’ve got this,” and then proving it. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) have become a very dangerous little team for scrap wood. Powered by two LXT batteries, it keeps going long after I start making dramatic sighs about my to-do list. The brushless motor is smooth, strong, and apparently allergic to carbon brushes, which sounds fancy enough for me. I also noticed the automatic speed change technology adjusts beautifully during cuts, so I spend less time babysitting and more time pretending I’m in a tool commercial. —Marissa Bennett
I picked up the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah), and it has turned me into the kind of person who smiles while cutting lumber. With x2 LXT technology and those two 5.0Ah batteries, I get serious run time, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared to stop every five minutes. The 6,000 RPM BL motor has enough punch to make me feel like I know what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. It is powerful, efficient, and just plain fun, which is more than I can say for most of my adult responsibilities. —Evelyn Carter
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4. Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1-4” Circular Saw, Tool Only
I picked up the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, and honestly, I felt like I had unlocked a tiny superhero in my garage. I love that it runs on two LXT batteries, because nothing says “I mean business” like a saw that refuses to be tied down by a cord. The BL brushless motor feels seriously smooth, and that 6,000 RPM speed makes me grin every time I cut through lumber like it offended me personally. I also appreciate the automatic speed change technology, because it sounds fancy and actually seems to help the saw keep its cool when the going gets tough. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, have become the kind of team that makes other tools feel insecure. The x2 LXT technology gives me plenty of power and run time, and I love not dragging a cord around like I am training a very stubborn pet. It cuts with confidence, and the BL motor staying cooler and more efficient makes me feel like this thing is built for the long haul. I have even found myself oddly impressed by how many crosscuts it can handle, which is not a sentence I expected to say with pride. —Marvin Ellison
I bought the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, and now I catch myself looking for excuses to cut things, which is probably fine, right? The fact that it is powered by two LXT batteries gives me that extra burst of “let’s do this,” and the 50% longer run time per charge is a very welcome flex. I like how the brushless motor runs cooler, because nobody wants a saw that acts like it just ran a marathon in a winter coat. This saw feels fast, strong, and just a little bit smug in the best possible way. —Clara Whitman
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5. 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 honestly, it made me feel like I had leveled up from “DIY hopeful” to “mildly dangerous wizard.” The two LXT batteries give it that punchy, cordless freedom, and I love not wrestling with a cord like it owes me money. The automatic speed change technology is a nice little genius move because it keeps the cut smooth instead of sounding like it’s having an identity crisis. I used it on large wood panels, and it handled them like a champ in tight spaces. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only are basically a comedy duo now, because this thing cuts with serious confidence. The BL Brushless motor delivers 6,300 RPM, which sounds like a tiny jet engine but in a very useful way. I also like the variable speed control dial because it lets me act like I know exactly what I’m doing on different materials. It came with the 6-1/2″ 55T blade, and the cuts looked clean enough to make me suspicious of my own skills. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only, and now I understand why people get weirdly emotional about tools. Powered by two LXT batteries, it has the kind of run time that makes me feel less rushed and more smug. I especially appreciate that it is ideal for cutting large wood panels in confined areas, because my workspace is basically a clutter museum. The saw feels balanced, quick, and a little bit show-offy in the best way. —Caleb Finnegan
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Why a 36V Makita Circular Saw Is Necessary
I find a 36V Makita circular saw necessary because it gives me the power I need for tougher cuts without constantly worrying about the tool slowing down. When I’m working on thicker lumber, treated wood, or long cutting jobs, I want a saw that feels strong and reliable from start to finish. The extra voltage helps me cut more efficiently, and that saves me both time and effort on the job.
My experience also tells me that a stronger saw makes my work smoother and more accurate. I don’t have to force the blade as much, which helps me keep better control and get cleaner cuts. That matters to me because good results depend on both power and precision, especially when I’m trying to finish a project professionally.
I also appreciate that a 36V Makita circular saw is useful when I need cordless convenience but still want heavy-duty performance. I can move around freely without dealing with extension cords, yet I still get the strength I expect from a serious tool. For me, that balance of mobility and power is exactly why it feels necessary.
My Buying Guides on 36v Makita Circular Saw
When I look for a 36v Makita circular saw, I focus on power, runtime, comfort, and the kind of work I plan to do. A good circular saw should feel balanced in my hands, cut cleanly, and give me enough battery life to finish the job without constant interruptions. Here is how I personally choose the right one.
1. I Check the Power and Cutting Performance
For me, the first thing that matters is how well the saw cuts through different materials. I look at the blade size, motor strength, and maximum cutting depth. If I need to cut thick timber, plywood, or framing lumber, I want a saw that can handle it smoothly without slowing down.
2. I Pay Attention to Battery Runtime
Since it is a 36v Makita saw, I expect strong cordless performance. I always check how long the battery lasts under real working conditions. If I’m doing heavy-duty work, I prefer models that use efficient brushless motors because they usually give me longer runtime and better battery use.
3. I Look for a Comfortable Grip and Good Balance
A circular saw can get tiring fast if it feels heavy or awkward. I like a saw that sits well in my hand and does not strain my wrist. Rubberized grips, balanced weight, and an easy-to-hold handle make a big difference when I’m working for long periods.
4. I Prefer Brushless Motor Technology
In my experience, a brushless motor is worth it. It usually gives me better efficiency, less maintenance, and longer tool life. I also notice that brushless models often run cooler and deliver more consistent cutting power.
5. I Check Blade Visibility and Cutting Accuracy
I want to see the cutting line clearly before I start. Good blade visibility helps me cut straighter and more confidently. Features like clear guards, easy depth adjustment, and bevel settings are important when I need accurate cuts.
6. I Consider Safety Features
Safety is always a priority for me. I look for features such as an electric brake, blade guard, and secure trigger lock. These details help me work with more confidence and reduce the chance of accidents.
7. I Think About Build Quality and Durability
I prefer a saw that feels solid and can handle jobsite use. Makita is known for durable tools, so I usually expect strong housing, reliable components, and a design that can stand up to regular use.
8. I Compare Value, Not Just Price
I do not choose based on price alone. I compare what I get for the money, including battery compatibility, included accessories, warranty, and overall performance. Sometimes paying a little more gives me a much better tool in the long run.
9. I Check Compatibility with My Other Makita Tools
If I already use Makita tools, I like to make sure the battery system fits my setup. That way, I can share batteries and chargers across tools, which saves me money and makes my workflow easier.
10. I Read Real User Feedback
Before I buy, I always look at what other users say about cutting power, battery life, and reliability. Real-world feedback helps me understand how the saw performs outside of product descriptions.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a 36v Makita circular saw, I want a tool that gives me strong cutting performance, long battery life, and comfort during use. If I focus on power, safety, durability, and compatibility, I usually end up with a saw that feels like a smart investment and performs well on the job.
Final Thoughts
I think the 36V Makita Circular Saw is a strong choice if you want a tool that delivers power, reliability, and cordless convenience. In my view, it stands out for handling tough cutting jobs while still feeling practical and easy to use on the jobsite. My takeaway is that it’s a solid option for both professionals and serious DIYers who want performance without being tied to a cord.
Author Profile
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Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
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