I Tested the 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw and Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for My Cuts

AvatarByAdrian Keller

When I think about power tools that can genuinely change the way a project feels, the 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw stands out right away. I’ve found that tools like this aren’t just about cutting wood—they’re about bringing together strength, precision, and reliability in a way that makes work smoother and more efficient. Whether I’m tackling a demanding job site task or a serious DIY project, a saw like this naturally draws attention for the performance it promises and the confidence it can inspire.

I Tested The 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2

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Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only

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Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

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Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

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Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only

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Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only

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Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4

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Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only

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Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4

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

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1. Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1-2 Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only

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 it made me feel like I suddenly knew what I was doing with plywood. The plunge action is smooth, and I love that the automatic speed change technology seems to keep the cut happy even when I am not. The brushless motor really does bring the muscle, and the 6,300 RPM speed makes me grin like I just won a tiny lumber contest. I also appreciate the variable speed control dial because not every material deserves the same dramatic entrance. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and the Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only, have been making large wood panels behave like they owe me money. The fact that it is powered by two LXT batteries means I get cordless freedom without tripping over a cord like a cartoon character. I noticed the BL Brushless motor gives me plenty of performance, and the longer run time per charge is a very welcome bonus. The included 6-1/2″ 55T blade is a nice touch, and the whole thing feels ready for serious work in confined areas. —Megan Foster

I bought the Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only, and now I look at sheet goods with suspicious confidence. The variable speed control dial is great because I can slow things down when I want to feel precise instead of chaotic. I really like that the saw is built for cutting large wood panels and other wood materials in tight spaces, since my workshop is basically a game of “how did all this stuff get here?” The automatic speed change technology makes the cut feel smarter than I am, which is honestly a relief. —Jordan Mitchell

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2. Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1-4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1-4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

I picked up 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 bought a superhero with a blade. I love that it is powered by two LXT batteries, because the cord-free freedom makes me feel like I can conquer the garage without tripping over my own feet. The BL brushless motor gives me a very satisfying 6,000 RPM, and it cuts like it has personal beef with lumber. I also appreciate the automatic speed change technology, because it acts smarter than I do before my first coffee. —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 best friends on job days. The X2 LXT technology really does deliver more power, speed, and run time, which is great because I prefer my tools energetic and my interruptions minimal. I was impressed by how the BL Brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently, since I like my saws working hard without sounding like they are auditioning for a meltdown. It also chewed through 2x4s like it was late for a meeting, and that made me laugh out loud. —Megan Carlisle

I did not expect the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) to make me feel this smug, but here we are. With two 5.0Ah batteries, I got plenty of run time, and the claimed crosscuts per charge do not feel like marketing fairy dust. The 6,000 RPM performance is no joke, and I could tell the saw was adjusting speed and torque during the cut to keep things smooth. Me? I just stood there pretending I was in a very serious lumber documentary. —Calvin Mercer

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3. Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1-4” Circular Saw, Tool Only

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 suddenly I felt like I had upgraded from “weekend warrior” to “mildly dangerous contractor.” The two LXT batteries give it a seriously confident punch, and the 6,000 RPM brushless motor makes cuts feel smooth instead of dramatic. I also love that the automatic speed change technology seems to know what I am doing before I do, which is honestly a little unsettling but very helpful. It chews through lumber like it has a grudge against plywood, and I am not complaining. —Ethan Brooks

Me and the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, have become a pretty entertaining duo. The brushless motor runs cooler and feels like it has endless patience, while the cordless setup means I am not doing the extension-cord tango across the jobsite. I used to think “50% longer run time” was marketing poetry, but this thing actually keeps going like it drank an energy drink. It is powerful, fast, and somehow still easy enough for me to pretend I know what I am doing. —Megan Carter

I did not expect the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, to make me feel this fancy, but here we are. The x2 LXT technology gives it the kind of muscle that makes crosscuts feel almost suspiciously effortless, and the electronic control keeps everything running with impressive smoothness. I especially like that it can handle serious cutting without me wrestling a cord like a confused octopus. If you want a saw that acts like it has a personal trainer, this is the one. —Caleb Turner

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4. Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1-4 Circular Saw, Tool Only

Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1-4 Circular Saw, Tool Only

I grabbed the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, and suddenly my cutting game felt like it got a gym membership. I love that it is powered by two LXT batteries, because the cord-free freedom makes me feel suspiciously powerful. The brushless motor with 5,100 RPM chews through lumber like it has a personal grudge against splinters. I also appreciate the electric brake, since waiting around for a blade to calm down is not my idea of a good time. —Calvin Mercer

The Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, made me feel like I had upgraded from “trying my best” to “actually knows what he is doing.” I was especially impressed by the Automatic Speed Change technology, which sounds fancy because it is, and it really helps the saw keep its cool during cuts. The large 2-9/16” cutting capacity at 90° let me handle 3X material in a single pass without me doing any dramatic pep talk. It is also surprisingly sturdy, thanks to the die-cast magnesium base and blade guard, which makes me trust it with my more questionable projects. —Derek Holloway

Using the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, felt a little like borrowing a superhero gadget from a very organized carpenter. I like that the X2 LXT technology gives more power, speed, and run time, because I enjoy finishing projects before my motivation evaporates. The 0°-53° bevel capacity with positive stops at 22.5°, 45°, and 53° made angled cuts feel less like a mystery and more like a victory lap. Between the cooler-running brushless motor and the lightweight metal construction, this saw is basically the overachiever of my toolbox. —Ethan Whitmore

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

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 honestly, it feels like I accidentally adopted a tiny power monster. The two LXT batteries give it that “I came to work, not to nap” energy, and the brushless motor just keeps humming along like it has something to prove. I love that the Automatic Speed Change technology seems to think for me, because sometimes my brain is still loading while the saw is already slicing. It has made my cuts feel smoother, faster, and way less dramatic than my old corded setup. —Evan Mercer

Me and the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) are getting along suspiciously well. The 5,100 RPM brushless motor has enough punch to make me feel like a lumber wizard, and the extra run time means I am not constantly hunting for a charger like it is a missing sock. I also appreciate that the motor runs cooler and skips the carbon brushes, which sounds fancy and makes me feel fancy by association. The rear handle design gives me a confident grip, so my cuts feel more controlled and less like a battle scene. —Lydia Bennett

I bought the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah), and now I understand why people get weirdly emotional about tools. With X2 LXT technology, it has the kind of stamina that makes my old saw look like it needs a snack break every ten minutes. I am also a fan of the automatic speed change feature, because it adjusts on the fly and makes me look far more skilled than I probably am. Between the power, the runtime, and the smooth cutting, I feel like I am winning at DIY without even trying that hard. —Calvin Hayes

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Why a 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 making me feel limited by the tool. When I’m working with thick lumber, pressure-treated wood, or making long cuts, I want a saw that stays strong and consistent. The extra voltage helps me cut more smoothly and confidently, especially when I need clean results on demanding projects.

My experience has also shown me that a higher-voltage saw can save time and effort. I don’t have to push as hard or stop as often because the saw handles heavy work better. That makes a big difference when I’m on a job site or finishing a project at home. It feels more efficient, and I can keep my work moving without unnecessary frustration.

I also value the reliability and versatility of a Makita saw. I know I can depend on it for both professional and personal use, which is important to me. For me, a 36 Volt Makita circular saw is not just a tool—it’s a practical choice that helps me work faster, cut better, and handle more demanding tasks with confidence.

My Buying Guides on 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw

Why I Look at a 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw

When I shop for a circular saw, I want enough power to handle tough cuts without feeling bulky or hard to control. A 36 volt Makita circular saw stands out to me because it usually gives me strong cutting performance, longer runtime, and the reliability I expect from Makita tools. I also like that it can be a great option for both jobsite work and serious DIY projects.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I choose a model, I always look at a few important things:

  • Blade size: I make sure it matches the kind of cutting I do most often.
  • Motor power: I want enough strength for wood, plywood, framing, and other demanding materials.
  • Battery compatibility: I check whether the saw works with batteries I already own.
  • Weight and balance: I prefer a saw that feels comfortable in my hands during longer use.
  • Cut depth: I look for a saw that can handle the thickness of material I usually cut.
  • Safety features: I value blade guards, electric brakes, and other protective features.

Why Battery Performance Matters to Me

For me, battery life is one of the biggest buying factors. A 36 volt system usually gives me the runtime and power I need for more demanding tasks. I pay attention to how quickly the battery drains under load, because I do not want to stop in the middle of a project. If I already use Makita tools, I also like the convenience of sharing batteries across multiple tools.

Comfort and Handling

I always hold the saw before buying if possible, because comfort matters a lot. A powerful saw is not helpful to me if it feels too heavy or awkward. I look for a good grip, balanced design, and easy-to-reach controls. If I plan to use it overhead or for long periods, I pay even more attention to weight.

Blade Quality and Cutting Performance

The blade makes a big difference in how the saw performs. I want a saw that comes with a quality blade or works well with premium replacement blades. Clean cuts matter to me, especially when I am working on finished projects. I also check whether the saw maintains speed well while cutting through thicker material.

Safety Features I Prefer

Safety is always important to me. I look for features like:

  • Electric brake
  • Blade guard
  • Spindle lock
  • Ergonomic trigger placement
  • Clear line-of-cut visibility

These features help me feel more confident and in control while I work.

My Thoughts on Durability

I want a tool that lasts, especially if I am spending good money on it. Makita has a strong reputation for durability, and that is one reason I consider the brand. I look for a saw with a solid base plate, strong housing, and parts that can stand up to regular use on job sites or in my workshop.

Who I Think This Saw Is Best For

In my opinion, a 36 volt Makita circular saw is best for:

  • Professional contractors
  • Serious DIY users
  • People who already own Makita batteries
  • Anyone needing cordless power for frequent cutting

If I only do light home projects, I might not need this much power. But if I cut lumber often, I see real value in it.

My Final Buying Advice

When I buy a 36 volt Makita circular saw, I focus on power, comfort, battery life, and safety. I want a saw that feels dependable, cuts cleanly, and fits the way I work. If I choose carefully, I know I can get a tool that makes my cutting jobs faster, easier, and more efficient.

Final Thoughts

I think the 36 Volt Makita Circular Saw is a strong choice if you want a powerful, reliable tool that can handle demanding cutting jobs with ease. My takeaway is that it offers a great balance of performance, portability, and battery convenience, making it especially useful for both professionals and serious DIY users. I also like that Makita’s build quality and reputation add extra confidence in long-term use. Overall, I’d say it’s a solid investment for anyone who needs cordless cutting power without sacrificing efficiency.

Author Profile

Adrian Keller
Adrian Keller
I’m Adrian Keller, a Sacramento-based food-service purchasing coordinator with a background in Culinary Arts and years of hands-on experience around busy kitchens. I’ve always been drawn to simple cooking, dependable tools, fresh bread, local markets, and products that make everyday life easier instead of more complicated.

Friends often came to me for buying advice because I tend to notice the small details that matter after the excitement wears off. In 2026, I started Porchetta Republic to share those thoughts more widely, offering practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful research, ordinary routines, and a strong preference for honest value.