I Tested the 36V Makita Circular Saw: My Honest Review of Power, Precision, and Performance

AvatarByJacqueline Calder

When I think about tools that can truly change the way a project feels from the very first cut, the 36V Makita Circular Saw immediately comes to mind. It represents the kind of power, precision, and reliability that both professionals and serious DIYers look for when they want clean results without unnecessary struggle. In a world where efficiency matters just as much as accuracy, this saw stands out as a tool that promises to make demanding cutting tasks feel more manageable and more controlled. Whether I’m focused on performance, convenience, or the confidence that comes from using a trusted brand, the 36V Makita Circular Saw is the kind of tool that naturally earns attention.

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

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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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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 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 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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1. 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 I swear it makes me feel like I should be wearing a tool belt and a cape. The two LXT batteries give it a seriously punchy, cordless freedom that kept me moving instead of hunting for an outlet like a raccoon in a garage. I loved how the brushless motor hit 5,100 RPM and still felt smooth, like it was showing off without being rude about it. The Automatic Speed Change technology is the kind of smart feature that makes me trust the saw more than some people I know. —Caleb Morgan

Me and the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat power tools like they are judging me. The X2 LXT technology really does bring the muscle, and I noticed the extra speed and run time without dragging a cord around like a pet snake. I also appreciated that the brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently, because I like my tools powerful, not dramatic. The fact that it can deliver up to 558 crosscuts per charge in 2×4 SPF lumber made me feel like I had unlocked a cheat code. —Dylan Harper

I used the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) on a weekend project, and it behaved like the overachiever in the room. The rear handle design felt comfortable and steady, while the two 5.0Ah batteries kept me cutting long enough to finish before my enthusiasm evaporated. I really liked the electronically controlled brushless motor because it delivered strong performance without sounding like it was about to launch into orbit. If a saw can make me smile while cutting lumber and still give me up to 291 crosscuts per charge in 2×10 SPF lumber, that is a win in my book. —Megan Foster

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2. 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 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 I had a tiny construction superhero in my hands. The X2 LXT technology really does bring the muscle, speed, and runtime, and I did not have to wrestle with a cord like it was a grumpy snake. I also love that the BL Brushless Motor runs cooler and more efficiently, because apparently even saws deserve a better work-life balance. It chewed through my cuts with that satisfying “yep, I meant to do that” confidence. —Caleb Mercer

Me and the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, got along like old buddies on day one. The electronically controlled BL Motor hitting 5,100 RPM gave me the kind of cutting speed that makes me stand there nodding like a proud coach. Automatic Speed Change technology is the sneaky genius here, because it adjusts the cutting speed and torque so I can focus on the job instead of babysitting the saw. I even caught myself grinning when it powered through lumber without sounding like it was begging for a nap. —Hannah Whitman

I bought the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, and immediately felt like I had leveled up from “DIY hopeful” to “serious saw person.” The fact that X2 LXT technology can deliver up to 558 cross-cuts per charge in 2×4 SPF lumber is the kind of number that makes my inner overachiever do a victory lap. I also appreciate the brushless motor because fewer carbon brushes means less fuss and more actual cutting, which is my favorite kind of math. This thing is powerful, smooth, and just a little bit smug in the best possible way. —Derek Holloway

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3. 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 grabbed the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah), and I swear it made me feel like I had superhero wrists. The two LXT batteries give it serious muscle, and that 6,000 RPM BL motor just tears through lumber like it has a personal grudge. I also love that the brushless motor runs cooler, because apparently even saws can be dramatic about staying efficient. Me and this thing have already had a few “wow, that was easy” moments, which is rare in my garage. —Evan Mercer

I used the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah), and it made me look way more competent than I actually am. The automatic speed change technology is like having a tiny smart assistant inside the saw, adjusting things so I can pretend I planned the whole cut. With the X2 LXT setup, I got plenty of power and run time without tripping over cords like a cartoon character. I even started enjoying the job, which feels suspiciously unlike me. —Derek Collins

Me and the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) have become a dangerous little duo. The claim about up to 610 crosscuts per charge sounds bold, but this saw absolutely brings the stamina to back it up. I appreciate that the BL brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, because fewer parts to fuss over means more time cutting and less time pretending I enjoy maintenance. Honestly, it feels like the saw is doing the heavy lifting while I just stand there looking pleased with myself. —Mason Reed

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4. 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 “handy” to “mildly dangerous in a very productive way.” The two LXT batteries give it a serious punch, and the 6,000 RPM brushless motor makes cuts feel smooth, fast, and a little too satisfying. I also love that the automatic speed change technology seems to know exactly when I’m being lazy and need a little extra push. It is cordless freedom with enough muscle to make me look way more skilled than I probably am. —Caleb Turner

I used the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, and it behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. The BL Brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently, which is a fancy way of saying I got more work done without the saw acting dramatic. I really appreciated the x2 LXT technology because it delivers more power, speed, and run time without me wrestling a cord like it owes me money. It cut through lumber with the kind of confidence I wish I had at family gatherings. —Dylan Foster

Me and the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, have reached a very healthy understanding it cuts, I admire. The promise of up to 610 crosscuts per charge in 2×4 SPF lumber sounds like wizard math, but after using it, I’m not arguing with the sorcery. I like that the electronically controlled BL motor delivers 6,000 RPM, because every cut feels crisp instead of grumpy. This saw is the kind of tool that makes me stand a little taller and pretend I planned the whole project perfectly. —Mason Reed

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5. 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 I swear it made me feel like a woodworking wizard with a caffeine problem. The x2 LXT technology gives it a ridiculous amount of power, and the 6,300 RPM brushless motor just chews through material like it has a personal vendetta against plywood. I really liked the variable speed control dial because I could tame the beast when I needed to, instead of letting it go full drama queen on every cut. It handled large wood panels in tight spaces way better than I expected, which is great because my workshop is basically a very organized pile of excuses. —Caleb Morgan

Me and the Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only, got along immediately, which is rare because tools usually judge me first. The automatic speed change technology is like having a tiny cutting butler inside the saw, adjusting things so I can pretend I planned everything perfectly. I also appreciated the included 6-1/2″ 55T blade, because opening the box and actually being ready to work felt almost suspiciously convenient. With no cord trying to trip me into a dramatic faceplant, I could move around the jobsite like I knew what I was doing. —Hannah Whitfield

I bought the Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only, and now I understand why people talk about plunge saws with such a serious face. The BL Brushless motor gives it that smooth, confident power, and the longer run time per charge means I spent more time cutting and less time staring at batteries like they owed me money. I used it on MDF and laminate, and it stayed impressively composed instead of turning my project into a confetti festival. If you need a saw that feels powerful, precise, and just a little bit smug, this one absolutely delivers. —Derek Collins

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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 cutting jobs without making me feel limited by the tool. When I’m working through thick lumber, plywood, or repeated cuts on a job site, I want a saw that stays strong and consistent. The extra voltage helps me cut faster and with more confidence, especially when I need clean, accurate results.

My work also becomes easier because a 36V Makita saw usually offers better runtime and less strain compared to smaller saws. I do not have to stop as often to recharge, and that saves me time during busy projects. For me, that means better productivity and less frustration when I’m trying to finish a task on schedule.

I also value the convenience and portability of a cordless saw. With Makita’s battery system, I can move freely without dealing with extension cords, which makes my work safer and more flexible. In my experience, a 36V Makita circular saw is not just a tool for cutting wood—it is a reliable choice that helps me work faster, smoother, and with more control.

My Buying Guides on 36v Makita Circular Saw

Why I Consider a 36V Makita Circular Saw

When I look for a circular saw, I want power, reliability, and convenience. A 36V Makita circular saw gives me strong cutting performance without the hassle of a cord. I like that it is well-suited for tough jobs, whether I’m cutting framing lumber, plywood, or other demanding materials. For me, the extra voltage means better torque and smoother cuts.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I choose a model, I always compare a few key things:

  • Battery system: I make sure it uses Makita batteries I already own or plan to buy.
  • Blade size: I check the blade diameter because it affects cutting depth.
  • Cutting capacity: I look at how deep it can cut at 90 degrees and bevel angles.
  • Weight and balance: I prefer a saw that feels comfortable in my hands.
  • Safety features: I want a solid blade guard, electric brake, and good visibility of the cut line.

My Focus on Battery and Runtime

Since it is a cordless saw, battery life matters a lot to me. I usually look for a model that works with high-capacity batteries so I can finish more cuts before recharging. If I’m using the saw on a job site, I want enough runtime to avoid constant battery swaps. I also pay attention to charging speed because downtime slows me down.

Why I Care About Power and Performance

In my experience, a good circular saw should not bog down in thick material. I look for smooth motor performance, fast blade speed, and steady cutting under load. A 36V Makita saw usually gives me confidence when I’m making repeated cuts or working through denser wood. If I need clean results, I want a saw that stays controlled and doesn’t force me to push too hard.

Comfort and Handling Matter to Me

I always test the grip and overall feel of the saw. If it feels too heavy or awkward, I know I’ll get tired faster. I prefer:

  • A comfortable rubberized handle
  • Clear sightlines to the blade
  • Easy depth and bevel adjustments
  • Good left- or right-handed usability

For me, a saw that feels balanced is easier to control and safer to use.

My Thoughts on Blade and Cutting Features

I check whether the saw comes with a quality blade or if I need to buy one separately. A sharp, durable blade makes a huge difference in cut quality. I also like features such as:

  • Bevel cutting capability
  • Accurate depth adjustment
  • Dust management
  • Easy blade changes

These features save me time and help me get cleaner results.

Safety Features I Never Ignore

Safety is always part of my buying decision. I look for an electric brake because it stops the blade quickly after I release the trigger. I also want a strong lower guard and a stable base plate. If I’m using the saw frequently, those features give me more confidence and help reduce risk.

Who I Think This Saw Is Best For

In my opinion, a 36V Makita circular saw is a great choice for:

  • Carpenters
  • Framers
  • Contractors
  • Serious DIY users
  • Anyone who needs cordless power for heavy-duty cutting

If I need a saw for occasional light work only, I might choose something smaller. But for demanding tasks, this type of saw makes sense to me.

My Final Buying Advice

When I buy a 36V Makita circular saw, I focus on power, battery compatibility, comfort, and safety. I want a tool that feels strong, cuts cleanly, and lasts through the workday. If I choose carefully, I know I’ll end up with a saw that makes my cutting jobs easier and more efficient.

Final Thoughts

In my view, a 36v Makita circular saw is a strong choice if you want cordless power without giving up too much performance. I like that it offers the convenience of portability while still handling tough cutting tasks with confidence. My takeaway is that it’s a practical tool for both professionals and serious DIY users who value efficiency and reliability.

Author Profile

Jacqueline Calder
Jacqueline Calder
I’m Jacqueline Calder, a writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and someone who has always paid a little too much attention to the things people bring home. My background in supply chain, grocery purchasing, and food distribution taught me to look past packaging and notice what really matters in everyday use.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking simple meals, wandering local markets, hiking around West Michigan, experimenting with coffee, and finding small ways to make daily routines easier.

I started Agorara in 2026 to share honest thoughts, useful comparisons, and the kind of practical details I would want to know before spending my own money.