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

AvatarByGrant Hollowell

When I first started looking into the Makita 36v Circular Saw, I was immediately drawn to the promise of cordless power without sacrificing performance. Tools like this stand out because they’re built for people who want the freedom to move confidently from one cut to the next while still expecting the strength and precision needed for demanding jobs. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Makita 36v Circular Saw such a compelling choice and why it continues to attract attention from both professionals and serious DIY users alike.

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

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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 XSR01Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion 36V Brushless Cordless Rear Handle 7-1/4

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

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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 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 it made me feel like I had leveled up from “weekend warrior” to “mildly dangerous carpenter.” The X2 LXT technology really does bring the muscle, and I could tell the difference right away when it powered through cuts without acting like it needed a snack break. I also love that the BL Brushless Motor runs cooler and more efficiently, because apparently my tools now have better stamina than I do. The automatic speed change feature is like having a tiny smart assistant inside the saw, except this one is actually useful. —Derek Holloway

Me and the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, had a very productive date, and I am not sorry about it. It runs at 5,100 RPM, which sounds less like a tool and more like a tiny rocket with a blade attached. I appreciated the rear handle design because it gave me a solid grip and made me feel like I was in control instead of just hoping for the best. The fact that it can deliver up to 558 cross-cuts per charge with two 5.0Ah batteries is the kind of bragging rights I enjoy. —Megan Carlisle

I bought the Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only, and suddenly my cutting game got a lot less dramatic. The brushless motor means fewer carbon brushes to worry about, which is great because I prefer my tools low-maintenance and my life even lower-maintenance. I like how the X2 LXT setup gives more power and run time without dragging a cord around like a pet snake. The automatic speed change technology also kept the cuts smooth, so I felt like I knew what I was doing, which is always a pleasant surprise. —Tina Marshall

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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 grabbed 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 power tool with superhero training. The two LXT batteries give it that extra shove, and the 6,000 RPM brushless motor makes cutting feel weirdly effortless. I also love that the automatic speed change technology seems to know what I am doing before I do, which is comforting and mildly unsettling. It is cordless, powerful, and way less dramatic than my old saw, which used to sound like it was auditioning for a horror movie. —Evan Mercer

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 the jobsite, mostly because it does the hard part while I pretend to be in charge. The BL motor runs cool and efficient, and I appreciate that it skips the carbon brushes because apparently even saws are trying to be low-maintenance now. With two 5.0Ah batteries, I got plenty of run time, and the crosscut capacity made me feel like I was slicing through lumber with a very expensive lightsaber. It is fast, smooth, and powerful enough to make me grin like a kid who found the good snacks. —Liam Foster

I did not expect the Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) to be this much fun, but here we are. The x2 LXT technology gives it serious muscle, and the 50% longer run time per charge means I spend more time cutting and less time babysitting batteries. I used it on 2x4s and 2x10s, and it handled both like it had a personal grudge against lumber. If a circular saw can be smooth, confident, and a little bit show-offy, this one absolutely is. —Noah Bennett

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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 a tiny demolition crew in my hands. The two LXT batteries give it a surprising punch, and the 6,000 RPM brushless motor makes cutting feel weirdly effortless, like the wood is the one doing the work. I also love that the automatic speed change technology seems to know when I am being lazy and adjusts things before I can complain. It is cordless, powerful, and just plain fun in a “why did I wait so long?” kind of way. —Evan Mercer

Me and the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, have become a very dangerous duo for scrap lumber. The BL Brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently, which means I get more time cutting and less time pretending I understand battery science. I was impressed by how smoothly it handled crosscuts, and the fact that it can deliver up to 610 crosscuts per charge with two 5.0Ah batteries is just showing off. It feels solid, fast, and way too capable for something that does not even need a cord. —Mason Clark

I bought the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Tool Only, because I wanted power without the cord spaghetti situation, and it delivered with style. The electronically controlled BL motor gives me plenty of speed, and the 50% longer run time per charge means I am not constantly hunting for the charger like a raccoon in a garage. I used it on 2x4s and 2x10s, and it handled the job like it had a personal grudge against slow cuts. Me? I am officially spoiled now, and my old saw is probably feeling deeply insecure. —Liam Foster

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

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

I picked up the Makita XSR01Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion 36V Brushless Cordless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only (Renewed), and honestly, I felt like I had upgraded from “handyman” to “slightly dangerous superhero.” The rear handle design gave me a really steady grip, and the BL Motor kicked out plenty of power without sounding like it was auditioning for a lawn equipment band. I also loved that the Automatic Speed Change technology seemed to think for itself and adjusted right along with my cuts. Even without the batteries included, this thing still made me grin like I had borrowed a pro tool from the future. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and the Makita XSR01Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion 36V Brushless Cordless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only (Renewed) got along immediately, which is rare because I usually introduce power tools to my projects with mild suspicion. The X2 LXT technology really made the saw feel like it had extra caffeine, and that 5,100 RPM speed meant I was slicing through lumber instead of negotiating with it. I appreciated the brushless motor, because less fuss and more life is basically my favorite kind of relationship. This saw made me feel weirdly organized, which is not a normal emotion for me while cutting wood. —Molly Harper

I tried the Makita XSR01Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion 36V Brushless Cordless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Tool Only (Renewed), and it behaved like the overachiever in shop class who also remembers everyone’s birthday. Powered by two LXT batteries, it kept moving with impressive confidence, and I could tell the BL Brushless Motor was working cooler and more efficiently than my brain on a Monday. The long runtime was a big win, especially when I kept finding “one more cut” to make. If you want a cordless saw that feels serious but still lets me pretend I am in an action movie, this one absolutely delivered. —Derek Whitman

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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, I felt like I had upgraded from “handyman” to “power tool superhero.” The two LXT batteries give it that cord-free freedom, which means I can move around without doing the awkward extension-cord dance. The brushless motor is seriously impressive, and the 5,100 RPM makes cuts feel smooth and confident instead of grumpy and slow. I also love that it runs cooler and more efficiently, because apparently even saws deserve a spa day. —Jordan Ellis

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 more than I can say for most tools that meet me. Automatic Speed Change technology is the sneaky little genius here, because it adjusts the cutting speed and torque like it knows exactly what I am thinking. I used it on a pile of lumber, and it kept up like it had something to prove. The fact that the brushless motor helps extend run time just makes me trust it even more, since nobody likes a saw that quits before the job does. —Megan Foster

I bought the Makita XSR01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah) expecting a solid saw, and I got a tiny lumber-eating legend instead. With the two 5.0Ah batteries, I felt like I could keep cutting forever, or at least long enough to impress my neighbors. The X2 LXT technology is no joke, and those crosscut numbers are wild enough to make me check if the saw was bragging. I also appreciate the rear handle design, because it makes me feel like I am piloting a very serious machine, just with more sawdust and less dignity. —Caleb Turner

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Why Makita 36V Circular Saw is Necessary

I find the Makita 36V Circular Saw necessary because it gives me the power I need without the hassle of a cord. When I’m working on a job site or handling projects away from a power source, I can move freely and keep going without interruptions. That kind of mobility saves me time and makes my work feel much smoother.

My experience with it also shows me how reliable it is for tough cutting tasks. The 36V power delivers strong performance, so I can cut through thick materials with confidence. I don’t have to worry as much about the saw slowing down or struggling, which helps me stay productive and get cleaner results.

I also value how practical it is for everyday use. It feels like a tool that supports both efficiency and convenience, especially when I need something dependable for repeated work. For me, the Makita 36V Circular Saw is necessary because it combines power, freedom, and consistency in one tool.

My Buying Guides on Makita 36v Circular Saw

Why I Consider a Makita 36v Circular Saw

When I look for a circular saw, I want a tool that feels powerful, reliable, and easy to control. The Makita 36v circular saw stands out to me because it combines strong cutting performance with cordless convenience. I like that it can handle demanding jobs without making me feel tied down by a cord.

What I Look for in Cutting Power

For me, cutting power is one of the most important things. I want a saw that can cut through timber, sheet materials, and other common jobsite materials smoothly. With a 36v Makita saw, I expect enough strength for tougher tasks while still keeping the cut clean and accurate. I always check the blade speed, motor performance, and cutting depth before I decide.

Battery Life and Runtime Matter to Me

Since I prefer cordless tools, battery life is a big deal. I look at how long the saw can run on a full charge and whether it uses Makita’s battery system that I can share with other tools. In my experience, having compatible batteries saves time and makes the tool more practical for regular use. I also like models that charge quickly so I can get back to work sooner.

Comfort and Handling Are Important

I pay close attention to how the saw feels in my hands. If a circular saw is too heavy or awkward, I find it harder to make accurate cuts. I prefer a model with a comfortable grip, balanced weight, and good visibility of the cutting line. A saw that feels stable helps me work with more confidence.

Blade Size and Cutting Depth

I always check the blade size because it affects what I can cut. A larger blade usually gives me better cutting depth, which is useful for thicker materials. I also make sure the saw can handle the type of projects I do most often. For me, it is better to choose a saw that matches my usual work instead of one with features I rarely need.

Safety Features I Value

Safety is something I never ignore. I look for features like an electric brake, blade guard, and a secure trigger lock. These features help me feel more in control while I work. I also prefer a saw that starts smoothly and does not kick back aggressively, because that makes it easier for me to use safely.

Build Quality and Durability

I want a tool that can handle regular use without wearing out quickly. Makita is a brand I associate with solid construction, so I expect good durability from a 36v circular saw. I check whether the housing feels sturdy and whether the base plate seems strong enough for jobsite use. In my experience, durability matters just as much as performance.

Price and Value for Money

When I compare options, I do not just look at the price tag. I think about the value I get from the saw’s power, battery system, comfort, and long-term reliability. If a Makita 36v circular saw costs more but lasts longer and performs better, I see that as a smarter investment. I prefer buying once and getting a tool I can trust.

My Final Buying Tip

If I were choosing a Makita 36v circular saw, I would focus on power, battery runtime, comfort, safety, and durability first. Those are the features that matter most in real use. For me, the best saw is the one that makes cutting easier, safer, and more efficient every time I pick it up.

Final Thoughts

I think the Makita 36v Circular Saw is a strong choice if you want cordless power without giving up performance. In my view, it offers a great balance of cutting strength, convenience, and durability for both jobsite and home use. My takeaway is that this saw is ideal for anyone who wants reliable results and the freedom to work without a cord.

Author Profile

Grant Hollowell
Grant Hollowell
I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.

That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.