Makita 40V Max XGT Circular Saw Review GSH01 Pro Tool Reviews

May 20, 2023

The Makita XGT 40V Max tools are designed for demanding applications where a high-powered solution is necessary to get the job done right. Straight away, we see that the Makita 40V Max XGT 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw has many of the features we’ve come to expect from a pro-grade tool and a few extras that have us pretty excited. We’re also going to dive a little deeper into this saw's specs and then see how it stands up to some of the challenges Pros are facing in the real world.

Author's Note: Be sure to check out our Best Circular Saw article for our top picks of 2023!

Right out of the box, it's clear that the Makita GSH01 is built for more than simple weekend projects. Driving this saw is Makita's brushless motor that produces up to 6,000 RPMs and it has a max cutting depth of 2-5/8 inches at 90°. This large cutting capacity allows it to cut 3X material in a single pass which makes it ideal for framers, roofers, and building contractors.

As you would expect from a modern Pro-level circular saw, the Makita GSH01 features tool-free depth and bevel adjustments. This saw has a max bevel of 56° and utilizes a unique three-position dial to adjust the positive stop location between 22.5°, 45°, and 56°. This allows you to make quick, hassle-free adjustments between these common angles on-the-fly without second guessing.

When it comes to making the cut, the saw cuts really well and there's more than enough torque behind the blade to maintain RPMs. It performed exceptionally well while making a difficult 45-degree compound miter cut in our pressure treated 2×10. The saw was able to glide through the board with ease and stayed very true to our cut line with very little extra effort.

The Makita GSH01 measures 12-1/2 inches from end to end and weighs in at 10.2 pounds with the kitted 40V 4.0Ah battery. The top handle is draped with a textured rubber and the front pommel is offset to the left so your arms won't interfere with each other. This grip spacing allows your hands to naturally guide the saw during tricky cuts.

The blade is on the right side of the saw, which can present a slight challenge for right-handed users. However, Makita did a great job of creating an open sightline so the blade is still visible from the left side.

Another handy feature of this saw is it's equipped with the Makita Auto-start Wireless System, AWS for short. This system utilizes a Bluetooth Transmitter Chip to establish wireless on-off communication between the tool and an AWS-compatible dust extractor. Simply put, this automatically activates your dust extractor when the tool is in use and shuts it down a few moments after the tool stops. This saves you trips back and forth, keeps your site clean, and lowers the overall noise level on the jobsite.

The Makita GSH01 circular saw retails for $279 as a bare tool and as a kit for $449. The kit includes a single-port charger, a 4.0Ah battery, and a large carrying case. Makita backs the tool and battery with a 3-year limited warranty.

Don't forget to register your purchase for hassle-free support from Makita.

After everything we experienced during our testing, we can confidently recommend the Makita 40V Max XGT Circular Saw as a first choice for professional framers and builders. It offers a large cutting capacity with plenty of power from its brushless motor to back it up. Plus, it has some truly dynamic features, like the pre-set bevel control dial, that set it apart from the competition. So, if your old corded saw just isn't making the cut anymore, consider stepping up the cordless 40V Max XGT lineup and experience the difference for yourself.