Makita XSH10 9 1/4-inch Circular Saw Review

Makita XSH10 Combines High Cut Capacity with Cordless Convenience for Woodworking

The Makita XSH10 shifts into a new area for the brand: high-capacity cordless circular saws. With a 9 1/4-inch blade, this 18V X2 circular saw has the ability to cut deeper than any other cordless circular in the line. We tested it head-to-head against the best cordless circular saws currently available.

Pros

• Additional capacity and power for woodworking applications
• Rail compatible shoe
• Magnesium shoe, blade cover, and blade guard
• Perfect accuracy on shoe notches
• Remarkably low friction shoe coating
• Excellent guard action in all tested cuts
• Integrated rotating vacuum port
• AWS-ready

Cons

• Secondary handle is a little small

Makita 18V X2 9 1/4-Inch Circular Saw Testing

Makita XSH10 – Why 9 1/4 Inches?

Obviously, having a 9 1/4-inch blade offers deeper cutting capacity than a 7 1/4-inch circular saw. At 90º, the Makita XSH10 can cut up to 3 3/8 inches deep.

The XSR01 rear-handle saw can already cut 3x material and the XSH10 is just short of finishing off 4x, so what’s the benefit of the larger blade?

One application we found is agricultural. The saw has the capacity to top fence posts and even them out once you have your line set. It’s excellent for deck boards, rails, and posts, too.

There are other applications and you need to think outside the realm of framing to see them,.

A big clue is on the shoe – this is a rail compatible circular saw. If you’re a woodworker or carpenter looking for a deeper cut than standard or even 8 1/4-inch track saws can offer, that’s where the XSH10 excels. Think thicker solid wood doors and the like.

Bigger Blade, More Power

The Makita 9 1/4-inch circular saw also has a bigger motor than its 7 1/4-inch counterparts on the 18V X2 line. It’s a difference we saw in our testing.

We invited an elite group of cordless circular saws in for testing. All were high-performance, advanced machines that are more powerful than standard cordless circular saws. They separated into three distinct power levels, and the Makita XSH10 was clearly a step above the other Makita saws.

Considering the impressive performance of the XSH06, XSH08, and XSR01, that’s a big compliment.

Accuracy

The Makita XSH10 9 1/4-inch circular saw doesn’t have as clear a sightline to the blade as some of the saws we tested, but it’s not bad.

If that’s an obstacle for you, the 0º and 45º notches are perfectly trustworthy. Using the 9 1/4-inch Max Efficiency blade that came with the saw, they’re dead-on our cutline at both angles.

The saw also tracks very well when you’re following a cutline. The handle design and cutting action didn’t make the saw want to wander freehand or against a straightedge.

Of course, if you want the most accurate cuts, take advantage of the saw’s rail compatibility.

Movement

Makita really nailed their design in our movement tests. The guard action was flawless across all of our cuts: cross cuts, thin shaving, 45º bevels, 45º miters, 45º/45º compound cuts on thick and thin materials.

Considering we ran into several saws that we had to manually work the guard on with several cut types, earning that perfect score is worth mentioning.

That said, if you happen to run across a cut that you need to manually work the guard on, it’s handle is pretty small and puts your fingers closer to the blade than other models.

The Makita XSH10 also joins its fellow cordless circular saws with a shoe coating that’s remarkably low-friction sliding over wood. Even against the other saws that have less friction, Makita’s coating consistently came out on top.

Ergonomics

As a larger saw, it’s certainly understandable that the Makita XSH10 is heavier than its 7 1/4-inch sidewinder counterparts.

Without batteries, it weighs in at 11.3 pounds and 14.1 pounds with a pair of 5.0Ah packs.

That’s not bad, but it could be worse. The shoe, blade cover, and blade guard are all magnesium, helping keep the weight down to a manageable level. Plus, it’s nearly 2 pounds lighter than Skilsaw’s 7 1/4-inch cordless worm drive.

The handle placement is good with an offset to the secondary handle that doesn’t encourage pushing the saw off your cutline.

The only complaint we have is that the secondary is a little on the small side. We’d prefer something a bit beefier to wrap that guide hand around.

AWS

This saw is AWS-ready. Just add an AWS chip, connect it to an AWS dust extractor (which is incredibly quick and easy, by the way), and you’re ready to go.

One thing we tested with all of the compatible saws was how much of a difference using the vac port adapter is compared to no active collection. It makes a big difference.

With AWS (Auto-Start Wireless System), the vac kicks on as soon as you hit the tool’s trigger. You get the dust and chip collection you want, extend your cordless vacuum’s battery life, and reduce the overall noise level all automatically.

Read more about AWS in this article.

If you choose not to use a vacuum, the integrated port rotates, allowing you to direct debris away from you. Even without vac assistance, this circular saw does a fantastic job of moving it through the port and away from your cutline.

Additional Features

• Automatic Speed Change
• Electric brake
• Soft start
• Extreme Protection Technology

One feature you might look for that’s missing a rafter hook. With a saw this size and designed for woodworking, it’s understandable that Makita would forgo it.

Unlike some of their saws that don’t include one, it doesn’t look like it’s an optional add-on for this model.

Pricing

The only retailer we’re seeing this model at is Tool Nut currently. They have it at $475 as a bare tool. Considering it’s the only saw in its class, there’s not a ton of direct comparisons to make.

For reference, Makita’s XSH08 7 1/4-inch rail-compatible circular saw runs $339 for the bare tool with its lower capacity.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a framer, Makita’s 7 1/4-inch circular saws are still your bread and butter. On the other hand, deck builders may want to take note.

It’s really in the woodworking scene that the Makita XSH10 really gains a foothold, though. Its additional capacity combined with its power and rail compatibility makes it an excellent option where standard 6 1/2-inch track saws fall short.

Makita 9 1/4-inch Circular Saw Specifications

• Model: Makita XSH10
• No-Load Speed: 4,500 RPM
• Arbor: 5/8 in.
• Cutting Capacity at 90°: 3-3/8 in.
• Cutting Capacity at 45°: 2-3/8 in.
• Max Bevel Capacity at 60°: 1-3/4 in.
• Battery: 2x 18V LXT
• Length: 16-1/4 in.
• Weight: 13.2 lbs with batteries
• Automatic-Start Wireless System (AWS): Capable (transmitter sold separately)
• Electric Brake: Yes
• LED Worklight: Yes
• Soft Start: Yes
• Warranty: 3-year limited
• Price: $475