Home Depot recently named the Makita Subcompact lineup of tools, the winner of their 2018 Innovation Award. This Makita lineup consists of a range of tools, including the 18V Subcompact 6-1/2” Circular Saw, model #XHS04.
It features 12V size and portability, with 18V of power, and is advertised as being “ideal for any contractor seeking a more compact cutting solution for framing; roofing; form-work; and more.” Is that true? Can this Makita subcompact circular saw really deliver on the jobsite? to answer that question, we gave it to foreman AJ Delancey for his feedback. Then we took it to Ohio Power Tool where Kris Cousins opened it up to see how Makita designed an 18V saw that features 5,000 RPM.
We gave the Subcompact 18V Makita again to AJ Delancey, who has been giving us considerable insight on other 7-1/4″ cordless circular saws this year. This time it’s a little bit different, as this particular model is obviously aimed at a totally different set of applications from size and power. For pros AJ sees this saw as a useful addition to those already invested in the Makita battery platform as a secondary option – not for those tradesmen who are framing all day as a primary saw.
Kris at Ohio Power Tool opened it up to see how it differs from the larger 36V 7-1/4” XSH06 models we covered a few weeks earlier. Just as we expected – the subcompact circular saw from Makita features more plastic than their 7-1/4” models, and overall Kris had the same impression as AJ: this saw is just fine for home owner or specialty applications if you’ve already got the Makita battery platform, and if you only need it for the smaller size.
In addition to the 7-1/4″ XSH06 (uses 2x 18V batteries) Makita also has another brushless 18V 6-1/2″ in the XSH03 which for pros we think lines up very closely with the XSH04 Thanks again AJ and Kris for helping us look inside the Makita 18V Subcompact 6-1/2” Circular Saw #XHS04. If a smaller saw like this is what you’re looking for, go check it out at ohiopowertool.com.
