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Circular saw guide

Makita XSH04ZB 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw (Tool Only)

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Makita 18V LXT owners who want a compact blade-right saw for framing and roofing cuts

The XSH04ZB is Makita's 18V LXT sub-compact brushless 6-1/2 in. circular saw, sold without a battery or charger. Makita lists 5,000 rpm, 2-1/4 in. of depth at 90 degrees, a 0 to 50 degree bevel and an electric brake.

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Published specifications

  • 6-1/2 in. 24-tooth blade included
  • 2-1/4 in. at 0, 1-5/8 in. at 45 degrees
  • Bevel 0-50 degrees, 45 degree stopper
  • 5,000 rpm; electric brake
  • 6.4 lbs with 2.0Ah, per Makita
  • 3-year limited warranty, per Makita

Fit and limits

Strengths

  • Dust attachment included
  • Switches between speed and torque modes itself
  • Hex wrench stores on the saw

Caveats

  • Battery and charger are extra
  • Wood products only, per the manual
  • Cuts 2-1/4 in. deep against 2-9/16 for the 7-1/4 in. saws here (our comparison)

Tool only: what is in the box

Makita sells the XSH04ZB tool only, with battery and charger not included. The box holds a 6-1/2 in. 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade (A-85092), a dust extracting attachment and a hex wrench. The Amazon listing's model field reads XSH04ZB.

Makita lists 6.4 lbs with a 2.0Ah battery and an overall length of 10-5/8 in., with the blade on the right and a top handle. The manual gives 6.3 to 7.0 lbs for the XSH04, depending on the battery fitted.

Depth, bevel and speed

The manual lists cutting depths of 2-1/4 in. at 0 degrees, 1-5/8 in. at a 45 degree bevel and 1-7/16 in. at 50. The base bevels from 0 to 50 degrees, and a stopper gives a precise 45 degree setting.

Makita lists 5,000 rpm no-load and a 5/8 in. arbor. Automatic Speed Change runs the saw in high speed mode under light load and switches to high torque mode under heavy load; a green indicator lights in high torque mode and blinks if the saw is overloaded.

Brake, lamp and switch

The manual lists an electric blade brake and a soft start, and warns that the brake is not a substitute for the blade guard. You press the lock-off button before pulling the trigger, and the manual says never to use the saw if it runs without the lock-off pressed.

Dual LED lights illuminate the work area. Pulling the trigger without pressing the lock-off button lights the lamp without running the saw, and the lamp goes out 10 seconds after release, per the manual.

Dust, blade changes and tethering

The included dust extracting attachment directs material away from you and lets you connect a vacuum, per Makita. Blade changes use the shaft lock and the hex wrench, which stores on the saw, and the manual says to use only the Makita wrench.

A built-in tether notch takes a tether sold separately. For work at height, the manual limits the lanyard to 2 m (6.5 ft), calls for one rated for at least 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs), and says to anchor it to a rigid structure, not to your body.

Uses, runtime claim and warranty

The manual says the saw is intended to cut wood products only. Makita pitches it at framing, roofing and formwork, and claims up to 174 crosscuts per charge in 2x10 SPF on one 5.0Ah battery, which is Makita's figure, not ours.

Makita's page lists a 3-year limited warranty, and the manual refers you to makitatools.com for current terms. Makita also lists XPT, its name for sealing meant to improve dust and water resistance.

Common questions

Does the Makita XSH04ZB include a battery?

No. Makita sells it tool only; the box holds a 24-tooth blade, a dust extracting attachment and a hex wrench.

How deep does the XSH04ZB cut?

2-1/4 in. at 0 degrees, 1-5/8 in. at 45 and 1-7/16 in. at 50, per Makita's manual.

Does the XSH04ZB have a brake?

Yes. Makita's manual lists an electric blade brake.

Check the current listing

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Main caveat to weigh before ordering: Battery and charger are extra.

Primary sources

  1. 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 6-1/2" Circular Saw, Tool Only (XSH04ZB) | Makita
  2. Makita XSH04, XSH05 Instruction Manual (linked from the Makita product page)

Primary sources checked .

Compare with

Side-by-side pages, this model next to: DEWALT DCS391B 20V MAX 6-1/2 in. Cordless Circular Saw (Tool Only), DEWALT DWE575 7-1/4 in. 15 Amp Lightweight Corded Circular Saw, DEWALT DCS590WW1 20V MAX XR 7-1/4 in. Brushless Circular Saw Kit (8Ah).