Does the XSH04ZB come with a battery or charger?

No. It is tool only, so you need a Makita 18V LXT battery and charger, sold separately.

The 6-1/2 inch blade gives a maximum cut depth of about 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees, less than a 7-1/4 inch saw.

Any Makita 18V LXT battery fits, from 2.0Ah up to 6.0Ah. Larger packs give longer run time at more weight.

Is it good for framing?

It handles 2x framing lumber and sheathing, but for repeated deep cuts in thick stock a 7-1/4 inch saw is the better fit.

What blade does it use?

It takes a 6-1/2 inch blade with a 5/8 inch arbor.

Where can I buy the Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact 6-1/2" Circular Saw (Tool Only)?

17 stores we checked sell it, including ToolUp.com, Shell Lumber and Hardware, Mrosupreme.com, Pacific Power Tools, Amazon.

Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact 6-1/2" Circular Saw (Tool Only)

Q: Where is the Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact 6-1/2" Circular Saw (Tool Only) cheapest?

At Pacific Power Tools, for $149.99, 28% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$149.99at Pacific Power ToolsChecked 1 h ago

28% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 16 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Pacific Power Tools

What reviewers say

Owners describe the XSH04 as light, balanced and smooth for its size, with run time that holds up on trim and punch-list work. The main complaints are the shallow cut depth and the extra cost of batteries and a charger.

What people mention

WeightPraisedOwners like how light and balanced it feels, especially overhead and on ladders.
Cut depthCriticisedReviewers say the 6-1/2 inch blade cannot match a 7-1/4 inch saw in thick stock.
Run timePraisedUsers report plenty of cuts per charge with a 5.0Ah or larger battery.
Battery platformMixedBeing tool only is convenient for existing LXT owners but adds cost for newcomers.
PowerMixedIt cuts cleanly in dimensional lumber but bogs down in wet or hard wood.

About the Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact 6-1/2" Circular Saw (Tool Only)

The Makita XSH04ZB is an 18V LXT Sub-Compact 6-1/2" cordless circular saw for cutting and ripping. It is a blade-right saw, 10-5/8" long, and it weighs 6.4 lbs. with an 18V LXT Compact 2.0Ah battery. It is sold as a tool only. The battery and charger are sold separately.

A Makita-built brushless motor delivers up to 5,000 RPM. Automatic Speed Change technology adjusts cutting speed and torque under load. The electronically controlled motor gives up to 50% longer run time than non-brushless motors. In run-time testing, the saw made up to 174 cross-cuts per charge in 2x10 SPF lumber with one 5.0Ah battery.

The base is aluminum and the blade cover is magnesium. The handle has a rubberized soft grip. Dual L.E.D. lights illuminate the work area, and an electric brake is built in. Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) improves dust and water resistance. A rear dust port connects to a vacuum, and a built-in blower clears the line of cut. Star Protection Computer Controls let the tool and battery exchange data to guard against overloading, over-discharging and overheating.

Model

XSH04ZB

Blade size

6-1/2"

Voltage

18V LXT

Motor

Makita-built brushless BL Motor, up to 5,000 RPM

Cutting capacity

2-1/4" at 90°

Bevel capacity

0° to 50°

Length

10-5/8"

Weight

6.4 lbs. with 18V LXT Compact 2.0Ah battery

Compatible batteries

18V LXT and Compact Lithium-Ion batteries with the star symbol, including 2.0Ah (BL1820B), 3.0Ah (BL1830B), 4.0Ah (BL1840B), 5.0Ah (BL1850B) and 6.0Ah (BL1860B)

Features

Automatic Speed Change, electric brake, dual L.E.D. lights, 3-stage L.E.D. battery gauge, built-in dust blower, built-in tether notch, on-board blade wrench, XPT dust and water resistance