Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only is a cordless plunge circular saw built for accurate sheet-good cutting, straight line ripping, and finish-sensitive crosscuts when paired with a guide rail. This is a plunge circular saw designed for precision cutting in plywood, melamine, MDF, aluminum, Corian, and other panel materials with the correct blade. Model Number: XPS01Z.

What sets this saw apart is the combination of track-saw style accuracy and cordless mobility. Makita uses a brushless motor with a variable no-load speed range of 2,500 to 6,300 RPM, plus Automatic Speed Change technology that adjusts speed and torque under load. In real use, that means the saw is better at staying smooth through changes in material density instead of bogging down when the cut gets serious.

The cutting numbers are strong for a 6-1/2 inch plunge saw. You get a maximum cutting capacity of 2-3/16 inches at 90 degrees and 1-9/16 inches at 45 degrees, with bevel capability from -1 degree to 48 degrees and positive stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees. That gives you enough capacity for common cabinet work, built-ins, sheet breakdown, and bevel work without stepping up to a much larger saw.

Makita also built in the details that make a plunge saw easier to live with on the job. The soft start helps the saw come up to speed cleanly, the electric brake shortens downtime between cuts, and the large-scale depth adjustment is easier to set accurately. Dual front and rear bevel supports add rigidity during bevel cuts, which is exactly where cheaper designs tend to get loose and wander.

For cleaner finished edges, this saw includes a built-in depth stop that allows a shallow scoring pass of 2 mm to 3 mm before the full cut. That is a practical feature if you work with veneered panels, melamine, or other materials that chip easily. Makita also calls out close-to-wall cutting at 11/16 inch, which gives the saw more flexibility in installation and remodel work where space is tight.

Dust handling is jobsite-friendly too. The rear 1-7/16 inch dust port directs debris away from the operator and connects to a vacuum system, which is a big deal for indoor work, finished homes, and shop use. The saw is also compact at 13-5/8 inches long, and Makita lists net weight at 11.2 pounds with batteries, so it is easier to control than a bulky corded alternative when you are making repeated guided cuts.

On the platform side, this is part of Makita's 18V LXT system and runs on two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries. It is compatible with Makita 18V LXT and Compact Lithium-Ion batteries that have the Star symbol, which enables Star Protection communication between tool and battery to help protect against overload, over-discharge, and overheating. Batteries and charger are sold separately, so this bare tool makes the most sense for users already on Makita LXT.

Who should buy it? Cabinet installers, remodelers, finish carpenters, millwork shops, serious DIY woodworkers, and anyone who wants track-saw accuracy without being tied to an outlet. If your work involves breaking down sheet goods on-site, making clean splinter-controlled cuts, or replacing some table saw tasks with a more portable setup, this saw is right in that lane.

Makita XPS01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw, Tool Only gets you track-saw accuracy without the cord

This is the saw for guys who want cleaner, straighter cuts in sheet goods and trim materials without setting up a full table saw station every time.

• Who it's for: Pros and serious DIY users doing cabinet work, remodeling, built-ins, and portable panel cutting.
• Why it stands out: Strong cut capacity, variable speed, bevel range to 48 degrees, dust collection, and real guide-rail functionality in Makita's X2 LXT cordless platform.
• Worth knowing: It is a bare tool, so plan on supplying two compatible 18V LXT batteries and a charger, and the guide rail is optional but honestly where this saw really earns its keep.

• Is this a track saw or a regular circular saw? This is a plunge circular saw designed to work with an optional guide rail system for precise straight and bevel cuts.
• What batteries does it use? It runs on two Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries and is compatible with Makita 18V LXT and Compact Lithium-Ion batteries that have the Star symbol.
• What is the maximum cutting depth? Maximum cutting capacity is 2-3/16 inches at 90 degrees and 1-9/16 inches at 45 degrees.
• Can it connect to dust extraction? Yes. It has a 1-7/16 inch rear dust port that connects to a vacuum system.