Makita XSH04ZB 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 6-1/2” Circular Saw, Tool Only

The Makita XSH04ZB is an 18V sub-compact cordless circular saw engineered to provide full-size cutting depth in an unusually small package. Traditional full-sized circular saws can feel cumbersome during overhead trimming, sheet breakdown, or tasks in cramped framing bays. By building around a 6-1/2-inch blade and a compact brushless motor, this tool provides a lighter alternative for woodworkers, carpenters, and DIY builders who already use or plan to invest in the Makita 18V LXT battery platform.

Under the housing sits a Makita-built electronically controlled brushless motor running up to 5,000 RPM. Eliminating traditional carbon brushes allows the motor to run cooler and maintain electrical efficiency over long sessions, which preserves motor life and optimizes battery run time. Despite measuring only 10-5/8 inches long, the saw delivers a generous 2-1/4-inch cutting depth when set perpendicular at 90 degrees. That capacity easily cuts through common two-by framing lumber in a single pass. For mitered corners and angled framing, the bevel shoe adjusts between 0 degrees and 50 degrees.

Handling stands out as the primary advantage of this sub-compact design. When equipped with a 2.0Ah battery, the entire tool weighs only 6.4 pounds. The reduced mass minimizes arm fatigue during repetitive cutting or overhead work. The blade sits on the right side of the motor housing, pairing ergonomic balance with a clean grip layout. In the box, Makita includes a 24-tooth carbide-tipped framing blade, an onboard hex wrench for fast blade changes, and a dedicated dust extraction attachment to assist with cleanup.

The trade-offs reflect its bare-tool configuration and specific form factor. Because this is sold as a tool-only unit, you must supply your own compatible Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion battery and charger to run it. Users who prefer a blade-left view of their cut line should also note that this saw uses a blade-right layout. Additionally, while the 6-1/2-inch blade diameter saves weight and length, it offers slightly less total reach than full-sized 7-1/4-inch saws.

Verdict: The Makita XSH04ZB is an outstanding choice for woodworkers and jobsite pros seeking a lightweight, maneuverable circular saw without sacrificing 2-by dimensional lumber cutting capability. If you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries and want to shed bulk on daily cuts, this saw belongs on your shortlist.

• Model Number: XSH04ZB
• Blade Diameter: 6-1/2 inches
• No-Load Speed: 5,000 RPM
• Motor Type: Electronically controlled BL brushless motor
• Cutting Capacity (at 90°): 2-1/4 inches
• Bevel Capacity: 0° to 50°
• Overall Tool Length: 10-5/8 inches
• Tool Weight: 6.4 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery, not included)
• Blade Orientation: Blade-right
• Power Source: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery system (tool only)
• Included Accessories: 24T C.T. saw blade (A-85092), dust extracting attachment (199230-9), hex wrench (783203-8)

A great fit if you:

• Already own compatible Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries and chargers and want a lighter saw for everyday jobs.
• Work in tight framing spaces or crawlspaces where a 10-5/8-inch overall tool length simplifies movement.
• Need a saw light enough at 6.4 pounds to comfortably manage continuous one-handed alignment or repeated overhead cuts.
• Regularly cut through two-inch dimensional lumber and need at least 2-1/4 inches of depth at 90 degrees.

Consider something else if you:

• Do not own any Makita 18V LXT batteries or charging gear and prefer to buy a complete starter kit in one package.
• Prefer a blade-left configuration where your line of sight to the cut line aligns with the left side of the motor.

Confirm on the listing:

• Check whether you already have a compatible Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion battery and charger, as neither is included in the package.
• Check the dimensions of your vacuum hose or shop collection system if you plan to connect the included dust extracting attachment.
• Confirm that the blade-right layout matches your preferred cutting posture and visual line of sight.
• Check that the 2-1/4-inch maximum cut depth matches the thickest material you intend to process.

How to compare your options: Circular saws are primarily evaluated by blade diameter, motor efficiency, cutting depth, and overall weight. This model balances a fast 5,000 RPM brushless motor with a 6-1/2-inch blade diameter, delivering two-by lumber depth at a fraction of the weight found on full-sized 7-1/4-inch alternatives. If minimizing fatigue and tool size is your priority, compare this sub-compact footprint against standard saws to see whether the reduced physical profile fits your routine.

Read through the included instruction manual before mounting the blade or adjusting the base plate. Use the provided hex wrench to secure the 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade firmly onto the arbor in the correct directional rotation before inserting an 18V battery.

Whenever you cut materials that generate significant airborne residue, install the included dust extracting attachment over the discharge port and attach a compatible vacuum line to keep your cut line visible and your workspace tidy.

Take advantage of the bevel scale to dial in your angle between 0 degrees and 50 degrees before locking the adjustment lever tight. Verify your depth setting so the blade clears your material thickness by a single tooth depth for cleaner cuts and reduced motor load.

Because the brushless motor contains no carbon brushes, routine brush replacement is eliminated. Keep the motor air vents free from sawdust accumulations after heavy cutting to support cooling and ensure efficient performance.

Does this saw come with a battery and charger?
No. This model is sold as tool only, so you will need to supply your own compatible Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion battery and appropriate charger.

What is the maximum thickness of wood this saw can cut?
The saw provides a maximum cutting capacity of 2-1/4 inches at a 90-degree angle, which easily slices through standard two-by dimensional lumber.

Which blade size fits this circular saw?
It uses a 6-1/2-inch saw blade. A 6-1/2-inch 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade is included in the package along with a hex wrench for installation.

Can this saw make beveled angle cuts?
Yes. The base features a bevel capacity ranging from 0 degrees up to 50 degrees for angled rip and cross cuts.

Does the saw include a dust collection port?
Yes, Makita includes a dedicated dust extracting attachment in the box that attaches to the saw to help direct sawdust into a collection system.