Makita has come out with two new 18V metal-cutting circular saws, one with a 5-3/8″ blade size (XSC03), and the other a brushless model with a 5-7/8″ blade size (XSC04).
The two saws have different motors, not to mention very visually-different designs.
Makita XSC03Z Features and Specs
- 5-3/8″ blade size, 5/8″ arbor
- 2″ max cutting depth
- Chip collector box
- Trigger with 2-stage lock-off
- Electric brake
- 3600 RPM motor
- LED work light
- Stainless steel base
- 13-3/4″ long
- Weighs 6 lbs with battery
- Comes with a 30T blade
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Tool Nut)
Compare(XSC01 via Amazon)
The new Makita brushless metal-cutting circular saw looks to have similar ergonomics design to their new XSH04ZB sub-compact circular saw, and also the XSC02 metal-cutting circular saw.
Makita XSC04Z Features & Specs
- 5-7/8″ blade size, 5/8″ arbor
- Brushless motor
- 2-1/4″ max cutting depth
- Chip collector box
- Trigger with 2-stage lock-off
- Electric brake
- 4200 RPM motor
- LED work light
- Stainless steel base
- 10-1/2″ long
- Weighs 6.8 lbs with battery
- Comes with a 32T blade
This model looks to be a replacement or upgrade to the XSC02. A tool hook (199296-9) is available separately.
Compare(XSC02Z via Amazon)
First Thoughts
Makita USA has not yet responded to my email asking about these new saws, and so I couldn’t follow up with questions asking about how these saws differ from previous models, XSC01, XSC02, or whether these new models will replace those models or be offered alongside them.
But, from what I can tell, the metal chip collection boxes seems to be the common difference, and looks to help promote a cleaner work environment. The biggest thing about the XSC04 seems to be its smaller size. Can you see any other notable differences that I might be missing?
Here’s the side view of the XSC04, showing the space-saving side-loading battery pack.
Both saws can cut through 2″ conduit in one pass, and the brushless model has a larger blade size, not to mention a more compact size and slightly faster operating speeds.
Makita’s user manual for the XSC04 states that you can use it with 5-3/8″ and 5-7/8″ blades – similar to last year’s new Milwaukee M18 FUEL metal-cutting circular saw. In my experience, 5-3/8″ blades are much easier to find, or at least there is much greater brand selection. So with this saw, you can go with a 5-7/8″ blade for the greater capacity, or a 5-3/8″ if so desired.
On paper, the XSC04 looks to have great specs, and a compellingly compact geometry. The XSC03 seems to be a more economical model, but its design benefits from some of the same upgrades.
Retail pricing for the bare tool and kit options aren’t available yet.
