Compact Blade-Right Circular Saw

When it comes to circular saws, I’ve always been a blade-left kind of guy, but I know more than a few unenlightened carpenters who prefer blade-right saws. Smaller cordless saws have been a problem for these blade-right aficionados because, for whatever reason, compact cordless saws generally have the blade on the left. I say “generally” because Makita recently introduced a new 61⁄2-in. blade-right cordless circular saw. Described as subcompact, the Makita XSH04ZB has a brushless motor and is powered by a single 18v battery. It’s meant to compete with smaller 12v saws from other manufacturers. The new saw boasts built-in lights, bevels to 50°, and has a depth of cut of 21⁄4 in. at 90° and 11⁄2 in. at 45°. Makita claims that the saw can make 174 crosscuts in a 2×10 with a 5 amp/hr battery before needing a recharge.

Patrick McCombe, senior editor

Photos: courtesy of Makita

From Fine Homebuilding #280

More about circular saws:

• Diablo Demo Demon: Circular-saw demolition blade review
• Skilsaw Super Sawsquatch: 16-5/16-in. beam saw cuts 6x6s in a single pass
• All You Need Is a Track Saw: Cutting sheet goods without a tablesaw

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