Makita XGT 8 1/2-Inch Miter Saw Delivers Pro-Grade Power in a Compact Package
Makita designed the XGT system to deliver higher power for demanding applications, letting you more effectively cut the cord for the toughest applications. Taking a closer look at the line, the Makita 40V XGT 8 1/2-inch cordless miter saw is one tool we’ve been looking forward to getting in house for testing! Now, we’re taking an in-depth look at this compact saw to see what it has to offer so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Makita 40V Max XGT Miter Saw Performance
- No-load Speed: 4,800 RPM
- Max Bevel: 48° (left and right)
- Miter Range: 60° (left and right)
- Cutting Capacity at 90º: 2-3/4 x 12-1/4 in.
- Miter Cutting Capacity at 45º (L/R): 2-3/4 x 8-5/8 in.
Cutting Power
For the Makita XGT 8 1/2-inch cordless miter saw, its brushless motor produces up to 4,800 RPM on the top end. Sticking with a direct drive instead of a belt drive certainly helps keep the smooth, confident cutting we’re used to from Makita miter saws. Additionally, Makita tells us this saw provides up to 2x longer sustained power under heavy loads.
The Makita GSL02 uses an 8 1/2-inch blade to max out the cutting depth at 2 3/4 inches with a slide of 12-1/4 inches when cutting at 90º.
Setting the miter angle at 45º, the sliding action gets you to 8 5/8 inches of cutting length. For added convenience, there are positive stops at common angles in both directions: 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45°, and 60°.
It can also tackle bevel cuts up to 48º in both left and right directions. At a 45° bevel, you’re looking at a max cut of 1 3/16 inches deep.
During our testing, Tom and I were wildly impressed by how smoothly this saw glided through even the most challenging cuts. It delivered clean, consistent results and definitely earned its keep here in our shop!
Miter and Bevel Adjustments
Now that I’ve laid out the specs, I feel it’s prudent to discuss the adjustment procedures, as they can be a bit tricky. Historically, Makita tools tend to be more technical than most, and as such, many of the features on this saw are subtle, but incredibly effective.
Let’s start with miter adjustments. Makita carried over their design from previous models. Start by loosening the knob on the front of the table and then slide it left or right to your desired angle. If you want to utilize one of the positive stops, flip the black lever downward, position the table close to the mark, and then flip the lever upward as you move over it. You’ll hear an audible click as the table locks into place.
Makita made a slight change to their bevel system and did away with the thumb lever that we saw on previous models. Instead, they added a rubber overmolded knob right behind the miter adjustment so you can make quick, accurate adjustments with minimal movement.
Once you loosen this knob, you can bevel the saw to the left. However, setting the bevel to the right requires one additional step, but it’s very easy. Simply loosen the knob as you did before, and then pull the small black pin located on the left side of the saw behind the dust collector forward. This allows the saw to move to the right, and the pin will lock back in place when the bevel is set back to 0°.
As we mentioned before, this saw has a max bevel of 48°. To access this, follow the same procedures I already laid out and then flip the lever on the back of the saw. Again, it’s one extra step, but it’s very easy.
Makita XGT 8 1/2-Inch Miter Saw Design Notes
- Model: Makita GSL02
- Power Source: Makita 40V max battery
- Weight: 37.6 lbs (with kitted 4.0Ah battery)
- Max Table Width: 29-3/8 in.
- Blade Size: 8-1/2 in.
Size and Weight
Saving weight is one of the great reasons to go with an 8 1/2-inch miter saw. With the recommended 4.0Ah battery, this saw weighs 37.6 pounds. On top of that, it’s very compact. When the saw is locked down for transport, it’s 26 1/2 inches wide, 15 1/2 inches tall, and 15 1/2 inches deep. That’s a big deal for Pros with limited storage space in a truck or trailer!
Grip and Trigger
The grip on this saw is a little different than what we typically see, but it’s consistent with Makita’s previous models. Makita opted for a vertically oriented D-handle design with an integrated thumb safety. It’s actually more reminiscent of their pistol grips rather than a true D-handle. It offers a very natural grip position that I found was much more comfortable than a traditional miter saw.
Riding the Rails
When it comes to sliding miter saws, benchtop real estate can be a deciding factor when you’re determining which one is right for you.
One of the highlights of the Makita XGT cordless miter saw design revolves around the rail-forward design. This lets you place the back of the saw close to a wall without having to account for the rails pushing into it. The dust collection bag or hose may still force you to move forward a touch, but the rails won’t.
Dust Collection
For miter saws, complete dust collection is nearly impossible. However, Makita equipped this saw with dual dust collectors that help funnel sawdust into the collection bag.
While this system is pretty effective, I unsurprisingly got my best results when I paired this saw with a vacuum.
AWS Compatibility
For those of you planning to use this saw in conjunction with your Makita dust extractor, you’ll be pleased to know that the GSL02 is compatible with the AWS system. The Bluetooth transmitter is sold separately, but you do have the option for convenient dust collection using either their AWS-enabled vac or adding the wireless auto-start adapter to an extractor with an outlet.
LED Cutline Indicator
The Makita GSL02 also features an LED light to cast a shadow for your cutline. Not only does this add some light to your work area, but it also accurately reflects where your blade will land without ever needing to align it the way you do with laser systems. Plus, the cutline is easier to see in brighter conditions.
Additional Features
- Extension wings for cutting longer material
- Electric brake
- Soft start suppresses start-up reaction
- Onboard hex wrench storage
- Adjustable fence
- Stabilizer foot
Makita 40V Max XGT 8 1/2-Inch Miter Saw Price
The Makita GSL02 retails for $839 as a bare tool and $1,049 as a kit that includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger. Makita backs this saw with a 3-year limited warranty.
The Bottom Line
Makita put a lot of thought into the design of this saw, and the proof is in the pudding! This saw offers legitimate Pro-grade cutting power and a full feature set that gives the GSL02 a leg up over the competition. If you’re on the hunt for a compact jobsite miter saw with 100% Pro DNA, Makita’s 40V max XGT 8 1/2-inch miter saw is the way to go!
