Timber Framing Goes Cordless with the Makita XGT 16 5/16-Inch Circular Saw
Cutting large diameter lumber can be a challenge for Pros as there are a limited number of tools that can do the job well. In my past projects, I’ve opted to cut large lumber from both sides with my circular saw, or even grabbed a reciprocating saw and simply free-handed it. However, accuracy tends to suffer in these situations, and Makita has a better solution. Today, I’m walking through the Makita 40V max XGT 16 5/16-Inch Circular Saw to see what it has to offer.
Take a look at which models make the cut as the best cordless circular saws!
Makita XGT 16 5/16-Inch Circular Saw Performance
- No-Load Speed: 2100 RPMs
- Cut Capacity: 6-1/4 in. (90°), 4-3/16 in. (45°)
- Max Bevel: 45°
- Runtime: 75 cuts per charge (with 5.0Ah battery)
Speed, Power, and Capacity
The Makita 40V max XGT GSH06 sports a brushless motor with a top blade speed of 2,100 RPMs. If you’re thinking that sounds slow, you’re not alone. It’s noticeably slower than the 6,000 RPMs you’ll get from the 40V max XGT GSH01, but we have to keep in mind a couple of things.
One, that 7 1/4-inch blade has an edge speed of about 380 fps. The GSH06’s much larger blade has an edge speed of about 300 fps. So, even though the RPM values look really different, they’re closer than they might first appear. Two, the lower edge speed is accompanied by higher torque that allows the saw to power through larger lumber.
To help you maintain control during your cuts, the saw is also equipped with a soft start that gradually brings the blade up to speed and suppresses start-up kick.
Its large 16 5/16-inch blade delivers an impressive cut capacity of 6-1/4 inch at 90° and 4-3/16 inch at 45°. This means you can cut 6x and 4x material in a single pass! Moreover, Makita tells us you can expect up to 75 cuts per charge in 6×12 lumber when using the kitted 5.0Ah battery.
Since this saw has a large-diameter blade, there is the added concern of blade wobble while cutting thinner materials.
To combat this, Makita utilizes an integrated blade stabilizer that limits the blade’s lateral movement during a cut, improving accuracy and efficiency.
Makita XGT 16 5/16-Inch Circular Saw Design Notes
- Model: Makita GSH06
- Power Source: Makita 40V max battery
- Weight: 26.25 lbs (bare tool), 29.1 lbs (with 5.0Ah battery)
- Overall Length: 23-7/8 in.
- Blade Diameter: 16-5/16 in.
- Arbor: 1 in.
Ergonomics
To put it plainly, the Makita GSH06 is a beast. It weighs 26.25 pounds as a bare tool and 29.1 pounds with the kitted 5.0Ah battery. The grip is draped in a generous amount of rubber overmolding, and there’s a secondary grip on the left side to help stabilize the tool during a cut.
Even though this is a heavier saw, it’s no surprise that Makita utilized magnesium rather than steel or plastic on the blade guards and cover. This helps keep durability high and the weight manageable—a critical characteristic during busy timber framing operations.
Since this saw is rather large, storage is a challenge. Luckily, Makita includes a plastic blow-molded protective cradle that doubles as a stand where you can place the tool between cuts.
Bevel and Cutting Depth Adjustments
Despite its size, some aspects carry over from Makita’s other circular saws. The Makita GSH06 features tool-free depth and bevel adjust, and there are positive bevel detents at 15°, 30°, and 45°. The levers are slightly oversized, making them easy to manipulate while wearing work gloves.
Electric Brake
The electric brake is a vital safety feature that has become a standard with many cordless circular saws. On smaller saws, the braking action is usually quite rapid, but this larger 16 5/16-inch blade takes about 4 seconds to come to a complete stop. This slower speed isn’t surprising because we’re dealing with a higher mass blade, but it’s something to be aware of before you get to work.
AWS Connectivity
As we’ve seen on many Makita tools, the GSH06 is equipped with their Bluetooth Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS). This system automatically activates and deactivates a compatible dust extractor to help minimize the mess and save you some time. Keep in mind the AWS transmitter (part no. 198901-5) is sold separately.
Quick Model Comparison
Because this is a somewhat uncommon tool, I wanted to give you a quick side-by-side comparison between Makita’s corded 5402NA and the cordless GSH06.
| 5402NA | GSH06 | |
|---|---|---|
| No-Load Speed | 2,300 RPM | 2,100 RPM |
| Max Bevel | 45° | 45° |
| Cut Capacity | 6-1/4 in. (90°) 4-3/16 in. (45°) | 6-1/4 in. (90°) 4-3/16 in. (45°) |
| Power Source | Corded | 40V max XGT battery |
| Working Weight | 32.1 lbs | 29.1 lbs |
| Price | $1,099 | $999 (bare tool), $1,339 (kit) |
What you notice right away is that these two tools are nearly identical in every way except for speed. However, Makita tells us that the GSH06 delivers up to 30% faster cutting speeds over the corded 5402NA. This means that while the GSH06’s RPMs are slightly slower, there’s more power behind the blade, allowing it to chew through the material faster than before.
Additional Features
- Vacuum adapter
- Shoe is compatible with a rip fence
- Compatible with all Makita 40V max XGT batteries
Makita XGT 16 5/16-Inch Circular Saw Price
The Makita GSH06 retails for $999 as a bare tool and $1,339 as a kit that includes a charger and a 5.0Ah battery. Makita backs this saw with a 3-year limited warranty.
The Bottom Line
The Makita 40V max XGT 16 5/16-Inch Circular Saw (GSH06) is a powerful and efficient Pro-grade solution for cutting large-diameter lumber. It delivers an impressive cut capacity with the convenience of cordless freedom. Admittedly, it’s hefty, but we expect that from this class of saw. Still, its thoughtful design and feature set make it a great option for Pros who need single-pass cutting for larger lumber. If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty, large-capacity circular saw, the GSH06 proves that going cordless no longer means sacrificing power or accuracy.
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