Makita XSL01 Cordless 18V Miter Saw to Offer Full Featured 7-1/2″ Platform
Makita’s not playing games when it comes to their cordless miter saw entry. Clearly, when someone suggested that they make an 18V LXT miter saw, product managers envisioned the Makita XSL01 to be a full featured, dual sliding compound cordless miter saw. Makita’s new miter saw features left and right mitering, left side beveling with a slight amount (5 degrees) right, and sliding function. This combination of features along with a 7-1/2″ blade make for best in class cutting capacity at 2-9/16″ deep and 11-3/4″ long. While the cordless miter saw market is thin at the moment, Makita’s on top by a long shot here.
Features and Specs
The no load speed on the direct drive motor is just 2200 RPM. Once we get our hands on it we’ll know for sure, but I’m betting that engineers distributed some of the power from the Makita XSL01 to torque. This should deliver the ability to push through tougher cuts than the other saws in this class if I’m right.
The 7-1/2″ blade helps to improve the cutting capacity. However, it is slightly problematic in its availability. A quick search of my favorite stores ensured that I will have order online. Makita and Evolution are two companies that I found producing them. You may be able to get away with a 7-1/4″ blade, but we recommend that you stick with the manufacturer’s suggested blade size.
I was surprised to see that Makita didn’t make this part of the LXT X2 lineup. It’s only running on a single 18V LXT battery, though the kit comes with two 3.0 amp hour packs. With their rapid charger, this should mean that you cut near continuously with only stopping to swap out batteries.
Final Thoughts
All in all, at $579 it looks like the Makita XSL01 is going to be a class leader. It’s going to be pretty tough to beat considering that Makita has basically just shrunk the traditional sliding compound miter saw to a smaller blade diameter without losing the majority of the features we love.
Makita XSL01 Specifications
- Model: Makita XSL01/XSL01Z (bare tool)
- Manufacturer Designation: Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 7-1/2″ Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
- Power Source: 18V LXT Battery
- Blade Size: 7-1/2″
- Arbor Size: 5/8″
- Weight: 27.5 pounds
- No Load Speed: 2200 RPM
- Max Cutting Capacity: 2-9/16″ x 11-3/4″
- Max Cut at 45 Degrees Miter (L/R): 1″ x 11-3/4″ or 2″ x 8-3/8″
- Miter Capacity: 0 – 47 degrees left, 0 – 57 degrees right
- Bevel Capacity: 0 – 45 degrees left, 0 – 5 degrees right
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $579 (tool only)
