Best corded circular saw. Milwaukee 6394-21 *Est. $160
Budget circular saw, corded. Sears Craftsman 10871 *Est. $70
Best cordless circular saw. Makita BSS610 LXT *Est. $350
Budget cordless circular saw. Ryobi P500 *Est. $60
Best heavy-duty circular saw. DeWalt DW378GK *Est. $200

See All Circular Saws

Makita BSS610 LXT

*Est. $350

Best cordless circular saw.

Light weight (7.1 lbs.)
Lithium-ion batteries
Three-year warranty
Laser guide plus LED lights

Horizontal grip
Blade only 6.5 inches
Aluminum base can bend if dropped
Blade brake a bit slow

Where to Buy

for 313.48

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5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

Average Customer Review

(2 customer reviews)

for $313.48

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A 5 Star Cordless Saw!, June 11, 2009

The BSS610 cordless saw is a 5 star winner! The saw blade is of sufficient diameter, 6-1/2 inches that you can cut a 2x4 at a 45 degree bevel in one pass. The saw has ample power. The two Lithium-Ion… batteries and rapid charger keep you working continuously, as one in charging as the other is powering the saw. The base shoe is a machined die cast light weight metal and is of the highest quality and finish. This saw replaced my 7-1/4 Skill saw and with the blade on the left, as it is on worm-drive commercial saws, I actually find it easier to see what I am cutting as I am right-handed. The carrying case is a great addition as it holds the charger, two batteries, saw, spare saw blades and rip fence. This is a contractor quality saw for serious D.I.Y.ers. I am very glad I now own this 5 star saw. I would recommend this saw kit to any serious carpenter.

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Great new tools, October 6, 2008

I think the new saw is the greatest purchase I have made so far. The Makita cordless has performed beyond my expectations.

Where To Buy

Makita BSS610 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Kit

(2 customer reviews)
Buy new: $598.00 $313.48 8 New from $313.48

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. Tools of the Trade

This review compares eight lithium-powered cordless circular saws based on actual tests, and though the saws aren't rated or ranked, the descriptions make it easy to pick out the Makita LXT as the best 18-volt model. It earns praise for its light weight and smooth power, but tests find the blade brake "not as responsive as some."

Review: Industry News: Lithium Ion Hands On, Rick Schwolsky and Michael Springer, Jan. 2007

2. HGTVPro.com

This single-product review by tool expert Mark Clement gives the Makita BSS610 cordless circular saw (an Editors' Pick) top marks for power, balance, visibility and easy adjustments. The only criticism is that the aluminum base plate bent when the saw was dropped down eight stairs with multiple hits.

Review: New Products: Makita's 18-volt LXT Lithium-ion Circular Saw, Mark Clement

3. Fine Homebuilding

This review of a Makita LXT cordless tool kit rates the batteries and charger "outstanding" and gives props to the BSS610 circular saw's power, with special praise for the saw's light weight, adjustments, dust blower and LED light. The dust chute aims at the user so it's better to hook it to a vacuum, and the horizontal grip isn't as comfortable as a standard vertical grip.

Review: Editor's Review: Cordless Tools Redesigned from the Battery Up, Andy Beasley, May 2006

4. Popular WoodworkingDetails/Subscribe

This review doesn't test the new 18-volt lithium-powered Makita LXT circular saw directly, but recommends the four-piece LXT400 combo kit that includes it.

Review: Makita Offer Lithium-ion Tools in a Smart Size; Worx Cordless - the New Kid, Editors of Popular Woodworking, Feb. 2006

5. The Power Tool Geek

This informal comparison review, based on field tests with three female employees at Toolbarn, finds Makita LXT cordless tools to be the most comfortable for people with smaller hands and less upper-body strength.

Review: Buying Advice - Cordless Drills for Women, Brian Mark, Feb. 2006

6. YouTube.com

This video demonstrates the Makita LXT BSS610 circular saw in action. Another video here demonstrates how easy it is to change the blade.

Review: Screwfix: Makita Super Test - 18V Circular Saw, Posted by "ScrewFixVideos"

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