Makita has come out with two new 18V metal-cutting circular saws, one with a 5-3/8″ blade size (XSC03), and the other a brushless model with a 5-7/8″ blade size (XSC04).
The two saws have different motors, not to mention very visually-different designs.
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Makita XSC03Z Features and Specs
- 5-3/8″ blade size, 5/8″ arbor
- 2″ max cutting depth
- Chip collector box
- Trigger with 2-stage lock-off
- Electric brake
- 3600 RPM motor
- LED work light
- Stainless steel base
- 13-3/4″ long
- Weighs 6 lbs with battery
- Comes with a 30T blade
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Tool Nut)
Compare(XSC01 via Amazon)
The new Makita brushless metal-cutting circular saw looks to have similar ergonomics design to their new XSH04ZB sub-compact circular saw, and also the XSC02 metal-cutting circular saw.
Makita XSC04Z Features & Specs
- 5-7/8″ blade size, 5/8″ arbor
- Brushless motor
- 2-1/4″ max cutting depth
- Chip collector box
- Trigger with 2-stage lock-off
- Electric brake
- 4200 RPM motor
- LED work light
- Stainless steel base
- 10-1/2″ long
- Weighs 6.8 lbs with battery
- Comes with a 32T blade
This model looks to be a replacement or upgrade to the XSC02. A tool hook (199296-9) is available separately.
Compare(XSC02Z via Amazon)
First Thoughts
Makita USA has not yet responded to my email asking about these new saws, and so I couldn’t follow up with questions asking about how these saws differ from previous models, XSC01, XSC02, or whether these new models will replace those models or be offered alongside them.
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But, from what I can tell, the metal chip collection boxes seems to be the common difference, and looks to help promote a cleaner work environment. The biggest thing about the XSC04 seems to be its smaller size. Can you see any other notable differences that I might be missing?
Here’s the side view of the XSC04, showing the space-saving side-loading battery pack.
Both saws can cut through 2″ conduit in one pass, and the brushless model has a larger blade size, not to mention a more compact size and slightly faster operating speeds.
Makita’s user manual for the XSC04 states that you can use it with 5-3/8″ and 5-7/8″ blades – similar to last year’s new Milwaukee M18 FUEL metal-cutting circular saw. In my experience, 5-3/8″ blades are much easier to find, or at least there is much greater brand selection. So with this saw, you can go with a 5-7/8″ blade for the greater capacity, or a 5-3/8″ if so desired.
On paper, the XSC04 looks to have great specs, and a compellingly compact geometry. The XSC03 seems to be a more economical model, but its design benefits from some of the same upgrades.
Retail pricing for the bare tool and kit options aren’t available yet.
John
The 2 different blade sizes is a head scratcher. So close in size, doesn’t make sense from manufacturing and sales perspectives.
DannyK
Hilti makes a 6 1/2″ cordless metal cutting circular saw, left blade. With 2 separate models you would think Makita would make a left blade and a right blade saw, something for everyone.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hilti-22-Volt-SCM-Advanced-Compact-Battery-6-1-2-in-Metal-Cutting-Circular-Saw-with-Tool-Bag-Blade-and-Charger-3565253/303288121
Nathan
so is a plastic shroud a new thing for metal saws? I don’t think I’ve seen that before and I have to say I like the idea.
Now sure that chip box is big enough but I guess if you were using it to cut a sheet good the chips would be smaller.
I take it you can’t run an abrasive wheel type disk on this?
TonyT
Where would you use this versus a portable band saw?
Stuart
When you need straight edges or are cutting larger materials? There’s overlap between such tools.
Generally, these are quicker for some applications, and band saws for thicker walled stuff. At least from how I see things. I don’t use these tools in the types of construction settings they were designed for.
fred
A band saw is limited as to how far from the edge of a sheet it can cut – so for cutting thin plate or sheet metal a circular saw would likely be the choice.
Circular saws can be easier to control in making straight cuts. That aspect might not be of critical importance if you are cutting a piece of Unistrut or threaded rod with your band saw. But cutting sheets of aluminum or steel you would likely see the difference- especially if you run the saw base along a clamped down straight edge. You might also see the difference in cutting some structural shapes where jigging/guiding the circular saw might be easier than doing the same with a band saw.
We used to use a larger metal cutting circular saw to cut metal roof decking. You could plunge the blade into the work to start the cut for an opening, That sort of cut could not be made with a band saw.
Alick
I know it’s to enable a compact saw but I don’t like the handle on the premium saw. Set to a shallow cut, it’s past horizontal. Even at best it’s better suited to a shopping tote than a saw. Dunno about you but when I reach out my arm, my hand wants to grab something nearer vertical. To use this without an uncomfortably “cocked” wrist I’d have to be almost directly over the tool reaching down, and that’s a lousy position for pushing the saw forward.
Someone decided ergonomics didn’t really matter when they made the design choices.
Alex
I purchased one of these XSCO4Z saws recently. Did some small cuts with it and it worked well. But the first time I went to empty the chip collector, the catch on the little door broke…first time. I then gave it whirl on some 11 gauge metal and a few inches into the cut the chips had backed up inside the plastic collector compartment and actually melted into it. Saw feels too small and light & also falls over when you set it down due to the side-load style battery position. It’s not at all what I was expecting from Makita. Definitely going to return it.
Dave
dcs553 the chips do back up in the collector box, at the front top, and long the side. They accumulate and get hot and melt through the cover.
Saw happily cuts through 10mm thick plate very accurately, and without motor struggle, at a careful low pressure, let the blade to do the work.
It’s just that the chips overwhelm the collector. Using a airgun through the new burnt through hole keeps the chips from overheating or accumulating!
The collector is removable, one cap screw right hand side, then the collector lifts off vertically for cleaning, if it hasn’t already fused to the black backing plastic due to heat warping.
Clamped straight edge allows for very nice cuts in steel.