Head to Head - Circular Saws! Makita XGT 40V vs Dewalt 54V Flexvolt Gen 2
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- Опубликовано: 28 апр 2022
- oztooltalk takes on another head-to-head, this time pitting the second generation Dewalt 54V Flexvolt DCS578 against the new Makita XGT 40V HS003G.
We think that these are probably the two highest-power battery circular saws on the market. LET'S FIGHT!
Specs, prices and links below.
Makita 40V XGT - $399
No-load speed: 6000 RPM
Weight: 5.1kg
Battery used - 4Ah XGT (144 Wh)
www.totaltools.com.au/152234-...
Dewalt 54V Flexvolt Gen 2 - $449
No-load speed: 5800 RPM
Weight: 5.3kg
Battery used - 9Ah Flexvolt (162 Wh)
www.totaltools.com.au/157361-...
I am a low use tool guy, but the Dewalt I have like yours takes the cake at anything I throw at it. Grunt, speed, ease of use, blade lock. Hard to fault
it's a monster!
Great stuff lads, welcome back!
cheers pal
Great talk, guys. Very balanced and learned a lot of valuable info.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Horses for courses. I'm a flexvolt advocate. The new Makita 40v range is awesome and if i had my time again i'd jump on. But not these circ saws. I got the 2nd gen right blade for cross cuts and the worm drive style for ripping. Through dust, mud and rain they just keep chugging and have the headroom for all. My mate rocks makita and their saw is FAR better balance for weight and better for the cute cuts. Brilliant review.
cheers pal, they certainly each have their benefits.
It’s great to see you fellas back together, as we All get past this dang Covid mess!
I have not used the XGT 40 Volt, but I have the 36 LXT ( 18X2 ) version of this saw, and it is so smooth, and she screams with two fresh 5.0 Ah batteries! I do concur about the sight line, and the DeWalt wins there. I also own the Gen 2 FlexVolt saw DCS 578, and I will have to try that forearm thing!?
I will say, the DeWalt is the better cutting saw, but two strikes against it: The crappy, cheap anodized baseplate, and the tight clearance of the trigger and the guard. I don’t know what DeWalt was smokin! 🙄 I will sometimes curse the saw when my finger is cramped up against the guard.
The Makita is so smooth, with better fit and finish, with a superior baseplate. It cuts very true, and so I use it indoors, on a homemade track cutting system I devised. Add in the dust collection ability, and it’s a winner. The DeWalt goes with me to the Home centers, to break down sheet goods, etc. and outdoor Carpentry. It just eats wood! That’s my 2 cents!
Absolutely Luv your reviews! Crackin good! Stay safe and Healthy there in OZy land!
👍👍👍👍👍✌🏻🔨😀🇦🇺🇺🇸
great feedback George, thanks for taking the time to chat with us :)
The "crappy anodised base plate "will survive a drop better then cast base plate. The trigger guard is perfectly fine for me and most others. With the Makita if I can't see my cut line it is useless to me.
Great video lads. The 15ah Dewalt battery is comically large, but extremely useful when used in its intended applications.
agreed :D
Love the head to head format
thanks heaps
It’s so refreshing to hear you guys talk left v right handed saws. Since the move away from electric saws where we had great saw blade visibility and now battery have very poor vis you rely on the indents the majority of the time so that’s very important today.
Left handed saws as a right handed guy are shockingly bad in most brands more for spitting chips in your face. Secondly the saw isn’t sitting on the piece you want to keep.
I almost never look at the blade anymore and I run makita. It’s totally fine.
wow, I don't know many tradies who don't watch the blade. Interesting.
I just got the Makita and I'm happy with it. But two other negatives are the dinky little blade guard lever which is hard to hold back and the front handle which is too small to actually hold onto. But man, it is nice to use otherwise. The compactness of the battery placement sure is nice too,
I'm right-handed and prefer blade right. Another thing in the sightline on this saw is the spindle lock tab.
cheers, great fedback
Thanks both as ever a great review. 1st thing i do when i go on to youtube is to see if you've posted a new vid..Its been a few months and you could of done a head to head on a Lemon and a Lime and i would of still been happy :-) Got the Dewalt (1st Gen) and a great saw.
haha thanks Paul, you're too kind!
Hey fellas, great vid and helped alot with my decision.Will you be doing a video on the flexvolt and XGT mitre saws?
Firstly love your work, I was wondering if you guys were going to review Ego's new garden tools that they announced.
we usually work pretty closely with EGO :)
Can you use a adapter to put the DeWalt flex volt onto the 40v Makita?
Blade left v blade right safety - I think it’s less of an issue with the smaller less powerful saws, when your using something like the two you have there then it’s a different game when they kick back or you’ve got to support their weight when the offcuts falls.
I think you're right for an experienced user (like who would usually own these tools). But any cordless saw in the hands of a new user is still a very dangerous thing.
I have a 18v Makita and considering this as a "less powered saw" never had a place - it's a tiger ready to bite nonetheless. So in case of safety, and as a rightie I prefer those right side blades.
Great vid and great points.
thanks :D
I luv Makita but I chose DeWalt a long time ago because the battery platform has remained and been backward compatible! I went the first lithium makita and they went LVT, I went DeWalt now XGT
you guys always do a great job
cheery Lochy
The Makita has a bad sightline down the left of the blade ,to cut accurately you MUSTbe able to see the blade. Makita has tried to make the saw more compact and moved the motor shaft forward to accommodate the battery. I have used Makita corded saws for thirty years and their ergos were superb but whe I was looking for a cordless platform I went with Dewalt ,their Flexvolt saw is superb in all aspects, they did their homework.
Btw the Dewalts depth adjustment lever is easier to use and I also prefer the detents for bevel adjustment .The ability to use Flexvolt batteries on xr 18 volt tools is fantastic. I am right handed and only use blade right saws.
cheers interman, it's really hard to fault the Dewalt circ saws hey...
Agree
I've had a dewalt saw before. All those points you said are correct but I just don't like that big ass battery on the back. When cutting lumber for framing it's fine but for cutting beveled 45°s for fascia joints and crown cuts ( I've been installing siding so we really don't use miter saws on site) it balance feels weird
I absolutely love my flexvolt saw, best saw ever made! The only downside is the cost of the batteries, which is more than I paid for the saw
I own the 36v makita (dhs780) and ive also used my workmates dewalt. I like the dewalt better in terms of simplicity and power. They do have their own pros and cons though.
agreed
What is the model of the Makita saw hook? I can't find it on Amazon
Great head to head boys. Two amazing saws. I have the first gen dewalt and the apprentice has the XGT. Agree with your assessment for sure. Love the dewalt for the sight line and the xgt is smoother but i don't like the high blade design.
Shame the premium saws are now over $400. If i were getting XGT i would buy the track compatible base and that would be enough to make me say it is the better saw. When they are that expensive the ability to do more with the saw is better for sure! Regarding blade left vs right, just own both! You will always find an application where blade left works better that right and vise versa.
awesome thoughts Phil, cheers
Where can I get the dust port? What is the part number
I can’t get used to the blade right saws. I’ve had the small dewalt which is blade left for years…. But I need to upgrade, don’t know what to go for
Totally agree about the sight line and I’m a lefty
cheers
I would like to know your thaught on the bosch biturbo circular v 40v v dewalt. Ime moving away from millwankee as they don't last long .got bosch biturbo sds and some makits and dewalt would like to stick to one platform and uses for plumbing all aspects
i haven't compared them directly. The biturbo saw is very powerful but I don't think it would quite keep up with these, but the GC model is very sweet with its depth adjustment, track compatibility etc,
i love the makita stuff, they are seemly improving as they go
]
Left Vs Right Blade, i agree with your points about offcuts and ballance. But my thought was that the left blade is a design from the U.S. market. would be interesting to see if any of the EU brands produce a left blade circ saw. I believe its because of the US house construction method of ply/osb sheeting the entire roof surface. this means you need to be standing up and walking along a roof as you cut along the length of the sheets that are down at your feet level. while walking along bent over to your feet looking down its easier to watch your blade follow the line on a left blade saw . And safer to cut the external perimeter without leaning over the edge to see your blade. Presuming design is made only for right handers.
Oh that's a really interesting point about theUS roofing!
The Dewalt site lines are amazing but the downside is that it kicks a lot of #hit up in your face. On the other hand the Makita blade guide is one you can trust so you don't have to strain so much to look at the blade. Makita definitely has the most accurate blade guide on the base plate! But if you are cutting roofs and angles and whatnot the Dewalt has a far superior bevel adjustment and the positive stop are just as good as on the Makita. I've also found that the Dewalt blade guard is much smoother than the Makita especially on angled cuts (if you adjust the depth on the Makita it helps).
The makita 40v 8ah battery will only be available to Australians who can provide evidence of an 18th booster shot with the last 3 months.
A swing and an epic miss, better luck next time....
zzzz
@@Lee-lb9qh I thought it was hilarious
I have the Dewalt as my daily user. Good saw. Haven't tried the Makita can't comment. I agree big thing with Dewalt flexvolt battery. I use mostly the flexvolt batteries even on the 18V tools. Great feature. 40v Makita you are on that platform or not. Sight line would also be a deal breaker for me. I'm right handed if you can't see through to your cut line no go. Left v right blade. I have both. I have the rear handle Dewalt. It is what you are used to in my opinion. This was my first lefty blade in 40 years. It felt weird visible sight line or not. I kept looking over the saw when ripping on habit. Now I am used to it who cares. I can grab a left or right and make the cut. Don't use dust extraction. Another modern fad but just more crap to carry around. Half the videos now you wonder if it is a construction company or a cleaning company.
haha, thanks for your perspective Dave
Here here! Well said brother.
I love the review guys , I use saws like there is no tomorrow.
I have the Dewalt 54 volt first release and also have the xgt with the guide rail base .
I love the 54 volt although I need to replace it as it’s so noisy since cutting plasterboard as an alternative method one day a couple of years ago lol ( they don’t like that dust haha) as for the makita xgt , it so smooth and refined but as a all rounder the base of the track modified version is so big I wouldn’t ever get used to it , Ii have considered buying the same one in this pic but hate the sight lines and I feel clumsy holding the handle up so high, it’s amazing for cutting flooring off the stack tho with guide rail.
So here is my thoughts ;
I need a new saw for general framing work !
Based on sight lines and handle location and centre of gravity for pushing saw , Dewalt wins hands down for me !
I’m not brand biased either as I love this xgt gear , it’s actually a bit more refined equipment from a quality of technology and product point of view , I swear my xgt compound mitre saw is best ever but for the circular saw to me Dewalt is the 100% winner .
I’m keen for one of these rear handle xgt saws as I just want one lol , the Dewalts power makes it hard to justify tho.
BTW, I’m a righty.
Agree with the dewalt saw being bloody good.
Makita’s rafter hook harness mounting point
The Makita rafter hook is awesome for purlins hooks straight over it no worries
noice
OK,This question will put me will well and truely put me in the NERD category but is there any reason some saws have there baseplate cut at an angle at the rear like the Makita does in this review?Is it a weight saving thing or is there some function to it?
great question, and I have no idea.
I got a dcs575 for 150usd, hardly used, looks almost brand new, its half the price then from the store. Then i got 2 pcs 9AH flexvolt batteries, these were brand new in boxes for 220usd, this is almost half the price here in Sweden.
I really like Dewalt & the new power stake batteries. But Makita has so much to offer in the platform. Question: is Flex power tools available in Australia. I'd definitely go that route if it was shipped to New Zealand. Head to head on point Boyz. Thank you 👍🏾😎🤙🏾
thanks pal. no we don't have Flex here yet I don't think.
Yes, lve had flexvolt for at least 3 years, the idea was originally for garden tools etc, chainsaws , hedge trimmers and mowers.. that dewalt saw is flexvolt..no other dewalt battery fits it
Great saw.
In NZ, DCS578 comes with 36 teeth factory. That makes it slow. When they use same blade, 578 will definitely go ahead.
intresting
id go makita because its still good quality and ive already invested in there 40v platform and ive got some of the 40v tools.....but saying that ive got the DWS780 dewalt dropsaw 12 inch and DWE7491 dewalt table saw both corded because there better than what other brands have put out and proven over time. So makita for my cordless tools and the two dewalt corded beasts for the heavier stuff.....nice clip guys.
nice Dave, cheers
Oh, and on the left blade VS right blade, you both make valid points. I also have the 18X2 rear handle Makita 7&1/4 saw, and absolutely love it. Both types of saws have their place. When a person is using any type of saw, they need to remember what I was told long long ago; “blade side is your waste side!” But the right vs left will continue on and on... kinda like Ford VS Chevy, Husqvarna Vs Stihl, etc. crack on fellas! 👍✌🏻
cheers George
Thats why I have a blade left and right saw. Both get used about the same.
Any chance you guys could do a multy tool comparison? you guys have the best comparisons bar none. Thanks.
maybe one day Tony, but it's not planned as yet
@@OZToolTalk All good, im a Makita prefered dude but the dewalt grip, varible speed along with the clip off head action smashes the competition.
You do have to consider their proprietary blades though right?
I have been using my gen1 flexvolt saw since the they were released in Canada. its been dropped and wet and muddy but is still reliable and powerful. I use the 8amp batteries now.
however.. this dewalt saw has the same problems that the corded dewalt saws do. 1 - the adjustment levers on all dewalt saws become loose and don't hold the settings after a couple years. 2 - the guide at the front of the shoe on all dewalt saws does not line up with the blade so u have to watch the blade and not the guide
I always prefer Makita circular saws because the cheapest Makita cuts more precisely that the most expensive dewalt. having said that i regularly cut stringers, treads and risers with the dewalt flexvolt saw and its fine as long as u have a battery on the charger
and the rafter hook? the hook on the dewalt is nearly useless. takes some contorting to get it hooked on a truss. but better than nothing I guess.
All good points, I use the DeWalt Flexvolt saw nearly daily at work and it frustrates me to no end that you can't trust the guide on the saw! I've adapted to just watching the blade as I make my cuts but still, just make a damn saw where everything lines up!
I got the Makita massive hook yesterday. Big enough to be a carrying handle 😂. Next week I will know how I like it.
Teruslah update bosku, saya mendukung channel mu bos
Dewalt makes a 10 amp hr 20v battery now. Amazing
do they? nice. I wonder if it will be a low power (amperes) battery like Metabo's is.
The hook is great size, hooks over anything…. Especially good for lvls it’s very convenient! However having said that, it’s been a nightmare for reliability. Over my three different saws I’ve snapped three hooks off the guard. Nightmare.
wow :/
THE 12AMP FLEXVOLT BATT SAME SIZE AND W8 AS 9AMP BUT LOTZ MOOR POWER ON SAW🇺🇸⚡️⚡️🗽
good feedback
Yep
over 40yrz handeeman -favor rt hand but can do ok wit lft - lyk rt hand wen blde rt saw throwz dust away from u - but also lyk rt blade site line wen cutting left hand - dewalt fexvolt gen2 wit 12amp doz the trik for me - removd raffter hook to cumbersum - gr8 vid rock n roll from PHILLY USA🇺🇸⚡️⚡️🗽
thanks pal. really hard to read your comment though. You're not limited to 160 characters on youtube ;)
If you put a 5Ah or a 8Ah battery on the makita it will preform better.
possibly. Same might be said for the 12Ah or 15Ah Dewalt batts.
The flex volt is a killer saw, good line of sight looking thru the saw.. have just about every dewalt cordless tool, impacts are shit, other tools are good but the saw is great..the standout to me.
I pretty much agree :)
As soon as you put a 2.6mm kerf blade on these saws dewalt really will pull ahead. You kinda need a thick kerf blade as those 1.3mm diablos flex way too much.
yeah I reckon you're right on the thicker blade showing the difference.
The makita eficut blades are terrible for blade flex and they last half as long as the mak blue.
Yeah, thin blades are great while they last, absolutely garbage once they lose there edge..bend like butter..
Man I own that dewalt saw and what a dud i got
I could stall it on facia board 32mm? ripping at less than 45*
Not sure if the base is not square to the blade yet to check but it just stalled if you forced it to cut straight it would/will burn up/over heat a blade quickly.
clamped a straight edge to the facia to use as a rip guide still stalled
Just recently had to straighten the bottom of the baseplate by filing it down they’re not real flat lol 😂
And here’s the kicker… my employer same day had same problems with his which is the previous model without the rafter hook…tried different blades etc etc this saw is a turd in my experience
i remember having similar issues with my Flexvolt saw initially, when trying to cut 45mm stock on a 45mm bevel. Turns out it was the junk blade. Put a good diablo on it and it went beautifully. Also, check the blade is parallel with the base plate. I dropped mine and took it out of alignment. Once you've done that it won't ever want to run along a straight edge anymore.
Not a dewalt tool nut, used Japanese tools for last 40 years, then went whole hog with dewalt cordless, some are good , some are average, one or two are shit but my flexvolt saw is brillant, heavy yes but considering lve used 7 1/4 makitas for 40cplus years only took me a couple of weeks to love the dewalt..l honestly do believe you did get a real dud..
Makita is known for its comfort, not its power.
Makita all the way. Because it’s sooooooo smoooth
Another good review ya dirty flogs! 🤣
thanks? ..... ;)
Dewalt is way better you can hear the Makita struggle
certainly has some more juice. I'm inclined to agree with you (Dwain)
4:20 i couldnt keep paying atantion any more
the mount of "yep" used in the vid was to damn high
ok
@@OZToolTalk but overall it’s a good review✌️
I was like 54 volt? then I was like o they aren't in America where they can slap 60 volts on it lol
Same battery only Aussie consumer laws are strict with labeling claims ,its 54volt nominal .
@@interman7715 Surprised Makita got away with the "40V Max"
@@interman7715 I don't think it's that since every 12V, 20V, 40V, 80V tool in Aus is not using nominal voltage either. I suspect the European market may be an influence though....
To my knowledge it's an etsi thing and Australia gets shoveled in because we use 240v too.
@@interman7715 It’s pretty unexciting, actually. It’s 60v in the USA because the current 18v line was branded “20v Max” as they were worried about consumer confusion with the incompatible previous 18v line (and also got the benefit of confusing consumers into thinking it was 2 more volts). In areas where it’s branded as 18v, the Flexvolt is 54v (18x3). Makita is using 40v max language for the same excuse/reason. They already had a proper 36v line AND they marketed 18v x2 as 36v. They presume customers are that dumb. Meanwhile, over here, KKR didn’t get the memo and presumed people wouldn’t try to run Metabo tools off of “Metabo HPT” batteries and vice versa. Boggles the mind.
The new dewalt blades are alsome
glad to hear it!
HS004G has track capability........
very true. did we forget to mention that?
But the dewalt batteries are soooo big.
Stop thinking with your heart. Dewalt slam makita on most levels now !
they're both very strong brands
it's vice versa actually. people dont buy that dewalt superiority any more.
I always buy Dewalt tools
I wish Makita would build a saw like the old school right saw with a battery. That would be Awesome. The new circular saw design from makita is very fragile plastic at the front table mount and breaks easily with a small accidental drop of your saw off horses that does happen from time to time. The old makita saws could take a beating , but not these new ones.
First 🤣
always :)
Makita will last longer, dewilt will burn out.
And I keep seeing people running xgt higher draw tools on just 4ah...throw atleast a 5.0 on lol