Makita 40v XGT GSH02 Brushless 7-1/4 inch track compatible circular saw review | Circ saw ep.1

[@haydnbrewer7426]

I own this saw and I absolutely love it best bit of kit I’ve bought in a while

[@4thewinak]

It's a great saw

[@mikewaters6980]

Excellent video. Covers the points we all want to know.

[@4thewinak]

Glad it was helpful!

[@makingstuff242]

Looks to me like 90% of a tracksaw in 7-1/4 inch form if you put a good fine finish blade on it. I need one of those. Missing variable speed, positive plunging capabilities, scoring capabilities, and good dust collection.

[@mytoolbox871]

that's the Bosch GKS18V25GCN you are talking about.

[@carterscustomrods]

@My ToolBox and next year... LEFT BLADE!!!!! YES!!!! SUCK IT FESTOOL!!!! Sorry... I'm still angry Makita and Festool never did a track saw for right handed people.... with a left blade. Instead all the righty's have been stretching over their workpiece, and crisscrossing their arms to use the right blade style. I've been waiting on that GCN with a left blade, for what feels like, forever.

[@vincentkeyes3304]

Great video for the most part. I did give it a thumbs up because I felt many details were thoroughly discussed. Here’s my criticism though. It was painful for me to watch the depth sliding up and down as you cut because you didn’t have the depth set/locked in on the saw. In this regard, first and foremost that is a safety issue. It’s easy to imagine the teeth catching either the leading or worst yet the trailing teeth and causing a kick back situation. When an aluminum track is involved the consequences could be even harsher than wood alone. Second the angle at which the saw enters the wood will vary and alter torque negating accurate test results. Third having the blade set deeper than necessary will reduce dust collection efficiency. I was taught and have experienced over the years the blade should stick over(table saw) or below(circular saw) the depth of the gullet between teeth. This minimizes friction and increases accuracy especially when done in conjunction with a fence or track. The farther the teeth are apart the greater the effect will be if the saw is toed in as it travels through the material. When not properly handling the saw an accurate assessment of ergonomics cannot be determined especially in the case of comparison between two distinct styles of saw. Keep up the hard work, I value independent reviews.

[@cgrmspartacusmbeobeiou4313]

First off, like to say great video. Thank you, you addressed a few issues I have had with problems due to my own user errors. I’m a welder/ fabricator not a carpenter . so although some skills are transferable, woods a new material for myself. I noticiced the on screen text in reference to how little dust the plunge/track saw deposited was notably much less than the circular saw when the blade was set at almost exact thickness of material. In one of the next video when track saw was set a bit deeper you could see much more dust/debris in the clip. Is that maybe more about the depth of blade rather than the tool used for the cut? Also the colour difference in metal is due to the natural differences between aluminium and magnesium, minute probably but a shroud marketing strategy by makita to disdinguish the ranges. Thank you for your video, I’ve subscribed and will look forward to seeing more.👍🏼☺️

[@4thewinak]

thanks! it's fair, in theory with the blade height set properly the dust management should be better, if not closer. but also the "plunge saw" had a few things working for it: (1) It uses 6-1/2 in blade vs the 7-1/4, (2) it was a finish blade with more teeth, and (3) also has a full dust shroud.

[@thetoolmat8632]

Thanks !

[@4thewinak]

Welcome!

[@ScipioAndycanus]

I would actually buy some of these if they weren't so god dang expensive. The LXT 18Vx2 are a much better deal in my opinion.

[@4thewinak]

Agreed…. Makita stuff not cheap…

[@somadaddy4471]

Great video as always.. But please please next time use dimensions and sizes by millimetre as well.. 80% of our planet works by millimetre.. Trust me Bro Thanks 👍❤

[@pazuso]

I'm ready to buy a track saw! I want either this, or the actual 40v tracksaw. My problem is the saw + 40v battery + charger + track... it's more or less the same price (or more expensive) as a Festool TSC 55 KEBI, which is a KIT that comes with everything

[@dennismacwilliams196]

Well done...

[@carterscustomrods]

Why do they keep making right blade saws for Tracks? Aren't most ppl right handed? I've said it before, the Bosch Strongarm GKS18V-25GCN (left blade version next year) is still the best 7-¼" track capable Circular Saw out there. The plunge feature and dual speed modes are amazing (just don't buy the Bosch Track... use the Makita or Festool track with it.) So if you get a chance, try one out. It doesn't have the speed a 60v Dewalt has... but it has so, soooo much more.

[@4thewinak]

Strange right, not sure why it’s like that. Maybe people are just used to it being that way

[@carterscustomrods]

@4thewin I agree. They've tolerated right blade, and 6-½" (165mm),and under saws for a while now. But I'm sure it would be tough to market a 7-¼" track saw when people already had a ton of circular saws, so they could claim the 6-½" was lighter and easier to maneuver? So hopefully the left blade strongarm comes out soon. I'm in need of a circ saw right now... I'm using the heavy 36v Makita and my arm is feeling it. Lol

[@joeskintone9752]

It's were previously done in case of security. The strange voice inside handyman's head which commanded to put left hand somewhere near saw disc to support, leaved too many people with injuries. Also considering these types of saws is primarily used in construction of frame houses where workers usually aren't clever/handy/accurate, that was clever decision to put disc on the outer side so there is practically no way to cut off left hand/fingers.

[@rcud1]

Looks like the track base 02 saw costs $100 more than the non-track base 01 saw. Dang.

[@starseeddeluxe]

Does anyone know if the blade guard works properly on this saw? I really love the saw, but in one review, a man shows that the blade guard hangs up on the 36 volt version of this saw. I am wondering if the blade guard works properly on the 40 volt one? So far, the reviews show the blade working fine.

[@mnovaes]

Do you have any opinions on how this would compare to the DeWalt DCS579NT (or previous version DCS576) which is also their top of line 7-1/4" track compatible circular saw? Not as focused on sheer power per se as these are all quite strong, but more on quality, accuracy, usability. If you haven't tested this one directly, any conclusions you could deriving from using other similar DeWalt models? I've been looking for a track-compatible "general purpose" (framing and detail work) circular saw but not sure if track saws per se would make the cut given the smaller blades, and circular saw in general seem more flexible. Plus the (lack of) advancements in track saws the last decade vs circular saw counterparts has been laughable, while prices didn't particularly change… Thanks for the very detailed videos! Subscribed.

[@hobbes3]

So if you didn't have a plunge saw (but you knew how they work and feel from using a friend's), then would you be content using the circular saw + rail guide, or do you think it's still worth the cost of getting a dedicated plunge saw?

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

This is why if the Flex inline saw is track compatible, it'll be a strong contender IMO, especially with their power stack batteries. I only see Bosch announced a blade left sidewinder track saw (GKS18V-26L) in January of this year.

[@4thewinak]

If flex made their inline saw track compatible it would be awesome. Some may want a variable speed band selection though.

[@themacsho]

Variable speed on full circular saw. What do that cut with variable speed? Cheese or apples

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

Nice video

[@4thewinak]

thanks

[@lemuelamanoragasa5023]

to make the track align properly at the rubber end with blade changes, does it make sense to add shims?

[@mytoolbox871]

seems so wrong to me, not to run a makita blade on this bad ass saw. great video still, but just wrong, what happened to the blade that came with the saw? 😅

[@4thewinak]

Already used up.. flooring chews up blades quick.

[@carterscustomrods]

Psst... Taytools has the high end CMT blades for 45% off. I already stocked up, but they might not be much left by the time you read this.

[@ucuniversity2869]

No corded option for these track compatible saws is disappointing.

[@d.j.supafly5672]

Does any one know if GSH02 come with the rafter hook?

[@yusuihang]

Do you know if you can retrofit the track compatible base onto a saw that didn't have one? I have the XSH06 saw. The XSH08 looks identical but has the track compatible base. The track compatible base for the XSH08 is available as a replacement part. I'm wondering if I can just get the base to convert my XSH06 saw to a track compatible saw. If you have access to Makita employees, would appreciate if you would inquire, if you get a chance. Thanks.

[@mytoolbox871]

you can't. i know what you re talking about.

[@mytoolbox871]

the bevel adjustment is different on the track model

[@joselitocamaraorocha9111]

Tenho problema cordernacao. Motora. Pra mim é dificultoso manusear uma máquina dessa. Corte do lado dereito.. Até então até pra visualizar o trageto do corte fica mais fácil. Não sei porque os fabricantes insistem em fábrica. Pode vê. Não apresentação. Dos comerciais. Vc vê a dificuldade. Por os fabricantes não. Fabrica máquinas como essa. Com o CORTE DO LADO ESQUERDO.?!

[@carterscustomrods]

If only they would make a left blade... :(

[@4thewinak]

Agreed..

[@OleoKoong]

did anyone try this tool with diamond blade?

[@4thewinak]

not this particular tool.