Cutting large – diameter lumber is a tough task for professionals, as there are limited tools that can handle it effectively. In the past, I’ve resorted to cutting large lumber from both sides with a circular saw or even using a reciprocating saw free – hand. However, these methods often lead to a loss of accuracy. Makita’s new 40V max XGT 16 5/16 – Inch Circular Saw offers a promising solution.
Speed, Power, and Capacity
Motor and RPM
The Makita 40V max XGT GSH06 is equipped with a brushless motor that has a top blade speed of 2,100 RPMs. At first glance, this may seem slow compared to the 6,000 RPMs of the 40V max XGT GSH01. But we need to consider two important factors.
Firstly, the 7 1/4 – inch blade of the GSH01 has an edge speed of about 380 fps, while the much larger blade of the GSH06 has an edge speed of about 300 fps. So, despite the significant difference in RPM values, the edge speeds are closer than they appear.
Secondly, the lower edge speed of the GSH06 is accompanied by higher torque, which enables the saw to power through larger lumber with ease.
Cut Capacity
The large 16 5/16 – inch blade of the GSH06 offers an impressive cut capacity. It can cut 6 – 1/4 inches at 90° and 4 – 3/16 inches at 45°. This means that you can cut 6x and 4x materials in a single pass, which is a huge advantage for timber framing projects.
Battery Life
When using the kitted 5.0Ah battery, you can expect up to 75 cuts per charge in 6×12 lumber. This shows that the saw is not only powerful but also efficient in terms of battery usage.
Weight and Build
The saw weighs 26.25 pounds as a bare tool and 29.1 pounds with the kitted 5.0Ah battery. To ensure a firm grip during operation, the grip is covered with a generous amount of rubber overmolding, and there’s a secondary grip on the left side. Although it’s a heavier saw, Makita has used magnesium for the blade guards and cover instead of steel or plastic. This helps maintain high durability while keeping the weight manageable, which is crucial during busy timber framing operations.
Bevel and Cutting Depth Adjustments
Despite its large size, the GSH06 features tool – free depth and bevel adjustments. There are positive bevel detents at 15°, 30°, and 45°, and the levers are slightly oversized, making them easy to manipulate even when wearing work gloves.
Electric Brake
The electric brake is an essential safety feature on many cordless circular saws. However, on the GSH06, due to the larger 16 5/16 – inch blade, it takes about 4 seconds to come to a complete stop. This is slower than on smaller saws but is understandable considering the higher mass of the blade.
The Bottom Line
The Makita 40V max XGT 16 5/16 – Inch Circular Saw (GSH06) is a powerful and efficient Pro – grade solution for cutting large – diameter lumber. It provides an impressive cut capacity along with the convenience of cordless operation. Although it’s a bit hefty, its thoughtful design and feature set make it an excellent choice for professionals who need single – pass cutting for larger lumber. If you’re in the market for a heavy – duty, large – capacity circular saw, the GSH06 proves that going cordless doesn’t mean sacrificing power or accuracy.
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