Makita has expanded their selection of AWS-featuring tools, with the most recent addition being their sub-compact circular saw. AWS is Makita’s Automatic-Start Wireless System, a Bluetooth technology that allows specially-equipped Makita cordless power tools to automatically activate specially-equipped Makita vacuums and dust extractors.
The new saw, XSH05ZB, is nearly identical to the Makita 18V sub-compact circular saw (XSH04ZB) that came out in mid-2018, but with a slot for their AWS transmitter, sold separately.
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That part confused me a bit. This version of the Makita sub-compact brushless circular saw is AWS-capable, but not AWS-equipped, at least not out of the box.
Other Makita cordless power tools with AWS capabilities, such as their 18V X2 plunge-cutting track saw, come with an auto-start wireless transmitter, 198901-5.
The new saw is priced a little higher than the non-AWS-capable saw, and you’ll also need an AWS Bluetooth transmitter module, which is currently priced at $80.
Price: $198 for the bare tool
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The transmitter module is optional but needed for AWS functionality.
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The saw comes with a dust port accessory.
Specifications
- 6-1/2″ blade size
- Brushless motor
- 5,000 RPM (no-load)
- 2-1/4″ at 90° cutting capacity
- 1-5/8″ at 45° cutting capacity
- 0° to 50° bevel capacity
- 10-5/8″ long
- Weighs 6.4 lbs with 2.0Ah compact battery pack
- 3-stage LED battery gauge
- Dual LED worklights
- 24T blade included
First Thoughts
Something stood out to me at first: this saw is marketed as an AWS-capable tool, but it doesn’t come with the AWS transmitter, all the while still being a little more expensive than the non-AWS-capable model?
Then I thought: are users going to buy another $80 AWS transmitter module for this saw? And then I realized, maybe not.
Circular saws are very rarely used with dust collectors, and the ones that are, they’re specially designed for it, such as Makita’s plunge-cutting track saws.
I can see this saw being used for certain tasks where its compact size and lighter weight can be a great benefit. I’m sure there will be some users who will want it equipped with AWS and connected to a vac hose all the time, and that’s okay. Other users might own a different Makita AWS saw, or saws, that are more traditionally paired with dust extractors. If or when there comes a time when they need or want to use this sub-compact circular saw with AWS tech and dust collection, they should be able to pull the AWS module from an existing saw to temporarily equip this one.
How many AWS-equipped saws will a user operate at any given moment?
With that in mind, this makes a lot more sense to me. Otherwise, this is an AWS wireless vacuum trigger-capable saw that doesn’t come with the optional AWS wireless vacuum trigger, and that doesn’t really sound good at all.
Why buy the AWS-capable model (XSH05ZB) over the regular non-AWS version (XSH04ZB)? Well, you have the option of using AWS with it, if you so choose.
If you’re maybe interested in using a sub-compact Makita brushless circular saw with their AWS vac activation tech, this is the model to choose. You can buy a transmitter later, or “borrow” one from a different tool that has one. If you’re absolutely interested in having this saw connected to an AWS-equipped dust collector all the time, pick up a wireless transmitter for it as well. If you have no interest in AWS vacs or vac triggers, the non-AWS version is a little less expensive.
So, to sum things up, this new Makita AWS-capable sub-compact brushless circular saw is basically the same as the non-AWS one, but a slot for adding in an (optional) AWS wireless transmitter.
Also, keep in mind that you would need a Makita AWS-equipped vacuum or dust extractor. As far as I am aware, there is no retrofit option, it has to have AWS activation capabilities built-in.
This all assumes that the an AWS wireless transmitter modular can be swapped between tools. I can’t find any user manual that mentions it, and nothing for the transmitter itself. I’ll follow up when we hear back from Makita.
George
My first thought on reading this headline:
What in the world does a saw need with Amazon Web Services?
John
I had same reaction, and was thinking, “Really, Jeff Bezos?? Is anybody so lazy that they need their circular saw to automatically order a new blade when it’s dull?”
John S
I admit I did too. I was terrified they had it Alexa capable and someone could just say “Alexa turn on saw” and it go to town on anyone in the room. 😉
ktash
Same thought here, but a bit less dangerous. Like “Alexa, rip six 1″ strips off that 1×12”
ktash
But where’s the fun in that!
Stuart
Sorry, writing out “Bluetooth auto-start vacuum activation system” in the title just seemed like too much of a mouthful.
John
I have plenty newer Makita cordless tools over the past few years, of course non with AWS. My simple solution is a $12 on/off remote/outlet extension from Amazon (sometimes HD has them too), tape the remote to my vacuum hose near the nozzle and voila no worries for a long time to come. Makes using the cordless track saw very easy with a vacuum.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q9EFUK/
I am not going to buy new tools to replace the barely old tool I have just for AWS.
John S
This is a really strange strategy to requiring a module on top of the capability to use it. They should have integrated the transmitter in the battery and that way any attached device with that capability would be instantly able to use AWS. Having to buy a module for every tool on top of making sure it even has the functionality seems really annoying not to mention furthering the dizzying number of sku devices that Makita has.
Matt F
I agree, better itegration would be great and a great way to bring this feature to all your tools.
Preferably this would be in the form of a patched in connector seated between the battery and tool so no new tools or batteries are needed. That would be too easy for consumers though…
Are you listening dewalt ie the new FlexVolt dust collector??
Corey
Has a wrist strap remote button
Matt F
Yes, which means it would could be compatable with a transmitter seated between the battery and tool that senses when the tool is turned on.
Stuart
I agree, but I convinced myself of a rational-sounding explanation.
Todd
I think they actually went the correct route on this. If they were to incorporate the transmitter in the battery, existing batteries (of which I have 14 or so) would not be functional with the AWS. This would be a huge cost prohibitive factor for a lot of people already heavily invested in their 18v battery line. Another factor in not including the module, is many people… the vast overwhelming majority, do not own or plan to own a Makita dust extractor which would make a useless feature, and if it bumped the price of the tool up $50 or so (sub $200 is more palatable than $250) people may go with a different saw, or a different brand entirely.
I have not used one, but I really like the size of the subcompact saw (all of their subcompact stuff is great, got the rotary hammer, recip saw and the impact/drill driver kit).If it was blade left I’d probably bite but only saws I like the blade on the right side ride on a guide rail.
Nathan
without a dedicated hose connection for the dust path I don’t much see the point.
Are they maybe going to use that AWS system for tool tracking and the like – sort of like Dewalts bit or Milwaukee’s One key?
Stuart
It does come with a dust port adapter that screws into the tool, but I can’t find an image that shows it attached.
John S
I was trying to find it too because it also didn’t make a lot of sense to me but you’re right it does appear to have it included. Here is their photo of it off the product page:
https://cdn.makitatools.com/apps/cms/img/xsh/4f4c226c-997a-458a-8195-4d32df909fc8_xsh05zb_fbt_1500px.png
off of the main product page:
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/XSH05ZB
Plant Whisperer
This is what happens when the marketing department gains too much influence in a company. Spoiler alert: it’s never good for anyone other than the marketers.
James C
Re dust collection in general, I’m pretty happy with my $15 RF remote outlet controlling my shop vac-cyclone-20′ hose setup. Eventually I’ll upgrade it by stacking the cyclone on top of the vac and maybe some Velcro on the remote to stick it to my apron (little easier to reach vs in my pocket).
Robert
Speaking of Amazon, a good way to remote control vacuums is with a smart plug and an Echo Dot. Just say, “Alexa, turn on vacuum”. It can hear you over music, it can hear over power tools.
Stuart
But will it recognize the command, over the noise of tool and vac, to turn it off? Someone brought this up in a comment to a previous post, and it’s a good point to think about.
Robert
Yes, at least in my workspace. The Dot doesn’t need to be near the vacuum to communicate with the plug.
I know the Apple HomeKit works as well. Even if it’s 120db and you, the outlet, power tool and vacuum are on top of each other, you can use your phone and push a button on the app. No talking required.
Wayne R.
A bunch of good points – but unnecessary after saying the BT module is $80. Absurd.
Matt
AWS aside, I absolutely love Makita’s sub compact line… The small size is ideal all while retaining very respectable power numbers.
Corey
Unusual in my experience and estimation of Makita, but that’s a pretty skeezy move.
Julian
Right. Thanks Makita. Like last year when they introduced the new 36V 10″ mitersaw so we all jumped on board to buy it and then 2-3 months later introduced the AWS system.
A slim aws adapter that mounted in between the tool and battery would be the single most sensible way to implement this functionality. Cant think of a single Makita tool that would be inconvenienced by such an adapter except for maybe the router or sander. But the router is already absurdly unbalanced as is with a 5.0 batt and the sander is already an ergonomic hand buzzing nightmare as is.
I would seriously look into buying their AWS vacs if such a universal adapter was available.
On the flip side – if they wanted to sell more aws tools or modules, they could also offer an aws compatible 110v plug adapter for those using cordless tools with non-cordless vacs.
That would allow the Mak tools quite a bit more usefulness with Makita’s own very good dust collectors as well as other brands.
Travis
Makita absolutely annoys me with the AWS tools. Release a perfectly good tool and then months later release the same exact tool but with an open slot to put a Bluetooth module for dust collection, at a much higher price.
1: Why not just sell the tool with the ‘blank’ space for a future module, if people wanted to add it
2: Bluetooth modules are incredibly cheap these days
I do feel the Bluetooth battery route would have been a better path to go. Sell specialty labeled/colored batteries that designate Bluetooth capability. Could easily put one on a drill when needing dust collection or any hammer drill/grinder. Just makes sense.
Lance
I have a huge collection of Makita 18v tools, and I love them.
However, Makita as a company frustrates me. On the surface this looks like nothing more than a cheap effort to stay ahead in the “largest 18v tool platform” thing. An easy way to release two new tools with every one designed.
Stocking their product line must be an absolute nightmare…
John
In Australia the module is $50. The aws version of the saw comes with module in the box and is $50 more than the non aws model. I’m currently in the US and ordered the aws capable model. I think it’s better to have that option of dust extraction. I don’t see why they need to make 2 models. Just have the 1 and sell with or without the module like the x2 sds max. The sub circ saw is only available in teal in Australia too.
Marc Viau
Thanks for writing this. I almost paid 50 more for the XSH05ZB thinking it had to be better. I don’t need a wireless control. One nice thing about the Makita XSH04ZB (and 05) is they are conventional right handed saws. Most mini 6-1/2 saws I see are left handed which drives me nuts. Just my preference.