A lot of you have asked about whether Makita was coming out with a 40V Max XGT track saw, and now we have an answer. The new Makita XGT cordless track saw, SP001G, was recently announced, and with enough details to see how it compares against their 18V X2 model.
The new Makita XGT track saw features a 165mm (6-1/2″) blade, and has the same 56mm (2-3/16″) cutting capacity at 90° as their 18V model.
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However, there is a difference in speed. Makita’s XGT track saw is slower than their 18V X2 model, with respect to rotational speed (RPM).
Makita Track Saw Speeds
- Makita XGT 40V Max: 2,500 to 4,900 RPM
- Makita 18V X2: 2,500 – 6,300 RPM
The new XGT track saw has a ~22.2% slower max speed.
This isn’t exactly unexpected. Makita’s XGT 40V Max 2.5Ah battery has the same watt-hour energy capacity as a single 18V 5.0Ah battery. What this means is that if you have a Makita XGT track saw equipped with a 2.5Ah battery, and an 18V X2 track saw equipped with 2x 5.0Ah batteries, the 40V Max XGT (36V nominal) tool will have HALF the electrical energy at its disposal compared to the 18V X2 (36V nominal) saw.
I would presume that Makita dialed down the speed to help stretch out single-battery runtime. Meaning, you’ll still need to change out the battery on the XGT saw much sooner compared to the 18V X2 saw, but perhaps not quite as quickly.
Charge Capacity Comparison
- Makita XGT 40V Max with 2.5Ah battery: 90 watt-hours
- Makita XGT 40V Max with 4.0Ah battery: 144 watt-hours
- Makita 18V X2 with 2x 5.0Ah batteries: 180 watt-hours
Makita says (via Japanese language translation):
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The maximum depth of cut is 56mm, which is sufficient for cutting floor materials, and the cutting efficiency is 10% higher than our previous model.
The footnote adds that this is for when their larger XGT BL4040 4.0Ah battery is used, and when cutting 40mm thick x 600mm wide laminated wood kitchen [countertop] material.
If the translation is correct, a 10% increase in cutting efficiency could be due to the XGT saw’s slower motor compared to the 18V X2 model, or they could have made improvements in the newer 36V (XGT 40V Max) motor compared to the older 36V (18V X2) motor.
Since the efficiency claim specifically references Makita’s XGT 4.0Ah battery, it could also be tied to that battery pack’s next-gen Li-ion cells, whereas their XGT 2.5Ah and 18V 5.0Ah batteries have 18650-sized batteries.
Makita says the XGT saw can make 120 cuts in 50 mm x 300 mm wood when using a 2.5Ah battery. Makita USA says the 18V X2 saw can make up to 125 cuts in 4’x8′ sheets 1/2″ of plywood with 2x 5.0Ah batteries, and so a direct comparison isn’t possible.
Increased efficiency should help offset runtime differences tied to the lower energy capacity of the XGT 2.5Ah and 4.0Ah batteries when compared to an 18V X2 setup with 5.0Ah batteries.
It’s difficult to interpret all this, partially because we’re working with translated claims, and partially because not all of the details are there.
Car Analogy
If it helps with perspective, let’s talk about cars.
Makita 18V X2 w/ 5.0Ah Batteries
Let’s say you have a car with a 20 gallon gas tank, 63 mph max speed, and it delivers 20 miles per gallon.
Makita XGT w/ 4.0Ah Battery
The XGT car would then have a 16 gallon gas tank, 49 mph max speed, and it would deliver 22 miles per gallon. If you want to consider a single 2.5Ah battery, that would be a 10 gallon gas tank, comparatively.
What About Cutting Speed or Performance?
With the XGT slow operating at up to 4,900 RPM, and the 18V X2 saw operating at up to 6,300 RPM, is there going to be a noticeable difference in cutting speed and application times?
Makita doesn’t mention this in press materials, they only mention cutting efficiency (at least according to multiple translations). A car’s miles per gallon efficiency rating only tells you about gas consumption, not how fast you get from point A to B.
Key Features
The new Makita XGT track saw features:
- IP56 waterproof/dustproof protection
- Automatic stop to reduce kickback recoil
- Optional wireless dust collection activation
- Constant rotation control
The anti-kickback measure sounds similar to a new feature found on Festool’s upcoming next-gen cordless track saw.
Which Should You Buy?
We don’t know how much the XGT kit will cost, but it’ll probably be higher. XGT vs. 18V X2 is going to be another consideration factor for many.
When powered by a single battery, the Makita XGT saw should be a little smaller and lighter. When powered by 2x 18V batteries, the X2 saw should give you longer runtime (before any battery change is needed), faster max speed, or both depending on the circumstances.
But, the XGT saw is powered by a single battery at a time, which is a convenience.
Makita’s 18V X2 cordless track saw is an excellent saw. Bosch recently announced a new Profactor model, but I highly doubt that it’ll match up.
Festool has a new cordless track saw on the way, and you can run it using one or two batteries.
Makita’s 18V X2 track saw is a good buy. But, now that Makita has come out with anti-kickback tech, is an upgrade on their roadmap, or is this XGT model considered the upgrade?
Juggling two batteries is a hassle. One larger battery can still be lighter and more compact than two smaller batteries.
But the current performance level of the 18V X2 saw is quite good. Why did Makita dial back the motor speed of the XGT saw? Is this to lessen the frequency of battery changes?
Is the XGT saw an upgrade? It has features not found in the 18V X2 model, but the lower motor speed is a concern, if not a curiosity.
Let’s say the XGT was instead engineered to deliver the same motor speed as the 18V X2 model, or that it otherwise still somehow achieves the same cutting speed and performance. Would you rather deal with a tool that is powered by two batteries, or a single-battery tool where you must keep a spare battery at-hand? The 18V X2 saw doesn’t deplete batteries as fast as continuous-use tools, but there were days when I went through multiple battery charges. Would the XGT tool require a lot more battery swaps?
Buy Now: 18V X2 Kit via Acme Tools
Buy Now: 18V X2 Kit via Amazon
Buy Now: 18V X2 via Tool Nut
If anyone can provide a better translation than the ones I’ve been using, here’s the press release (PDF).
HH
I think it’s important to remember that the speeds are “No Load” RPM. Having 6300 RPM is useless if putting it into some 3/4 MDF lugs the motor down to 2500 RPM. The newer motor likely produced more torque to help it keep up cutting through hardwood slabs and tougher materials especially with that deeper depth of cut.
Comparing the no-load RPM without any other details is like comparing a 18,000 RPM motorbike engine with a CAT C32 at 2,100 RPM.
Lance
Exactly. If the XGT can maintain that speed vs the LXT slowing down under load, that will be the determining factor for cutting speed.
I certainly hope Makita is not holding these tools back to facilitate the use of older 18650-based battery designs. That would be pretty sad. If anything I’d think they would increase power output with the larger battery sizes.
Steven L
If you are attaching a hose for dust collection I keep asking myself why a battery powered unit is better than my corded track saws
Jammer
1 hose is still better than 1 hose and 1 cord. It becomes a juggling act sometimes and you don’t always have a perfect setup with locations for vacuum and electrical outlet.
Tim
Also truthfully most people of the cordless units have better power than their corded companions.
The corded Festool is anemic.
The corded Makita/DeWalt are slightly better.
The cordless variants of all three of these saws are more powerful.
Steve L
I use a TS 55 on plywood sheets and a TS 75 on dimensional lumber. Neither is anemic when used for its intended purpose.
rob
Furthermore, the Festools will leave behind perfectly clean edges on both sides of the cut on plywood and melamine.
Mark
I have 2 ts55 and a TSC55. After using the TSC55 the ts55 does seem anemic.
Serendipity
Dust collector is cordless as well. That makes a huge difference being able to move where is needed. I use a small cordless vac with my saws and sander, all cordless, super handy.
rob
If you live in most places; you won’t be using dust collection when you’re outside. If you own the cordless, why would you additionally buy the corded model for indoors?
Strike all of that, however. If you’ve used a plunge cutting track saw, you’ll know why not having a power cord is nice. The 36mm hose won’t be getting caught up….but the power cord will. Case in point: I was cutting mad slatwall for retail fixtures a couple of weeks ago. I’ve learned how to get around these issues; but I still managed to get caught up by the power cord getting trapped in those aluminum slots a few times.
Except for the MT55; all of my circular saws are cordless (mix of Mafell and Makita). I wouldn’t have it any other way. That said, I’d be murked if I didn’t hook a hose up when inside of someone’s store. In those situations, I’m only managing one tether and not two.
craig
I agree with the part where you contradict yourself, the use of cordless tools indoors is in fact preferrable.
Jon H
For some tools cordless might not make sense. And also, for some people, cordless does not make sense. If I always cut in my shop at the same work table then saving money on the corded version might work. But if sometimes your outside, at a clients or doing a funky cut up on a ladder then cordless makes a lot of sense. Keep in mind in some of those scenarios I’m not using a vacuum, just blowing it into the air or using a collection bag.
All the different tools to do the different things is great. And seeing how people use them differently from each other can be great too. Except when they use them dangerously.
James Moore
Mafell or Bosch if you want accurate cuts from a superior track.
John E
Just buy the Mafell
rob
Right now I only own the Mafell, but would buy the Festool in a heartbeat if I needed cordless (36v always beats 18v). What’s so superior about my Mafell/Bosch rails? I can’t see through the splinterguard. There’s no extra top t-slot for jigs and accessories. One Mafell/Bosch rail connector is like the same price as the Betterly Straightline (which works perfectly). I can buy a milliion accessories for the Festool rails. Meanwhile, the random guy that made my Mafell compatible guide rail square done don’t make them anymore. So, we’re down to maybe one random guy in his shop that charges a Festool saw per Mafell guiderail square. I don’t know about the cordless Bosch offering, I ditched them before the fact, but their corded tracksaw is anything but accurate and superior. The sole is like a wet banana and they haven’t fixed the issue in the…six..seven..years?…it’s been on the market.
SpainUser
Hello Rob, I used to own both saws… as a mater fact, I’m what you can a plunge saw addict. Long story short, Having had the saws from Festool/Makita/Bosh/Mafell/Metabo. The only saws I keep are the Mafell MT 55cc and 18V, the Metabo 66 LTX, and the Festool TS75. I’ve sold the rest, because of several reasons. I fist bought the TS55, then the TS75 (the TS55 was under power for hard woods) then I got the TSC 55, and the Makita LTX, that did not go well, neither had the power needed and batteries where depleted very quickly. sold them both off to friends quickly. I bought the Bosh 18v thinking it would solve my cordless needs, and as I was bringing it home, my buddy bought the Mafell MT 55cc, you can image the rest, sold the Bosh, bought the Mafell, has been my favorite saw for about 5 years. I have since bought the MT 55 18v, it cuts longer than both the Festool TSC 55 and the Makita LTX platforms. The biggest issue with the Makita was the blades. Between the the Mafell 18v or the Metabo, there is little differences, they booth cut great. I now barely take out the TS 75 (with me since 2006) I can do a weekend warier (I’m not a pro) and cut to my heart and wife’s content with no issue on a single 5.5Ah or 8Ah battery, something the Festool or the Makita never delivered. The SP001G with the 40V will probably deliver closer to the same experience as either the Mafell or Metabo. What’s great about the saw is the new “shark skin” baldes, I’ve used them on the Mafell, and they are sweet! Lasts long too, specially cutting phenolic or Valchromat, they do challenge even the mighty (no so much now) TS 75. YMMV! 🙂
Plain grainy
Glad they finally added the anti- kickback. The 18v model always had great reviews.
Serendipity
I’m guessing $700 with a 55″ track and one battery, ad $100 for aws , and maybe a drop on the 36v.
rob
In practice, all things XGT are counterintuitive when compared to pen and paper. On like for like products, the 2.5 ah XGT model will outrun, outpace and outpower the x2 LXT version. This has been documented on video by a certain kiwi and my own personal experience has been similar. Thus far, the XGT products run better on the..egads…18650 2.5ah battery than the 21700 4ah battery. Perhaps Makita is programming the plunge saw to operate differently and to take advantage of the 21700 cells (methinks it will only take advantage of runtime).
Something isn’t right about these numbers from Makita of Japan. The max speed could easily be a typo. Or, perhaps it’s not a typo and the XGT version will be half the physical the size of the LXT version. This has been an unadvertised trend with half of the XGT tools. The 5″ XGT grinder is significantly smaller than the LXT counterpart while more powerful. The XGT drill (the electronic clutch one) is as powerful as the XPH14/XFFD14…and significantly smaller. Randomly, the impact driver is bigger than the XDT16 (it’s also, much more powerful than the XDT16 than advertised). Or, perhaps, the saw has been geared to have more torque? We’re not getting the full picture here…and considering the only picture we have is a mock up, we’re not going to find out anytime this week.
Eric Jents
The Japanese tend to be very conservative when spec’ing product information, so don’t rely on those numbers for real-world performance.. Secondly, there are many addressed technology improvements that could be had, including better programming, more efficient motor design, cooling design, and initial larger work duty.. So far, the jury on the initial 40v XGT products like the Circular Saws, Impacts, and 10 1/4″ have been outstanding… Don’t be surprised when the plunge saw wows as well….
Frans Napaters
Does anyone have a clear overview on which brand saw works with other brands guide rails?
for example: I own Bosch guide rails, is this Makita saw compatible with those?
HH
Bosch and Mafell guiderails only work with Bosch and Mafell rail saws.
DeWALT guiderails only work with DeWALT saws.
Festool pattern rails fit 99.99% of rail saws from the cheap ones, Festool, Makita, and even the DeWALT, Bosch, and Mafell rails.
Basically every SAW is designed to work with the Festool style rail. Some saws also work with their own proprietary rails which aren’t cross compatible.
rob
Most every PLUNGE saw has a Festool compatible groove on it.
Just about every Mafell saw (currently every Mafell saw in production) can run on a track. Most Bosch saws have a guide rail version, as well. Those are Mafell/Bosch rail exclusive.
SpainUser
Hello Rob, the K series (Krosscut) do not allow for Festool/Makita type rails. BTW, I believe there is a guy out there claiming that Makita where making the Festool TSC saws… I tried finding the link but could not find it. Anyway, interesting that they behaved the same ;^). 5-6% off cut times.
Mike S
The standard Makita blade in the existing Track Saw is only available with the tool – they don’t sell it as a replacement blade. They do still sell a “standard” blade, and as far as I can tell the only reason that they sell that is to be able to claim that their other blades are X% faster or more efficient. And they can do that because the other blades are all noticeably thinner kerf. So – I suspect that they are merely including their latest and thinnest blade in this saw in order that they can make some claim about how its better. But – put that blade into the existing saw, and the existing saw wins.
The new blade is: B-57342
Their previous thin kerf blades were ones like: B-57342
Their standard blade is: B-07353
Blade included with 18v x2: B-57071
Mike S
Previous thin kerfs were this model: A-99982
SpainUser
I’m holding the saw in my hands and the new blade is the a-64353 45T. Not sure where you yet the info from.
Chris
Milwaukee!?!?!??!?! Where are you????
Michael Triggs
Totally agree. I have two battery platforms simply because Milwaukee didn’t make this (well, this and the compact router, but then they did make the router, so now, just this…)
rob
Greener grass? Nah. Makita’s nailers are crap, so I have to carry around extra batteries just for that. 😂
Ricardo pedrassani
The 40V makita nailer retired my compressor, 40mm nails cover 95% os mu necessities.
Damon
The new cordless tools seem more powerful because they kit them with ultra thin blades. loss of cut quality/increased blade deflection, although it gives you more sense of power due to the thin blade.
Rob
While it’s certainly true that every brand keeps getting more ridiculous with how thin of a plate and carbide they use and that that results in all of the performance you would expect with a thinner kerf, 36v is way better than 18v, any way you swing it and (for reasons unknown), the XGT stuff is also a bit better than it’s x2 LXT counterparts.
My XGT 165mm saw (HS001G) with a 2.6mm kerf 24t blade from some random German supplier runs circles around my LXT 6-1/2” saw (XSH03Z) with an anemic 1.5mm kerf 24t blade from Diablo.
SpainUser
One reason “read from proclaimed Makita engineer on Line” is that the LTX saw delivers greater Amp output, which will allow for more torque peak curve, This allows the motor to maintain momentum on the blade as it cuts the material. This is why you see a major drop in performance when you try any saw with a dull blade. You are putting more pressure on the Amp output and the friction from the balde on the material is higher and the motor works harder, depletes the batter sooner and you stall the motor if you push it. If this new saw behaves anything like the little HS005G, then the SP001G will be a winner.
M
so are we going to see discounts on the 18v X2 versions?
– one can hope.
2019 had 6 batteries and track for $499 after Christmas sales.
I knew I should have jumped on it then.
– still checking every day, recently you got a free new style Grinder with a Tracksaw purchase, again I balked,
hoping to see some discounts this year now that we all seem to be back on track to normality and HD bought their own ships!
Christian Ness
Could someone please tell me when this will be coming to the U.S.? I’m really excited to get this saw, but I need to put some money aside for it. Does anyone know approximately how much it might cost? I looked on Makita’s Japanese website and they said it’s 60,000 yen which roughly translates to 545 dollars U.S., but I’d still like to know if this is accurate.
Stuart
Makita USA doesn’t make their plans known.
Christian
Sometimes you can get them to spill the beans or info is leaked in other ways. I’ve gotten info on release dates from ACME tools already.
Stuart
Maybe, but I usually cannot or will not solicit private info from retailers. If it’s public, I can use it. If it’s volunteered to me by a reader, that’s also different.
Christian
I don’t pay them for the information. They give it willingly
Stuart
Yes, but you’re a customer, I ask as press/media.
Let’s say a retailer has special pricing on a particular brand’s cordless combo kit. You learn about the deal and share it with your friends on Facebook – no problem. I learn about the deal from a newsletter and post about it on ToolGuyd. Same thing, right?
Nope – it blew up into a huge controversy involving the retailer, the brand, and multiple competing retailers, with accusations of secret partnerships and schemes.
Customer service or sales reps might have knowledge to share, but they’re usually not authorized to publicly disseminate such details.
If details are leaked online, they’re usually fair game, but I can’t go poking holes on my own.
Findlay Brown
Any indication on when it will be available in the uk? Seen it on eBay imported from Japan… think it’s a safe buy?
Stuart
No, but it started shipping in the USA. I’d say it’ll be more widely available when supplies build up.