Makita 40V XGT Saws
Makita 40V circular saws are for fast, straight cutting when 18V starts to feel underpowered on thicker timber and long rips.
When you're breaking down sheet goods all day, trimming joists, or ripping wet C24, a Makita XGT circular saw gives you the torque and runtime to stay on the cut without bogging down. Look out for the right blade size for your work, like a Makita 40V circular saw 165mm for everyday site cutting, or step up to a Makita beam saw when you're into big section timber.
What Jobs Are Makita 40V Circular Saws Best At?
- Ripping full sheets of ply, OSB, and MDF on trestles when you need a clean line and enough grunt that the saw does not stall halfway through.
- Cutting joists, rafters, and studwork to length on first fix, where a Makita circular saw 40V keeps the pace up without you nursing the trigger.
- Trimming doors, worktops, and flooring packs on refurbs, especially when you want cordless freedom but still need a proper, controlled cut.
- Working outside in the wet and cold on timber frame and roofing jobs, where a 40V Makita circular saw holds its speed better under load than lighter-duty kit.
- Taking on heavier structural cuts with a Makita beam saw when standard blade depth is not enough and you are into thick section timber.
Choosing the Right Makita 40V Circular Saw
Sorting the right one is simple: match blade size and cut depth to what you actually cut all week, not what looks good on paper.
1. 165mm vs larger blades
If most of your work is sheet goods, studwork, and general first-fix, a Makita 40V circular saw 165mm is the sensible daily driver. If you are regularly into thicker timbers and want more depth in one pass, move up to a larger blade model or a Makita beam saw.
2. Sidewinder circular saw vs beam saw
If you need a lighter, quicker saw for repeated cuts and working off ladders or roofs, stick with a standard Makita XGT circular saw. If your job is big section timber and deep cuts where a standard saw runs out of depth, that is when a beam saw earns its space in the van.
3. Bare unit vs kit
If you are already on XGT, buy the bare Makita circular saw 40V and spend the money on the right blade. If you are stepping into XGT from scratch, a kit with batteries and charger stops you getting caught out mid-job with nothing to run it.
Makita 40V Circular Saw FAQs
Is it worth upgrading to 40v Makita?
If you are cutting all day or regularly ripping thicker timber and sheet, yes, you will feel the difference in sustained power and fewer bog-downs. If you only do occasional trims and already run a solid 18V setup, you might be better spending the money on better blades and extra batteries first.
What is the best Makita cordless circular saw?
The best one is the saw that matches your cut depth and workload. For general site work, a Makita 40V 165mm circular saw is a strong all-rounder, but if you are constantly into deeper cuts, look at larger blade models or a Makita beam saw so you are not double-cutting everything.
Is Makita 40v replacing 18V?
No, 18V LXT is still a core platform and makes sense for loads of day-to-day tools. XGT 40V sits above it for higher-demand kit like saws where you want more output and better performance under load.
What size blade does the Makita 40v circular saw use?
It depends on the model, but 165mm is a common size in the range and suits most first-fix and sheet cutting. Always check the saw's stated blade diameter and bore size before ordering blades, because the wrong fit will not mount safely.
Will my 18V Makita batteries fit a Makita 40V XGT circular saw?
No, XGT 40V batteries are a different platform and do not interchange with 18V LXT packs. If you are moving over, factor in at least two batteries and a charger so the saw is actually usable day to day.
Is a 40V Makita circular saw overkill for sheet materials?
Not if you are cutting sheets constantly, especially thicker ply or multiple boards, because it keeps speed up and leaves a cleaner edge when paired with the right blade. If it is just the odd kitchen end panel, 18V can still do it, but do not expect it to feel as effortless on long rips.
Who Are Makita XGT Circular Saws For on Site?
- Chippies and joiners doing first fix and roofing, because a Makita 40V saw keeps ripping and cross-cutting without feeling like it is fighting the timber.
- Shopfitters and fit-out teams cutting sheet materials all day, where the extra power makes long rips smoother and reduces rework.
- Timber frame crews and maintenance teams who need cordless reach around site, but still want a saw that behaves like a proper mains "skill saw" when it is under load.
How Makita 40V XGT Circular Saws Work for You
The point of XGT is simple on site: more power under load and better sustained cutting when you are doing proper work, not just the odd trim.
1. Higher output for tougher cuts
A Makita 40V saw is built to hold blade speed when you are ripping thicker timber or pushing through wet material, so the cut stays straighter and you are not constantly backing off to stop it bogging down.
2. Blade size drives cut depth
The blade diameter is what dictates how deep you can cut in one pass, so pick a Makita 40V 165mm circular saw for everyday site work, or go bigger if you are regularly cutting deeper sections.
3. The right blade matters as much as the saw
If you want clean cuts and decent runtime, run a sharp blade suited to the material, because a blunt or wrong-tooth blade makes any makita curcular saw feel weak and drains batteries fast.
Makita 40V Circular Saw Accessories That Save Time on Site
Get the saw cutting properly and keep it cutting, without wasting half the day fighting rough cuts, dust, or flat batteries.
1. 165mm and larger circular saw blades (material-specific)
A sharp, correct blade is the difference between a clean rip and a burnt, wandering mess, so keep a spare for timber and another for sheet goods to avoid forcing the cut and chewing batteries.
2. Guide rails and track adaptors
If you are breaking down sheets, a rail setup stops the "freehand wobble" and saves you re-cutting expensive boards, especially on long rips where even good hands drift.
3. Dust extraction adaptors and hoses
Hooking the saw to an extractor keeps the cut line visible and stops filling a finished room with dust, which matters when you are trimming indoors or working around other trades.
4. XGT 40V batteries and rapid chargers
If you are cutting all day, do not rely on a single pack, because nothing kills productivity like a dead battery when you are halfway through setting out and need the saw right now.
Shop Makita 40V Circular Saws at ITS
Whether you need a Makita 40V circular saw 165mm for daily first-fix, a bigger Makita XGT circular saw for deeper cuts, or a Makita beam saw for heavy timber, we stock the full range and the right blades and batteries to match. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery.
