Makita 36v Top Handle VS Rear Handle Circular Saws, which to pick? XSH06 VS XSR01

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[pryme]

Home Depot just had a similar special I couldn’t pass up today. 250 for the rear handle and you get the makita recipro (sawzall) for free. It also has the 2x 5.0ah batteries and case.

[kyles]

Finally! Been searching forever for a video just like this, thanks so much 👍

[woodmasterguy]

Yes same here, own them both plus the little top handle single battery version saw as well. I like the rear handle for cutting from horses or off the pile, but like the top handle up in the air off ladders or rafters. Yes they are a bit tiring, but hey in the 70s and 80s all the saws we had were all metal and heavy, so no big deal. I also only buy makita stuff when I get BOGOs especially extra batteries. Both these saws came with 4 each 5 ah batteries and dual chargers for $249.00 I think 2 years ago or so...

[evankolpack]

According to Makita's website, the top handle is lighter (10.5 lbs) vs the rear handle (12.4 lbs). Top handle has 2 5/8" cutting depth vs 2 9/16" on the rear, and top handle is 6000 rpm vs 5100 on the right now, the top handle has a deal for $199 + 4 5.0ah batts + dual charger, bag, etc....same deal for the rear handle is $259. Seems like a no-brainer to get the lighter AND more powerful (???) and cheaper top handle. Only downside for righties is you won't be able to see the blade as it cuts....but it's also safer and won't throw as much sawdust on you as you cut.

[danielrosic]

I have the top-handled one shown above, and I hate it! It's a great saw, but I bought it because it's blade-right and I wanted a circ saw that I could use in my left hand. However, after using it a lot, it seems to be made for right-handed, body-over style use (hard to see blade using it left-handed).
Additionally, despite knowing it would be 7.25", I thought it would be a smaller saw because it looks so similar to my 6.5" Makita circ saw, but MAN it's heavy. Great tool, but for my needs, I totally misjudged the product

[nicholash]

Your comment about the top-handle being heavy and tipping down is more what I would expect from the rear handle. The rear handle is way too much strain on your wrist for one-handed use.

[gfe]

Aaargh! The rear handle saw doesn’t appear to have a dust extractor port available. Why? :(
Even outdoors, I am so much happier if I don’t leave a massive pile of sawdust everywhere.

EDIT: I was wrong! It does have a dust port on the side. It’s a weird diameter but it does work reasonably well. It’s quite a heavy saw but it is very well built, obviously. The battery charger is utterly massive and plays beautiful music when it’s done charging.

[pnkrkz]

Which one is more user friendly for a right handed person. Does the side where the blade cuts matter for visibility. It seems that the right side blade is harder to gauge where your cutting.

[hons]

Hey not sure if this is a dumb question but when you just your rear handle what direction does the blade spin? I always thought the blade was supposed to down into the wood when cutting. Mine cuts the wood upwards if that makes sense. Let me know please. And yes I’m new with using circular saws. Thanks in advance 😊👍🏽

[thomaskelly]

Dude rear handle is for framing, top handle is for finish work. Nobody who uses the rafter hook does finish carpentry.

[alvinbk]

I've used both and the rear handle is waaay heavier.