Description

Key Features

Single-Pass Beam Cuts

This circular saw is built for big stock. It cuts 6x material at 90 degrees and 4x material at 45 degrees in a single pass, so you spend less time flipping heavy lumber and lining up a second cut.

Faster Than Corded

Makita rates the GSH06Z at up to 30% faster cutting than its corded 5402NA. For production framing and timber work, that means quicker cuts without dragging a cord to every setup.

AWS Jobsite Control

AWS capability lets the saw communicate wirelessly with a compatible dust extractor when used with the optional transmitter. That helps manage dust and keeps the extractor running only when the saw is cutting.

Overview

The Makita GSH06Z 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 16-5/16″ Circular Saw, AWS Capable, Tool Only is a large-format cordless circular saw built for heavy timber cutting, beam cutting, pressure treated lumber, and wood logs. This is a circular saw designed for high-capacity framing and timber applications. Model Number: GSH06Z. If you need to cut oversized wood stock in a single pass without relying on a corded setup, this is the kind of saw that actually moves the needle.

The big story here is cutting capacity. Makita built this saw around a 16-5/16 inch blade with a 1 inch arbor, giving it the ability to cut 6x material at 90 degrees and 4x material at 45 degrees in one pass. That matters when you are working with large beams, posts, headers, landscape timbers, or thick pressure treated stock. Instead of rotating the material or making multiple passes, you get through it cleanly in one shot, which saves time and keeps your layout more accurate.

Makita also claims up to 30% faster cutting speed than its corded 5402NA, which is not a small claim considering the size class of this saw. The 2,100 RPM no-load speed, brushless motor platform, and blade stabilizer are all aimed at keeping the cut moving steadily through dense material. In plain terms, it is meant to stay composed under load, not just spin a big blade on paper.

For a saw in this category, weight and handling matter a lot. The die-cast aluminum build keeps the net tool weight to 24.3 pounds, and Makita notes that it is 4.1 pounds lighter than the comparable corded model. That does not make it a light saw, but it does make it more manageable when you are carrying it across a site, setting up repeated beam cuts, or working where power access is a hassle. The ergonomic layout, bevel lock, and positive bevel stops at 15, 30, and 45 degrees all point to a tool designed for real production use instead of occasional specialty cuts.

Makita added the features you want on a saw this size: an electric brake for quicker blade stop, soft start to reduce start-up reaction, and Extreme Protection Technology for better durability in harsh conditions by moving water and dust away from critical internal components. Those are practical jobsite details. On a high-torque saw with a large blade, soft start helps the saw come up to speed in a more controlled way, and the brake helps when you are making repeated cuts and moving between positions.

The AWS side of this saw is worth calling out because it is not just a badge feature. The GSH06Z is AWS capable, meaning it can pair with a compatible dust extractor for automatic on and off operation when used with the optional Auto-start Wireless Transmitter, part number 198901-5. If you are cutting indoors, in a shop, or anywhere dust control matters, that system can streamline cleanup and reduce the noise of a vacuum running constantly in the background.

Battery platform matters too. This saw runs on the Makita 40V max XGT system, which is Makita’s high-demand cordless platform for tools that need serious output. That makes the GSH06Z a strong fit for crews already invested in XGT batteries and chargers. Makita states up to 75 cuts per charge in 6×12 lumber with a 5.0Ah battery, which gives you a useful benchmark for runtime in heavy cutting, though the battery and charger are sold separately with this tool-only version.

Who should buy it? This is for framers, timber crews, general contractors, and serious builders who routinely cut large wood stock and want cordless freedom without giving up capacity. It is also a smart fit for users who already own Makita XGT batteries and need a production-ready beam saw. If your work rarely gets beyond standard framing lumber, this is more saw than you need. If you regularly cut big timber and want to stop wrestling with cords, this is exactly the point of the tool.

Makita GSH06Z 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 16-5/16″ Circular Saw Cutting Capacity

This saw is about one thing first: getting through oversized wood stock without extra steps. For beam work, posts, and large treated lumber, the value is in making one clean pass and moving on.

• 16-5/16 inch blade with 1 inch arbor for large-format wood cutting
• Maximum cutting capacity of 6-5/16 inches at 90 degrees and 4-1/4 inches at 45 degrees
• 0 to 45 degree bevel range with positive stops at 15, 30, and 45 degrees

What’s in the Box

• (1) Makita GSH06Z 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 16-5/16″ Circular Saw
• (1) 16-5/16″ 35T C.T. Circular Saw Blade (E-24854)
• (1) Dust Extracting Attachment (450316-7)
• (1) Saw Storage Holder (4131E7-2)
• (1) Hex Wrench (783204-6)

Battery, charger, and AWS Auto-start Wireless Transmitter are not included.

Key Specifications

Blade Diameter	16-5/16 in
Arbor Size	1 in
No-Load Speed	2,100 RPM
Maximum Cutting Capacity at 90°	6-5/16 in
Maximum Cutting Capacity at 45°	4-1/4 in
Bevel Capacity	0° to 45°
Voltage	40V max
Weight	24.3 lbs
Overall Length	23-7/8 in
Power Source	Cordless
Motor Type	Brushless
AWS Capability	Yes, transmitter sold separately

Compatibility

Battery Platform

Compatible with Makita 40V max XGT Lithium-Ion batteries.

AWS Dust Extraction

AWS capable for wireless on and off communication with an AWS-equipped dust extractor when used with Auto-start Wireless Transmitter part number 198901-5, sold separately.

Charging System

Works within the Makita XGT charger system. Charger is not included with this tool-only version.

Built For

Timber CuttingFramingConstructionGeneral ContractingLarge Beam CuttingPressure Treated LumberWood LogsRemodeling

Pro Tip

If you are making repeated bevel cuts in large stock, use the 15, 30, and 45 degree positive stops instead of dialing the angle freehand every time. On a saw this size, that saves setup time and helps keep long production cuts more consistent.

Warranty & Support

3-year limited warranty.

Tool Nut’s Take

Tool Nut’s Take

Big cordless saw for serious wood cutting

The Makita GSH06Z 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 16-5/16″ Circular Saw is a purpose-built tool for crews that cut large lumber all day and want that capacity without dragging around a cord.

• Who it’s for: Framers, timber crews, builders, and contractors cutting beams, posts, large pressure treated stock, and heavy wood material.
• Why it stands out: Real single-pass 6x cutting at 90 degrees, 4x cutting at 45 degrees, AWS capability, and cordless XGT power in a package that is lighter than Makita’s comparable corded saw.
• Worth knowing: This is the tool-only version, so plan on adding an XGT battery and charger if you are not already on the platform. It is also a specialized saw, not the one you grab for everyday sheet goods or small trim work.

Common Questions

• What battery platform does this saw use? It is compatible with Makita 40V max XGT Lithium-Ion batteries.
• Can it cut 6x material in one pass? Yes. Makita states it cuts 6x material at 90 degrees and 4x material at 45 degrees in a single pass.
• Is this saw AWS ready? Yes. It is AWS capable, but the Auto-start Wireless Transmitter is sold separately.
• Does this tool-only version include a battery or charger? No. Battery and charger are not included.