DeWalt DCS578B vs Makita XSH06Z: FlexVolt 60V Against X2 LXT 36V Circular Saw

Where these two differ

Both are corded-class brushless sidewinders with electric brakes. The DeWalt DCS578B runs on one FlexVolt 60V pack at 5,800 RPM with a 57 degree bevel. The Makita XSH06Z runs on two 18V LXT packs at 5,000 RPM with a 2-5/8 inch cut, the deepest in the class, and a 56 degree bevel. Both have the blade on the right. The pack arrangement and the platform decide.

This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both saws and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either saw ourselves.

Power

Both rip wet pressure-treated 2×12 without slowing. The DeWalt spins faster for a slightly cleaner edge on dry lumber; the Makita Automatic Speed Change raises torque in a hard cut to hold speed. Neither leaves a deck builder wanting.

Cut capacity

The Makita cuts a sixteenth deeper; the DeWalt bevels a degree further. Neither cuts a 4×4 in one pass and both handle steep pergola rafters.

Weight and handling

Both are heavy sidewinders once packs are fitted and both sit well on a sawhorse. Both are manageable on a ladder for a fence post with a smaller pack arrangement.

Batteries and runtime

A FlexVolt 9 Ah pack lasts an afternoon of joists and runs the DeWalt chainsaw, mower and blower. Two LXT 5 Ah packs last similarly and run the Makita X2 mower, blower and chainsaw plus every 18V LXT tool. LXT packs are cheaper and more plentiful.

Blades and setup

Both take 7-1/4 inch blades with a 5/8 inch arbor. A 24-tooth framing blade for joists; a 40-tooth blade for deck boards. Depth and bevel levers on both.

Yard jobs this decides

Deck framing, fence rails, raised beds and a shed suit both. The platform decides: LXT runs the broadest yard range sold; FlexVolt covers the big tools and 20V covers the rest.

Warranty and support

On the DeWalt DCS578B, DeWalt covers it with a three-year limited warranty, one year of free service and a 90-day money-back guarantee. On the Makita XSH06Z, Makita covers LXT tools and batteries with a three-year limited warranty. Both makers run service networks in the US and both honor the warranty only with proof of purchase, so keep the receipt with the manual. Registration takes a few minutes online and is worth doing the day the tool arrives.

Care and storage

Both are brushless battery tools and both last longest with the same habits: blow the vents clear after dusty work, store packs indoors at partial charge rather than empty or full for months, and keep the tool out of a hot truck in summer. Neither needs lubrication or brush changes. A pack left on the charger for weeks is not harmed by either maker, but a pack left at zero through a winter often is.

Common owner complaints

DCS578B owners mention weight and pack cost. XSH06Z owners mention needing two packs. Both are reliable.

Which one should you buy

Buy the DCS578B on DeWalt or for a single-pack saw with the fastest blade. Buy the XSH06Z on LXT or for the deepest cut and the broadest yard platform.

Our verdict

The Makita XSH06Z edges this comparison for a homeowner on depth and platform. The DeWalt DCS578B is the better single-pack saw.