Makita XPS01Z Review: The Track Saw That Made My Woodshop Feel Pro Overnight

By Gus Schultz

I’ve been building wedding décor props and custom woodworking pieces out of my small shop for years, but it wasn’t until I bought the Makita XPS01Z that things really changed.

I always knew track saws were supposed to be more accurate and easier to handle than circular saws — but I didn’t realize how much they’d change the quality of my cuts, and honestly, my overall workflow. After months of daily use, I can say this saw has been one of the biggest upgrades I’ve made in years.

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First Impressions: A True Makita Build

Out of the box, the XPS01Z feels like everything you’d expect from Makita: solid, tight tolerances, and no unnecessary frills. The brushless motor spins up smooth, the plunge action is buttery, and the cut feels surgical.

It’s powered by two 18V LXT batteries, meaning no cords, no tangles — just clean power. You can feel the control immediately. It doesn’t bog down when ripping through 3/4" plywood or maple. The 6,300 RPM top speed gives it a polished finish you normally only get from a table saw.

And let’s be real: not dragging a cord around a giant sheet of plywood? That alone improves quality of life in the shop.

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Track & Accuracy

The track system is where this saw earns its keep. I’m using an off-brand track that fits perfectly — no adapters needed — and it’s half the price of Makita’s. Here’s the one I recommend: this compatible rail on Amazon. For more details and testing notes, see our off-brand Makita‑compatible guide rail review.

The track grips well without clamps for most cuts, though I still use clamps for longer rips. Once it’s aligned, the saw glides like it’s on rails (well… it literally is). You get laser-straight lines and zero tear-out, even across expensive plywood sheets.

For wedding backdrops and furniture pieces where clean edges really matter, that kind of consistency has been a total game-changer.

I can’t tell you how much time this saves compared to wrestling full sheets across a table saw.

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Power & Performance

This thing is a beast. The automatic speed change technology adjusts torque and speed depending on the material — which sounds like marketing fluff until you actually see it work. When cutting denser wood, you can hear the motor intelligently push harder without you having to slow down.

Battery life is also stellar. With two 5Ah packs, I can break down an entire stack of plywood on a single charge. The balance and weight are spot-on too. Not light, but it feels planted and smooth.

If you’ve used the corded Makita track saw before, you’ll notice this one feels every bit as powerful but with more flexibility and cleaner workflow.

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Everyday Use in the Workshop

For the last few months, I’ve been using this saw daily to cut wood panels for wedding décor builds — arches, stands, backdrops, shelving, you name it.

It’s made everything faster, more precise, and way less frustrating. When you’re doing a big project solo, the ability to lay a sheet on foam insulation and rip perfect lines without a helper is priceless.

You also get close-to-the-wall cutting (11/16"), which makes trimming and fitting panels around walls ridiculously easy. The depth and bevel adjustments are dead simple too. The scale markings are accurate and the levers feel solid.

I’ve owned plenty of Makita tools, but this one might take the cake for "most satisfying to use."

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Small Notes & Tips

• The saw uses a 20mm arbor, so you’ll want to grab a spare Makita-compatible blade now — big-box store blades usually won’t fit.
• The included blade is surprisingly sharp and holds up through thick plywood and hardwood cuts.
• Dust collection is decent on its own, but it really shines when hooked to a vacuum or Makita’s backpack extractor.
• You can find bundle kits that include the track in some stores, but right now on Amazon, it’s sold separately. Honestly, the off-brand track linked above works perfectly fine.

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Verdict: Buy It Once, Love It Forever

If you’re serious about woodworking, this saw isn’t just a convenience — it’s a complete workflow upgrade.

The Makita XPS01Z delivers corded-level power, surgical precision, and reliability that makes cutting full sheets almost enjoyable. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny for the accuracy, time savings, and satisfaction it brings to every cut.

If I could go back, the only thing I’d change is buying it sooner.

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✅ Verdict: 4.9 / 5

An absolute workhorse. Cordless freedom, perfect accuracy, and rock-solid reliability — easily one of Makita’s best woodworking tools.

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Pair it with the matching rail: read our off-brand Makita‑compatible guide rail review.