Makita XGT Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.6/10
Best for: Clean, straight, splinter-free cuts in sheet goods, worktops and boards
Not for: Quick freehand cuts or rough site work where a standard circular saw is handier
Bottom line: A precise plunge saw (cordless (40V), 165mm blade) for accurate rail-guided cutting.
The Makita SP001GD202 is a cordless 40V Max Li-ion XGT brushless plunge saw designed for a 165mm blade. It is supplied as a kit with 2 x 2.5 Ah batteries, a charger, and a tool bag, which is a key draw for users who want the batteries and charger included. This plunge saw is suited to plunge-style cuts where control over the cut line is important.
Key specifications
| Spec | Stated value Impact |
|---|---|
| Power type | 40V Max Li-ion cordless use |
| Blade | 165mm cutting size |
| Kit includes | 2 x 2.5 Ah ready to run |
| Charger | included setup speed |
| Tool storage | bag portability |
| Depth settings | Not specified cutting adjustments not detailed |
| Motor data | Not specified performance details not provided |
| Runtime | Not specified charge endurance not detailed |
Pros
- Cordless (40V)
- 165mm blade
- Clean, straight, splinter-free cuts
- Safer, controlled plunge action
Cons
- Best results need a guide rail (check if included)
- Bare-tool versions need separate batteries
- More setup than grabbing a circular saw for a quick cut
Cut Quality and Capacity
Even though this plunge saw is a cordless 40V Max Li-ion plunge saw, its cut quality and capacity are driven primarily by its 165mm blade and the plunge mechanism used for controlled starts. A 165mm blade supports common panel and timber cuts. Clean edges are achieved by lowering the blade into the workpiece steadily to begin the cut, then maintaining contact as the cut line develops; rushing the feed or plunging too quickly can reduce edge quality.
Power: Cordless or Corded
Power options shape how the Makita performs on the job. It is a cordless 40V Max Li-ion plunge saw, not a corded model, and it uses a brushless 165mm plunge-saw design. The kit includes 2 x 2.5 Ah batteries and a charger, giving cordless freedom without planning cable runs. This also makes it easier to use in tight spaces, where managing a trailing lead can be awkward. Cutting time is linked to battery capacity, so swapping batteries may interrupt longer jobs. For extended use, corded power is typically steadier, but this model prioritises portability.
Rail System and Compatibility
The plunge saw is described as a cordless 40V Max Li-ion 165mm plunge saw. Rail-guided cutting depends on matching mounting methods, blade alignment, and track profile, so the wrong pairing can lead to poor tracking or binding. Compatibility needs to be confirmed in the manufacturer documentation for the saw's rail interface, then checked against the specific The Makita or third-party rails already owned. Where rail fit is not confirmed, choosing a compatible rail kit is the safer route.
Build, Dust Extraction and Handling
The plunge saw is built as a cordless 40V Max Li-ion 165mm plunge saw, designed for straightforward on-site handling where power points may be limited. The plunge action supports controlled starts, and the 165mm blade size fits common cutting jobs without making the tool unnecessarily bulky. Dust extraction is described as accessory-dependent. In use, sawdust handling improves when the work area is cleared during longer cuts, and a connected hose should be secured to help prevent snagging. Tool-bag storage is noted for transport.
Who Is This Plunge Saw For?
This plunge saw is for tradespeople and serious DIY users who want a cordless way to start cuts cleanly using a guide rail, especially when access to a mains power point is limited. It suits planned tasks such as cutting sheets, trimming boards, or making repeat cuts where setup speed matters. The 40V Max battery system is aimed at users who already own XGT tools, since shared packs reduce friction when swapping work. With a 165mm blade, it focuses on moderate-width materials rather than very wide sections. For occasional hobby jobs, it may feel like overkill if it is rarely used.
Where to Buy in the UK
For buyers comparing cordless plunge-saw options, the next step is figuring out where the Makita SP001GD202 kit can be ordered in the UK, because the tool's usefulness depends partly on whether the exact bundle is available from the listing. A shopper should check major UK power-tool retailers such as Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, and Argos, alongside niche options including Screwfix, Toolstation, ITS, and D&M Tools, plus The Makita's own dealer network and online marketplaces that list The plunge saw products. They should confirm the specific kit contents listed for this bundle: 40V Max Li-ion, a 165 mm blade, 2 x 2.5 Ah batteries, and a charger in a tool bag. If a listing omits any component, bundle matching can fail, so ordering may require careful returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Makita worth it?
For clean, straight, splinter-free cuts - especially in sheet materials - the plunge saw (cordless (40V)) gives far more control than a standard circular saw. Whether it's worth it depends on how much sheet-cutting you do. Check the current Amazon UK price, as power tools are often discounted.
Is this plunge saw cordless or corded?
The Makita is cordless (40V). Cordless gives you freedom from a cable and is great on site, though you'll need batteries and charging; performance on modern brushless tools rivals corded for most cutting. Check whether batteries are included or bare-tool only.
What blade size does the Makita SP001GD202 use, and what can it cut?
The plunge saw uses a 165mm blade. The blade size sets the maximum cut depth - enough for sheet goods, worktops and most boards. Always use the correct blade for the material and your saw's arbor.
What is the difference between a plunge saw and a circular saw?
A plunge saw's blade retracts into the housing and you plunge it into the cut, and it runs on a guide rail for dead-straight, splinter-free cuts - ideal for sheet goods and worktops. A standard circular saw is freehand and faster to grab, but less precise. The plunge saw trades a little convenience for far more accuracy and cleaner edges.
Do you need a guide rail with a plunge saw?
To get the main benefit - perfectly straight, splinter-free cuts - yes, you use it on a guide rail (that's what makes it a "track saw"). You can plunge-cut freehand, but the rail is the whole point. Check whether a rail is included or sold separately, and that it's long enough for your cuts.
Are batteries included with this plunge saw?
Cordless saws are sold either as a kit (with batteries and charger) or "bare tool"/"body only" (no batteries, for those already in the brand's battery system). Check the listing for the Makita carefully - a low price often means bare-tool only, so factor in batteries if you need them.