What's inside
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
Our Top Picks
Quick verdict
Both the Makita XSH08 and DeWalt DCS573 are 7-1/4-inch cordless circular saws with enough capacity for typical LVL work, including crosscuts through a single 1-3/4-inch beam ply. Neither makes a poor blade or an undercharged battery disappear: LVL is dense, glued-up stock, and a long rip can bog down a saw that handles framing lumber comfortably.
Choose the saw that matches the battery platform and support you already own. The Makita XSH08 is a strong fit for users invested in Makita’s 18V X2 LXT system; it uses two 18V batteries to run at 36V. The DCS573 runs on one DeWalt 20V MAX battery and is the simpler match for an existing DeWalt setup. If buying into either platform just for occasional LVL cuts, compare the cost of the saw, batteries, and charger—not just the bare tool.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
What matters in the specifications
Both saws use a 7-1/4-inch blade and offer roughly 2-1/2 inches of cutting depth at 90 degrees. That is enough to cut standard 1-3/4-inch-thick LVL in one pass, provided the saw is set accurately and the material is supported. Their nominal blade size does not mean they will cut any LVL section in one go: thicker assemblies and wide beams require multiple cuts, access to both faces, or a larger saw.
| Feature | Makita XSH08 | DeWalt DCS573 |
|---|---|---|
| Blade diameter | 7-1/4 in. | 7-1/4 in. |
| Power system | 36V using two 18V LXT batteries | 20V MAX using one battery |
| Approximate 90-degree cut depth | 2-1/2 in. | 2-1/2 in. |
| Platform consideration | Requires two compatible batteries | Uses one compatible battery |
| Best practical fit | Existing Makita LXT users with two batteries | Existing DeWalt 20V MAX users |
Exact package contents and advertised features can vary by kit and region, so check the current listing before ordering. The two-battery requirement is the key day-to-day difference: with the XSH08, a second battery is essential, and a pair of mismatched or nearly empty packs can interrupt a cut. The DCS573 is easier to manage when you have one charged battery available, though a high-demand cut still benefits from a healthy, suitable pack.
Cutting LVL without fighting the saw
For a square crosscut through 1-3/4-inch LVL, either saw should be in its comfort zone with a sharp, appropriate blade and a fully charged battery. Mark the cut on both edges, support the piece close to the cut, and set blade depth so the teeth project only slightly past the material. Keep the shoe flat, let the blade reach speed before entering the stock, and feed steadily. For a long rip, slower progress is better than forcing the saw until its motor slows.
LVL’s dense laminations can heat a blade and expose a dull or unsuitable tooth pattern quickly. A general-purpose framing blade can work for rough cuts, but for cleaner edges or repeated cuts, consider a suitable 7-1/4-inch circular-saw blade for engineered wood. Do not assume a fine-tooth finish blade is automatically better: an unsuitable blade may cut slowly, load the motor, or leave scorching. Follow the blade maker’s material and speed guidance.
Common failure modes are easy to mistake for a weak saw. A blade that wanders may be dull, poorly suited to the cut, or being pushed off the line. Burning and repeated slowing suggest excessive feed pressure, poor support, or a blade that needs attention. If the kerf closes and pinches the blade, the saw can kick back. Support the offcut so it cannot drop or twist into the blade, and never hold a large beam precariously while cutting.
Power, batteries, and work pace
The XSH08’s two-battery arrangement provides a 36V operating system, but it also means carrying and charging two packs. That can make sense for repeated heavy cuts when Makita batteries and chargers are already on the shelf. If you have only one compatible battery, buying into the setup is less convenient than the voltage label alone suggests.
The DCS573’s single-battery design is simpler to swap and keep ready. Its real-world stamina still depends on the battery’s condition and capacity; a small, tired pack is a poor choice for repeated cuts through dense stock. For either saw, have a spare charged battery available if the job involves many cuts. Battery runtime cannot be stated reliably as a fixed number of LVL cuts: thickness, blade condition, feed pressure, and pack size all change the result.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the XSH08 if you already own two compatible Makita LXT batteries and want a capable saw for framing and engineered lumber. It is a reasonable choice for site work where its paired-battery system fits the rest of your kit. Buy the DCS573 if you are already on DeWalt 20V MAX and prefer a one-pack saw. For occasional cuts, either is likely sufficient; the existing battery platform is usually a more useful tie-breaker than a small claimed performance difference.
If you own neither platform, compare complete kits and the cost of adding batteries and a charger. Search for a Makita XSH08 kit and a DeWalt DCS573 kit, then check what each package actually includes. A bare tool may look cheaper but be a poor deal if you need batteries immediately.
When neither is the right tool
For a few straight cuts in standard LVL, these saws are practical. For frequent long rips, thick built-up beams, or a large volume of engineered lumber, consider whether a corded saw, track-guided setup, or larger-capacity saw better suits the work. A circular saw’s stated depth does not remove the need to flip and realign a beam for a cut beyond its capacity; that approach can leave an inaccurate step if the marks do not line up.
Use eye and hearing protection, keep hands clear of the cut path, and wait for the blade to stop before setting the saw down. LVL offcuts can be heavy and may shift as the cut finishes. Secure the work, keep the base plate supported, and stop if the blade binds or the saw starts to kick back.