The fundamental dividing line in the DeWalt DCS573 vs Makita XSH04Z matchup comes down to cutting capacity versus carrying weight. The DeWalt DCS573 is built as a full-sized 7-1/4-inch framing saw designed with high-output battery technology to power through dense framing lumber, while the Makita XSH04Z is engineered as an ultra-compact 6-1/2-inch sub-compact saw prioritizing one-handed agility, ladder work, and reduced fatigue.
Choose the DeWalt if your daily workflow demands maximum cutting depth through thick stock, multi-sheet plywood stacks, and continuous heavy framing. Choose the Makita if your priority centers on lightweight maneuverability, compact ergonomics, and effortless overhead cutting on punch-list jobs.
DeWalt DCS573 vs Makita XSH04Z at a Glance
| Feature | DeWalt DCS573 | Makita XSH04Z |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Diameter | 7-1/4 inches | 6-1/2 inches |
| Motor Type | Brushless | BL Brushless |
| No-Load Speed | 5,500 RPM | 5,000 RPM |
| Cutting Depth at 90° | 2-9/16 inches | 2-1/4 inches |
| Cutting Depth at 45° | 2 inches | The listing does not specify |
| Bevel Capacity | Not listed (reaches 45°) | 0° to 50° |
| Tool Bare Weight | 8.2 pounds | 4 pounds (6.4 pounds with 2.0Ah battery) |
| Overall Length | 15.25 inches | 10-5/8 inches |
| Electric Brake | Yes | Yes |
| Dust Management | Dust port included (AirLock / 35 mm) | Dust extracting attachment included (199230-9) |
| Special Technology | FLEXVOLT Advantage, Tool Connect ready | Automatic Speed Change technology |
| Best For | Heavy structural framing and production cutting | Remodeling, roofing, punch-out, and overhead cuts |
Cutting Capacity and Blade Size Differences
The primary technical distinction between these two cordless saws lies in their blade architecture. When analyzing the DeWalt DCS573 vs Makita XSH04Z blade size, you are comparing a full-sized 7-1/4-inch framing platform to a 6-1/2-inch sub-compact footprint. Blade diameter directly governs the cutting depth a saw can achieve in standard dimensional stock. The DeWalt DCS573 cut depth measures a robust 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees and 2 inches at a 45-degree bevel angle. This extra vertical travel allows the DeWalt to glide through nominal 2x dimensional lumber (which measures 1-1/2 inches thick) with ample clearance beneath the shoe, while easily slicing through two stacked sheets of 3/4-inch subfloor or heavy architectural timbers.
By comparison, the Makita XSH04Z cut depth tops out at 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees, utilizing its smaller 6-1/2-inch blade. While 2-1/4 inches is more than adequate for cutting cleanly through standard 2×4 and 2×6 framing lumber on square 90-degree cuts, the listing does not specify its maximum depth at 45 degrees, though it does note a full bevel range spanning 0 to 50 degrees. In practice, a smaller blade limits the clearance available when slicing through compound angles or compound bevels on roof rafters. If your work involves cutting triple-stacked sheet goods or deep angled bevel cuts on thick dimensional stock, the physical reach of a 7-1/4-inch blade remains an irreplaceable asset, much like the differences seen in our dewalt dcs573 vs dcs391 comparison.
For carpenters who primarily crosscut single 2×4 framing members, rip subflooring, or trim sheet goods, the 2-1/4-inch cut depth of the Makita provides all the functional capacity required on a modern residential jobsite. However, the DeWalt retains a clear advantage when sizing heavy posts, beveling thick stair stringers, or slicing through engineered lumber packs. The extra 5/16 inch of cutting depth at 90 degrees gives the DeWalt superior flexibility across the complete spectrum of construction materials.
Edge: DeWalt DCS573 because its larger 7-1/4-inch blade provides a deeper 2-9/16-inch cut at 90 degrees and a proven 2-inch cut depth at 45 degrees.
Motor Performance and Cutting Speed
Motor engineering dictates how aggressively a cordless circular saw can push through wet, pressure-treated lumber without bogging down. The DeWalt DCS573 incorporates a brushless motor delivering 5,500 RPM, enhanced by DeWalt FLEXVOLT Advantage technology. When powered by a standard 20V MAX battery, the saw provides standard cordless cutting output. However, when paired with a DCB606 FLEXVOLT battery, the internal electronics recognize the battery architecture and unlock up to 77 percent more power compared to operating with a standard DCB205 pack. This surge in available wattage makes the DCS573 feel remarkably close to a traditional corded worm-drive or sidewinder saw during continuous ripping operations.
The Makita XSH04Z approaches motor efficiency from an engineering standpoint focused on electronic modulation. Its Makita-built BL Brushless motor delivers 5,000 RPM for clean cutting and ripping, which is slightly slower than DeWalt’s 5,500 RPM benchmark. What sets the Makita apart is its Automatic Speed Change technology. This onboard sensor system monitors the resistance on the blade during a cut and dynamically adjusts cutting speed and torque under load. In lighter sheet materials, the tool spins at peak RPM to produce clean edges; when you hit dense knots or wet structural framing, the motor delivers increased torque to prevent stalling while keeping operating temperatures down.
When running side by side, the DeWalt delivers greater raw cutting throughput, especially during high-demand rips through dense engineered lumber where high RPM and raw wattage prevent blade pinch. Readers exploring heavy-duty cordless cutting power often contrast this model in our dewalt dcs573 vs milwaukee 2730-20 guide. Makita’s electronically controlled brushless motor runs exceptionally cool and extracts maximum run efficiency out of compact 18V packs, but DeWalt holds the absolute power ceiling when heavy battery packs are attached.
Edge: DeWalt DCS573 due to its higher 5,500 RPM motor speed and the massive 77 percent power increase unlocked when paired with FLEXVOLT batteries.
Weight, Size, and Handling Ergonomics
The ergonomic contrast is where the Makita XSH04Z vs DeWalt DCS573 comparison shifts heavily in favor of Makita. The Makita XSH04Z belongs to Makita’s 18V LXT Sub-Compact tool category, which is explicitly designed to deliver the compact handling of a 12V tool with the working performance of an 18V battery system. The tool body measures an exceptionally brief 10-5/8 inches long. When considering the Makita XSH04Z weight, the bare tool weighs an astonishing 4 pounds, rising to just 6.4 pounds when fitted with an 18V LXT Compact 2.0Ah battery pack. This creates a remarkably balanced, low-profile cutting tool that causes virtually zero shoulder fatigue during repetitive cuts.
In stark contrast, the DeWalt DCS573 is a full-sized, heavy-framed circular saw. The bare tool weighs 8.2 pounds without a battery pack. When you attach a substantial FLEXVOLT battery to unlock its peak power capabilities, the total working weight climbs significantly past 10 pounds. Furthermore, its overall item dimensions measure 15.25 inches in length, 9.75 inches in width, and 8.25 inches in height. Carrying and operating an 8.2-pound saw all day requires deliberate physical effort, particularly when working above shoulder level or balancing across open ceiling joists.
For overhead tasks, cutting soffits, trimming roof sheathing, or working off an extension ladder, the Makita provides unprecedented control. The tool’s blade-right orientation allows a right-handed carpenter to keep both hands close to the center of gravity while maintaining a clear view of the cut line. As highlighted in our dewalt dcs391 vs makita xsh04z evaluation, dropping nearly two pounds of operational bulk fundamentally changes how mobile a carpenter feels over an eight-hour workday.
Edge: Makita XSH04Z because its 10-5/8-inch length and 6.4-pound working weight deliver dramatically superior ergonomics and agility.
Jobsite Features and Dust Extraction
Modern cordless saws are expected to provide clean sightlines, safety controls, and clean jobsite cleanup mechanisms. Both the DeWalt DCS573 and Makita XSH04Z incorporate an electric blade brake. When the operator releases the trigger, the electric brake arrests blade rotation in a fraction of a second, preventing accidental cuts to the material, power cords, or the operator’s legs between cut cycles. This is an essential safety feature for busy framing crews moving briskly between stations.
The DeWalt DCS573 includes several jobsite-specific productivity enhancements that the Makita listing omits. DeWalt incorporates an integrated rafter hook, enabling you to securely hang the saw from a 2x rafter, staging plank, or ladder rung between cuts rather than setting it down on dusty surfaces. The DCS573 also features a bright forward-facing LED work light that illuminates the cut line in poorly lit basements or overcast weather. Additionally, it comes Tool Connect Chip Ready; a dedicated chip pocket accepts the DCE042 chip (sold separately) to link the tool directly with the Tool Connect Site Manager app for digital inventory tracking.
Regarding airborne sawdust management, both manufacturers provide dedicated extraction adapters directly in the box. The DeWalt DCS573 includes a dust port compatible with the proprietary DEWALT AirLock quick-connect system as well as standard 35 mm vacuum hoses. The Makita XSH04Z includes Makita’s dust extracting attachment (part number 199230-9), which secures directly near the blade guard for vacuum extraction during indoor trim or remodeling work. While both capture dust effectively when connected to a extractor, DeWalt’s integrated hook and onboard lighting make it slightly more convenient on rough jobsites.
Edge: DeWalt DCS573 thanks to its integrated rafter hanging hook, bright LED cut-line light, and Tool Connect chip capability.
Framing, Roofing, and Intended Applications
When asking whether you should select the DeWalt DCS573 or Makita XSH04Z for framing, the answer depends entirely on the type of carpentry you execute. In an in-depth DeWalt DCS573 review, the tool proves itself as an uncompromising structural powerhouse. If your typical workday centers on rough framing, laying floor joists, gang-cutting 2×4 wall studs, and sizing engineered beams, the DeWalt’s 7-1/4-inch blade and 5,500 RPM motor make it an indispensable primary saw. Is DeWalt DCS573 worth it for these demanding tasks? Absolutely, because the extra torque and 2-9/16-inch cutting depth eliminate the frustration of stalled blades or partial cuts through beveled stock.
Conversely, a comprehensive Makita XSH04Z review reveals a tool tailor-made for specialized, high-mobility carpentry. Punch-out framers, roofers installing sheathing, formwork specialists, and residential remodelers frequently find full-sized 7-1/4-inch saws excessively bulky for sheet goods and basic crosscuts. Is Makita XSH04Z worth it for punch-list work and roofing? Without question. Its sub-compact profile allows you to slide into tight stud bays, trim stair risers, or work across roof pitches with one hand stabilizing your stance and the other effortlessly guiding the saw. The trade-offs between standard framing tools and compact saws are also explored in our dewalt dcs570 vs makita xsh04z breakdown.
Ultimately, neither tool completely displaces the other because they target different cutting philosophies. The DeWalt operates as a heavy-duty production workhorse that tackles the thickest structural stock on site. The Makita operates as an ultra-nimble secondary or punch-list saw that relieves physical strain without sacrificing the ability to cut standard 2x lumber at 90 degrees.
Edge: Tie because the DeWalt dominates heavy structural framing while the Makita is unrivaled for roofing, punch-list, and tight-space carpentry.
Pros and Cons
DeWalt DCS573
Pros
- Full-sized 7-1/4-inch blade diameter
- Deep 2-9/16-inch cutting depth at 90 degrees
- Up to 77 percent more power with FLEXVOLT
- Fast 5,500 RPM brushless motor
- Integrated rafter hook and bright LED
Cons
- Heavier 8.2-pound bare tool weight
- Bulkier 15.25-inch chassis length
Makita XSH04Z
Pros
- Ultra-compact 10-5/8-inch overall length
- Weighs only 6.4 pounds with battery
- Automatic Speed Change adjusts torque under load
- Wide 0 to 50-degree bevel capacity
Cons
- Smaller 6-1/2-inch blade size
- Listing does not specify integrated rafter hook
- Listing does not specify 45-degree cut depth
Who Should Buy Each One
Choose the DeWalt DCS573 If
- You need a primary framing saw that cuts up to 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees and a full 2 inches at 45 degrees.
- You already own or plan to purchase DeWalt FLEXVOLT batteries to unlock up to 77 percent more cutting power.
- You work in dark basements or unpowered jobsite structures where an integrated LED light and rafter hook are essential.
- You regularly crosscut and rip dense lumber, wet treated timber, or multi-sheet subfloor packs.
Choose the Makita XSH04Z If
- You prioritize low physical fatigue and want an operational tool weight of only 6.4 pounds with a battery attached.
- You work frequently on ladders, steep roof pitches, staging, or cramped crawlspaces where a 10-5/8-inch chassis excels.
- You already operate within the Makita 18V LXT battery ecosystem and want sub-compact handling.
- You specialize in roof sheathing, punch-list carpentry, interior trim, formwork, or single-pass 2x lumber cuts.
Final Verdict
For most general building contractors, framing crews, and woodworkers seeking a single cordless circular saw to handle every jobsite task, the DeWalt DCS573 is the superior overall choice. Its 7-1/4-inch blade format provides universal blade availability and the full 2-9/16-inch depth needed to tackle thick lumber and compound bevel cuts without compromise. Backed by a 5,500 RPM brushless motor, FLEXVOLT Advantage technology, an electric brake, and an integrated rafter hook, the DCS573 offers all the raw muscle and jobsite convenience demanded of a primary framing tool.
However, the Makita XSH04Z wins hands down for remodelers, roofers, punch-list carpenters, and anyone suffering from arm and shoulder fatigue. If you rarely cut material thicker than standard 2x lumber or 3/4-inch sheet goods, carrying a heavy 8.2-pound saw is an unnecessary burden. The XSH04Z gives you a featherweight 4-pound bare tool, smart Automatic Speed Change torque management, and unmatched maneuverability in tight quarters, making it one of the most practical specialty saws available.
FAQ
Can the Makita XSH04Z cut through 2x dimensional lumber in a single pass?
Yes. The Makita XSH04Z has a maximum cutting depth of 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees. Standard 2x dimensional lumber (such as 2x4s and 2x6s) measures 1-1/2 inches in actual thickness, meaning the Makita clears the stock with 3/4 inch of blade depth to spare on a square cut.
Does the DeWalt DCS573 require a FLEXVOLT battery to run?
No. The DeWalt DCS573 is fully compatible with standard DeWalt 20V MAX lithium-ion batteries. However, pairing the tool with a DCB606 FLEXVOLT battery activates its internal FLEXVOLT Advantage technology, delivering up to 77 percent more power compared to running a standard DCB205 20V MAX pack.
Do both circular saws include an electric brake?
Yes. Both the DeWalt DCS573 and the Makita XSH04Z feature an electric blade brake that immediately stops blade rotation when you release the power trigger, significantly enhancing operator safety between cuts.
Which saw is better suited for overhead cutting and roofing?
The Makita XSH04Z is distinctly better for overhead cutting and roofing work. Measuring just 10-5/8 inches long and weighing only 6.4 pounds with an active 2.0Ah battery pack, it causes substantially less shoulder and forearm fatigue than the DeWalt DCS573, which weighs 8.2 pounds before adding a battery.
Does the Makita XSH04Z have a rafter hook or an LED light?
The Makita XSH04Z product listing does not specify the inclusion of an integrated rafter hook or an LED work light. The DeWalt DCS573, on the other hand, explicitly includes both a bright LED work light and an integrated folding rafter hook for easy storage on framing members.
What blade bore size and tooth count come with these saws?
Both saws include a 24-tooth carbide-tipped framing blade right out of the box. The DeWalt DCS573 includes a 7-1/4-inch 24T DWA171424 blade, while the Makita XSH04Z comes equipped with a 6-1/2-inch 24T carbide-tipped blade (part number A-85092).
