As I’ve been working through what’s new on the miter saw scene for 2025, the Makita 40V max XGT 12-inch miter saw made me stop and take a much more thorough look. I’m going to walk you through what the GSL04 has to offer, along with what sets it apart from other models you might be considering.
Makita 40V max XGT 12-inch Miter Saw Performance
For starters, the GSL04 is on Makita’s high-performance 40V max XGT battery system. Having used the 18V X2 XSL08, we know Makita’s ability to power a 12-inch blade through a 36V brushless motor is solid. The XGT system has some technology upgrades that make it smarter with the potential for higher performance, so don’t assume that the two saws are effectively equals, even though they share many of the same design elements.
Pro Tip: 40V max is the same as 36V. Learn more details in this article.
The saw’s soft start brushless motor is tuned to turn the blade at 3600 RPM. That’s quite a bit lower than the 18V X2 version that’s set to 4400 RPM. Makita has a deep history of using direct drive systems in their miter saws, and this shift in RPM isn’t a performance drop. It’s a move that provides more torque to power through cuts that bog down other saws.
One thing trim carpenters will love is the capacity of this design. Vertical base up to 6 3/4 inches and nested crown up to 8 inches are on the menu. That’s the most generous I’ve seen on a miter saw—corded or cordless.
The lumber capacity is solid, too. You can cross cut 4x material up to 15 inches. If you’re making those kinds of cuts on a regular basis, you’ll really appreciate the saw’s torque.
Makita 40V max XGT 12-inch Miter Saw Design Notes
Fixed Rails
Makita pushed so many of the right buttons on this design that it’s hard to know where to start. For one, the rail system is fixed, so the head slides along it and doesn’t require additional rear clearance. Once you have your dust bag or shop vacuum hose attached, put it as close to the wall as you like and enjoy the space savings.
Front Bevel Controls
Unlike most miter saws we’ve used, the bevel adjustment controls are on the front of the saw. It’s a move that keeps you from having to reach behind the saw and makes setting your bevel angle much easier. Once you use a miter with this design, you’ll never want to go back.
LED Shadow Cutline Indicator
There’s also a shadow cutline indicator. If you haven’t used a miter saw with this feature, you’re missing out. An LED casts a light down on the blade, and the blade’s shadow shows you exactly where it’s going to contact your material. You don’t have to calibrate it like a laser, and there are no adjustments to make when you change blades. And since it uses LED technology, it’s a very low power draw on your battery.
AWS-Capable
Shifting to more innovative technology, the Makita GSL04 is AWS-capable. AWS (Auto-start Wireless System) automatically turns on and off AWS-enabled vacuums, reducing noise and making more efficient use of batteries on cordless models. If that’s a feature you want to enable, you just need to grab an AWS chip, install it, and then connect to an AWS-enabled vacuum. It only takes a couple of minutes.
Size and Weight
As a 12-inch miter saw, it’s no surprise that the GSL04 requires some space to use. All full-size models have that limitation. As I mentioned earlier, Makita’s fixed rails eliminate the need for additional space behind the saw, though.
With a 4.0Ah battery, the saw weighs 69.1 pounds, which is heavy, even for the 12-inch class. On one hand, that can be a benefit since it’s more stable when you don’t have it locked down to a stand or workbench. On the other hand, that makes portability a little less convenient. If you’re going to transport this model back and forth to jobsites, I recommend grabbing a rolling miter saw stand to help you out.
Additional Features
- Electronic blade brake
- 0 – 60° miter left and right
- 0 – 48° bevel left and right
- Integrated extension wings
- Includes a Makita 60T stock blade
Makita 40V max XGT 12-inch Miter Saw Price
You can get your hand on this miter saw for $1249 as a bare tool (GSL04Z) or $1499 as a kit with a 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger (GSL04M1). Makita backs it with a 3-year warranty on both the tool and battery.
Should You Buy It?
The Makita GSL04 is, without a doubt, one of the elite cordless miter saws on the market. Its performance and rich feature set raise it above its competitors and make it a compelling option as your primary miter saw.
The premium price tag will surely cause some people to hesitate. It’s fair to question whether you need this level of performance with so many bells and whistles. If you do, I have no doubt it’s going to improve your workflow. If you don’t need the capacity but want to keep most of the features, Makita also has 8 1/2-inch and 10-inch options on the XGT platform.
