Key Features
Track-Ready PrecisionThis plunge track saw is built for clean, accurate cuts when paired with an optional guide rail. That matters when you’re breaking down sheet goods, trimming melamine, or chasing splinter-free finish work. Power That AdjustsThe brushless motor and Automatic Speed Change Technology adjust speed and torque during the cut. You get steadier performance under load without having to baby the saw through dense material. Cleaner Jobsite SetupAWS capability lets the saw wirelessly start a compatible dust extractor, with transmitter and extractor sold separately. It cuts down on extra cord management and keeps dust collection tied to the tool only when the tool is running.
Overview
The Makita 40V max XGT Brushless 6-1/2″ AWS Plunge Track Saw 4.0Ah Kit w/ 2-Batteries is a cordless plunge saw built for precise sheet-good cutting, finish-grade edge work, and track-guided accuracy on the jobsite. This is a plunge track saw designed for accurate cutting in large panels, wood products, and other finish-sensitive materials. Model Number: GPS01M1J. If you need cleaner cuts than a standard circular saw usually gives you, especially on melamine, MDF, or cabinet parts, this is the right kind of tool.
The big story here is control. Makita pairs a brushless motor with a variable speed range of 2,500 to 4,900 RPM and Automatic Speed Change Technology, which adjusts cutting speed and torque during the cut. In practical terms, that helps the saw stay composed when material density changes, and it gives you a better shot at a smooth, consistent cut instead of forcing the blade and hoping for the best.
Capacity is solid for a cordless plunge saw in this class. You get a maximum cutting capacity of 2-3/16 inches at 90 degrees and 1-9/16 inches at 45 degrees, plus a bevel range from -1 degree to 48 degrees with positive stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees. That gives you the range to handle straight breakdown cuts, bevel work, and fitted finish pieces without constantly reaching for a different saw.
Makita also paid attention to the details that make a plunge saw easier to live with day to day. The built-in depth stop allows a preliminary scoring cut from 2 mm to 3 mm before the full cut, which is especially useful for splinter-prone surfaces. There is also a locking lever that holds the blade in position for easier blade changes, an onboard hex wrench, a smooth plunge release lever, soft start for calmer startup, and an electric brake to stop the blade quickly between cuts.
Dust handling and jobsite practicality are strong points. The saw uses a large 1-7/16 inch rear dust port that directs material away from the operator and connects to a vacuum system. It is also AWS capable, which means it can wirelessly communicate with a compatible Makita dust extractor through Bluetooth so the extractor powers up when the saw starts and powers down when the trigger is released. That setup requires an Auto-start Wireless Transmitter, part number 198901-5, and a compatible extractor, both sold separately.
As part of the Makita 40V max XGT platform, this saw is designed around higher-demand cordless work. Makita calls out the system’s digital communication, overload and over-discharge protection, and multi-layer battery contact interface for more consistent power delivery. For users already on XGT, that matters because this is not a one-off specialty saw. It fits into a battery system built for heavier cordless applications and jobsite durability.
This saw is ideal for cabinet installers, trim carpenters, remodelers, finish carpenters, and serious woodworkers who want cleaner results than a framing saw can deliver. It is also a smart choice for contractors breaking down sheet goods on site without dragging out a table saw. The optional guide rail is what unlocks the full precision of the platform, so if you’re buying this for straight-line finish work, plan on running it with the rail system.
Makita 40V max XGT Brushless 6-1/2″ AWS Plunge Track Saw 4.0Ah Kit w/ 2-Batteries for Clean, Controlled Cutting
This is the kind of saw you buy when cut quality matters. The plunge design, track-ready base, and brushless power setup are aimed at cleaner entry, better edge quality, and more predictable control than a standard sidewinder saw.
- Variable speed dial from 2,500 to 4,900 RPM to match blade speed to the material
- Soft start and electric brake help the saw feel more controlled at the beginning and end of each cut
Dial In Bevel Cuts Without Guesswork
The bevel setup is made for repeatable angle work, not rough guessing. If you are fitting panels, making angled trim cuts, or dialing in joinery work, the clear scale and positive stops help you get there faster.
- Bevel range runs from -1 degree to 48 degrees
- Positive stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees speed up common angle settings
Make Cleaner Cuts in Splinter-Prone Material
The built-in scoring-cut depth stop is one of those features that actually earns its keep. On laminated panels and other touchy surfaces, a shallow first pass helps reduce tear-out before the full-depth cut.
- Preliminary scoring depth can be set from 2 mm to 3 mm
- Maximum cutting capacity is 2-3/16 inches at 90 degrees and 1-9/16 inches at 45 degrees
Wire Up Less, Collect Dust Smarter
If you are cutting indoors or in finished spaces, dust control is not optional. AWS gives this saw a cleaner, more efficient setup with compatible Makita dust extraction equipment.
- AWS uses Bluetooth communication to turn a compatible dust extractor on and off with the saw
- Auto-start Wireless Transmitter part number 198901-5 is required and sold separately
Key Specifications
| Voltage | 40V max |
|---|---|
| Blade Diameter | 6-1/2 in. |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| No-Load Speed | 2,500 to 4,900 RPM |
| Cutting Capacity at 90° | 2-3/16 in. |
| Cutting Capacity at 45° | 1-9/16 in. |
| Bevel Range | -1° to 48° |
| Wireless Dust Control | AWS capable via Bluetooth |
Compatibility
Battery PlatformPart of the Makita 40V max XGT system of tools, batteries, and chargers. Guide Rail UseDesigned to deliver more precise cuts when used with the optional guide rail system, sold separately. AWS Dust ExtractionWorks with AWS-equipped Makita dust extractors through Bluetooth communication. Auto-start Wireless Transmitter part no. 198901-5 is required and sold separately. Vacuum ConnectionLarge 1-7/16 inch rear dust port connects to a vacuum system for improved dust collection.
Built For
Cabinet Installation Finish Carpentry Remodeling Woodworking Sheet Goods Breakdown Melamine and MDF Cutting Jobsite Panel Cutting General Contracting
Pro Tip
When you’re cutting melamine or MDF, use the built-in 2 mm to 3 mm scoring stop for a shallow first pass before going full depth. It takes an extra step, but it pays you back with cleaner top edges and less chip-out.
Warranty & Support
3-year limited warranty on the tool, battery, and charger.
Tool Nut’s Take
Tool Nut’s Take
One of the smartest cordless upgrade paths for clean panel work
The Makita 40V max XGT Brushless 6-1/2″ AWS Plunge Track Saw 4.0Ah Kit w/ 2-Batteries makes a lot of sense for anyone who wants track-saw accuracy without giving up cordless convenience.
- Who it’s for: Finish carpenters, cabinet guys, remodelers, and serious woodworkers who cut sheet goods and want cleaner results than a standard circular saw delivers.
- Why it stands out: You get brushless XGT power, variable speed, a useful scoring-cut feature, solid bevel range, and AWS capability for a cleaner setup with compatible dust extraction.
- Worth knowing: The guide rail is what really unlocks this saw’s precision, and the AWS transmitter and extractor are separate purchases, so plan your setup accordingly.
Common Questions
- Does this saw include a guide rail? No. The guide rail system is optional and sold separately.
- Can it connect to a dust extractor automatically? Yes. It is AWS capable and can communicate with a compatible AWS-equipped Makita dust extractor, but the Auto-start Wireless Transmitter part no. 198901-5 is sold separately.
- What materials is it designed to cut? It is ideal for large wood panels and other wood materials including melamine and MDF, and it can also cut aluminum and Corian with the appropriate material-specific blade.
- What is the bevel range? The saw bevels from -1 degree to 48 degrees, with positive stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees.
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