Makita DHS660 Review: Durable 18V Circular Saw with Clean Cuts & Comfort in Hand
When it comes to cordless circular saws, the Makita 18V DHS660 is one of those tools that instantly feels right at home in your hand. After putting it through its paces on site, I’ve come away impressed with just how much quality Makita has packed into this compact yet powerful saw. If you’re already running Makita’s 18V LXT platform, the DHS660 is an excellent addition to your kit.
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Built for Durability
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One thing that really stood out to me is the durability of this saw. Makita has a reputation for tough tools, and the DHS660 definitely lives up to that. The magnesium base plate gives it both strength and a lighter feel, while the solid overall build means it can handle the knocks and bumps that naturally happen on busy job sites. This is not a tool you’ll be worrying about babying—it’s made to work hard. Pictured above is my personal saw which is have used for 4 years so you can see how durable it really is.
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Clean, Accurate Cutting
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What really makes the DHS660 shine is how clean and precise the cuts are. Whether I was trimming down plywood, making framing cuts, or doing quick adjustments on the fly, the saw tracked beautifully. The line of sight is clear, and the blade just seems to glide through timber with minimal fuss. That clean cut quality is a huge time saver—less sanding, less tidying, and more confidence that your work is coming out the way you want.
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Comfort and Hand Feel
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Ergonomics are often overlooked, but for me, the hand feel of a tool is a big deal. The DHS660 feels incredibly well-balanced and comfortable to use. The rubberized grip sits nicely in the hand, and the overall weight is just right for extended use without fatigue. It’s the kind of tool you don’t mind picking up and using all day long, which says a lot about Makita’s design.
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Why I Prefer It Over the DHS680
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As a right-handed user, I actually prefer the DHS660 over the Makita DHS680 (review coming soon). The thicker part of the baseplate sits on my dominant cutting side, which gives the saw noticeably more stability during cuts. On top of that, it allows me to follow the guide at the front of the saw more accurately, giving me extra confidence when I’m aiming for a straight, clean line. It might seem like a small detail, but when you’re cutting all day, these little design differences make a big impact.
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The Downside – Battery Hungry on Ripping Cuts
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Now, no tool is perfect, and I want to be honest about the DHS660’s one weak spot. When it comes to ripping timber, especially on heavier stock, this saw does show its limits. It tends to be a bit battery hungry, and you’ll see your charge drain faster than you’d like. It doesn’t mean it can’t handle ripping tasks—it definitely can—but you’ll want a couple of fully charged batteries on hand if you’re planning to rip larger sections regularly.
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Final Thoughts – A Great Saw with Just One Flaw
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All in all, the Makita DHS660 18V Circular Saw is a fantastic tool that delivers durability, clean cutting performance, and outstanding comfort in the hand. For framing, trimming, and general site use, it’s an absolute winner. The only drawback is its appetite for battery power when ripping larger timbers, but honestly, that’s a small trade-off for everything else this saw does so well.
If you’re already in the Makita 18V ecosystem and want a reliable, easy-to-use circular saw that feels great and cuts beautifully, the DHS660 is a tool you’ll be glad to have in your kit.
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