Makita DHS782ZJ Review

For decades, the circular saw was a corded tool by definition — the power demand of spinning a 190 mm blade through thick timber was simply too much for battery technology to handle. That changed with the arrival of dual-battery 36-volt systems, which combine two 18-volt packs to deliver the kind of sustained cutting performance that was once only possible with a mains cable. A cordless circular saw at this level is a genuinely liberating tool: you can break down full sheets of plywood in a timber yard car park, cut roofing timbers at height without an extension lead snaking down the ladder, and move freely around a building site where power is not yet connected. The trade-off has always been weight and runtime, but modern brushless motors and high-capacity batteries have narrowed the gap to the point where, for many professionals, the cordless saw is now the first choice — not a compromise. When you need the cutting power of a corded saw with the freedom to work anywhere, a 36-volt dual-battery circular saw is the tool that earns its keep every single day.

The Makita DHS782ZJ represents the brand's answer to the cordless circular saw challenge: a 36-volt tool powered by two Makita 18V LXT batteries mounted in series. It spins a 190 mm blade at 6,000 RPM — faster than most corded equivalents — and delivers cutting performance that genuinely rivals mains-powered saws in the same class. The 190 mm blade diameter is the professional standard, providing a cutting depth of approximately 62 mm at 90 degrees and a bevel capacity of up to 48 degrees. This is a bare tool sold without batteries or charger, designed for tradespeople already invested in the Makita LXT platform who need a high-performance cordless saw to complement their existing kit. The dual-battery design means you will need at least two compatible LXT packs to run the tool.

In this review we will examine the DHS782ZJ's cutting performance across common site and workshop tasks — ripping structural timber, crosscutting sheet materials, and bevelled cuts for roofing and joinery. We will assess real-world battery runtime with different LXT pack combinations, the quality of the cut from the included blade, and how the saw's 5.1 kg weight and ergonomics feel during extended use. By the end, you will know whether this cordless Makita circular saw can genuinely replace a corded model in your workflow.

The DHS782ZJ is driven by a brushless motor running on 36 volts — achieved by connecting two Makita 18V LXT batteries in series — delivering 1,200 watts of cutting power and a no-load speed of 6,000 RPM. That is significantly faster than the typical 5,500 RPM of a corded 190 mm saw, and the brushless motor converts battery power more efficiently than a brushed motor would, extending runtime. The 190 mm blade has 46 carbide-tipped teeth, which is a general-purpose tooth count — coarser than the 80-tooth fine-finish blades but faster in thick material. The cutting depth at 90 degrees is approximately 62 mm, with a bevel capacity of 48 degrees for angled cuts. The saw weighs 5.1 kg without batteries; with two 5.0 Ah LXT packs fitted, total weight is around 6.3 kg — a substantial tool that uses its mass for stability rather than fighting against it.

Makita has engineered the DHS782 for professional daily use. The base plate is a rigid magnesium casting — lighter than aluminium but equally stable — providing a flat, low-friction platform that glides smoothly across timber and sheet materials. The blade guard is a robust design that retracts cleanly as you enter the cut and springs back to fully cover the blade as you exit. Depth and bevel adjustments are tool-free with clearly marked scales, so switching from a 62 mm rip cut to a 20 mm rebate takes seconds. The main handle has an ergonomic rubber overmould and the auxiliary front handle gives secure two-handed control. An electric brake stops the blade within seconds of releasing the trigger, and a spindle lock enables quick blade changes. The dust extraction port connects to standard vacuum hoses for cleaner cutting, and a blower function clears the cut line of sawdust for improved visibility.

On the job, the DHS782ZJ performs with the authority you expect from a mains-powered saw. Ripping through 50 mm construction softwood is effortless — the 6,000 RPM blade speed combined with the 46-tooth blade makes fast, clean progress, and the brushless motor maintains speed under load without the bogging down that plagues lesser cordless saws. Crosscutting 18 mm plywood produces a clean, splinter-minimal edge on both faces thanks to the rigid magnesium base plate that prevents blade deflection. With two 5.0 Ah batteries, expect around 40 to 60 cuts through 50 mm construction timber on a single charge — enough for most framing and fit-out tasks before a battery swap. Runtime with smaller 3.0 Ah packs is proportionally less. The 48-degree bevel range handles common roof pitches and angled joinery, though it does not reach the 56 degrees of some corded competitors. One practical note: the dual-battery system means you need two charged batteries to run the tool, and ideally four to maintain continuous work — two in the saw, two on charge.

The DHS782ZJ ships as a bare tool: saw body only with a 46-tooth carbide blade fitted, in a cardboard box. No batteries, no charger, no case are included. This is standard Makita professional practice and makes perfect sense for tradespeople who already own multiple LXT batteries and chargers — but if this is your first Makita tool, you will need to budget for at least two batteries (a pair of 5.0 Ah packs costs around €120 to €160) and a dual-port or two single-port chargers. The 190 mm blade format means replacements are widely available in tooth counts from 16 for fast rough ripping to 60 for fine finishing. Makita's automatic torque drive technology adjusts the cutting speed based on load conditions, optimising both cutting performance and battery consumption in real time — you do not need to think about it, but you benefit from it.

The saw measures approximately 398 × 220 × 260 mm and weighs 5.1 kg without batteries. Makita provides a 2-year manufacturer warranty and guarantees EU spare parts availability for 1 year. Customer feedback is strong: it holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from nearly 150 reviews on Amazon France, and ranks at number 322 in Circular Saws. While the review count and sales rank are modest compared to corded saws — reflecting both the higher price and the fact that this is a bare tool for existing Makita users — the quality of the feedback is consistent. Users highlight the genuine cord-replacement capability, the smooth brushless power delivery, and the saw's ability to handle a full day's intermittent cutting with two sets of batteries. For Makita LXT users who need cordless cutting without compromise, the DHS782ZJ is a compelling option.

The Makita DHS782ZJ is a 36-volt dual-battery cordless circular saw for professional Makita LXT users who need mains-rivalling cutting power without a cable — ideal for framing, roofing, and sheet material breakdown on sites without established power.