Cordless Circular Saw Kit Makita 12V Compact for HVAC Cuts

Description

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If you’ve ever tried cutting ductwork, trim panels, or access holes in tight HVAC installations with a full-size circular saw, you know the frustration. We’ve been there—wedged into crawl spaces, contorted in attic corners, wishing for a saw that could actually fit where we needed to work. That’s exactly why we put the Makita SH02R1 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-3/8″ Circular Saw Kit through real-world HVAC scenarios over the past two months.

This compact circular saw caught our attention because Makita designed it specifically for professionals who need portability without sacrificing cutting performance. After testing it on sheet metal, plywood access panels, PVC pipe, and various ductwork materials, we found it delivers surprising power from a surprisingly small package. The question is whether it’s truly practical for daily HVAC work or just another space-waster in your tool bag.

Bottom line upfront: This 12V cordless circular saw punches well above its weight class for HVAC applications, making clean cuts in materials up to 1 inch thick while fitting into spaces where traditional saws simply won’t go. It won’t replace your workhorse 7-1/4″ saw, but for 70% of the cutting tasks we encounter on residential HVAC jobs, it became our go-to tool.

Why This Compact Cordless Circular Saw Stands Out for HVAC Work

We’ve tested dozens of cordless saws over the years, and the Makita SH02R1 immediately impressed us with three features that matter specifically for HVAC installations. First, the saw weighs just 3.5 pounds with the battery attached. When you’re working overhead installing supply boots or cutting through ceiling joists for ductwork runs, that weight difference compared to a 6-7 pound saw is noticeable after the first hour.

Second, the built-in LED work light isn’t just a gimmick—it’s genuinely useful. We found ourselves working in unfinished basements and attics where lighting is terrible, and having illumination right at the cut line meant fewer mistakes and faster cuts. The light stays on briefly after releasing the trigger, which helped us check cut quality without grabbing a flashlight.

Third, the integrated dust blower keeps your cut line visible. Cutting through dusty materials like old plywood or fiber duct board usually means stopping constantly to brush away debris. The air blower cleared the line automatically, which sounds minor until you’re making 30 cuts in a day and saving 5-10 seconds each time.

Compared to the Milwaukee M12 Fuel circular saw we’ve used previously, the Makita offers better battery compatibility across Makita’s 12V line (important if you already own their multi-tool or impact driver), slightly better balance in hand, and a $20-30 lower price point. The Milwaukee has marginally more power, but for HVAC-specific materials, we couldn’t detect a practical difference.

Key Features & Specifications

• Motor Speed: 1,500 RPM – This slower speed compared to full-size saws (typically 5,000+ RPM) actually works better for sheet metal and thin materials, reducing burrs and providing more control
• Cutting Capacity: 1 inch at 90 degrees, 5/8 inch at 45 degrees – Handles standard 3/4″ plywood, 2x lumber on edge, and all common HVAC sheet metal gauges
• Blade Size: 3-3/8 inch diameter with 3/8 inch arbor – Smaller than standard but uses readily available blades (we found them at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and online)
• Battery System: 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion, comes with one 2.0Ah battery and charger – Compatible with 40+ Makita 12V tools
• Weight: 3.5 lbs with battery installed – Light enough for one-handed operation when necessary (though we recommend two hands for safety)
• Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees with positive stops – Clean bevel cuts for ductwork transitions and trim work
• Tool Dimensions: 10-5/8″ length – Fits in spaces where full-size circular saws create clearance issues

The 2.0Ah battery capacity deserves explanation. In our testing, one fully charged battery delivered approximately 50 cuts through 3/4″ plywood, 80+ cuts through 22-gauge sheet metal, and about 35 cuts through 2×4 lumber. For typical HVAC service calls or installations, that’s enough for a half-day of intermittent cutting before needing a recharge. The included charger fully recharges the battery in 50 minutes.

Hands-On Performance Testing

We tested this saw across three distinct HVAC scenarios to evaluate its real-world usefulness. First up: cutting access panels for a furnace replacement in a basement with limited clearance. We needed to cut a 24″ x 24″ opening through 3/4″ OSB subfloor from underneath, working overhead in a 30-inch clearance space. The compact size allowed us to maneuver the saw without constantly repositioning ourselves, and the light weight meant we could work for 15 minutes without arm fatigue forcing breaks. Total time: about 8 minutes for four cuts. A full-size saw would have required removing the blade guard and working at awkward angles—or cutting from above and patching carpet.

Second scenario: cutting galvanized sheet metal for a trunk line modification. We installed a 24-blade metal cutting blade (purchased separately) and made straight cuts through 24-gauge and 22-gauge galvanized steel. The saw handled it smoothly with minimal vibration. Cuts were cleaner than we typically get with tin snips and faster than using a jigsaw. We did notice the motor speed decreased slightly on the heavier 20-gauge material, but it never bogged down completely. The included blade is for wood only, so budget another $12-15 for a metal cutting blade if you’ll be working with ductwork.

Third test: cutting PVC drain line for a condensate reroute. We cut through 2-inch Schedule 40 PVC and 3/4-inch CPVC supply lines. The saw made quick, square cuts without the chatter and melting you sometimes get with improper blade speeds. This wasn’t dramatically better than using a hand saw for a couple cuts, but when we had to cut eight pieces to length for a complex drain run, the speed advantage became obvious.

The most pleasant surprise was cutting precision. The baseplate stays flat and stable, and the included blade made clean cuts with minimal splintering on plywood (cutting from the finished side). We achieved accuracy within 1/16 inch consistently, which is perfectly acceptable for HVAC rough framing and duct support work.

One limitation we encountered: cutting through a double 2×4 (actual 3 inches thick) wasn’t possible in one pass due to the 1-inch maximum depth. We had to flip the material and cut from both sides. This occasionally happens when cutting through structural members for chase installation, so it’s worth noting.

What We Liked (Pros)

• Exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces: We completed cuts in crawl spaces, attics, and mechanical closets that would have been extremely difficult with full-size saws. The compact footprint and light weight made overhead cutting noticeably less fatiguing.
• Battery efficiency exceeded expectations: The 2.0Ah battery lasted through most single-day service calls without requiring a charge. The 50-minute recharge time meant we could top off during lunch and have full power for afternoon work.
• Impressive cutting power for 12V platform: We were skeptical about 12V performance, but the saw never struggled with materials we commonly encounter in HVAC work. It cut 3/4″ plywood, 2x lumber, and sheet metal without bogging down or producing excessive heat