Makita DHS680 vs DSS611 UK: Is the Brushless Circular Saw Worth It?
The Makita DHS680 and DSS611 are both 18V LXT circular saws with 165 mm blades and the same 57 mm depth of cut. The DHS680 is brushless and costs more. Here is how DHS680 vs DSS611 compares, and whether the upgrade is worth it.
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Buy the DHS680 if you cut a lot of sheet material or timber every day, as its brushless motor runs at 5,000 rpm against 3,700 rpm, it has an electric brake and soft start, and it is lighter. Buy the DSS611 if you only need a circular saw now and then and want the cheapest Makita 18V option.
DHS680 vs DSS611 at a Glance
| Feature | Makita DHS680 | Makita DSS611 |
|---|---|---|
| Blade diameter | 165 mm | 165 mm |
| Depth of cut at 90° | 57 mm | 57 mm |
| Depth of cut at 45° | 41 mm | 40 mm |
| Depth of cut at 50° | 37 mm | 36 mm |
| No-load speed | 5,000 rpm | 3,700 rpm |
| Motor | Brushless | Not listed as brushless (externally accessible brushes) |
| Electric brake | Yes | Not listed |
| Soft start | Yes | Not listed |
| Overall size | 350 mm | 347 mm |
| Net weight (body only) | 2.7 kg | 3.2 kg |
The Key Differences
Motor and blade speed
The DHS680 has a brushless motor and runs at 5,000 rpm. Makita does not list the DSS611 as brushless, and mentions externally accessible brushes, with a no-load speed of 3,700 rpm. A faster blade gives cleaner cuts, especially in sheet material, and a brushless motor usually gets more cuts from each battery.
Safety and comfort
Makita lists an electric brake on the DHS680 that stops the blade quickly once you release the trigger, plus soft start and Automatic Torque Drive, which increases torque in tougher cuts. These are not listed on the DSS611. The DHS680 also has a blower function to keep the cut line clear.
Cut depth and weight
Both cut 57 mm at 90 degrees, so both go through 47 mm timber in one pass, and both bevel to 50 degrees. The DHS680 is the lighter saw at 2.7 kg body only against 3.2 kg for the DSS611.
The Two Makita Circular Saws
1. Makita DHS680 (with 5.0Ah battery)
Best for daily cutting165 mm brushless circular saw, 5,000 rpm, 57 mm depth of cut, electric brake, soft start and 2.7 kg body only. This listing includes one 5.0Ah battery.
2. Makita DSS611Z (body only, with case)
Best budget option165 mm 18V circular saw, 3,700 rpm and 57 mm depth of cut. Body only in a case, no battery or charger.
Which Should You Buy?
- Carpenters, joiners and roofers cutting every day: DHS680.
- Electricians and plumbers cutting the odd floorboard or batten: DSS611.
- Already own Makita LXT batteries: buy body only and save.
- Need a combi drill too: see our Makita DHP484 vs DHP485 comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Makita DHS680 better than the DSS611?
For regular use, yes. It is brushless, faster at 5,000 rpm against 3,700 rpm, lighter, and has an electric brake and soft start. Both cut 57 mm deep at 90 degrees.
Can the DHS680 and DSS611 cut through 47 mm timber?
Yes. Makita lists a 57 mm maximum depth of cut at 90 degrees for both saws.
Do the DHS680 and DSS611 use the same batteries?
Yes. Both run on Makita 18V LXT batteries.
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- Apprentice Carpenter Tool List UK
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