Makita XBP02Z 18V Portable Band Saw Review

Review Summary:

While many of these machines look quite similar to each other, there are many important things hidden under the hood that need to be considered. In order to find the best possible product for your needs, you have to dive deep into the core principles and additional features of every model so that you can differentiate good from the bad ones. However, many people don’t have enough experience, and that can consequently lead to some issues such as overpaying or buying something that won’t be able to cope with the projects you have planned.

We are here to bring these bandsaws closer to you by conducting research and looking into the capabilities of top-rated models on the market. This way, you don’t have to spend hours or even days reading different reviews that are mostly either promoted or biased. If you’re looking for a decent portable bandsaw, take a moment and check our opinion on Makita XBP02Z below.

Specifications:

• Power – 6-speed motor
• Weight – 14.3 pounds (with battery)
• Speed – 275 – 530 feet per minute
• Power source – Battery
• Built-in LED

The Design

The ergonomic aspect of this machine is great. Both grip handles are rubberized which prevents slipping and irritation. It might seem irrelevant and minor, but you would be surprised at how useful it is to have both handles shrouded with fine materials such as rubber. Speaking of rubber, the outer edges of the casing are also shrouded with it which further improves the reliability of this unit. In other words, you don’t have to worry about damaging the saw by bumping into hard surfaces.

The blade replacement process is quite easy and straightforward. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons why this model is considered to be user-friendly and suitable for absolute beginners. Instead of having to fine-tune and adjust the blade multiple times, all you have to do is mount it in a correct manner and start cutting. The overall weight is okay, but the unit can be somewhat bulky and cumbersome, especially with the battery mounted on. However, bulkiness is expected in battery-powered models in the first place, so it’s not a downside per se but a notable detail.

Usability

While this model can cut through a variety of materials, it is best used for cutting metal pipes. However, thanks to the multi-speed feature, one can adjust it and cut other materials with a proper blade without too many issues. It does require some knowledge and previous experience, but it’s nothing you can’t overcome in a matter of minutes by referring to the user manual or ultimately some video lessons on the Internet.

Other Features

The biggest thing about additional features is the fact that the battery isn’t proprietary to this particular machine only. In simpler terms, it can be used with Makita’s impact and drill as well. It’s a great thing because it allows you to save some money if you already own either one of those. The next notable feature is the LED light. While it’s mostly a standard piece of equipment nowadays, it still deserves to be mentioned as a significant advantage over some other ones that don’t include built-in LED lights.

General Impressions

The overall impression of most users is quite positive. Some people complained about the weight and battery life, but those are more or less frequent burdens that are expected from an affordable machine like this. It’s not a piece that will cope well with continuous operation, but it does its job pretty well nonetheless.