Makita XBP02Z 18V Portable Band Saw Review

Editor Rating: 4.4/5

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Good

Makita XBP02Z Review

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Published on: February 5, 2018

Last modified:

Design
Functionality
Price

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

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Makita XBP02Z 18V – The Basics

Makita is a respected brand amongst many users both professionals and enthusiasts. They are well-known for designing simple yet very effective units. On top of that, most of their models are affordable and suitable for people who are on a tight budget. This particular one is a great solution if you’re looking for a highly portable machine that is capable of coping with quite a few applications.

The motor is powerful enough to cut through most things you put in front of it, although it does have some limitations due to being battery-powered. In other words, even though it’s powerful it does lack a bit of consistency, especially if you’re utilizing the machine while the battery is low. One of the best things about this particular model is its all-around versatility.

A Man Cutting Metal Pipe With Makita XBP02Z

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The Features

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.

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Pros:

Good quality

Easy to use

Versatile

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Cons:

Battery is not included

Somewhat bulky

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Things we liked about it

The compactness and portability are the two main things we liked about this product. You can carry it around and work with it almost anywhere as long as you bring the battery and charger along. The other thing we found interesting is the overall versatility of this bandsaw. While most other models process only specific materials due to blade speed limitations, this particular one offers a neat choice.

Finally, the price is what makes it a great choice for people who need a decent power tool but don’t want to spend a fortune on it. Even though one cannot say it’s a cheap piece of equipment per se, it’s definitely an affordable investment.

Things we didn’t like

This bandsaw isn’t heavy by any means, but it can cause some fatigue after prolonged use. If you have a massive project planned for the future, make sure to account the overall downtime with this particular model.

On top of that, bear in mind that the battery is not included with the tool. In other words, you will have to purchase the battery separately if you don’t already own one.

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.

Conclusion

If you’re a part of this industry and are familiar with Makita’s products, then you probably already know whether or not it’s worth investing in this particular unit. As far as we are concerned, it’s a good investment if you consider some of the limitations that come with this machine. It’s capable of handling quite a bit of different applications, but it’s not a heavy-duty tool that’s foreseen for extended use. One can use it on a daily basis, but there is no reason to use it for demanding projects over the corded ones as they are much more efficient in terms of downtime and efficiency.