Overview of Makita 18V LXT Circular Saw XSS02Z
Editor Rating: 4.6/5
Excellent
Makita 18V LXT Circular Saw XSS02Z Review
Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson
Published on:
Last modified:
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Makita XSS02Z Review Summary:
Having a high-quality circular saw is of utmost importance if you’re looking to tackle any serious project. This tool allows you to cut through wood without having to invest a lot of effort and attention in general. This particular model features a high-torque motor that delivers enough RPM to rip through wood fast and precise.
The upside of battery-powered tools, in general, is their portability. In other words, you can take your tool wherever you like without worrying about extension cables, outlets, and other accompanying nuisances. That said, cordless tools also have certain downsides, especially when it comes to battery life and downtime. Nonetheless, if you’re looking to refresh your collection of tools with a new circular saw, take a moment and check some of the points we’ve made in this review and you’ll get a much better insight into the pros and cons of the XSS02Z.
Specifications:
- Weight – 7.3 pounds with battery
- Cutting capacity – 2-1/4”(6-1/2” blade)
- Power – Battery powered 18V (max 3700RPM)
- Features Star Protection Control
- Fast battery charging times (battery not included)
Makita XSS02Z – The Basics
This model offers enough power for the vast majority of home repairs. Whether you’re looking to cut some beams for the new patio or perhaps make a wooden box, the XSS02Z should meet your expectations. The unit is also suitable for tougher tasks, but the thing you should remember is that it’s battery-powered and thus requires some downtime for charging. However, thanks to the modern technology in the LXT series of batteries, the recharge cycle takes only about 30 minutes before the battery is full again.
Another noteworthy feature is the Star Protection Computer Controls that protects against overheating, overloading, and over-discharging. In other words, it keeps both the unit and battery safe from sudden electrical shocks and thus prolongs their life.
Makita XSS02Z Features
The Design
As far as the design goes, it’s pretty similar to other Makita products. The grip is rubberized and ergonomic meaning you don’t have to worry about the tool slipping through your hands during operation. On top of that, the rubber coating significantly reduces the vibrations meaning it reduces operator’s fatigue as well. The plastic handle located on top of the tool allows you to put pressure on the blade in order to go through materials more easily. The whole casing is sturdy and resilient meaning you can use it even on the construction site without worrying about potential damage. You can rest assured it’s made to be robust and it can tolerate quite a beating.
Safety
The overall safety aspect is at a satisfactory level. The safety shroud is made of metal and it’s quite reliable. The important thing you need to remember is to avoid taking the shroud off because it significantly increases the overall risk of injury. Many people decide to take down the aforementioned shroud because it’s a bit faster and easier to work without it but rest assured that it’s not worth the risk whatsoever. It’s always better to work for a few minutes longer instead of risking your life to save a few minutes of your time.
The Battery
One of the greatest advantages of this particular line of Makita tools is that they can utilize the same line of batteries. In other words, if you already own a tool from this Makita line of products, its battery is compatible with the XSS02Z. In case you don’t own it, look for Makita’s 18V LXT line of slide-in batteries as they are the ones you’re looking for. As we’ve mentioned, they have up to 3x faster charging time with the LXT rapid optimum charger and they rely on the Star Protection technology.
Pros:
Easy to use
Reliable and sturdy
Precise
Good safety
Cons:
Somewhat underpowered for demanding projects
Things we liked about it
The portability and compactness are the two main advantages of this model. On top of that, it offers sufficient power to cut through almost any wood as long as there is charge left in the battery. The Star Protection technology is also a great innovation as it prolongs the life of the tool as well as the battery.
The charge time is great with little over 30 minutes meaning there isn’t much downtime, to begin with. In case you want zero downtime, we recommend getting an extra battery and using that while the other one is charging.
Things we didn’t like
There aren’t any massive inherent downsides to this particular model. However,you should be aware of the fact that the battery isn’t included with the tool meaning you’ll have to buy it separately. As you can tell, this isn’t a disadvantage per se, but many people ended up being disappointed with their purchase because the tool isn’t ready to go right out of the box.
Therefore, if you’re planning on buying this particular model, make sure you account for the new battery.
What User Say About The Makita XSS02Z
Most people who have bought this model are satisfied with its performance. It isn’t the best possible unit out there, but people who are looking for a decent tool with plenty of features that can cope with small to mid-sized projects have found it to be a worthy purchase. The safety features are on a satisfactory level, the durability is good, and most importantly – the tool is consistent.
Conclusion
The XSS02Z model is good for a variety of applications that require precise and fast wood cutting. It will yield satisfactory results as long as you maintain it in good condition and keep the battery levels high. The battery itself is proven to be a worthy purchase because LXT batteries are well-known on the market and are praised by many. In case you’re looking for a quality tool to replace your old one, this model might be a good solution.
It’s affordable, made of quality materials, and most importantly – it will do the job well. Bear in mind that the battery is not included and that you’ll have to buy one separately.
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