Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw, Tool Only

This is one of the best tools Makita’s ever made. I primarily use it to cut EMT, but it’s well suited for practically anything when you need a smooth, straight, perfect cut. I do my nicest work with this; it’s much neater than a reciprocating saw. I was also pleasantly surprised at how many cuts I can get out of it in a single battery charge. My sawzall eats batteries, but this thing goes a long time. I don’t even bother with one of my larger batteries; I usually just throw a 3Ah on it.I’m also a firm believer having power tools with built-in LEDs, to ensure that my work is always well illuminated. It’s just an all-around great saw.A portable bandsaw is among the more essential tools to have cordless, in my opinion. When I’m using a corded model, I’m always paranoid about the cord getting too close to the blade underneath while I’m using it. The cordless models are so hassle free and you don’t need to worry so much about someone less experienced using it.

Cuts just about anything you put in there and there plenty of room. if I gotta cut something this it the first thing I try

I got this band saw in a bundle deal with the grinder and battery... The grinder off/on switch broke off but the deal was still worth it.. The switch will be easy to replace. Makita for life.

This is a very specialized tool and there are probably several other types of saw for the average do it yourselfer/homeowner to buy before this one. That being said, it's a fantastic tool for cutting all manner of narrow and dense materials such as piping (Metal or PVC), re-bar, unistrut, channel, fence posts, etc. There is plenty of power and the blade has plenty of speed options with the built in speed dial. Battery life, in my experience, has been more than adequate for the tasks I've used it for. I don't know for how long or how many cuts the battery will last for because the jobs I've done only require a few cuts for short periods and I've never depleted a battery. Blade changes are simple though you might want to pick up a spare blade or two if your local hardware store doesn't carry them. Blades are plentiful here on Amazon.About the only downside I see with this tool is the weight. The weight shows the quality of materials used in the saw but it also makes using the saw a hassle for long periods or for awkward positions such as overhead. I feel the better build quality using heavy materials trumps lighter weight materials though.

I am fully convinced this is the best portaband as far as least bulky, power to weight ratio, and very deep cutting capacity.

This seems to be a fine saw. Just received it. Installed the blade and did some test cuts on 3/8 thick hot rolled bar stock. Low speed it was bogging (almost stall), in high speed the unit worked fine. Cuts clean and easy.Observations:1) needs a "lock on" switch. Has "lock off" switch.2) received with copious amounts of gear box grease on drive tire. Cleaned up ok but it was a mess and inconvenient.3) it would be good if the unit came with an additional set of brushes or upgraded to brush-less.4) don't know about battery life. Not enough time in yet.5) pricey, but it is a Makita. I would buy again.

Great tools

I have used this saw for years at work. No failures and still going. So I decided to buy the same saw.