Newest Makita Cordless Band Saw Targets Overhead Ease with Lighter Model
Pros that spend their time in the electrical, HVAC, installation, metal fabrication, and plumbing fields sometimes need to cut something overhead and it doesn’t always have a 4″ diameter. Makita has found a way to make those tasks a little less fatiguing. The newest Makita cordless band saw comes out on the brand’s 18V LXT battery platform and takes a lighter look at the band saw landscape.
10-Second Summary
- Model Number: Makita XBP03Z / XBP03T
- 2-1/2″ cut capacity
- 9 lbs with battery
- Improved ergonomics
- High torque motor; 630 ft/min blade speed
- $249 bare/$479 kit with two 5.0 Ah batteries
What’s The Big Deal?
The biggest talking point surrounding the XBP03 is its improved weight to power ratio. Makita drops the weight, with the battery attached, to 9 lbs – more than 5 lbs lighter than the XBP02.
The capacity is down to 2-1/2″ and that’s going to let you get into some spaces that deep cut band saws can be too wide for. It’s the weight savings that we’re excited about, though. When you have a heavy-duty drill next to its compact counterpart, you’ll grab the compact model because its smaller size and lower weight are more comfortable to use.
It’s the same story for the newest Makita cordless band saw, giving you an easier option to reach for, especially on overhead cuts.
They’re giving the motor enough speed to pull off 630 feet per minute – an increase of 100 FPM over the 02. That’s no-load speed, of course, and Makita uses one of their own high-torque motors, so we expect it to hand cutting tasks easily.
Beyond that, Makita has redesigned the handle. A combination of D-handle and pommel make for a more natural, ergonomic feel. You can even use the saw with one hand. They’ve also included a wheel cover to protect you during those one-hand cuts.
Makita doesn’t include a brushless motor on this model. The kit comes with two 5.0 Ah batteries and even though a brushless motor increases your runtime, you’re still unlikely to outwork the 45-minute charging cycle.
Additional Features
- Aluminum blade housing
- Adjustable blade position
- Adjustable material stopper plate
- Tool-free blade change lever
- Onboard hex wrench storage
- LED light
- Hang hook
The XBP03 Makita cordless band saw is available as either a bare tool for $249 or as a kit with two 5.0Ah batteries and Makita’s rapid charger for a cool $439. The tool and batteries have a 3-year warranty.
Makita Cordless Band Saw Specs
- Model Number: Makita XBP03Z (bare tool), XBP03T (kit)
- Battery: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Cut Capacity: 2-1/2″
- Blade Size: 32-7/8″ x 1/2″
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Length: 18-3/4″
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited
- MSRP: $234.39 (bare tool), $343.18 (kit)
