Tool Box Buzz

MAKITA Cordless Band Saw XBP01 Review

MAKITA XBP01

Manufacturer: MAKITA
Model number: XBP01
Price: 419.00
Power source: 18 volt Lithium-Ion
Weight: 7.5 pouds

Makita has been kicking ass lately with the introduction of several new 18 volt tools to their already impressive 70 plus cordless lineup. The new MAKITA Cordless Portable Band Saw XBP01 is a compact 7.5 lbs. and meets ANSI Standard 60745-2-20 is suitable for appropriate one-handed operation.

A cordless band saw in my book is better any day of the week for cutting re-bar, conduit, copper pipe, angle-iron, channel, all-thread rod, uni-strut, and metal pipe under 2-1/2 inch than a reciprocating saw or hacksaw.   Where I think this band saw will shine is on overhead cutting.

Makita engineered this new tool to have a blade wheel cover.   Covering the wheel enables this tool too qualify for one-handed use and let’s face it, all of the electricians, mechanical contractors and plumbers I know where doing it anyway.  Why not make a tool that fits the users needs and is safer, well done Makita!

Specifications:

• Max. Cutting Capacity:  (rectangular workpiece)  2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″
• No Load Speed:  (ft./min., var. speed) 630 ft./min.
• Battery  18V LXT Lithium-Ion,  3.0Ah
• Battery Charge Time:    30 minutes
• Overall Length:  18-1/2″
• Weight:  7.5 lbs. (with battery)

Power

The MAKITA Cordless Portable Band Saw XBP01 operates at 630 ft.min. blade speed and accepts standard 32-7/8″ x ½” blades, and with a 2-½” cutting capacity and is an ideal tool for cutting common metals found on the job-site.

I used the Makita XBP01 recently to cut up a slew of black gas pipe to make pipe clamps in my shop.  I was totally impressed with the power, speed and accuracy this aw gave me.  I was shooting for 60″ pipe clamps and being “anal retentive”  I wanted all of the pipes exactly the same size.  The Makita XBP01 allowed me to shave 1/8 of an inch off the pipes – impressive precision!

Using the same cutting precision I also used it to install an aluminum Larson storm door where I had to shave off 1/2″ off the 1-5/8″ thick aluminum frame legs.    This door had a maintenance-free finish so a clean cut was mandatory.  What a time saver this was and I also achieved a better quality fit and finish than a hack saw provides.

Cool Features

The Makita XBP01 has a built-in L.E.D. light which I found cast decent light on the cutting surface, the “tool-less” blade change was super easy to do.  Releasing one lever and opening  the hinged blade cover plate is all that is needed to access and change the blade – wicked easy!

The band saw has an adjustable foot to protect material and provide improved support for more accurate cutting but an Allen wrench, stowed on-board, is needed to adjust this.  Obviously I’d like to see this adjustment tool-less.

One of the features that I love the most about Makita is that the battery charges in 30 minutes.    This tool comes wit a “Star Marking” on the battery.  this marking indicates that the tool is equipped with an electronic protection system to prolong the life of the battery.   the system automatically cuts off power to the tool in situations when the tool is overloaded or has low battery voltage.

The last feature that I appreciated was the handing hook.  It is large and deep enough to hang on 2x lumber and staging railing.

New Blade Engineered for Longer Life

Most band saw blades fail at the weld point due to stress caused by the tighter turning radius. Makita released a new 32-7/8″ x ½” Compact Band Saw Blade.  The new Compact Band Saw Blade features bi-metal construction and an improved welding process for longer blade life. The blade has a wavy tooth set for clean cuts in sheets, tubes, and pipes, and is ideal for cutting non-ferrous metal, mild steel, cast steel, cast iron, and stainless steel.

New Band Saw Blade Sizes:

1. 14 TPI (model B-40543, 5-pack)
2. 18 TPI (model B-40559, 5-pack)

Unfortunately the new blade does not come standard with the compact band saw.  Hopefully Makita will make this change.

Overall Impression:

I found the MAKITA Cordless Portable Band Saw XBP01 super easy to set up, change the blade and operate.  It weighs only 7.5 pounds and I can easily use this tool one-handed while using my other hand to hold material.   It seems durable and well made and is a time and labor saver – recommended!

1 Comment

1. Farrukh Abidi

   May 22, 2022 at 9:38 am

   Hi

   I don’t see the size of my Makita 18V ban saw but the information is below:

   Model no. XBP01
   Assembled in USA 814W13-1
   Serial no. 53217A

   Can you please tell me the blade size for metal cutting?

   Also the price of a single or the set of blades.

   Thanks
   Farrukh Abidi

   Reply

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