Customer Reviews

Makita Bare-Tool BSS610Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was surprised at how easy this cordless cuts through materials. There is no cord to get tangled and hooked on corners, and the power-brake makes it much safer than other circular saws I have used. It's lightweight and very comfortable, which is typical of the newer Makita tools. This saw has a nice LED light that illuminates the cutting path. I would much rather use this over my table saw, especially on larger sheets of plywood. The included blade cuts smoothly and accurately. Take note that the smaller 1.5AH batteries will not fit on this saw, it requires the 3.0AH.
I am completely satisfied and would highly recommend the purchase of this saw.

This saw works very nicely, precision made and well designed. Battery charge does not last too long, you will have to recharge frequently - but this is due to the laws of physics and the amount of power required to saw, rather than a design fault.

Speaking of the battery however - Makita makes two versions of the 18V lithium batteries, 3 AH and a smaller 1.5 AH version which goes well with light drills and impact wrenches. My previous Makita tools all came with the smaller battery - but turns out the 1.5 will NOT fit this saw, which accepts only the 3 AH version. I didn't know that and neither the Makita website nor manual say anything about it, which is annoying. So I had to buy a new battery for this, which added $65 to the price.

Four decks in the past year, from 300 to 800 sq feet and this is the only saw I have had to use. My Makita Hypoid saw is out of order, but this little saw does every thing but rip long boards. Being light, cordless, and powerful enough is saving me time. I did jam the blade once, took out the very hot battery and, per the instruction manual, put it strait into the charger. This ruined the battery. The warranty dept. got me a new battery a few days latter. Much better saw than the old DeWalt 18v (my old cordless.) Best part is that the LXT is more accurate than a framing saw. So I trust cutting expensive synthetic decking with it.

I've only had the saw for a few days but it's already gotten a lot of use on the jobsite.

Out of the box it felt pretty cheap. The shoe on mine always has a little bit of play and the levers for it are cheesy plastic with snap-rings.

So far it has worked very well, though. Like other Makita Li-Ion tools it is very light. The stock blade is good. Battery life seems to be about the same as the DeWalt.

I have both 1.5 Ah and 3 Ah batteries. My 1.5s do NOT fit. They wouldn't last long enough to be useful anyway.

This saw IS different than the BSS611 (I believe the 611 is a stripped down version they dump into the combo sets). The differences have been noted elsewhere but the major one, for me, is the blade brake which the 611 does not have.

At this point I wouldn't recommend this saw to people who aren't already using Makita Li-Ion batteries. This is based on the tool's flimsy appearance. If it holds up I will update.

Update: After a few months of everyday use I feel pretty comfortable recommending this little saw. I've had no problems at all. Just make sure it's always got a sharp blade.

Smooth operator. I love this Makita saw. It has served me well. I use it for many different things from cutting 2x material to cutting trim and hardwoods. The stock blade is ok and will last a little while. I have freud blades in mine and love the silky smooth operation and consistent power.

The blade guard rarely gets in the way and is easy to to raise. The bevel and depth adjustments are easy to reach and operate and hold well. The sole plate is sturdy and maintains its position well. The LED light is a nice touch. It only comes on while the trigger is depressed unlike Makita's cordless drills which have a slow ramping off feature that slowly dims the LED after the trigger is released which makes for a nice flashlight. I guess you shouldn't be expecting to use your cordless saw as a light source anyway.

The battery last a long while on a full charge. You can saw thru a good amount of wood with a thin kerf blade. I've cut over 50 2x6's on a single charge.

I've had mine for over 2 years now and it's been a dream to use. I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

My 35 year old skill, as were ALL worm drive saws used by true carpenters has the blade on the left. We used to call the saws with the blade on the right home owner 'side winders'. I still don't like leaning over to see the cut. With the blade on the left you can see the cut directly in front of you and your center of gravity is directly behind the cut. Thanks Makita for another great tool.

Excellent, well balanced, takes the 1.5 amp battery, safe guard and brake, great light, very smooth and fast cutter. I can't say enough good about this saw and other LXT tools. I do not recommend the packages as they do not include the high end tools e.g. the 611 saw with no brake or light.

UPDATE: Still excellent! A note about the 1.5 amp (smaller) battery: it fits with a little force, and takes a little force to remove if the unit is unaltered. However, if you like the tool and will be keeping it, turn the tool over and note the small plastic bump on the left side of where the battery is inserted; inside the start of the slide. It blocks/resists the use of the 1.5 battery; just cut part or all of it off with a sharp knife and the battery fits and removes with ease. If you have a drill that takes the smaller battery you will notice no little bump where the battery slides in. Simple modification, just don't expect the 1.5 to last as long as the 3.0, in usage time or lifetime of the battery.

I buy the LXT tools alone since I have 2 batteries and a charger. Some say the 1.5 batteries dont fit. That is the battery size I have and it works fine for me. Plenty enough charge for me, since one is always on the charger. Great tool, very well built with left view for right handed people.

this cordless saw outperforms my rigid and hitachi cordless saws. lots of power and very well balanced. this is one of my favorite tools...i abuse it and i cut thru some big nasty material.

I am very pleased with quality feel, and compact size of this saw. I no longer reach for my hand saw to cut 1 or 2 boards, as before, to avoid pulling out the extension cord.