Makita Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You own a Makita band saw or you are considering buying one. Makita makes portable cordless band saws designed for metal cutting on job sites. You need to know the specifications, what blade to buy, and how to maintain it. You need a guide that covers the Makita band saw lineup and helps you make informed decisions.
Makita makes portable cordless band saws on the 18V LXT and 40V XGT battery platforms. These saws are designed for electricians, plumbers, and fabricators who need to cut pipe, conduit, unistrut, and bar stock on job sites.
Model Identification
Makita XBP02TX (18V LXT Portable Band Saw)
The primary Makita 18V portable band saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | XBP02TX |
| Type | 18V LXT cordless portable band saw |
| Cut capacity | 5 inches |
| Blade length | 44-7/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Speed | 275 to 530 FPM, variable speed dial |
| Weight | 14.3 pounds (with 5.0 battery) |
| Battery | 18V LXT |
| Features | Lock-off trigger, anti-restart, LED work light |
Makita GBP01Z (18V LXT Compact Band Saw)
A smaller, lighter model for tighter spaces.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | GBP01Z |
| Type | 18V LXT cordless compact band saw |
| Cut capacity | 3-1/4 inches |
| Blade length | 35-3/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Speed | Variable |
| Weight | Lighter than XBP02TX |
| Battery | 18V LXT |
40V XGT Models
Makita also offers band saws on the newer 40V XGT platform with more power and longer runtime.
How to Identify Your Makita Saw
By cut capacity: 5 inches means the full-size saw (44-7/8 inch blade). 3-1/4 inches means the compact (35-3/8 inch blade).
By model number: Check the label on the saw. XBP02TX is the full-size. GBP01Z is the compact.
By blade length: 44-7/8 inches means full-size. 35-3/8 inches means compact.
Blade Selection
Full-Size (44-7/8 Inch Blades)
| TPI | Best For |
|---|---|
| 10 TPI | Thick pipe, solid bar, structural steel |
| 14 TPI | Medium thickness, smoother cuts |
| 18 TPI | Thin-wall tubing, conduit, sheet metal |
| 10/14 variable pitch | Mixed material thicknesses |
All blades are bi-metal M42 with 1/2 inch width and 0.020 inch thickness.
Compact (35-3/8 Inch Blades)
| TPI | Best For |
|---|---|
| 14 TPI | Medium wall pipe, thin bar, aluminum |
| 18 TPI | Conduit, thin-wall tubing, general purpose |
| 24 TPI | Sheet metal, small round stock |
Cross-Brand Compatibility
Makita blades are interchangeable with blades from Milwaukee, DEWALT, and other manufacturers that use the same length.
44-7/8 inch: Fits Milwaukee 2729-20, 2929-20, 6232-20, DEWALT DCS374B, DWM120. 35-3/8 inch: Fits Milwaukee 2829-20, 2629-20, 6230-20, DEWALT DCS378B.
Controls
Variable Speed Dial
The XBP02TX has a variable speed dial that adjusts the blade speed from 275 to 530 FPM. Set the speed based on the material:
| Material | Speed Setting |
|---|---|
| Thick steel | 275 to 350 FPM |
| Medium steel | 350 to 450 FPM |
| Thin steel | 450 to 530 FPM |
| Aluminum | 450 to 530 FPM |
Lock-Off Trigger
The lock-off trigger prevents accidental starting. Press the lock-off button before pulling the trigger.
Anti-Restart Protection
If the battery is removed and reinstalled while the trigger is held, the saw will not start. Release the trigger and press again to start.
LED Work Light
An LED light illuminates the cut line. The light turns on when the trigger is pressed.
Rubber Bumper
A rubber bumper on the shoe protects the workpiece from scratching.
Setup
Install the blade. Open the blade guard, release tension, install the blade with teeth pointing down, tension the blade, close the guard.
Check tracking. Run the saw briefly and check that the blade tracks straight.
Adjust the blade guides. The roller bearing guides should be close to the blade but not touching during free running.
Set the speed. Adjust the variable speed dial to match the material.
Common Repairs
Blade Guide Wear
The roller bearing guides can develop play after extended use.
Symptoms: Blade wandering, poor cut quality. Repair: Replace the guide bearings. Contact Makita service or aftermarket suppliers.
Switch Failure
The trigger switch can fail after years of use.
Symptoms: Intermittent operation, saw not starting. Repair: Replace the switch. Contact Makita service.
Motor Failure
The brushless motor is generally reliable but can fail after heavy use.
Symptoms: No power, intermittent operation, burning smell. Repair: Contact Makita service for motor replacement.
Shoe Wear
The shoe can wear from contact with the workpiece.
Symptoms: Angled cuts. Repair: Replace the shoe.
Makita vs Milwaukee vs DEWALT
Makita XBP02TX:
- Variable speed (275 to 530 FPM)
- 5-inch cut capacity
- 14.3 pounds
- Anti-restart protection
- LED work light
Milwaukee 2729-20:
- Single speed (200 SFPM)
- 5-inch cut capacity
- 14.7 pounds
- Cut-Brake feature
Milwaukee 2929-20:
- Variable speed (200 to 550 SFPM)
- 5-inch cut capacity
- 14.7 pounds
- Tool-free blade change
DEWALT DCS374B:
- Single speed
- 5-inch cut capacity
- 14.1 pounds
- Dual-trigger control
Which to choose: All three are capable saws. The Makita has variable speed, which is an advantage over the Milwaukee 2729-20 and DEWALT DCS374B. The Milwaukee 2929-20 also has variable speed.
FAQ
What blade does the Makita XBP02TX use?
A 44-7/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width and 0.020 inch thickness. Available in 10, 14, and 18 TPI, plus 10/14 variable pitch.
What blade does the Makita GBP01Z use?
A 35-3/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width. Available in 14, 18, and 24 TPI.
Can I use a Milwaukee blade in my Makita band saw?
Yes, as long as the blade length matches. Makita and Milwaukee blades with the same length are interchangeable.
What is the cut capacity of the Makita XBP02TX?
5 inches. This is the same as the Milwaukee deep cut and the DEWALT deep cut.
Does the Makita band saw have variable speed?
Yes, the XBP02TX has a variable speed dial that adjusts from 275 to 530 FPM. This is an advantage over saws with single speed.
Where can I find parts for my Makita band saw?
Makita Factory Service Centers, authorized Makita service dealers, and aftermarket suppliers. Blades are available from LENOX, Milwaukee, DEWALT, and other manufacturers.
References
- Makita. “XBP02TX 18V LXT Portable Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Makita USA.
- Makita. “GBP01Z 18V LXT Compact Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Makita USA.
- Makita. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” Makita Product Catalog.
- LENOX Tools. “Wolf-Band Portable Band Saw Blade Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Makita vs Milwaukee vs DEWALT Band Saw Comparison.” ProToolReviews.com.
