Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)

Reviews of Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)

1.) Great saw - get either the BSS610 or the BSS611
Reviewed by: handy steve Altadena, CA USA
Rating:
I'm a big Makita fan, so this may be just a bit biased: I like this saw a lot. This saw is very similar to Makita's BSS610. The differences between the two are hard to find -- and Makita doesn't always tell you what the differences are. The 610 has three additional features that the 611 does not: a blade brake, a light and a better 45-50 degree adjustment. The 610 comes with a 24 tooth blade and the 611 with a 16 tooth blade; both blades are otherwise of similar quality. The price difference between the two on Amazon.com is about $55 (the 610 being more expensive) Both saws appear to have the same power, run time and handling -- either one is a great addition. (I opted for the BSS610 because of the blade brake.)

2.) Cowboy Up Contracting
Reviewed by: Cowboy Up Contracting Austin, TX
Rating:
Got this in the mail two days ago. I intended on using until I got my DeWalt runnig again (Ipe and remodeling, is hard on chordless saws). Well I put it through the paces today w/ the Makita blade that came on it none the less. And it is now the main tool and the DeWalt is the back up. I can't wait till I get the Freud Diablo blade on it to see what it can really do! Easy to use rip fence, good eurognomics, smooth running and powerful. A great chordless saw. Won't replace the corded Bosch but it rocks!


3.) Well Designed and Manufactured
Reviewed by: Phil Essex, Vermont
Rating:
Has a die cast machined base plate that makes for smooth and accurate cuts. The trigger and safety thumb switch are very easy to use right or left handed compared to the DeWalts' I have been using. Well balanced with the Lithium battery. Another neat feature is the depth gauge on the blade guard that makes for easy setting of the blade depth. This saw more than met my expectations.

4.) Cut through wood like butter.
Reviewed by: F. Lamaestra San Jose, CA
Rating:
I have the Makita's BSS610 and I love it. I fast battery charger makes it so I always have power.

This unit spins up fast and cuts like the wind, just keep the batteries fresh or it will lose spin-power on you quick.

I found I could cut about 30-60 2x4s easily with a single 1.5 Amp battery. The 3.0 amp battery is nice, but the quick charger takes care of me with a pair of 1.5 amp batts.



5.) Saw Works Great!
Reviewed by: Todd M. Fredette
Rating:
I bought this saw as a "house-warming" gift to myself. I was going to need it for some work around the new place, it the comes in handy all the time. It's plently powerful even for pressure treated lumber. I rate it as a great purchase especially if you already have a collection of Makita LXT tools....

6.) Makita Cordless Saw
Reviewed by: cleanclyde Mount Pleasant, NC, US
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I have owned two cordless saws before this one.This is the best one I have used.It cuts and handles great.

7.) great deal
Reviewed by: Carl H. Schneider md
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I purchased the Makita BSS611Z 18 volt cordless saw....great price, product came as promised..better than my dewalt saw.

8.) GREAT SAW!!!!
Reviewed by: Ant
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I have owned many cordless skill saws and this is by far the best. Great power, larger than normal blade for a cordless and could hardly tell it was cordless. Great buy, Great price!!! Highly recommended!!!

9.) a great lightweight tool
Reviewed by: johnthebuilder
Rating:
I bought this saw as a lightweight alternative to my standard Skilsaw, which is great but weighs 14 lbs. I've been a carpenter for thirty-plus years and my arm gets tired of lifting a Skilsaw all day.
The Makita is half the weight and works beautifully for the projects I'm currently doing: trim, cabinet work, small- scale remodels. I would not use it for framing walls or other work on heavy lumber; but for lighter work it's perfect. The batteries last well enough that I can use it all day and recharge two or three times. Also great is not having to deal with a cord.
Highly recommended!

10.) awesome
Reviewed by: eileen labrie lehigh acres, florida, US
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I love it!!!! It is an awesome little saw compact enough for ease of use yet powerful enough to get the job done.

11.) Very nice
Reviewed by: Stephen B. Smith
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I've used this a dozen times, and am extremely happy. Light and powerful. You'll need the larger battery size, and it just keeps on producing power, after 50+ cuts...

12.) Tried them all
Reviewed by: Tori Cox-Lindo New York, New York USA
Rating:
My husband is a contractor & has tried every tool/brand on the market he is very happy with Makita & will be sticking with them.

13.) Great saw for the Money
Reviewed by: M. Castillo Tulare CA
Rating:
This saw is much better than my Black and Decker Firestorm saw. I also think it is the same as the more expensive BSS610Z model. The owners manual is the same for both. The specs for both look identical except for a few ounces in weight. I did find one thing different.No blade brake.For the price still a good deal.

14.) Great Little Saw
Reviewed by: Eagle Construction Bothell, WA
Rating:
This is a great deal for the money if you already have the batteries and charger. This saw does not have the light which I miss and didn't come with a rip fence or a case; it's a light duty saw. If it's your only saw, you'll be sorry; it just doesn't have the torque of a corded saw and will choke in a slight bind while cutting plywood sheets or pressure treated 4x stock where the blade's burried; situations where even a homeowner corded saw will power through. If the blade is touching your work, the saw can't start. It just grunts coming up short of enough torque to start the cut. Anything but a perfect cutting angle in a perfectly straight cut will bind and stop the saw.
The trigger safety interlock is aggravating! I buy pro model corded saws to eliminate that dumb switch, but you need it in a battery saw if you store it with the battery installed; like everyone does. I have incredibly large hands and still find that trigger interlock a stretch to reach; ergonomically, it's in the wrong place for a comfortable grip. There is no charge level indication unless you put the battery on the charger; then you can only tell if it's > or < 80%.
All that said, I really do love the saw and find myself grabbing it first. The cut line on the table is dead on accurate; first saw I've ever had that was. It's light and fast and under normal conditions you can't outwork the batteries. I framed and sheathed two 48' gable ends and cut 2x4's and 5/8" plywood all day. I changed batteries twice and the battery was recharged well before the one in use died; I consider that completely acceptable run time.
I wouldn't expect to use it for long rips (straight or beveled) or for anything greater than 2x, but for anything short of full-on framing, I'll grab this saw out of my truck first; it's just awesome not to have to deal with cords and extension cords!

15.) Great saw no need to whine
Reviewed by: Cabinetmaker
Rating:
I have been working in the trades for over 30 years and the 611 saw is one of the best cordless saws I have used. I don't review tools lightly and I don't give high marks unless they merit it. I found Handy Steves review to be truthful regardless if he actually owns the 610. I do have the 611 and speaking as someone who depend upon performance the 611 gives great performance and more. I got mine in a kit and was really surprised with how well it cut and how nice the cut was even with a 16 tooth blade. Would I buy a better blade yes but I can garentee I don't buy a saw for the blade comes with it,that would be foolish. I want a great saw I can always get the blade I want and will. With this saw I will need to buy many, because it is sure to outlive many blades. I have already ordered 2 other 611's for friends. The other differences, light, brake, or blower, DO NOT GOVERN the performance in cutting and opperation. They are convenience issues, some of which are unnecessary and dangerous. I have found that many bells and whistles are just one more thing to BREAK or one more thing to trust, then find fault if it stops or breaks down. ANY USE of ALL CUTTING TOOLS reguire careful and dilligent awareness when using and many safety features such as brakes make us rely on the feature when we really need to rely on our own brains and awareness, not features that break and fail, and then we pay and get hurt. All in all the 611 is worth every penny and a great tool to have in any box. Unless the 610 were to have more power or acuracy it isn't worth the extra 55-70 dollars. I think if Makita thought it that important they would not have made the 611. THAT would have been a real shame and THEN WE WOULD HAVE SOMETHING TO WHINE ABOUT.

16.) 30 AMp Battery
Reviewed by: Willys Fan Denver, CO
Rating:
I bought the MAKITA 18V Lithium Drill and was very impressed with it. Thinking I could use the same batteries for another tool, I purchased this circular saw. Only after getting it did I realize the battery won't work. The Drill Battery is only 15 Amp. So I had to buy a new battery anyway. The charger that came with the drill works for the 30 Amp battery, but there is also a faster charger that I think works only for the 30 Amp. So far I've only used the saw once, and it worked great. I had to trim a little off a door. The saw - even with a 30 Amp battery is lighter than my corded Circ Saw, and is easy to handle. It seemed pretty easy to keep a straight cut, and was able to easily cut all the way through the 1 1/4 inch door.

17.) A very good deal for the price
Reviewed by: Dejure
Rating:
This thing won't replace my worm drive on a permanent basis, but because it's so handy, it will get used a lot for those times I only need to make a few cuts.

It was certainly nice to add to my cordless collection without paying that not insignificant extra amount it would normally cost for a unit with a battery.

The only thing I really don't like about it is the location of the lock for setting the depth of cut. However, I usually only set the depth of cut once per use, so it isn't a deal breaker.

The blade mine came with rough cuts fine, but you'll need to buy another blade, if you want cuts with no or minimal splinters.

18.) Not the saw I thought.
Reviewed by: Joe Bosco
Rating:
This is NOT the saw with the LED lights to guide your cuts. It is a stripped-down version of the saw I thought I was ordering. Poorer quality base & mitre guide as well. I'd like to return it but too much of a hassle.

Features of Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)

The Makita BSS611Z is an 18-Volt 6-1/2-Inch LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw.  This saw does not include a battery or charger. Features: Makita-built D35 high-torque motor delivers maximum power for cutting 2 times the material at 45 degrees with 50 degrees maximum capacity Compact design at only 13-5/8 inches in length and weighs only 6.9 pounds (with battery, not included) for less operator fatigue Ergonomic shape fits like a glove with even pressure and easy control Heavy gauge, precision machined base ensures smooth, accurate cutting and added durability Two-piece armature and field along with externally accessible brushes for serviceability and longer motor life. What's In The Box: Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt 6-1/2-Inch LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw Battery and Charger NOT Included

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw delivers cordless cutting power to the jobsite. The BSS611Z has a Makita-built high-torque motor and a compact design for a range of cutting applications, and will cut 2X material at 45 degrees.

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BSS611Z Features SPEED - 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping EFFICIENCY - Large cutting capacity (2-1/4" at 90°) COMFORT - Less weight with ergonomic grip PERFORMANCE - LXT Li-Ion batteries charge in 30 minutes, run longer and deliver 2.5X more cycles Battery and charger not included

Tool Specifications Blade diameter 6-1/2" Arbor 5-8" No load speed 3,700 RPM Max. cutting depth 90° (2-1/4") ,45° (1-9/16"), 50° (1-7/16") Battery 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Overall length 13-5/8" Net weight 6.9 lbs. (w/battery)

Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile Power
The BSS611Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor that produces 3,700 RPM for faster cutting. The saw has a 50 degree maximum bevel cutting capacity and is engineered with a heavy gauge, precision machined base for smooth, accurate cutting and added durability.

Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BSS611Z weighs just 6.9 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at 13-5/8 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue.

Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BSS611Z is engineered for a range of cutting tasks, and is perfect for roofing, carpentry, remodeling, woodworking, and for any pro contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered cordless circular saw. The BSS611Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.

About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.

What's in the Box
Makita BSS611Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (tool only).

Other Makita Lithium-Ion Series

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1.) Makita-built motor delivers 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping through wood;
2.) Compact, ergonomic design at only 6.9 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue;
3.) Designed with a large 2-1/4-inch cutting capacity at 90 degrees;
4.) Makita LXT Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles;
5.) 3-year warranty on tool;

Package Height x Length x Width: 14 in. x 14 in. x 11 in.
Package Weight: 7.4 lbs.

Accessories for Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)