by Dean Bielanowski
Since I’ve already invested in the Makita LXT 18v Lithium Ion range (I already own the Cordless 18v angle grinder, impact driver, and several other tools from the range), the choice to purchase the BSS610 Cordless Circular Saw was almost destiny. However, I had hoped the saw would deliver the same level of quality as my other Makita 18v LXT tools.
I will confess that I had reviewed this particular saw for a woodworking magazine prior to purchasing my own (I had to send the review unit back), so I had a pretty good idea of what I was getting, even though that review unit was a slightly different model.
Anyway, let’s take a look at this saw…
Firstly, it uses the Makita LXT 18v Lithium Ion slide batteries. If you don’t already have them, do not fear, the BSS610 saw kit comes with 2 LXT 3.0Ah batteries and a fast 45 minute charger to get you started. In fact, these are the larger capacity batteries, and you probably will need them on a cordless circular saw! The charger will charge your batteries but not overcharge them, turning itself “OFF” when the batteries are fully charged, so if you happen to leave it on overnight, there is no harm done.
The saw itself utilizes a 6-½” blade. A Makita 24 tooth blade came in the saw kit I received, already fitted to the saw. This is a decent blade which will handle a lot of cutting before it dulls. Spare or replacement blades are available from Makita, or you can use just about any other quality brand 6-1/2” blade available at the local tool store, as long as it has a 5/8” arbor. Blades in this size are relatively cheap too, even for quality ones, so grab a spare! With the 6-1/2” blade, cutting capacities are 2-1/4” at 90 degrees, 1-9/16” at 45 degrees, and 1-7/16” at the 50 degree bevel setting, should you require it. The retractable saw blade guard has stamped depth guides on it that allow you to raise the saw up off the base and quickly determine the blade cutting depth without needing to manually check. This is very handy and a nice feature for cutting trenches or rebates etc.
The machined metal base is very rigid and there is no sign of flex when cutting. In addition, the saw body remains rigid to the base plate when raised up for shallow cutting, which will ensure better accuracy of cut – another sign of a well-built and designed saw. Along with the hardened plastic housing around the motor and non-vital parts, the saw weighs in at just over 7 pounds, which is very user friendly and prevents fatigue. The ergonomic shape of the main and auxiliary handle make control of the saw much easier, again improving accuracy. Bevel cutting is available in settings from 0-50 degrees, however only the major angles are shown on the bevel scale, but this is more than enough for most common cutting tasks. A bevel gauge will be needed for setting the saw to cut odd angles accurately. Rubber overmolds on the main grip surfaces provide non-slip surfaces for added user safety.
Power is applied via the trigger as you would expect, but only after pressing down on the trigger safety release above it. This is a good safety feature as you need to first depress this release latch before you can pull the trigger to start the saw. And with a battery powered saw, whenever the battery is attached, the saw is live, adding to the potential for danger. As a result, whenever the saw is in storage or will not be used within minutes again, be sure to take the battery off the saw so there is no chance of it actually being started. This should also be done when changing blades or putting hands anywhere near the saw blades. Common sense really!
In use the saw has plenty of power. You can indeed cut hardwood at full depth, but you have to take it slow and not force the cut otherwise you will draw a lot of power from the battery causing it to deplete faster. In my tests for the other woodworking review, I managed to make 124 cuts through 3” x 1-1/2” pine studs before the battery depleted. That is quite a few cuts for a cordless circular saw. So performance is pretty good. The ergonomics of the saw make it easy to guide the saw through a cut, and you can easily guide the saw along a clamped straight edge without too much drama to make long straight cuts on sheet material. Hand guiding is somewhat helped by a cutting line notch in the front of the base, but if you need accuracy in small fractions, set up the cut properly using a guide to ensure you cut where you want to cut.
If required the saw has LED lights to illuminate the cutting area, but these have limitations in brightness and use as far as I am concerned. But since LED lights consume just about no power, hey, why not have them!
Overall, I love this saw… Why? Mostly because it is cordless. No fussing around with power cords when you need to make those quick couple of cuts around the jobsite or for a small project. You can simply grab the saw, attach the battery and away you go. There is a lot more power in the saw than you might initially expect. Sure, it’s not going to match a heavy duty corded saw on a jobsite where cutting is going on all day, but the convenience factor sure makes you think twice about grabbing that corded saw next time you need to make a cut. Another fine addition to the Makita LXT range. I give it a 9/10 rating. Hmm now the only decision is which LXT line tool do I need (or more likely WANT) next?
