Tool Ratings

The cordless circular saw has not become nearly as popular as the cordless drill. This is due to many factors, one of which is the fact that a drill is used more often for more varied tasks, but it is also because the early cordless saws just could not keep pace with the corded models. That is changing, and Makita, as always, is right there leading the way. The not-so-greatly named Makita BSS610Z is a shining example of this new breed.

Makita’s BSS610Z 18V lithium-ion cordless 6.5 inch circular saw uses a proprietary Makita-built motor capable of spinning the blade at 3700 RPM unladen; that means class-competitive quick cutting and ripping. The lithium-ion battery required to use the saw (which must be purchased separately) is an 18-volt LXT lithium-ion designed to run longer and harder than Ni-cad-equipped tools and the Makita battery will charge up in 30 minutes. Handling the bevel duties is a heavy-gauge all-metal shoe which can be set up to 50º and, on the BSS610Z, it allows for 2.25 inches at 90º and 1.56 inches at 45º. Combining all of those features with a compact, ergonomic design – including rubber-coated grips front and rear – the very useful LED work light and dust blower – so the user can see where the cut is – and a 7.1 pound (3.2 kg) weight, and we get the Makita BSS610Z 18V cordless circular saw; the perfect tool for the professional who needs portability and power in a small, potent package.

One quick look at the Makita BSS610Z 18V cordless circular saw and it is apparent that the company worked a great deal on making the unit as small as was possible given the design spec. It is only 13.625 inches long, which is rather small for a tool like this, and the light weight will show itself as soon as it is picked up. Those rubber grips are very comfortable, allow for long-term use, and give great control – of course, the compact size and shape help too. Getting the cut right is made simpler with the dust blower and LED light, both of which should be on all circular saws as standard. Though the battery is not included, the LXT lithium-ion works like a champ and is very quick to recharge so that work can continue as long as there are charged batteries available. For anyone who needs a good and portable circular saw, from professional contractors to the homeowner who needs to add a new room, the Makita BSS610Z 18V lithium-ion cordless 6.5 inch circular saw is an excellent choice and a decision well-made.

Suggested retail price of the Makita BSS610Z 18V lithium-ion cordless circular saw – for the bare tool only – is US$238, but finding it for less than $145 is very easy. With that buy, all you may end up with is the Makita BSS610Z cordless circular saw, but you also get Makita’s well-known three-year warranty along with a workhorse of a tool.

Tool Rating: 4.3 of 5.0