Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2" Circular Saw
- Circular Saw
- Battery
- Limited
- 24
A light, compact cordless saw that handles everyday framing and deck cuts well, though its higher-end sibling cuts faster if raw speed matters more than weight.
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Overview
The Makita XSS02Z is an 18V LXT lithium-ion cordless 6-1/2 inch circular saw sold as tool only, meaning the battery and charger are not included.
At 7.3 pounds with a battery attached, this saw trades some of the cutting speed of Makita's larger corded and higher-end cordless saws for lighter weight and a compact body, cutting up to 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees with a bevel range of 0 to 50 degrees.
- 18V LXT lithium-ion, tool only
- 3,700 RPM, 2-1/4 inch cut depth at 90 degrees
- 7.3 lbs with battery installed
- 0 to 50 degree bevel range
Who it's for
Fits anyone who already owns Makita 18V LXT batteries and wants a lighter, cordless saw for framing, deck work or general carpentry rather than the fastest possible cut.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Owners consistently call it light and easy to one-hand for accurate cuts, with several long-time Makita users saying the battery holds up well across hours of intermittent use. The main reservation comes from someone who ran the pricier XSH03Z for six years and found this saw's lower 3,700 RPM blade speed and slower post-cut rewind make it feel less capable in comparison, plus a note that it can bog down when the blade binds in a cut.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Light at 7.3 lbs with battery for easier one-handed cuts
- Precision aluminum base holds accurate, repeatable cuts
- Compact size suits ripping long boards against a guide
- Rubberized grip adds comfort during extended use
- Sold as tool only, so battery and charger cost extra
- Runs at 3,700 RPM, slower than Makita's higher-end XSH03Z
- Blade rewinds slowly after a cut, per an experienced reviewer
- Bogs down under heavy binding load, per a reviewer
Performance notes
The motor delivers 3,700 RPM, which several long-term users of Makita's higher-end XSH03Z model note is noticeably slower than that saw's 5,000 RPM, along with a slower blade rewind after each cut. In exchange, the precision-machined aluminum base and 7.3 pound weight make it easier to one-hand for accurate, repeatable cuts on 2x material.
Specifications
| Brand | Makita |
|---|---|
| Model | XSS02Z |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 3.31 pounds |
| Blade Length | 6.5 inches |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 24 × 24 × 9.5 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Speed | 3700 rpm |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Power Source | Battery |
| Voltage | 18 volts |
| Construction & materials | |
| Blade Material | High Speed Steel |
| Handle Material | Plastic |
| Color | Teal |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Included Components | 6-1/2" 16T Carbide-Tipped Circular Saw Blade (T-01395) |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | 3 years |
| Other details | |
| Number of Teeth | 24 |
| Number of Batteries | 1 |
| Item Type Name | Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2" Circular Saw, Tool Only |
| Blade Shape | Rectangular |
| Cutting Angle | 45 Degrees |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Bevel Capability |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood |
| Specification Met | certified frustration-free |
Other Makita circular saws
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in circular saws.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2" Circular SawThis product | 4.7 / 5 | 2,400 | - |
| SKIL 5280-01 SawSkil | 4.7 / 5 | 14,300 | 4.6 / 5 |
| DEWALT DCS391B SawDeWALT | 4.6 / 5 | 11,000 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Skil 5080-01 SawSkil | 4.6 / 5 | 5,200 | 4.5 / 5 |
Similar circular saws from other brands
Questions about the Makita XSS02Z
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
Does the Makita XSS02Z come with a battery?
No, it is sold as tool only, so the 18V LXT battery and charger are purchased separately.
How does it compare to Makita's XSH03Z?
A reviewer who used the XSH03Z for six years found the XSS02Z has the same ergonomics but a lower 3,700 RPM blade speed and a slower rewind after cuts, versus the XSH03Z's 5,000 RPM.
How much does it weigh?
About 7.3 pounds with the battery installed, which reviewers cite as easy to one-hand.