Makita 3-Plane Laser Makes Setup Faster and Easier than Ever
The Makita 12V Max CXT 360° 3-Plane Laser deepens Makita’s laser level line. It also adds new features to help make setting up your layout faster and easier.
Pros
- Best-in-class accuracy
- Multiple mounting options
- Three brightness settings to balance battery efficiency and brightness
- Self-leveling
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Makita 12V CXT 360° 3-Plane Laser | The Big Deal
There are four really big talking points about Makita’s latest laser. The first is that these models move beyond standard cross-line lasers and into the 3-plane class. You still get the vertical and horizontal beams of the cross line models with the addition of a third beam that gives you a cross target on the floor or ceiling. All three beams run 360°.
Of course, you can use one, two, or all three beams at once, depending on what you’re laying out. Just cycle the power button until you get the combination you want.
The second piece of the puzzle is visibility. In addition to seeing them in action at STAFDA, we’ve been using one in our shop remodel, and the brightness of the beam is impressive. If you prefer red, it’s visible up to 82 feet. The green model is visible to a much greater 115 feet.
You can match either model with a laser detector and find the beam out to 230 feet.
Accuracy is definitely worth noting on these lasers. Most Pro-level lasers in this class are ±1/8-inch at 33 feet. Makita is twice as precise by hitting ±1/16-inch at 33 feet.
Another major highlight is a fine adjustment knob. Once you get the vertical beam close to where you want it, use the adjustment knob to dial it in precisely. The really nice thing is that adjusting the vertical beam doesn’t change the plumb spot you’re lining up with. It’s a huge time-saver.
Runtime
Makita tells us that a 4.0Ah battery should provide up to 22 hours of continuous runtime with the red laser version and 14 hours with the green laser. The kit comes with a 2.0Ah battery so we’re expecting to see about half the runtime of a 4.0Ah battery.
The laser intensity settings range from 100% on high, 75% on medium, and 50% on low. Naturally, the brightness setting you select plays a role in the overall runtime
Additional Highlights
- IP54 ingress rating
- Self-levels up to 4°
- Level lock for setting inclines
- Magnetic bracket with 1/4 and 5/8-inch tripod threads
Makita 12V CXT 360° 3-Plane Laser Price
Both laser options come as tool-only or as a kit with a 2.0Ah battery and charger. The red laser (Makita SK700D) is $389 bare and $479 as a kit. The green version (Makita SK700GD) is $489 bare and $579 as a kit.
All options include a target card. The bare tool comes with a soft case and the kits come with a hard case. Makita warranties their lasers for 3 years.
The Bottom Line
This is a great product for Pros who don’t have time to second guess themselves and have been waiting for a super-accurate 3-plane laser. It combines industry-leading accuracy with the benefits of multiple mounting points and is ideal for critical layout operations over large distances in both residential and industrial environments.
Discover more at Makita’s website!
Specifications
- Model: Makita SK700D (red), SK700GD (green)
- Power Source: Makita 12V CXT battery
- Max Visible Range: 82 feet (red), 115 feet (green)
- Detectable Range: 230 feet
- Beams: Two vertical, one horizontal (all 360°)
- Accuracy: ±1/16-inch
- Max Runtime: 22 hours (red), 14 hours (green)
- Weight: 1.75 lbs. (bare), 2.19 lbs. (with 12V 2.0Ah battery)
- Warranty: 3 years
