Makita Expands its 18V Cut-Out Tool Lineup with the XDS01
If you’re installing drywall or plywood, Makita has thus far only had a few options for cut-out tools. Designed for precise cutting in vertical and overhead applications, the new Makita XDS01 18V Cut-Out Saw is the newest addition to the lineup. I’m looking at this tool to see what it does differently than the brand’s other cordless solutions.
Makita 18V Cut-Out Saw Performance
- Model: XDS01Z
- Max speed: 6000 strokes per minute
- 1/4-inch stroke length
- Adjustable blade depth
- Variable speed trigger
- Cuts up to 1200 feet of 1/2-inch drywall per charge (w/ 5.0Ah battery)
- Brushed motor
The Makita XDS01 Cut-Out Saw is a little bit different than your standard drywall cut-out tool. Instead of a rotating bit that carves out material, this tool features a more traditional saw blade designed to cut into your working surface.
Since it’s meant to be used on installed board, including drywall and plywood, it has a maximum blade depth of only 1 3/16-inch. Coupled with a short 1/4-inch stroke length, this design helps prevent damage to objects behind the surface of walls, such as wires and pipes.
The XDS01 features a variable speed trigger, reaching a maximum speed of 6000 SPM. Makita tells us you can expect to cut up to 984 feet of 1/2-inch drywall on a single charge using an 18V 4.0Ah battery, and up to 1200 feet using a 5.0Ah battery.
One area of improvement we can see right out of the gate is its brushed motor. While this isn’t inherently a bad thing, it does leave room for future models to utilize brushless technology to optimize performance even further.
Makita 18V Cut-Out Saw Design
- Length: 10.4 inches
- Weight: 4.2 pounds (with battery)
- Clear dust box for dust containment and increased visibility
- Dust port connects to vacuum hose
This saw has a length of 10.4 inches and weighs 4.2 pounds with the battery included. This compact, lightweight design helps combat fatigue, which is important since the XDS01 was designed largely for overhead and vertical applications.
You can adjust your blade depth up to 1-3/16-inch for cutting in drywall and up to 9/16-inch for cutting in wood. Makita also included a blade wrench that can be stored onboard for quick and easy blade changes.
Additionally, this tool features a clear dust box that helps contain dust and increases your cutting visibility. For those larger jobs, you can hook up a vacuum hose to the dust port to keep your work area clean.
Additional Information
- Non-marring plastic base
- Rubberized soft-grip handle
- Dual LED work lights
Makita 18V Cut-Out Saw Price
This tool retails for $259 as a bare tool and you can find it at your favorite Makita retailer. Makita backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
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