Our Makita tool reviews feature job site testing that uses real-world conditions. We test tools like the Makita X2 rear handle circular saw on both dimensional lumber and sheet goods. For products like the Makita 10″ cordless miter saw, we use 2×12 lumber to test the depth of cut and power. In terms of technology, the Makita AWS Auto-start Wireless System is among the most advanced Bluetooth control systems out there. It’s compatible with the newest Makita Track Saw, the Makita 18V X2 Brushless Angle Grinder, and their cordless vacuum. The system solves the problem of using cordless Makita tools with a cordless dust extractor. Also of note is the Makita Sync Lock system to program batteries and keep them from leaving the job site. Makita Tool Reviews with Job Site Testing The following Makita tool reviews use either in-house scientific baseline testing or we take them on-site. They might be used on a live construction site or in the PTR Shop. For great deals on Makita tools, visit here.
Makita just released two new multi-tools, including the new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Multi-Tool Kit (model LXMT025), and the corded Multi-Tool Kit (model TM3000CX5). Compared to other models on the market, these tools look to be hitting the market as “second-gen” level tools, with sufficient build quality to impress us out of the gate and enough run-time (18V cordless) and power (corded model) to be very practical.
The new TM3000CX5 Oscillating Multi-Tool is powered by a 3.0 amp motor with soft start for smooth start-ups. The variable speed control dial allows a flexible operating range (6,000 – 20,000 OPM) and enables the user to match the speed to the application, and the electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load for smoother, higher-quality work. Similar to the 18V Lithium-Ion Multi-Tool, the new TM3000CX5 has a 3.2 degree oscillation angle engineered for faster, more aggressive cutting and sanding.
I don’t know about you, but whenever I get to slice through concrete I get a Tim Allen-style rush that makes me giddy with adrenaline. Of course, I don’t do it 8 hours per day, day in and day out. For those who do, they might appreciate the new Makita EK7301 14″ Power Cutter. The new EK7301 gas power cutter was developed to blend the best aspects of both convenience and performance. It improves upon previous Makita offers by including faster starting, more power, and better fuel economy.
Makita’s new LXDT04 Cordless Impact Driver uses the company’s variable speed 4-pole motor to deliver 1,420 in. lbs. of maximum torque. It does it with 0-3,200 impacts per minute and up to 2,300 RPMs. We love impact drivers, and Makita’s new model seems suited for a variety of tough-as-nails (or, as is the case, tough as lag bolts) fastening tasks. Since the LXDT04 only weighs 3.3 lbs, it’s also got an excellent power-to-weight ratio and measures just 5-7/16″ long – smaller and lighter than the BTD141 18V Impact Driver that it replaces.
Makita is on a roll this week, releasing several new tools to the market. This time it’s the new RT0700C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router. The new Compact Router is also available in a kit (RT0700CX3), which is the only way to buy a router like this as it comes with a plunge, tilt and an offset base for a wide range of routing applications. Compact routers serve a great need in the woodworking and carpentry business – proving a very portable and controllable way to do simple bevels, laminate jobs, etc that would be a bit more of a pain with a full-sized tool. Now, we don’t recommend compact routers for anything heavy-duty – the added weight and bulk of a serious router is always going to outperform when you’re doing some serious projects.
As more and more Lithium-ion tools are making their way into the automotive industry, Makita doesn’t want to let other […]
Earlier this week we spied out some of Makita’s new 12V tools that had made it to the UK market and wondered how quickly, if ever, they would make it to our shores. Turns out the first product didn’t take very long. Makita just released its new Makita 12V Max Lithium-Ion Recipro Saw Kit (model RJ01W). This is a new one-handed reciprocating saw that gives you power in a compact package to accomplish all sorts of tasks. What’s more, Makita is also offering the new saw as part of a 2-piece combo kit (model LCT212W) where it’s bundled with a 12V max Lithium-Ion 3/8″ Driver-Drill.
While what Makita is doing in the UK may not reflect a direct transfer to the tools is releases in the US, it does perk us up to see a suite of new 10.8V (that’s 12V to you and me) cordless lithium-ion tools come out of nowhere. In particular, a new jigsaw, reciprocating saw, tile cutter and even a compact site radio, have joined a line-up which already includes drill drivers, an impact driver, an impact wrench, an 3-3/8″ circular saw and vacuum cleaner. In the U, the range also includes the ‘Pink Drill’, the special edition 12V drill driver marketed to support the Breast Cancer Care charity with a donation from Makita for every unit sold (though in the US they merely dressed up their 2011 Supercross sponsor in pink, not their drill).
Concrete cutting is easy. Concrete cutting with a tool that is lightweight and compact is tougher. Concrete cutting with such a tool and adequate dust collection to avoid nasty environmental rules fines – well, that’s another story altogether. Makita worked on that this week when it released two new dust extraction solutions for concrete and masonry contractors. The new Dust Collecting Cutting Guard with Shoe (model 192972-4) works with Makita’s 4-1/2″ and 5-inch Grinders. The Cutting Guard is ideal for a host of concrete and masonry applications, including cutting tile, concrete cutting, and brick – as well as specialized uses like tuck pointing and cutting expansion joints. The new Cutting Guard is made to be used alongside Makita’s (or other manufacturers’) vacuum systems and really provides significant dust extraction on the jobsite. Particularly in light of new Lead Safe rules, this is becoming more and more of an issue with older commercial buildings as well as residential homes.
Makita has just released its newest 18V LXT product, the Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-Speed Brushless Motor Impact Driver. That’s a mouthful, but the name is also incredible informative. First off, you know it’s a Makita, so it’s built by pros, for pros. On top of that, it utilizes a brushless motor – and that really brings the level of build quality and power capability to a new level. Brushless motor technology has proven to provide a ton more usable torque in tools like hammer drills and impact drivers and wrenches. While brushless technology isn’t new, even for Makita, the company’s new LXDT01 impact driver is built to be both powerful and efficient. So efficient, in fact, that it gets up to 20% longer battery life per charge.
