STAFDA doesn’t usually produce a ton of surprises for us since it’s a show that’s designed for distributors rather than the media. Makita bucked that trend this year with more than 40 new products. One that we’re really excited about is the new Makita cordless chop saw.
10-Second Summary
- World’s first cordless chop saw
- 18V X2 design uses two 18V batteries for 36V power
- Up to 100 cuts in 20-gauge stud using 5.0 Ah batteries
The Makita XWL01 uses two 18V batteries to produce 36V power without having to leave the 18V LXT battery platform. Overall, it looks very much like the Makita corded model and includes one of my favorite features – a tool-free wheel change flange.
The real story here is the application of cordless power, though. It the test cuts we performed and saw, there’s no compromise in power. That’s not a surprise given that the Makita 18V X2 10″ miter saw cuts just as powerful and smooth as their corded version.
When it comes to runtime, Makita tells us that the XWL01 is getting up to 100 cuts in 20-gauge stud using a pair of 5.0 Ah battery packs.
Of course, the question is why the world needs a cordless chop saw. The answer isn’t terribly elusive. If you’re needing to perform on-site fabrication or general metal cutting with no power available, cordless is a whole lot more convenient than dragging out a generator. There are a variety of applications from metal framing to plumbing where it can come in handy.
On the pricing side, expect the bare tool to run $299 and the kit with two 5.0 Ah batteries and a dual-port Rapid Charger to be $499.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpiIBd7jjTL/
Makita Cordless Chop Saw Highlights
- World’s first cordless chop saw
- Makita-built brushless motor
- Tool-free wheel changes, vice and fence adjustments
- 2-stage lock-off prevents accidental starting
- Soft start
- Large rear spark deflector
- Dual port Rapid Charger and 5.0 Ah batteries included in kit
Makita Cordless Chop Saw Specifications
- Model: Makita XWL01PT (kit)
- Power Source: (2) Makita 18V LXT batteries
- Wheel Diameter: 14″
- No Load Speed: 3800 RPM
- Max Cutting Capacity: 5″
- Weight with Batteries: 35.9 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $299.99 bare, $439.00 kit
