Looking for a 7″ cordless grinder that supplies a comparable amount of power to a corded model? The Makita 18V X2 Brushless Angle Grinder looks to cover that base for you. Fueled by 2 Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery packs for 36V of power, this new 7″ angle grinder delivers up to 7800 RPM and enough torque to handle all your grinding and cut off applications. Available in stores now, Makita’s new grinder includes safety and efficiency features that aim to incentivize users to make the switch from corded to cordless.
Makita Innovation
Makita packs their 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery in the kit, though you can use any Makita 18V LXT battery. Going with two 18V batteries rather a 36V pack works to the advantage of existing Makita 18V LXT users since they won’t have to buy into a new platform. Those two batteries drive Makita’s electronically-controlled BL Brushless motor that matches the tool’s torque and RPM to the application at hand.
This new cordless grinder also features a vibration absorbing back handle, which Makita has isolated from the motor housing. This results in reduced vibration and should aid in control. Additionally, this grinder includes a soft start feature for smoother start-up and longer gear life. It also features anti-restart protection to prevent the motor from starting up when the battery is inserted with the switch locked on.
Final Thoughts
The big selling point with Makita’s new grinder comes down to power. Two 18V batteries provide enough power to make this tool comparable to a corded model. If this grinder performs similarly to Hilti’s 36V model, it ought to be pretty tough to bog down, even in challenging applications. The question with this comes down to weight. Will the increase in power and torque be enough to justify the relatively heavy 11.4 lbs? It’s hard to say before we get the tool in our hands, and it will depend on the application.
The other interesting thing about the new Makita 18V X2 Brushless Angle Grinder is the vibration control. We’re seeing this feature more in rotary hammers and other tools that have a tendency to jolt around, but grinders don’t use the same violent hammering action where vibration control is helpful. At any rate, we’re curious about how much an isolated back handle will improve grinder performance and control.
Makita 18V X2 Brushless Angle Grinder Features
- Electric brake stops the grinding or cut-off wheel in 4.5 seconds or less for maximum productivity
- Two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries deliver corded power
- Electronic Torque Control turns the motor off if rotation of the wheel is suddenly forced to stop
- Vibration absorbing back handle is isolated from the motor housing effectively reducing vibration
- Includes: (2) 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah batteries, dual port rapid charger, grinding wheel, cut-off wheel, grinding wheel guard, cut-off wheel guard, side handle and tool bag
Makita 18V X2 Brushless Angle Grinder Specs
- Model: Makita XAG12
- Wheel Diameter: 7″
- Battery: 2X 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- No Load Speed: 7,800 RPM
- Spindle Thread: 5/8″ – 11 UNC
- Lock-On: No
- Lock-Off: Yes
- Grinder Switch Type: Rear trigger handle
- Overall Length: 19-5/8″
- Net Weight (with battery): 11.4 lbs.
- Electric Brake: Yes
- Max. Cutting Depth: 1-7/8″
- Vibration – Surface Grinding (m/s²) : 7.5
- Variable Speed Control Dial: No
- Price: $494.16 (PT1 kit with two 5.0 AH batteries)
- Warranty: 3 years
