Tools In Action » Makita Tools

Makita Releases New Cordless Die Grinder to the 18V LXT Line

Dan Maxey — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:14:08 +0000

Whats more exciting than a Makita girl? A new tool from Makita the 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1?4” Die Grinder and best of all it comes in Makita’s seafoam color. Its powered by Makita’s proven 18V LXT battery, has a 30 min charger and a contractor bag that also comes in seafoam. We will let you know when one is available from ACME Tools and test it. http://www.acmetools.com

NEW CORDLESS DIE GRINDER IS LATEST ADDITION TO 18V LXT LITHIUM-ION LINE-UP LXDG01 combines speed and portability, ideal for a range of metalworking tasks

JUNE 7, 2011 La Mirada, Calif. – Makita, a worldwide manufacturer of technologically advanced power tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results, has added to its groundbreaking line-up of 18V LXT Lithium-Ion tools which now includes over 40 cordless solutions. The new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1?4” Die Grinder (model LXDG01) combines speed and portability in a compact size for a range of metalworking applications.

“The new LXDG01 die grinder was designed for surface prep metalworking applications like grinding, smoothing and cutting,” said Ethan Haughawout, Makita Product Manager, Cordless Tools. “With 25,000 RPM and 18 Volts of Lithium-Ion power, it is another trade solution for pro’s working in plumbing, automotive, service and maintenance.”

The new LXDG01 is powered by a Makita-built motor that delivers 25,000 RPM for faster grinding. The compact design with barrel grip weighs only 4.4 lbs., and the stepped neck makes it ideal for working in tight spaces. The slide switch has a lock-on for operator convenience, with vent slots designed to direct exhaust air away from the user. The LXDG01 also features a solid aluminum housing for added durability.

The LXDG01 includes a built-in L.E.D. protection circuit with over-torque to protect the motor. In addition, the L.E.D. light flashes red when it is time to recharge the battery.

Makita 18V Lithium-Ion

The LXDG01 is Makita’s latest release in the 18V LXT platform with more solutions on the way. Makita is the leading innovator in cordless and LXT was the industry’s first 18V Lithium-Ion line-up in 2005. Today there are 40 Makita 18V cordless tools powered by one 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery. Makita’s groundbreaking 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery charges on Makita’s ENERGY STAR qualified Rapid Optimum Charger and reaches a full charge in only 30 minutes for more work and less downtime.

The LXDG01 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 1/4” Die Grinder is a kit and includes the die grinder, 2 ea. 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery, 30 minute Rapid Optimum Charger (ENERGY STAR qualified), Contractor Bag, 1/4” collet cone, and 2 ea. wrench. Model LXDG01Z includes the tool only (batteries and charger not included).

Specifications

About Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series

Since its introduction on October 3, 2005, Makita’s LXT Series featuring 18V Lithium-Ion Battery Technology has been providing the professional end-user with more work solutions. Nearly six years later and with over 40 trade solutions in the LXT Series, Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion battery is a breakthrough in cordless with more power, less weight and better engineering, and Makita is proud to be the first to bring it to jobsites across America.

“Makita did not just design a longer run time battery; we designed a complete tool solution to redefine the way pro users work,” said Ken Hefley, senior vice president marketing, Makita U.S.A. “The LXT solution is all muscle and no fat, with 18 volt power and 12 volt weight. LXT allows the pro user to work longer with a better engineered tool solution.”

Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion batteries and ENERGY STAR qualified Rapid Optimum Charger provide several benefits over old battery technology. When compared to traditional 18V Ni-Cd batteries, Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have 40% less weight, longer run time, and five times lower self-discharge to keep cells active and ready to use at any time. Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion battery delivers 2,000 cycles – three times more than Ni-Cd. In addition, built-in shock absorbing features help protect the battery, and sixteen firm-holding contact terminals deliver constant high power.

Model Number

LXDG01

Name

18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4” Die Grinder Kit

Collet

1/4”

No load speed

25,000”

Max wheel diameter

1-1/2”

Battery

18V LXT Lithium-Ion

Overall Length

15-3/4”

Net Weight (w/battery)

4.4 lbs

About Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series

During the charging process, a built-in memory chip in the battery communicates with the Rapid Optimum Charger for a more efficient charge, extending the battery life. Makita’s Rapid Optimum Charger is also faster: it will charge an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery in only 30 minutes and an 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery in only 15 minutes.

Makita also offers an Optimum Automotive Charger for 18V LXT and 18V Compact Lithium-Ion batteries, which plugs into 12V DC sockets equipped in most automobiles and trucks for added mobility. Makita’s growing line of LXT cordless tool solutions features a wide range of industrial-quality power tools including driver-drills, impact drivers, impact wrenches, saws, grinders, screwguns, rotary hammers, and more. The LXT Series also includes a jobsite radio, rechargeable flashlights, and several combo kits.

Makita also offers 12V max Lithium-Ion and 7.2V Lithium-Ion. These cordless tools deliver pro power and pro speed in an ultra-compact size. The battery chargers for the 12V max and 7.2V Lithium-Ion batteries are ENERGY STAR qualified for their efficient charging performance. Makita’s growing line of ultra- compact cordless tool solutions includes driver-drills and impact drivers, as well as a circular saw, rechargeable flashlights and combo kits. Makita also offers a 36V LXT Lithium-Ion cordless rotary hammer for faster drilling.

Warranty

Makita LXT Lithium-Ion is backed by Makita’s new Three-Year Warranty which covers repair due to defective materials or workmanship up to three years from the purchase date.

About Makita USA

Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita utilizes leading-edge technology and innovation to engineer tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita’s extensive line of cordless lithium-ion tools includes 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion, 18V Compact Lithium-Ion®, and 12V max Lithium-Ion Other best-in-class products include rotary and demolition hammers and saws equipped with Anti-Vibration TechnologyTM (AVTTM), 4-Cycle outdoor power equipment, Super Joint System (SJS) grinders, miter saws engineered with Deep and Exact Cutting Technology (DXT), and more. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. You can follow Makita at facebook.com/makitatoolspage, twitter.com/makitatools, and youtube.com/makitapowertools. The Makita Teal color is the trade dress of Makita Corporation and is protected under common law and registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

Makita Adds a new Cordless Miter Saw to the 18V LXT Line Up

Dan Maxey — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:09:32 +0000

This just came through the wire a cordless compound miter saw OMG! I love it! Finally the miter saw has cut the cord.

MAKITA ADDS CORDLESS MITER SAW TO GROWING 18V LXT LINE-UP The compact and portable LXSL01 is a “must have” for flooring, case & base, and more

MAY 18, 2011 La Mirada, Calif. – Makita, a worldwide manufacturer of technologically advanced power tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results, has added to its groundbreaking line-up of 18V Lithium-Ion tools which now includes over 40 cordless solutions. The new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 7-1/2” Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw (model LXSL01) delivers accuracy and capacity in a compact and portable design that weighs only 27.5 lbs.

“The new LXSL01 will cut a two-by-twelve at 90 degrees and a two-by-eight at 45 degrees, yet it weighs only 27.5 pounds making it jobsite portable which is ideal for room-to-room applications,” said Ethan Haughawout, Makita Product Manager, Cordless Tools. “This saw offers a portable and precision cutting solution to remodelers, floor contractors, cabinet installers, case and base installers, and more. And the best part is this new miter saw is one of over 40 tools that will run off the same Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery.”

The new LXSL01 is powered by a Makita-built motor that delivers 2,200 RPM, with a direct-drive gearbox for increased cutting efficiency and less maintenance than belt drive models. The saw has a four steel rail sliding system that increases rigidity and four linear ball bearings to produce smooth, dead-on accurate cuts right out of the box. The saw has 2-1/16” vertical capacity and will crosscut 11-3/4” at 90°. The LXSL01 miters 0°-47° left and 0°-57° right, and bevels 0°-45° left and 0°-5° right. It has positive miter stops at 9 settings: 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, and 45° (left and right).

Additional features include an electric brake for maximum productivity, a large aluminum base that supports large stock for efficient cutting and a soft grip handle for increased comfort on the job. The LXSL01 has a compact design and weighs only 27.5 lbs. for increased jobsite portability.

The new saw is compatible with Makita’s jobsite miter saw stand (model 195083-4, sold separately). The jobsite miter saw stand adjusts to five positions with a spring-loaded mechanism for quick and easy set ups in seconds. It also includes a large platform base and material support extensions with feed roller to support long crown molding. The stand is equipped with a large rubberized handle and solid rubber 12” wheels for easy jobsite portability.

Makita 18V Lithium-Ion

The LXSL01 is Makita’s latest release in the 18V LXT platform, with more solutions on the way. Makita is the leading innovator in cordless and LXT was the industry’s first 18V Lithium-Ion line-up in 2005. Today there are 40 Makita 18V cordless tools powered by one 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery. Makita’s groundbreaking 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery charges on Makita’s ENERGY STAR qualified Rapid Optimum Charger and reaches a full charge in only 30 minutes for more work and less downtime.

The LXSL01 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 7-1/2” Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw is a kit and includes the saw, 2 ea. 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery, 30 minute Rapid Optimum Charger (ENERGY STAR qualified), 7-1/2” 40T saw blade, dust bag, socket wrench, triangular ruler, vertical vice, and 2 ea. extension wing. Model LXSL01Z includes the tool only (batteries and charger not included).

Specifications

About Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series

Since its introduction on October 3, 2005, Makita’s LXT Series featuring 18V Lithium-Ion Battery Technology has been providing the professional end-user with more work solutions. Nearly six years later and with over 40 trade solutions in the 18V line-up, Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion battery is a breakthrough in cordless with more power, less weight and better engineering, and Makita is proud to be the first to bring it to jobsites across America.

Model Number

LXSL01

Name

18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 7-1/2” Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw Kit

Blade Diameter

7-1/2”

Arbor

5/8”

Cutting Capacities (bevel/miter)

90°/90° (2-1/16” x 11-3/4”) 45°/45° (2-1/16” x 8-3/8”)

No Load Speed

2,200 RPM

Battery

18V LXT Lithium-Ion

Dimensions (L x W x H)

25-3/4” x 17” x 17-7/8”

Net Weight (w/battery)

27.5 lbs.

Warranty

Makita LXT Lithium-Ion is backed by Makita’s new Three-Year Warranty which covers repair due to defective materials or workmanship up to three years from the purchase date.

About Makita USA

Makita 18V Cordless Metal Cutting Saw – BCS550

Eric Jopp — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 02:58:47 +0000

We are happy to do another Makita review. A while back we did a lot of Makita reviews, but lately we have let the Makita reviews slide. It’s a shame because we know a lot of you have emailed us about Makita and we dropped the ball. Anyway, we always like testing any Makita tools as we know they are truly professional power tools. One thing we have noticed, while a lot of manufacturers have been focusing on their 10.8 line, Makita has been jamming away with creating their 18V Lithium-ion line a complete line. As you know balance with any tool is one of the most important factors. Another important factor to consider is how manydifferent tools can be supported by the same battery. Which brings us to another plus of Makita. Currently they have over 35 power tools that run off the 18V Lithium-ion Makita battery line. We like this because obviously this cuts your cost down as you can buy bare tools.

Power Tool Review – Makita

Power Tool Model - Metal Saw BCS550

Makita Metal Saw BCS550 Specifications

5-3/8” blade diameter
Arbor – 5/8”
No load Speed – 3,600 RPM
Max Cutting Depth – 2”
Weight 13-3/4”
Built in LED work light

There are a lot of times when you need to cut an object that is made of metal. Maybe a pipe, maybe a stud, a bolt and the list goes on. There are several ways to cut metal such as a metal stud you can use tin snips or for a pipe you can use a chain cutter. Yes you can use a hacksaw also, but the point is all these ways are manual ways. Not that they are bad, but just take time and muscle. The other alternative is using a chop saw. This is a lot quicker and easier, but you lose the mobility. Another way is a reciprocating saw. This provides portability and makes the job easier, but sometimes you just cannot fit into certain spots with the reciprocating saw because of the blade. You also have to go at slower speeds and most of the time you leave burrs behind. Which brings us to the review of the Makita BCS550 Metal Cutting Saw (Bare tool model BCS550Z). Basically it’s a circular saw that utilizes the Makita 18V Lithium-ion battery. Makita has two blades available for this bad boy:

30 tooth 5-3/8” blade – Part # A-94518
50 tooth 5-3/8” blade – Part # A-94524

Nuts & Bolts of the Makita Metal Saw

Specifications

What’s nice about this saw is the variety of applications it can be used for. The metal saw delivers 3,600 RPM which makes a quick job out of most metal materials including Unistrut all thread, sheet metal, steel, channel, pipe, conduit, square tubing, aluminum studs and more. To help the user see their work, Makita incorporated a built in LED light in the front of the saw to make sure you stay on track with your cuts. Overall the tool is light weighing at 5.7 lbs with the battery. The handle has a soft grip for a better feel and more control of the saw.

Review

As we stated above the balance of the tool is great. Very light and easy to work with. The trigger is very easy to control and the LED light provides enough light to see even the faintest of markings on your metal object. We created a video below to show you the Makita in action and doing what it states it should be doing and that is providing a superior cut, that is cool to the touch and leaves no burrs. To show this we cut up a little pipe, conduit and aluminum studs. As you can see it cuts through everything with ease as we would expect. No burrs and cool to the touch. Now we were not sure if it would be too hard to see that there were none or very little burring, so we decided on cutting a bolt with the saw and then popping on a nut. If there were burrs, we would either have to fight the nut to go on or it wouldn’t go on unless we filed part of the nut. Again as you can see the nut went on without any problems. We had a lot of fun testing this tool. Why wouldn’t you have fun. We get to cut up some metal, make some noise and work with a Makita.

Conclusion

The saw has some serious power. The balance is great and the overall feel is nice. We like the fact that when you’re buying this saw, you are not just getting a saw, but a potential for a huge line of professional power tools where you only need to own a couple of batteries to get the job done. The batteries are BL1830, which is their 3.0 Ah battery and a little more beefy to get the job done. Now we know not everyone is going to need this tool in their lineup, but those of you who cut metal should definitely take a look at the Makita BCS550.

* One note is that Makita also makes a 7-1/4” Corded Metal Saw model number 4131 and a 12” Chop Saw model number LC1230

Links

To read more and learn more about, you can visit Makita Metal Saw BCS550

Makita Introduces Two New Routers

Eric Jopp — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:07:23 +0000

Makita announced two new additions to their power tool line up, the RP1800 and the RP2301 Routers. The major difference between the routers is the RP2301FC is a variable speed router. These two routers pack a powerful punch with a 15 amp motor that puts out 3-1/4 HP. These are both a plunge router with a depth of 0″-2-3/4″. For their plunge system they use a linear ball bearing which helps create a smooth plunge action. As we noted the RP2301FC is a variable speed model which lets the user adjust the speed from 9,000 – 22,000 RPM’s. This router uses an electronic speed control to help the tool stay at a constant speed.

Now we haven’t tested one of these routers, but by the looks of the router it has a rubberized handle. A couple of other notable features are the shaft lock for easy bit change and the tool-less template guide system. One item we were pleased to see is the built in chip deflector to help make working more safe for the user. Each router will accept either a 1/4″ or 1/2″ shank bit.

If anyone has any experience with either of these routers, we would love to hear what you have to say.

Makita’s New 18V Cordless Impact Driver

Eric Jopp — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:53:04 +0000

Makita introduced their new 18V LXT cordless Impact Driver. Yes, they already had an Impact Driver available (See our Review), but this one has a twist to it. The main difference on this impact driver is Makita uses a three speed brush-less motor, which sounds pretty cool.

The model number on this impact driver is BTD144 and for the tool only the number is BTD144Z. One advantage of a brush-less motor is efficiency. According to Makita, because the motor is more efficient, it provides up to 20% longer run time on a battery. The three speed is a huge advantage as a user can now match the speed of the drill to their application. The low speed 0-1,300 rpm and IPM is great for smaller screws in woodworking like hinge screws. The mid speed 0-2,000 rpm and 0-2,800 IPM is great for drywall screws or other mid range applications. The high speed is 0-2,600 rpm and 0-3,400 IPM puts out 1,420 in. lbs. of max torque which makes it great for heavy applications such as lag bolts.

The overall length of this driver is only 5-1/2″ and weighs 3.3 lbs. with the battery. The bit shank is 1/4″ hex. The kit comes with a fast charger which only takes 30 mintues, 2 LXT batteries and a tool case.

Makita LXT Battery and Charger Review

Eric Jopp — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 01:56:54 +0000

Included in Makita’s LXT702 tool kit is the LXT Rapid Optimum Battery Charger and two LXT Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah batteries. The charger comes with a good cooling fan to allow for quicker recharge when the batteries are low. The one other nice feature on the charger is the display guide. This guide on the face of the charger makes it easy for the user to keep the batteries charged and in good shape. When you buy the package, you will see for yourself what we mean!

Makita has a nice lip on their batteries, so when you slide them into the tool, it will stay in place. We have seen some manufacturers use a small lip which doesn’t offer much surface to meet the battery and the tool. The Makita battery has a lip that is almost the whole width of the battery, so if the tool drops or you hit the tools on something, chances are the battery will stay in place.

Makita LXT Job Site Radio Review – BMR100W

Eric Jopp — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:09:44 +0000

Wow! You will never have to be bored again, even when doing the most mundane work that every once in a while you have to do. Makita’s 18V LXT Lithium-Ion FM/AM Job Site Radio definitely cranks out the tunes, with plenty of options to keep you amused! This radio came in the Makita LXT 702. It is designed for rugged, to guard against weather and any other typical job site accident. It has a digital back lit quartz display with 10 pre-set FM/AM buttons and mp3 compatible. The radio is compatible with Slide Type and Pod Style Makita batteries. It will run one full working day (8 hours) on a single Makita Li-Ion battery (1.5Ah) charge. This baby is light, and easy to move around, weighing in at 9.2 lbs.

The voltage is 24 – 9.6, and the radio does come with a nice clock. There is a 5 FM/ 5AM Memory preset. The power source compatibility is nice, the radio takes all Slide Type and Pod Style batteries. The overall length x width x height is: 10.25″ x 6.5″ x 12″.

We really like the many features of this Work site radio by Makita. A few worth mentioning are the auxiliary ports for CD, I-Pod, or mp3 enthusiasts. Also, good durable rubber bumpers to prevent damage from drops. A nice carrying handle, and new and old Makita battery compatibility. Get to work and keep jamming while you are at it!

The only item we wished it had was a charger for your batteries. If you plug in the radio to an outlet and have a battery installed, it doesn’t charge the battery. Not a big deal since the kit comes with a charger, but just a thought.

Kit Overview

Makita LXT Drill/Driver Review – BHP452

Makita LXT Flashlight Review – BML185

Makita LXT Impact Driver Review – BTD141

Makita LXT Circular Saw Review – BSS611

Makita LXT Grinder Review – BGA452

Makita LXT Contractor Bag Review

Makita LXT Reciprocating Saw Review – BJR182

Makita LXT Flashlight Review – BML185

Eric Jopp — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:04:17 +0000

Most of your basic major brand name tool kits come with a Flashlight, and Makita is no exception. In this particular kit Makita provides a high illumination, high powered light at 4,500 Lux. The flashlight is consistent with Makita’s compact design, with a length of 11-1/8″ and a weight of only .75 lbs. The light comes with a new Xenon bulb for extra brightness, and runs for up to 4.3 hours per charge. It uses the LXT Lithium-Ion battery. The battery (Ah) is 3.0

When we pulled this flashlight out of the kit, we noticed that it truly was very light! The head pivots 180 degrees, which is nice for directing light where needed when working. The battery on the flashlight serves also as a good solid base to let the light be directed where necessary independently. When you open up the lens on the light, Makita placed a spare bulb, so if the main one breaks, you can replace it very easy. Good thinking on Makita’s part! I don’t know how many times we dropped a light and the bulb breaks, but it is always a pain to figure out where you keep your spares. Are they at home? under the truck seat? Where?

Over all we really like this light. The only item we would change is the push button feature for the on/off switch. A push button can turn on when you throw it in your bag or even when your driving down the road, as it can bounce around and turn on. We really like the switch feature Milwaukee has implemented on their flashlights. Again, I know we are knit picking, and this wouldn’t stop us from buying the Makita light. All in all, you can always take the battery off the light when you store it away.

Kit Overview

Makita LXT Drill/Driver Review – BHP452

Makita LXT Impact Driver Review – BTD141

Makita LXT Circular Saw Review – BSS611

Makita LXT Grinder Review – BGA452

Makita LXT Contractor Bag Review

Makita LXT Reciprocating Saw Review – BJR182

Makita LXT Job Site Radio

Makita LXT Impact Driver Review – BTD141

Dan Maxey — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:45:29 +0000

This is a review of the Makita Impact Driver model number BTD141 that came in the kit. The Makita Impact Driver is built with a 4-pole maximum torque motor that delivers 1330 in. lbs. of torque. It has a convenient one-touch 1/4′ chuck for simple bit installation. The Impact Driver has a wonderful compact design: 5-3/4″ long and weighs in at only 3.5 lbs. Also very impressive is the electric brake for immediate stops and minimizing kickbacks. The Driver has Two-piece armature and field along with externally accessible brushes for serviceability and longer motor life.

The capacity is 1/4″ Hex Shank. The No Load is 0-2,300. Impacts/Min.(IPM) are 0-3,200. Also important are the Watt Hours, which are 54. The battery (Ah) is 3.0(Li-Ion). One last little fact on the weight of 3.4 lbs. is that this includes the battery.

The Impact Driver that Makita makes has an Ergonomic shape that gave us a feel like that of sliding on a glove, like most of their other hand tools that we have tested. The tool delivers even pressure and is very easy to control. Of course this all adds up to little to no fatigue when using the tool for almost one hour straight. Also important to note in this test was that the draw from the battery was impressively slow while the tool was getting heavy use. The LED light seems to just be a gimmick, though. You can’t even tell it is on when working in normal lighting conditions. Now the light would probably be nice in darker places, but we normally don’t work in the dark.

This driver is very easy to control and to get use to using. We only showed a small sample of what we did with the driver. As you can see after a little use you can become very precise with the depth of the fastener into the material. This would work great on drywall. Again, it is very light and you could work with it all day long. The short shaft gives it a great balance in the hand as opposed to some of the other drywall screw guns available. As we noted, with a little practice you can get each screw just the right depth into the drywall without even thinking twice about what you are doing.

You can see on our video that this tool does not bog down, and is fun and easy to use. All in all, a very nice tool in Makita’s LXT702 18V 7 Tool Combo Kit!

Kit Overview

Makita LXT Drill/Driver Review – BHP452

Makita LXT Flashlight Review – BML185

Makita LXT Circular Saw Review – BSS611

Makita LXT Grinder Review – BGA452

Makita LXT Contractor Bag Review

Makita LXT Reciprocating Saw Review – BJR182

Makita LXT Job Site Radio

Makita LXT Circular Saw Review – BSS611

Eric Jopp — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:39:32 +0000

The Circular saw is always a fun tool to use, and Makita’s cordless version here is no different. The Makita Circular saw model number is BSS611 and came in the tool kit. It is built with a D35 high torque motor that delivers maximum power for cutting 2x material at 45 degrees with 50 degrees capacity. Just like the other tools in this set, the saw is designed compactly. It is only 13-5/8″ in length and weighs only 7.1lbs. Because of this design, we experienced almost no fatigue when testing for 45 minutes of straight use! The saw comes with a heavy-gauge machined base for smooth and accurate cutting. It also has a built-in dust blower that keeps line of cut clean. The grip is Ergonomic, and like all the other Makita tools we have tested, it delivers even pressure and ease of control.

The blade diameter is 6-1/2″. The arbor is 5/8″. No Load RPM: 3700. The maximum cutting depth for 90 degrees is: 2-1/4″. For 45 degrees: 1-9/16″. For 50 degrees: 1-7/16″. The circular saw delivers 54 watt hours and the battery (Ah) is 3.0

Testing the Makita Circular saw was fun. We cut through both a 4×4 and some 3/4″ plywood to see how it would work. The saw was extremely light, like all the tools in this kit. The lithium Ion batteries really make a weight difference! We found the saw to be very versatile, fast and smooth in use, both when cutting through the 4×4 and the 3/4″ plywood.

There is simply no beating around the bush here, another nice tool from Makita! Over all we like this saw. Good balance and very easy to maneuver. Easy blade change and very light. As you can see when we cut through the 3.4″ plywood, it ran through it rather quick. Yes we had a sharp blade, but we have used some 18V saws that would bog down and you would have to cut slow. Not the Makita, it ran through it with ease.

Kit Overview

Makita LXT Drill/Driver Review – BHP452

Makita LXT Flashlight Review – BML185

Makita LXT Impact Driver Review – BTD141

Makita LXT Grinder Review – BGA452

Makita LXT Contractor Bag Review

Makita LXT Reciprocating Saw Review – BJR182

Makita LXT Job Site Radio