Overseas, Makita has announced two new XGT cordless routers – RT001G and RT002G.
It appears that the same XGT 36V/40V Max router motor is equipped with different bases – RT001G with a trimmer base, and RT002G with a plunge base.
Makita also lists the individual bases separately overseas.
In case the model numbers and product photos suggest otherwise, I should emphasize that this appears to be one XGT router motor shown in two configurations.
Makita began promoting the new XGT router 3 months ago, in December 2021. There have not yet been any announcements regarding USA availability.
We asked Makita USA as to when the XGT routers will be released in the USA, but they declined to comment. This could mean that Makita USA doesn’t know if or when Makita will make the router available here.
Makita has been slow to bring XGT cordless power tools to the USA. For instance, Makita’s XGT cordless brad nailer launched overseas 11 months ago but has yet to even be announced here.
The new Makita XGT cordless router is said to work faster than their 18V model, delivering approximately 35% work speed when cutting a 6mm groove at a depth of 6mm.
The XGT 40V Max motor has a max speed of 31,000 RPM. Makita’s 18V cordless router, XTR01, has a max speed of 30,000 RPM.
This suggests that the 35% increase in work speed reflects motor power and performance.
It also features constant rotational control, which maintains speed under load.
Makita XGT Cordless Router Features & Specs
- 6.8mm chuck (1/4″ collet size)
- Brushless motor
- 10,000 to 31,000 RPM
- Weighs 31. kg (6.8 lbs) with 2.5Ah battery
- ~35% faster working speed than Makita 18V router
- Dual LED worklight
- Motor shaft lock for bit changes
- Standby switch to prevent unintentional startup
- On/off button
- Variable speed dial
- AWS Makita wireless vacuum activation
- Kitted with 2.5Ah battery
Trim Configuration Price: ¥33,800 (~$292) for tool-only, ¥78,600 (~$679) for the kit
Plunge Configuration Price: ¥40,300 (~$348) for tool-only, ¥85,100 (~$736) for the kit
The kits come with a DC40RA charger and 2x BL4025 2.5Ah batteries.
USA ETA: Makita USA declined to comment.
Discussion
“About 35% faster” performance is notable, especially given that the example application is for a simple 6mm x 6mm groove (~1/4″ x 1/4″).
Not only that, it appears that the XGT 36V/40V Max cordless router motor appears to be the same size and shape as their existing 18V router.
The trimmer base, with a square guide plate rather than round, appears to be new, while the plunge base – based on appearances and model number – is the same one that’s compatible with Makita’s 18V cordless router.
It seems reasonable to expect that all of the 18V-compatible bases and accessories will be compatible with the new motor. In other words, the XGT brushless motor could be treated as a drop-in upgrade.
At first glance, it appeared that Makita was coming out with two separate XGT routers, a 1/4″ model and a 1/2″ model. Disappointingly, it’s just a 1/4″ class router in different configurations.
Currently, Metabo HPT is the only brand to offer a full-size cordless router.
Still, 35% faster work performance is a strong selling point.
The price seems a bit high, though, at $679 and up – converted from Japanese yen – for the 2-battery kit.
At the time of this posting, the Makita 18V cordless router is $125 at Amazon for tool-only, the 18V trimmer kit bundle is $318 at Amazon, and the 18V plunge kit is $399 at Amazon.
If the Makita XGT router does launch in the USA, will it also be double the price of the 18V offerings?
Just talking about the tool-only SKU, the XGT is $292 (trim configuration, converted from yen), and the 18V tool is $125 (trim configuration). The XGT has a higher performing 36V/40V Max motor, but also AWS built-in vacuum activation (which only works with compatible Makita vacuums).
