Here’s a look at the latest Makita cordless power tools and accessories.
The new additions include an 18V X2 (36V) hot water kettle, 18V 1/3 sheet sander, “max efficiency” 7-1/2″ miter saw blades, and an 18V pivoting-head worklight.
Makita USA has not specified official launch estimates, but retailers have began accepting preorders.
Makita 18V X2 Hot Water Kettle (XTK01Z)
Makita is bringing their 18V X2 hot water kettle to the USA.
Makita USA says that their new cordless hot water kettle is “is engineered to provide hot water at the push of a button” and can “boil 27 oz of water in 9 minutes from 50°[F] when powered by two 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries.”
Features include boil-dry protection, automatic shut-off, and sensors on the base that prevent operation when the kettle is placed on an uneven surface. It weighs 7.5 lbs (with batteries).
Makita USA does not disclose runtime specs. The international model can boil up to 0.8L (27oz) of room temperature water with 2x 3.0Ah batteries and up to 1.7L of room temperature water with 2x 6.0Ah batteries.
But, since it takes more energy to heat colder water, it could be that a pair of 5Ah batteries can only heat one container’s worth (27oz) of cold tap water per full battery charge.
Price: $190 (tool-only)
Read More: New Makita 18V X2 Cordless Kettle for Instant Noodles & More
Makita 18V 1/3 Sheet Finish Sander (XOB03)
Makita is introducing a cordless 3-speed 1/3 sheet finish sander.
Makita USA says that the sander “provides the power and performance of a corded version, but without the cord.” To be frank, this doesn’t mean much, as corded sanders are not particularly demanding tools.
The sander features a brushless motor, 3 speed settings (4,000, 8,000, 12,000 OPM), and through-the-pad dust collection.
- Pad size: 3-5/8″ x 7-1/4″
- Abrasive paper size: 3-5/8″ x 9″
- 1/16″ orbit
- Weighs 4.9 lbs with battery
- “AWS Capable”
Price: $160 (tool-only)
Makita USA press materials say:
For added convenience, it’s equipped with Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS
).
).AWS is Makita’s wireless automatic vacuum activation system, where an AWS-equipped vacuum will turn on when it senses an AWS-equipped tool being used.
However, the price seems low for an AWS-equipped product, and so I looked closely at the retail listings.
According to retail listings:
AWS capable with Auto-start Wireless Transmitter (part no. 198901-5) sold separately
Makita’s one-page sell sheet says the same.
This means that you’ll need an AWS transmitter module ($75 at Tool Nut) to wirelessly activate AWS-equipped Makita vacuums or dust collectors.
Makita promotional materials say that the new sander has an “ergonomically designed body and grip for increased operator comfort.” Users of Makita’s 1.7A corded 1/3 sheet sander should take note of the cordless sander’s auxiliary handle placement. The cordless sander looks to have a very different size and shape overall.
Makita Max Efficiency 7-1/2″ Miter Saw Blades
Makita USA is also launching 3 new Max Efficiency miter saw blades in 7-1/2″ sizing.
These blades have a thinner plate thickness – 0.053″ and 0.073″ kerf, for “up to 50% more cuts per charge compared to standard blades.”
- 25T miter saw blade for cutting plywood (E-11112)
- 45T miter saw blade for cutting lumber (E-11128)
- 60T miter saw blade for cutting molding/trim (E-11134)
From retail images of the packaging, the blades are made in China.
Despite press materials mistakenly listing 7-1/4″ in several places, these are only sized for 7-1/2″ (190mm) saws.
Makita Cordless Worklight (DML816)
The new Makita cordless worklight features 3 brightness modes (100/250/500 lumens), measures 15-3/4″ when extended, and weighs 2.4 lbs with battery.
The flashlight head can fold up and down and rotate left and right. It also features a metal hook for hanging the light overhead.
Makita says it can operate for up to 75 hours when powered by a 6.0Ah battery.
Price: $80 (tool-only)
I checked every reference I can find, and Makita USA press materials, product listings, retail listings, and the sell sheet all list the overall length as being 15-3/4″ when extended.
The tool-only shipping weight is listed as 1.39 lbs, and the weight with a battery is said to be 2.4 lbs.
Maybe it’s just me, but a nearly 16-inch worklight seems like it could be unwieldy for handheld use.
The light’s long length is likely why it looks to have a limited vertical pivot range, which could limit its use as a hands-free worklight. Although the light can rotate left and right, I’d think it would be more convenient if the light could be aimed upwards, if even just a little bit.
Update: Makita USA does not depict this in product photos, and they don’t specify adjustment angles, but apparently the light can be aimed upwards. – Thank you Juergen!
I’m trying to be open-minded, but a 15-3/4″ worklight doesn’t seem very compact and ergonomic to me.
If you’re looking for a Makita 18V cordless worklight, maybe check this one out in person before you buy it.
