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Makita Addiction Thread

Dakotadadv8

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May 30, 2021
Messages
1,483
I have several newer Makita corded tools, so I'm not a hater, but I wouldn't be surprised if HD dropped the Makita line nationally as mentioned above. The reality is that they just don't sell like DeWalt or Milwaukee does. In my HD, Makita has maybe 10% of the shelf space in power tools- basically an afterthought.

I've said this before, but I can't recall the last time I saw anything by Makita being used commercially in construction in my area- it's mostly DeWalt and the rest is Milwaukee. For homeowner OPE, Ryobi is huge because of the value. Makita is just MIA from what I see outside of GJ.
Buy online from HD. No need to have shelf space. I personally don't need to go to big box to purchase tools I already know what I want.
 
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martattack

New member
Joined
Apr 6, 2013
Messages
3
Location
Kirkland, WA
DIY/Home owner/Tool nerd always looking for a good excuse for some new tools. Here's the current inventory.

LXDT08 1/4" Impact Driver
LXPH05 Drill Motor
JR3050T Recipro Saw
XPH14 Drill Motor
RT0701C Router
XMT03 Osciallating Multitool
5007MGA Circular Saw
9557PB Angle Grinder
AN924 Framing Nailer
XCV11 Vacuum
BO5030 Orbital Sander
XSH03 Circular Saw
XPS01 Track Saw
XNB01 Brad Nailer
JV0600 Jigsaw
DML801 Light
DC18RD Dual Charger
2x Single Chargers (Backups)
3x 3.0AH, 4x 5.0AH, 2x 4.0AH

Looking for a good excuse to replace my 12" Kobalt Miter Saw with the Makita 12", but house projects wrapping up for now.

Makita.jpg
 
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NBraun

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Sep 14, 2020
Messages
158
This may have been asked previously but...

Is there a "best time" to buy Makita? I'm pretty well set in Dewalt and Milwaukee, but Makita has a couple 40V saws that you can't buy in the US that I'd like to buy. So I need to pick up some 40V battery's at some point.
 

jollygreengiant

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Joined
Nov 10, 2013
Messages
2,354
Location
Ontario, Canada
This may have been asked previously but...

Is there a "best time" to buy Makita? I'm pretty well set in Dewalt and Milwaukee, but Makita has a couple 40V saws that you can't buy in the US that I'd like to buy. So I need to pick up some 40V battery's at some point.

I think that comes down to the individual retailer where you buy your tools from and when they have their sales. I don't think Makita has brand wide events.
 

NORTON'S SHOP

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Messages
1,578
Location
Upper Midwest
DIY/Home owner/Tool nerd always looking for a good excuse for some new tools. Here's the current inventory.

LXDT08 1/4" Impact Driver
LXPH05 Drill Motor
JR3050T Recipro Saw
XPH14 Drill Motor
RT0701C Router
XMT03 Osciallating Multitool
5007MGA Circular Saw
9557PB Angle Grinder
AN924 Framing Nailer
XCV11 Vacuum
BO5030 Orbital Sander
XSH03 Circular Saw
XPS01 Track Saw
XNB01 Brad Nailer
JV0600 Jigsaw
DML801 Light
DC18RD Dual Charger
2x Single Chargers (Backups)
3x 3.0AH, 4x 5.0AH, 2x 4.0AH

Looking for a good excuse to replace my 12" Kobalt Miter Saw with the Makita 12", but house projects wrapping up for now.

Makita.jpg
Nice family!
 

bonneyman

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Joined
Apr 22, 2010
Messages
8,782
Location
Desert SW
I'm currently modifying a 7.2v angle drill to hold a 9.6v battery. Don't have a camera that works for posting .

I acquired the 7.2 v angle drill and discovered a 9.6v stick would fit in there and run. It just was too long and stuck out the bottom. I've taken a parts drill and cut the handle to lengthen the 7.2v handle. Drill runs faster than normal, but with several batteries I have they go flat fast and the voltage drops, so a 7.2v drill should work longer. And if I do burn out the 7.2v motor I've got a spare 9.6v motor which I will make fit into the 7.2v body with some dremeling. Might look weird but what the heck - I might even dremel out some cooling slots!

The 7.2v angle drill is smaller profile than the OEM 9.6v so - if I can get it to work - it would actually become pretty handy.
 

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KnurledNut

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
8,108
Location
n/a
DIY/Home owner/Tool nerd always looking for a good excuse for some new tools. Here's the current inventory.

LXDT08 1/4" Impact Driver
LXPH05 Drill Motor
JR3050T Recipro Saw
XPH14 Drill Motor
RT0701C Router
XMT03 Osciallating Multitool
5007MGA Circular Saw
9557PB Angle Grinder
AN924 Framing Nailer
XCV11 Vacuum
BO5030 Orbital Sander
XSH03 Circular Saw
XPS01 Track Saw
XNB01 Brad Nailer
JV0600 Jigsaw
DML801 Light
DC18RD Dual Charger
2x Single Chargers (Backups)
3x 3.0AH, 4x 5.0AH, 2x 4.0AH

Looking for a good excuse to replace my 12" Kobalt Miter Saw with the Makita 12", but house projects wrapping up for now.

Makita.jpg
Super first post in 12 years!
Nice assortment!
 

bonneyman

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Apr 22, 2010
Messages
8,782
Location
Desert SW
Got the 7.2v to 9.6v conversion done. A bit of an ugly duckling, but the glue is dried and the tool works!
 

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F-22

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Jan 23, 2022
Messages
1,830
I got this used but basically it's brand new and (unlike all those on Amazon) rated for 120V. It's the smoothest and smallest size drill I've even seen.

IMG_6678.jpgIMG_6679.jpgIMG_6680.jpgIMG_6677.jpg
Just bought a brand new one here in Europe at work. 120€, also made in Japan. We actually use it to hold a brush to clean the die on a ceramic stamping press. Very happy with it. Specifically ordered the one on the cable because the battery tools quickly get legs at work.
 

Steel_Rain

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Joined
Apr 23, 2024
Messages
1,343
I just bought an XAD02Z (cordless model) yesterday.

I don't think I've ever see the price that low, anywhere. According to Honey, it's the lowest price (55% off) it's ever been on Amazon:

1743685187626.png

This is a great right angle unit, I've used a buddy's same model. Made in Japan is a plus too.
 

engineer2

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Joined
Dec 13, 2009
Messages
11,798
Location
Chicago burbs
IMG_6476.jpg

I posted my Makita XOB03Z 1/3 sheet sander on the new tool thread. Now that I've used it for a while, I love it!
1/3 sheet paper which you can get anywhere.
2-3 hours of battery life with a 5.0.
Uses so far:
Refinishing furniture. Multiple speeds were great for that.
Sand drywall tape joints, works great and dust didn't affect it.
Sand paint off a concrete floor, no problem. Not the whole floor, just corners where a regular sander couldn't reach.
Using it now to refinish doors.

* You'll see some negative reviews online from one person that got picked up by other sellers, but I suspect they dropped it, abused it or are a troll.
 

FTWingRiders

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 21, 2012
Messages
1,559
Location
Central Ma
IMG_6476.jpg

I posted my Makita XOB03Z 1/3 sheet sander on the new tool thread. Now that I've used it for a while, I love it!
1/3 sheet paper which you can get anywhere.
2-3 hours of battery life with a 5.0.
Uses so far:
Refinishing furniture. Multiple speeds were great for that.
Sand drywall tape joints, works great and dust didn't affect it.
Sand paint off a concrete floor, no problem. Not the whole floor, just corners where a regular sander couldn't reach.
Using it now to refinish doors.

* You'll see some negative reviews online from one person that got picked up by other sellers, but I suspect they dropped it, abused it or are a troll.
Nice, I’ve been contemplating adding a new sander, I like the handles on this compared to the 1/4 sheet.

I sense a new tool purchase coming my way.. lol
 
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Snapped-off

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Feb 22, 2012
Messages
4,748
Location
Indiana
I just picked this up a few weeks ago. It's really nice to have a working die grinder again. I have likely close to half a dozen pneumatic ones but my current compressor doesn't have the volume to run them.

20250412_151856.jpg
How do you like it? I'm considering that one or one of the M12 grinders. I checked out Snap-ons on the truck last week, but didn't care for the on/off toggle switch.
 

IndyGarage

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Joined
Apr 29, 2010
Messages
9,680
Location
Indy
I have been using my Makita 36V chainsaw for the past couple weeks. I don't have any problems with the power of the saw or it's ergonomics. In good conditions, it is comparable to a gas saw.

However it's a bit frustrating to use for two reasons: First is the safety button. You have to push the button and get a green light before you can pull the trigger to use it. If you wait more than a few seconds, you have to push the button again. I understand it's a safety, however when you have the saw turned on it's side, you can't see nor get to the button very easily. It's not a deal killer, but somewhat annoying.

The bigger problem is this: This saw is prone to throw its chain if you get any kind of bind at all. I cannot seem to get the chain tensioned to where it won't throw the chain. If you are at speed, it then chews up the guide surfaces of the chain and the chain is junk. I've gone through several chains on this saw like this. I think the easy bolt on the side is to blame you can't turn it tight enough with the plastic fold out handle. I'm thinking about trying to replace it with a real bolt. Yesterday I was clearing out some small 2-3 inch trees and brush and it threw the chain three times and I had to go get my Husky gas saw to finish the job.

Anybody else have this problem?

Makita chainsaw.jpg
 

FTWingRiders

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Joined
Mar 21, 2012
Messages
1,559
Location
Central Ma
I have been using my Makita 36V chainsaw for the past couple weeks. I don't have any problems with the power of the saw or it's ergonomics. In good conditions, it is comparable to a gas saw.

However it's a bit frustrating to use for two reasons: First is the safety button. You have to push the button and get a green light before you can pull the trigger to use it. If you wait more than a few seconds, you have to push the button again. I understand it's a safety, however when you have the saw turned on it's side, you can't see nor get to the button very easily. It's not a deal killer, but somewhat annoying.

The bigger problem is this: This saw is prone to throw its chain if you get any kind of bind at all. I cannot seem to get the chain tensioned to where it won't throw the chain. If you are at speed, it then chews up the guide surfaces of the chain and the chain is junk. I've gone through several chains on this saw like this. I think the easy bolt on the side is to blame you can't turn it tight enough with the plastic fold out handle. I'm thinking about trying to replace it with a real bolt. Yesterday I was clearing out some small 2-3 inch trees and brush and it threw the chain three times and I had to go get my Husky gas saw to finish the job.

Anybody else have this problem?

Makita chainsaw.jpg
I have both this 36v and the 10” 18v trim saw, and though I did experience throwing the chain once, it’s not my favorite due to my personally feeling that it’s a bit under powered when I get to a tree big enough to need this size. I now just grab my gas for anything over 6-7”s now.
However I LOVE the 10”, it’s my go to whenever I’m cleaning up bush or smaller trees. Light and easy enough for when you need a one hand operation, and plenty of juice for the job. Plus as it’s battery I can easily set it down when I need to wrangle with the brush and bramble.
Highly recommended it.
 

IndyGarage

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Joined
Apr 29, 2010
Messages
9,680
Location
Indy
I have both this 36v and the 10” 18v trim saw, and though I did experience throwing the chain once, it’s not my favorite due to my personally feeling that it’s a bit under powered when I get to a tree big enough to need this size. I now just grab my gas for anything over 6-7”s now.
However I LOVE the 10”, it’s my go to whenever I’m cleaning up bush or smaller trees. Light and easy enough for when you need a one hand operation, and plenty of juice for the job. Plus as it’s battery I can easily set it down when I need to wrangle with the brush and bramble.
Highly recommended it.
I don't really have a problem with the 36v saws power. I actually use it like you are using your 10 inch. My only real problem is it holding onto the chain. Like I said, I'm thinking about removing the folding plastic chain clamp bolt and replacing it with a conventional nut that you can tighten with a wrench.
 

jollygreengiant

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Joined
Nov 10, 2013
Messages
2,354
Location
Ontario, Canada
How do you like it? I'm considering that one or one of the M12 grinders. I checked out Snap-ons on the truck last week, but didn't care for the on/off toggle switch.

So far so good. It seems to have more power and not as easy to bog down as a pneumatic one, though it's size is certainly a negative in comparison.
 

Mandres

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Joined
Jun 22, 2006
Messages
1,152
I have the 12" top handle version. I've never had any issues with the chain coming off. It sounds like maybe you're overtightened? You just want the adjustment (the little gear with the teeth) set so the chain has "no sag and no drag". Then the plastic handle thing just holds the cover down.

If you're having to crank down on yours I'm guessing something might be bent or misaligned?
 

gba2331

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 22, 2021
Messages
765
The bigger problem is this: This saw is prone to throw its chain if you get any kind of bind at all. I cannot seem to get the chain tensioned to where it won't throw the chain
I had trounless throwing chains when I used a cheap replacement hon but the Makita Chadians seem to work much better. It also helps not to push the saw too much.
 

duneslider

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Joined
Jan 20, 2013
Messages
2,250
Location
Riverton, Utah
Damn there goes my fun money for May!
So, in theory I like this, but then I am not sure what I would need them for? It would be nice in my mower but they probably won't fit anyway. I want to get some 6ah and try those for fit.

I don't think I would want the weight in any of my other stuff. I already try to use my little 2.5ah batteries in my drills/impacts most of the time. I'm not sure where I personally would want to use the bigger battery.
 

Snapped-off

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Joined
Feb 22, 2012
Messages
4,748
Location
Indiana
So, in theory I like this, but then I am not sure what I would need them for? It would be nice in my mower but they probably won't fit anyway. I want to get some 6ah and try those for fit.

I don't think I would want the weight in any of my other stuff. I already try to use my little 2.5ah batteries in my drills/impacts most of the time. I'm not sure where I personally would want to use the bigger battery.
Outdoor equipment is probably going to be the best use. Saws and string trimmers will get some nice runtime.
 
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Voi

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Oct 10, 2010
Messages
5,140
Location
Western South Dakota
Outdoor equipment is probably going to be the best use. Saws and string trimmers will get some nice runtime.

Yup. X2 leaf blower is where they'll be most useful to me.

I used to carry my X2 Chainsaw with me to clear hiking trails & they would have been useful there. But I don't do that anymore.
 
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