Sorry, Makita... I Should've Known Better!

I had no idea Makita had such a massive selection of cordless tools. I've ignored them for far too long. Today, we change that!
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[@731Woodworks]

Click "Read more" to see all of the tool links. Watch Next: Ruthless Review of the Milwaukee M18 Trim Router - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqbPmIxvZc2SpNUsi=5UBw-WMTjRiQUFbF Tools in this Video: Makita Router with 2-battery Combo Deal (Limited Time Deal on Amazon) - amzn.to/3U45aOh Makita 2-battery Combo with Free Tool (Acme Tools) acmetools.pxf.io/vNqnRy Makita Router (bare tool) - amzn.to/3U8Pol8 Makita Combo Kit with Battery and Case - amzn.to/3u4fmLZ Corded Makita Router - amzn.to/3SqKS00 All Makita Tools - amzn.to/4260hWJ Current Makita Rebates - www.makitatools.com/promos Fe Sharpens Fe T-Shirt I'm Wearing - bit.ly/4biT3TN The full list of tools and supplies I recommend can be found on my website: www.731woodworks.com/recommended-tools Join the TUBAFOUR NATION through Patreon to get access to exclusive member only behind the scenes videos, member only livestreams, exclusive discounts, and other cool member only perks! www.patreon.com/731woodworks Check this video's description for all the links to any tools and videos I discussed. If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I will receive a commission on qualifying purchases. Some other useful links: Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals Subscribe to our email Newsletter to get new content alerts, sales, and more! mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter Easy to Follow Build Plans - www.731woodworks.com/store Outlaw's Board Butter - So Good it Should be Outlawed: www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter

[@PandorasFolly]

If you ever look through say the massive makita drill selection and wonder "why so many types?" Its a Japanese thing. They tend to make a lot of specialized niche products to fulfill exact needs of certain customers. This drill is made for sheet metal work, this one is for light carpentry, this one is for timber carpentry, this one is for automotive, this one is furniture manufacturing, etc Also the Makita tools made for the Japanese Domestic Market are bit higher quality. Just a bit. And you can order the tool's housing in a raindow of colors. Do you want an a purple or pink drill? Makita can do that.

[@johnjingleheimersmith9259]

Doubt you'll see this, but um if you haven't yet you're gonna want to get their handheld dust blower DAS180 and impact wrench GWT01Z. They bring the beans. I know the impact wrench isn't really woodworking minded but if you want the best that blows all other brands out the water. The dust blower will almost eliminate your need for a compressor for any air blowing needs and you will use it constantly. A truly unique one for makita without comparison from the other brands.

[@DerekKnop]

One thing that I feel should have been mentioned is that Makita is entirely self contianed. They are not part of a big tool/product conglomernat. That independence means that their attention and resoruses are not split like other tool makers. Also, one of the advantages of Makita is that their batteries are just better. They may not output the most energy in all cases, but they last forever and they are desiged to be actively cooled by the charger, so the cells last longer. The BMS is built into the battery, not the tool, so the battery can protect itself and not burn the tool up. I've always said that in most cases, a milwaukee will work a little harder, but it will work itself to death and burn itself up trying to finish the job. A Makita will work hard, but will depower if you ask it to do something it isn't designed for. This means it is very, very hard to over work and kill a makita tool.

[@travisjazzbo3490]

All true. Most tool guys don't understand these extremely important nuances. Makita designs to last longer and for the best ergonomics

[@adgieem1]

I am a carpenter. My carpenter co worker and I built a deck, I had dewalt he had Makita. I had to change or recharge my batteries twice during the day. His Makita lasted all day without charging . This happened everyday of build. At end of that job. I sold ALL my Dewalt tools and bought makita. It was a good move and I am glad I did it.

[@stevemarquis7704]

My neighbor is a roofer and had the same experience which is a main reason I chose Makita for my cordless platform. I would caution though that this depends on the particular batteries at a snapshot in time. These major companies will leapfrog each other every year in different areas and different tools. It almost comes down to picking one of the major brands and just sticking with that. Any major deficiency will get rectified to stay competitive. This is one example of Capitalism working well.

[@clutteredchicagogarage2720]

I love my makita circular saws, jig saw and random orbital sander for carpentry work!

[@darrenhenderson7076]

Your DeWalt batteries are old if Makita batteries ran longer because they haven't updated there batteries in years and DeWalt 5 ah xr will last twice to three times longer than Makitas 5ah batteries

[@garrett3108]

@@darrenhenderson7076Yeah… was going to say. Makita’s a great brand, but their battery runtime is probably their biggest drawback.

[@dmitriyk.7461]

Yes that's what I noticed to with the battery the Makita 5 amp compared to Dewalt and Milwaukee Makita last longer and on some tools it's stronger than competitors maybe I'm wrong my coworker has Makita tools and we comparing some times it's definitely Makita figured out something that others could.

[@Thomllama]

Makita is my preferred 18v set. Did a whole test a few yrs back where we gave all our crews a different set of tools each week, Makita, Bosch, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Porter Cable and a few other brands.all consisted of Hammer drill, Impact, Saw, Recip-saw, oscillating, and grinder as well as a few odds and ends. After about 6-8 weeks every crew wanted the Makita's except the fence installation guys who wanted the more heavy Milwaukee's out in a field with no power access to charge, as they seemed to last a tad longer over the Makita. Everyone else (general residential construction) all wanted the Makita as it was the best balance of weight/power/comfort/lasting/reliability. Dewalt and Ryobi where the only 2 that had tool fail completely, Dewalt the Recip saw burned up literarily, and the drill chuck got all loose and bobbly, not bend though, just bobbled around so it was hard to drill straight. And pretty much all the Ryobi were dead after a few days with the fence guys LOL The one tool everyone wanted to keep that was Dewalt was the Oscolating tool though, just great grip/shape/comfort and we all preferred the trigger over a on/off switch!

[@dillonhayes3402]

Trigger? I'm a regrouter cutting out grout all day the trigger grinders and multi tools are friggin horrid the hand cramps and slight adjustment and you lose speed causing chipped tiles or a bounce out of the lines.. and as a tiler before the regrouting just lopping off door arcs and stuff to slot tile under I've never had a situation I thought the trigger switch was anything but a pain in the a**

[@Thomllama]

@@dillonhayes3402 You are using it in a very unusual use case. Most people are not using it all day long, or even for more that a few minutes at a time as we all are just using an oscillating tool to snip things. I can see where in your case it might be better, but you’d also likely be using a corded one over cordless as I see you burning thru many batteries a day.

[@DamascusBurrito]

I’m glad to see you checking out the Makita LXT line! I went all in with Makita LXT when I bought my first house this year for all the repairs and upgrades I’ve got to do. Been really happy with all the tools I’ve gotten from them so far. I’d say review the LXT 36v track saw as you’ve already gotten into the LXT line, and I’d love to hear your opinion on the LXT 36v rear handle circular saw as I’ve LOVED mine. It rips!

[@stevenmoller2518]

I own that Makita trim router and your review could not be more on point. I like it because of its size and because I am already on the Makita battery platform. But your analysis of the micro adjust and the size of the base is right on. Generally speaking I use Makita for cordless tools and Bosch for corded. Just like your feelings about Makita until now, I feel like (probably unjustified) that Milwaukee is not what it once was and that DeWalt is what it is because of the huge advertising budget - I cant get past Black and Decker connection.

[@ronswoodshack]

I own a 9.6 makita drill from the 90’s and still going on strong! It’s a smaller drill I use for finish work. Thanks for the review Mighty Matt!!

[@mikeking7470]

I have a couple of the old 9,6 v. stick models, bought used, 3rd party batteries, they just won't die.

[@jbbresers]

I started replacing my cheap Parkside (UK & Ireland brand) tools with Makita a couple of years ago and I've definitely put them through their paces. Only had one SDS drill break but it was easy to diagnose the problem, source a genuine replacement part and even follow a KZbin fix video. That's the difference - when an old budget tool has broken it's trash because even if I know how to fix it sourcing parts is next to impossible.

[@UncleIvan1]

most of the 18v brushless tools are solid. The brushed line is little inconsistent though. The 40v line on the other hand is all solid tools. When you buy makita, you buy it for the light weight, ergonomics, smoothness and noise. Just a pleasure to use all around.

[@benjaminrees3687]

Love the brushless 18v kit

[@charliebrady3751]

Their warranty support is awesome, at least in.my neck of the woods.

[@iplayzthegames6968]

The brushed impacts are alright, they do the job and tend to last years as long as your replace the brushes

[@kevinpunter7960]

I'm loving the XGT tools - I'm probably out of control though. I just grabbed the 29 litre esky and for batteries I picked up the 270mm XGT circular saw that comes in a kit with 2x 5Ah batteries and a charger.

[@adgieem1]

Yes I agree. But the heavy 40 v battery negates the light weight of the tool itself.

[@Benmeglei1]

I have the makita track saw and I absolutely adore it. It’s funny when Festool came out with the new TSV 60 with the material scoring feature, makita already had something similar. With the press of 1 button you can lock your blade at the depth of 2mm and make a scoring pass prior to your full depth cut. Great feature.

[@barriowoodworks]

The only issue I have with Makita track saw is plate adjustment for a 90 degree cut with blade. It’s an excellent saw if you don’t have this issue.

[@davids8493]

I also love the Makita track saw and use it the most. I recently found that it had some small amount of play at the pivot pin. I found some shim washers on Amazon that were .3mm thick and the perfect size. I managed to install it on the pivot shaft and it corrected it perfectly. Overkill!👍

[@johnmccracken6497]

I am a Makita fanboy. I think their tools are so smooth, so accurate, so well-built. Not always THE most powerful option, but woodworkers don't need power as much as precision. And, again, the subjective feel of Makita is almost always the best of the bunch.

[@patbird9694]

Amen bother. Im a Makita fanboy too. I hope Makita make a new brushless Biscuit Joiner. To compete with Dewalt one.

[@joebeaton1101]

I started with Makita over 40 years ago. Have 4 trim routers that I leave set up for various tasks and a 6 1/2" circ saw. Have no issues with Makita. That being said... I really love my Festool Track Saw & Routers!!

[@bobh64]

Showing my age here I bought my first cordless Makita was back when Norm Nathen used his blue cordless Makita drill on the New Yankee work shop also Don't forget that Makita does make a cordless coffee maker.too. Keep up the good videos

[@Tinkery]

I have that same Makita router and I love it. Mine came with a dust collection shroud that attaches directly to the base as well as the edge guide. I’m surprised that yours didn’t have the dust port out of the box.

[@roguejediwil]

Thank you Matt. Makita is my favorite and I’m am happy to see you try one. I have the the electric Makita track saw I would like to see the 36v tested

[@gardnerwriteradventurer]

As a outsider from india and makita user in india all I can say is makita is the luxury brand here .. because we don't have a wide range of powertools for wood work . It's simple it's perfect and it works .

[@rulowth4815]

Same here in southamerica

[@ryane6719]

I bought my first Makita tools 18 years ago. Two of the batteries that were in that kit along with the drill and impact I still have. I used them in a trade job for more than 12 years before promoting to home/garage use.

[@garymiller5937]

Thanks Matt! I've never owned Makita, but I used their drivers working construction. The drivers held up well, so I suspect the rest of the line would too. How about Bosch trim routers for a head to head? I always enjoy your content and your honesty. Wishing you and your family well! 😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@vaughnm90]

I started my Makita cordless tool collection in 2015 with the drill/driver impact combo and I have slowly added over the years (blower, trim router, jigsaw, circular saw, lights, radio ECT..) never once felt a reason to switch to another brand. Still have the tools from 2015 and they have been used almost every single day since then with the original battery's and charger. No complaints whatsoever.

[@tinkerer4]

I have the corded version of this router and will get the cordless at some point for convenience. I think the plunge base is pretty great and highly recommend adding it to the kit! The tilting base would be fun to have, but it’s probably only useful if trying to replication moulding.

[@0313bouchey]

40v track saw. Thanks. I have the corded makita trim router and it has served me well.

[@anuarkarbayev4924]

Favourite power tool I own.

[@mrboom4570]

I bought the router from your previous post linking to it . Thanks! I already have the corded version with the plunge base. Really like the cordless one.

[@bzlytbeer]

Been a fan of Makita for a while now. Once they got away from the old long handled NiCAd batteries, they really started rocking, but, let's not forget, they were the first quality tool company to come out with a cordless drill that I personally used as a carpenter about 30 years ago. The brushless line of tools they have now are really top notch and would put them right below Milwaukee and next to Dewalt. Some of each are the best in their classes.

[@commonabond]

The Makita 36v worm drive saw comes up for sale on black Friday and Father's Day most of the time for $300 with two batteries and your choice of 2 extra batteries or a tool. It's a nice saw you should check out when it comes on sale.

[@mwoody4560]

I recently went on a volunteer job site building a wheelchair ramp. The Pro in charge had a Dewalt cordless saw. I brought my Makita. We were cutting sheet goods, 2x, and 4x materials. By the end of the first day the Pro was exclusively using my Makita and no one was using the dewalt. Now I know there are many variables that could be involved with that. My saw had a Frued blade on it, the dewalt had a dewalt blade. Maybe that’s the difference there. I do like my makita better for the ergonomics. It did cut better, had better balance, it also was worm drive vs std. Both Makita and Dewalt make solid tools. I think as with most things it comes down to to little differences and preferences. For example, if everything else was exactly the same, I’d pick makita because I think that they look the best. Better than yellow, red, and especially neon green.

[@backwoodsbrooksknives4625]

Fasteners inc has the 36v rear handle saw with four 5ah batteries for $299 right now.

[@scottyee707]

Thats how I get all my batteries lol

[@andrewr2650]

That 36V is a really nice saw, tons of power and cuts all day. Easy to change the blade and you can gets some really god deals on it (considering the price of the 2 batteries alone). For the sake of accuracy, the saw is a D handle configuration, but it is not a worm gear. the D-handle and the placement of the batteries makes it shaped like a worm gear saw, but it is direct drive

[@AllanMeredith]

The LXT router is great but the XTG 40v is almost identical but with WAY more grunt. Makes it a so much more capable tool. Almost negates the need for a half inch router. Have had Makita forever mainly because none of them have worn out yet! Love the channel. Thanks from Oz

[@rickhayhoe]

I use the hell out of my Makita 18V trimmer. I became a Makita fan in the early 1970's while serving with the US Army on Okinawa, so when I returned to Japan in 1987 to become a permanent resident, I once again invested in Makita tools. However, when I went full-time into house building around Y2K, I bought and imported a group of DeWalt 18V battery powered tools. At the time, the DeWalt batteries lasted longer and did not get as hot under heavy use as the Makitas of my carpenter friends, but my DeWalt tools didn't last as long as the Makitas. I went back to having a full kit of Makita when they came out with their brushless motors and lithium ion quick charging batteries. I'm satisfied that I made the right choice. I even mow and trim the lawns of our country 1/3 acre and a neighbor's property with a Makita battery powered mower and brush cutter.

[@dustinvinci345]

Makita track saws for sure! Also the stock blade that comes with a makita circular saw is ultra thin and fantastic. It is the only saw I’ve ever had where I didn’t need to immediately change the blade to make it usable.

[@d.k.1394]

I was impressed toooo

[@craigbrittain6039]

The 40 volt track saw is a thing of beauty. It really performs well. The 18 volt platform is very complete. There is a chain saw that performs as well as a gas one. Glad to see you are acknowledging Makita tools. Thank you.

[@d.k.1394]

Mak are great

[@ken5040]

They are amazing brand new but those blades don’t last long. The teeth get dull fast

[@d.k.1394]

@@ken5040 depends what u cut

[@tyson822]

I have the 36v track saw and absolutely love it! The motor is so smooth. Also run the 36v wormdrive style circular saw. That's one of the best tool purchases Ive ever made. Only drawback to Makita is that they never seem to have good deals on batteries. Maybe that will change with the eRebates program.

[@hassleoffa]

I love all my Makita tools. Just got the track saw.

[@PositronicDiscombobulator]

Love my palm router. What i use most is the little hand held air gun/ blower and even have their vacuum cleaner. Makes cleaning up so much easier.

[@oojagapivy]

I recently bought a kit of makita 18v tools. Circ saw, recip saw, blower, grinder, hammer drill, impact driver, rotary percussion drill. Great investment. Bought for my school too. Got the 36v track saw for work. Very impressed with it so I bought another. Their corded tools are strong. I’ve had a circ saw for over 20yrs and I’ve got a grinder that was dads when I was a kid. I’m now over 50.

[@SteveAustin-jp3ev]

I agree . Makita is Awesome

[@barrychristian4050]

Great little trim router especially with the plunge base

[@vinceblanchard1069]

I have a few of the cordless Makita laminate trimmers as well as a couple of the corded versions. Your review was spot on but should have noted all the accessories for the corded version also fits the cordless model, great feature in my opinion.

[@NathanRodger]

Great overview. Note you showed the Makita 40v product page. After YEARS of stating 18 or 2x > 36v was enough they brought in the 40v battery system which IIRC is note compatible with the LXT 18v system.

[@ericjames5163]

I was using the 9.6 stick pack makita tools with high capacity aftermarket packs until 2012. I had some Ryobi one plus mixed in there from 2006. Since 2018 I have enjoyed the current 18 volt line with all 5ah batteries. Cabinetmakers I wokred with all seemed to have Makita tools. It worked for them so i got on the bandwagon as well. I just reolaced the bearing in my cordless router this weeknd after 5 years in a Corian fabrication shop. In that fine dust 5 years is really good for sealed bearings.

[@ronshimkojr9190]

Thank you for bringing Makita to the channle. I'd like to see any of the standard woodworking tools, i.e. Circular saws, track saws, jigsaws, drills. Ect. I know that they are pricey, but the one that I'm the most curious about are the 18v & 40v corded & cordless dust extractors.

[@EliotTruelove]

YOU MUST GET THE MAKITA DUST BLOWER, XSA01. I have 27 cordless Makita tools and 18 batteries and this Dust Blower has quickly become my favorite tool. You clear a bench, dust off tools, miter saws, and work surfaces, or just prep baseboards and trim before paint; its uses are endless, even to get a campfire roaring. It never leaves my hip. You HAVE to review that next. It is worth the $200, trust me! A legendary tool is the XSH03 6 1/2" circ saw. There are more powerful and faster saws, but there is no competition for its smoothness and light weight. Theyve even made a near exact clone on the powerhouse 40v platform because people love the size and form factor so much. An honorable mention is the latest Outdoor Adventure Green Bluetooth Lantern radio. The sound is decent, the USB port is nice for phone charging, and the lantern and flashlight are quite handy; especially for camping. This is not to mention my love for the best in class battery caulk gun XGC01, my 36v 10" miter saw, despite the weight (which i just swapped out the laser with an LED Shadow line using OEM Makota oarts from the XGT version) and the smooth XDT19 impact (although when the newer japan impact TD173 with ring light and centered battery comes here i will not hesitate to buy it right away). An off the wall yet incredibly useful tool I would love for you to review is the latest brushless stick vacuum XLC11z with integrated cyclone. I have the original brushed version XLC02 with the $30 cyclonic separator attachment, and if i have the incredible usability i like from that, i can only imagine the latest version would be awesome. All this, and many other of my 27 tools, yet I still long for the well loved more recent tools like the brushless planer XPK02, one handed saber grip recip saw XRJ08, 3" cutoff tool XCM01, and all of the various string trimme and other couple shaft attachments for the battery powerhead i have. Ive tried red, yellow, orange, lime green, blue, and so many other colors but they just cant ever sctualky compete by way of reliability and long term usability. Red and yellow hot rods and monster truck tools are nice, but your daily driver sedans and pickup trucks actually get the daily tasks accomplished.

[@timpurcell2717]

Thanx for covering Makita! You are spot-on with this trim router review. The Makita batteries are great and you can use the lighter 2Ah battery for even less top-heaviness. I totally agree with you on the adjustment slop and the small base. The plunge base fixes both of those problems!

[@jayhitek]

Makita user here and love them. The yellow guys always make fun of my light blue tools. but they work great for me. I stopped using my big porter cable plunge router and only use that Makita cordless palm router. And I bought an extra collar for it and put it into the new Rockler trim router table so I only have to quick swap the body and it's ready to go.

[@thewarmth2000]

Also that makita trim router is great. I also purchased the plunge base for it. Very versatile little router

[@angelacruz71]

Makita was all over the job site when i started 34 yrs ago. Ive been a die hard fan ever since.

[@angelacruz71]

You may want to check back with where you purchased the router. Maybe its a reboxed return. Mine came with all the pieces you are missing. Its been years since i bought mine but i cant see makita decide to stop including them.

[@jeffb321]

you definitely want to get a set of 2amp/hr batteries for it. It makes it more balanced and less top heavy

[@d.k.1394]

Well said

[@scottyee707]

didn't know those could handle it, definitely going to try that

[@PreparationH67]

FYI for anyone looking for a deal on a Makita jig saw, the battery deal from Homedepot has the brushless version of the variable trigger speed and dial jigsaw whereas that promo page just lists the brushed version.

[@docyt]

I have the plugged version of that router and it looks like it has the same exact base. I was able to find a dust collection attachment and it works quite well. The hose attachment location is a little low and can cause some issues if you're using a fence that's too high.

[@sawdustadikt979]

I’ve been using makita stuff for the past 20 ish years, I love my makita track saw. I have the 36.

[@senseisacha932]

We need a track saw review ! So happy you’re finally reviewing my platform. 🎊 🎉 I love my Mikita tools ⚒️

[@TheOneTheyCallSteveS]

I would love to see a revised trim router shootout but please can you include the revised Ryobi Pcl424b variable speed brushless router. I have been using Makita for 20 year and own some of their LXT tools, they are so nice to use and just have a quality feel in the hand like the materials and even bearings are really good.

[@AG-cg7lk]

If you shop around for the full combo kit, it can be had for a good price. Definitely worth it as its much more expensive to buy those extras later. The plunge base is super useful. I can't remember the last time I used a full sized hand router since getting the Makita trim router kit.

[@davids8493]

The stick vacs are fantastic and you can get a optional cyclone attachment that adds a little length for us taller guys. 👍👍

[@jimnachman3640]

I have the drill/driver, router, 36v track saw and love them. Also the 36v leaf blower!

[@ksoncashmaster]

I highly suggest the Makita subcompact drill/impact. I use drills every day at work and have used pretty much every brand and these a by far my favorite. I don’t really care for their regular drills so much but the subcompacts are amazing.

[@gbjones54]

Totally Agree. My favorite go to drill. Even over some of the new 12 volt models from other brands.

[@ken5040]

I have the full sub compact set for kitchen installs. They are all so smooth esp the multi tool you hardly feel any vibration

[@scottyee707]

I dk, out of the 4 Ive had, 2 have had chuck issues, I hate the chucks, but its still my favorite drill

[@ken5040]

@@scottyee707 I take it you are using the standard sub compact drill the hammer drill has a better chuck and the newer drill does as well they have a plastic/carbon fiber material around the chuck that hold Up very well

[@scottyee707]

@@ken5040 I have all four versions, old hammer drill still works, new version is locked up and getting sent in this week, new non hammer makes grinding sound when tightening, I can never seem to center bits easily, and they always randomly drop bits

[@daifeichu]

I've had Makita for years and years but I've never tried their battery powered microwave or wheelbarrow. I have the corded trim router but I only use it in a small router table I made. The fine adjustment isn't as good as Milwaukee's or Dewalt's. I love Makita's impact drivers with their "Quick Mode Switching Function" button. It's cool.

[@scorpiorysing]

Mostly a Makita brand guy myself, cordless drill combo, circular saw, router, track saw (36v). I purchased the dust collection for the router separately, it was pretty cheap, and I'll probably get a tilt base and larger base plate. None of these are expensive, so not a big deal if you're already in the Makita 18v battery line. So, with regard to the track saws, 36v vs 40v, if you are already in the 18v battery line, I think the decision is made for you. Get the 36v track saw and 2 5A batteries, gives you spare batteries for your other tools. Note that the 5A batteries may not fit some of the (older?) Makita 18v tools, but will on some of them (newer). If you aren't already in the 18v line, maybe consider going the 40v track saw option, especially if you got your eye on other 40v tools like string trimmers, blowers, etc.

[@aaronhack1]

There's a tab that you can cut out on the base of the older Makita 18v tools that will let the 5Ah batteries fit on there... not a big deal to do if they are off of warranty! I've done it to mine years ago :)

[@scorpiorysing]

@@aaronhack1Thanks, I've read that elsewhere, also. I've got 2 good 3A batteries and 2 5A (for track saw), so if one of my 3A batteries bites the dust, I may try that. I was just afraid of maybe ruining the tool with the different battery.

[@scottyee707]

I have a lot of 18v tools but think I might get that 40v track saw

[@Jacob_Dwyer]

9.6v nicad makita is legendary and used my drill/driver to drive countless fasteners when I was a kid putting up window covering in the family business. When I started contracting 10 years ago and needed to re-up my battery platform I fell into Milwaukee. But much respect to Makita gear. Now in transition to Hilti Nuron, let's go!

[@AM-pi7jy]

I have the mains powered version and i bought the kit with two extra bases. That bigger base is quite useful.

[@DanReich-oe8cm]

Matt, the part number for the dust collection attachment for the fixed base is 19559-1. Also, Makita does offer a router kit with a plunge base, it’s the XTR01T7.

[@adamhelias]

36v Makita tack saw. Same 18v platform as your router and one less battery platform in the shop it nice

[@davebaker1325]

Makita makes some solid products. I have the corded trim router in my CNC and it works flawlessly.

[@firefighterrobbie]

I have the same router . I do have the track saw but its corded. It is powerful. I use Makita cordless circular saws too and they are very powerful. You should try the plunge base for Makita it is awesome.

[@jimrosson6702]

Great video Matt have always wounded about Makita tools I have all Milwaukee tools and I love them

[@MichaelDawson03]

I agree with your discussion about bases. When I bought my Milwaukee, I started with the smaller base. It wobbles a ton. Perhaps I was used to the size of my larger Bosch. I switched to the larger base on the Milwaukee and it is much more stable.

[@tapanddestroy]

I have a corded makita combo that came with I think 3 or 4 extra bases and dust collection. it works great.

[@alanmccabe5132]

Have a look at the Bosch 12v router, I love mine, a very interesting take on trim routers

[@TinkerWithTools]

Great video! I can't speak specifically about the track saws but when it comes to the regular circ saws, I hate X2 design since both batteries are required to run. On the circular saws the batteries end up taking more space and you have to have double the batteries, so while I think the performance is fine on the x2 saws, I prefer the XGT even with the price bump because of that.

[@davids8493]

Welcome to the teal club. Lots and lots of options. Great stuff.

[@agent7agent759]

I am heavily invested in red and yellow have 10 festool tools the sanders vacuum track saw and both dominoes and couldnt afford the kapex and went with 40v xgt 12" mitre saw from makita and i am very happy with that purchase ,thats the only makita tool i have and considering switching to makita because they make quality tools

[@u-space-tomsk]

This Makita was introduced to the market looong time ago. Actually that was one of the first cordless router… It has a lot of disadvantages comparing to more modern tools. It has problematic collet that should be overtightened to do not loose grip to router bit, wobbly and inaccurate height adjustment, no engine stop and so on. But it still a great router that I’m using for years and it works well

[@scottyee707]

that damn collet has ruined a lot for me, and I had the height issues, thought it was just me... thanks!

[@u-space-tomsk]

@@scottyee707 I'd bought several before realize that it was not my fault:) just bought couple dozens of collets with discount and tighting them well. That's my recipe:)

[@mwoody4560]

I have several 18v based Makita tools haven’t been disappointed yet. I started out a Ryobi only fan in ‘98 because that’s what I could afford. I’ve only had 2 Ryobi tools that I’ve been unhappy with. Now, I can afford whatever I want, but I still do my research to decide which I think is best for me and my use. So, I’ve abandoned the one battery concept and some Makita, Dewalt, Milwaukee, and a lot of Ryobi. At the time I purchased the 36V Makita track saw because my research showed it the best all round over several decision categories. It has been great for me, no issues. I also have the router, drill, and driver from makita. they’re great

[@PeoplesCarpenter]

This is possibly my favourite router. But you're definitely right that the base is a bit small. I made a larger acrylic base for it.

[@shawncherchio6067]

They make other baseplates, and you can make larger one's out of Plexiglass to suit your needs. The micro adjustment is used with the clamp in the half closed position. It's a little different than others, but once you get used to it, it's pretty straightforward.

[@wayneprice6918]

Thanks for a great review. Makita needs more luv for the great tools that they have produced. The rear handle circular saws are awesome. I have been a carpenter / woodworker for over 40 years. I had never to tried a left bladed rear handled circular saw before the MAkita 36v saw came out. I was blown away. Awesome power and i can see the cutline! The Makita 40v XGT is ever more powerful and lighter! Thanks for giving Makita the respect it deserves. I also bought the 40v XGT lawn mower. No gas, no oil, no noise, and plenty of power. I even enjoy mowing the grass now.

[@disqusrubbish5467]

"See the cutline." Exactly. As far as I'm concerned those are the true right-handed saws. Just like the Skil saw every framer used.

[@AlexKall]

For the track saw I would go with 40v XGT line. Obviously more expensive as you would have to get batteries and charger but it is more powerful and smaller foot print, so even for me being on LXT platform, for the track saw I would invest in XGT line, but currently I use a LXT DHS680 circular saw with a track. I'm an amateur living in an apartment so I don't have much need for a track saw, but I do want one. Recently bought a DTD172 (still no 173 available in Europe so went with the current one) which would be the XDT19 in the US, I think. Really like it, nice little unit! Good video!

[@mattmayes599]

I agree with you that they should include more than one sized base plate.

[@MrFlasshhh]

I make my own base plates from 1/4" plexiglass or lexon

[@user-cy4bo2ys5p]

I have been very happy with the Hercules line from Harbor Freight. I would love to see you do a product review of them.

[@pjcornelius]

I always wondered why you didn’t review Makita in your comparisons. I have many cordless Makita tools (for many years) and have been very happy with all of them. Glad you finally are taking a look.

[@rulowth4815]

He actually used to mock them years back 😅

[@albertovila9948]

Those makita router are awesome. My LXT makita router is super old. Like from 2017 old. Came with plug base and dust collection. It is awesome and very reliable. I would have to say in order to compare to the current flex, dewalt, milwaukee you will next to try out the XGT makita router.

[@juliebruns3356]

I’m an equal opportunity tool brand user, but I’d put Makita at the top of my list for palm router, circular saw, orbital sander, and drill/driver. Milwaukee comes in at close second. Bosch for miter saws, and dewalt table saw 😊 Love your channel 👍

[@Aepek]

Love my makita 40v xgt rack saw, along with/ my smaller Bosch profactor track saw. Those are my 2 go to track saws. Larger makita for breaking down larger stuff and mallet Bosch for “detail” type work like stairs or similar…

[@Bigred10101]

Nice to see Makita getting some love, they are super popular here in Australia while Dewalt which I use are way less popular, only reason I went with dewalt was because of their cheaper deals but I am thinking of going over to Makita soon due to the promotions and their cost to performance/feel is fantastic

[@JimDoubleYa]

If you check out the Metabo HPT/HiKoki compact router, it’s a lot like the Makita, but it comes with a larger acrylic base, dust port and can be used with 18v or 36v batteries. It’s powerful (for its size) and very nice.

[@Yes..........]

I'm team Red but I bought a corded Makita trim router 10 years ago and it's served me very well. Makita I find is first to a lot of tool types and I like how they tend to be more compact to their equivalents. But I hate the Teal colour. Respect to any contractor that rolls up with Makita.

[@billworkman1420]

I have used the makita trim router for years and I prefer to use it with the smaller 2.5 ah battery. It dramatically helps reduce the top heavy feeling without sacrificing power, although you do lose run time, but if I need the longer time I simply switch back to one of the bigger batteries. Hope it helps.

[@hermetic1]

As for the larger base, if you're a woodworker, making a plexiglass base that screws on shouldn't be an issue. I've made several different sizes and styles over the years. Cheap, easy, and you can tailor it to your needs. My only big complaint is that the plunge base isn't included

[@robnhannon]

I got the same router a couple years ago and have been moving from Ridgid to Makita since

[@5.7.0bassin2]

My buddy loves makita I’ve had the drills not bad I switched to Milwaukee but I gotta say one thing I mess is the battery chimes on makita charger lol that’s just so cool ya can change them to

[@70tdc12s]

I have mostly Makita stuff and first bought the black and white drills when they came out in the early 2000s. I will say that the oscillating tool I bought is kind of humongous compared to others, and I like the DeWalt better. I have the corded Makita with the full set of different bases and I absolutely love it.

[@ScottS360]

If you're going to test trim routers, I'd suggest comparing the cordless routers to the old school Bosch Colt corded router. This is what many of us bought before cordless routers became available. It might be interesting to see how the power of the corded tool compares to the latest cordless models.

[@davids8493]

And you should also remember the Porter-Cable corded trim router kit. It came with everything and both of mine are still working great.

[@johnl1144]

Thanks Matt! Would like to hear your thoughts on the 36v Makita track saw along with the Bosch (made by Mafell?)

[@JohnnyUmphress]

I am a big Milwaukee fan and have a very large line of their tools. But I also like Makita and have two of their routers and very pleased with them. My first battery tool was a Makita many years ago. I am considering buying the 18-volt Makita router as both of mine are corded. That Ryobi looks like an old Evenrude outboard motor, LOL.

[@731Woodworks]

🤣 ha! It does look like it!

[@robertlemon8293]

I love this router but the base is small. The plunge base works great. I like that you have to push the unlock and power button to start the router .

[@daveawb]

Makita is the brand I've invested the most into and I've mostly been happy. Would love to see you review their brushless big pack. It's the same as most other brands in that it contains an impact driver, Hammer drill, saw, grinder, 1/4 router and others. It's probably the best way to get into a specific brand without paying full price so worthy of a review imo.

[@timch5227]

I love the makita the most as DIYer, as you can change it to a plunge router and get an angled one aswell, which does some things that are hard to do with other tools.

[@spicydragonz]

I really like the makita plunge router adapter for this tool

[@CA70000]

Makita tools are great. The trim router you featured is a great tool. The battery platform is what I love about Makita. The 36V circular saw is another great tool. Plenty of power and very convenient.

[@Jawg16]

I have this router and HATE it solely for the adjust feature. I am on the dewalt and Makita line (and Milwaukee) and I will probably switch to the dewalt for that ring adjust. I have the smaller drill and driver set and the track saw and I love them all though. Batteries are great.

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

Yes! On the Makita 40v Track Saw Evaluation. I'd like to get your take on tool. I've seen other tool reveals on the 36v, which is mostly the same, just an option for those who're well established on the 18v platform. However, it tends to make the 36v version a bit chunky and that's not just my opinion. I got a work buddy that has the 36v, but was waiting for his new 40v to come the weekend sometime. I guess hear about it tomorrow. You're pretty much set up for videos for a bit, until you work your way through the Makita lines. They offer 12v, 18v, 36v, and the 40v. Also, don't forget the 6 1/2" cordless 'trim' saws. It's THE perfect size for some guys who're using it for 'everything'. They tend towards a blade-left design that lends toward excellent line of sight for the right-handers.😎🤓🤠

[@pzwolski]

The best what Makita does is supplying spare parts for their tools, even old ones. 👍

[@timothystevenhoward]

hey @731 Woodworks I just picked up the FLEX Plunge Router base Model # FT421 from Lowes this week. FYI you may want to review it. Turns the trim router into a plunge router. My bet is we will see news of a router table for it by the end of the year. Just a hunch, no inside info.

[@perrymarshall5403]

I have Makita, Dewalt, Milwaukee and Ryobi cordless tools. I love my Makita 12” Cordless Miter Saw. I just wish mine had a shadow line rather than a laser. Another Makita standout is the cordless rear handled circular saw. It is by far the smoothest circular saw I have used and it doesn’t lack power.

[@clutteredchicagogarage2720]

I tried the ergonomics of a bunch of circular saws before i ended up buying makitas. I think they make the best circular saws.

[@is.aacselph]

Festool 1400 by far my favorite router. For makita I would want to see your opinion on some of there cordless’s tools like the jigsaw, multi tool and brad nailer