Makita LXT Lithium Powered Tools...thoughts?

[ckeck]

Has anyone had a chance to try out Makita's new LXT line of lithium powered tools? I was thinking about picking up their new combo kit tomorrow.

If you have had a chance to look at these or better yet, use them, let me know.

Thanks

[plumber]

ckeck,

I have read personal reviews on another site that were generally positive. Have not seen any negative reports on them so far.

[packers]

ALL IS CAN SAY IS WOW!!!!! I bought mine yesterday and it is just AMAZING! They are so light with ALOT of power! The Impact alone, makes the kit...it weighs only 3lbs. under 1400in. lbs. of torgue. The Hammer drill is sweet, it has 560 in. lbs. of torgue. The cordless circ. you can bevel up to 50 degrees. I love my kit and I would highly recommend it to everyone! I mean, the 2 drills that conme in the combo kit total almost $700.00 by itself! Oh also, I almost forgot...You get a free recip saw with it. I have mine already sent out!
Only $629.00.......by it, you will LOVE IT!
Check it out...

www.makitatools.com (http://www.makitatools.com)

[ckeck]

Already did, bought it yesterday too! They look and feel great - and I cannot believe how light they are.

I love the LEDs on them too...can't wait to break these babys in.

Great so far, and like Packers said, if you buy this kit make sure to send in the rebate for your recip saw!

[woodslayer]

You guys are giving me an inferiority complex about my recently purchased Makita 14.4V impact driver featuring humdrum yesteryear technology 2.6Ah NI-MH batteries. Congratulations on your new tools, which appear to be awesome, if I made my living with tools I would have to seriously consider purchasing them.

Woodslayer

[jaco]

Someone else may know,
Is there a color choice in the U.S.?
http://homepage.mac.com/jjaaccoo/.Pictures/mk.jpg

[ 11-03-2005, 06:20 AM: Message edited by: jaco ]

[ckeck]

Originally posted by woodslayer:
You guys are giving me an inferiority complex about my recently purchased Makita 14.4V impact driver featuring humdrum yesteryear technology 2.6Ah NI-MH batteries. Congratulations on your new tools, which appear to be awesome, if I made my living with tools I would have to seriously consider purchasing them.

Woodslayer Go ahead and get them...I don't make a living with tools...in fact, now I need to find something to do with them...damn OCD ;)

[ckeck]

Originally posted by jaco:
Someone else may know,
Is there a color choice in the U.S.?
http://homepage.mac.com/jjaaccoo/.Pictures/mk.jpg No color choice @ my local HD. I love the black/blue but would rather have black/red...

[packers]

jaco-


yes there is a color choice.......but over seas for right now. soon real soon! If you call makita they will say only international has them. I hope soon as well, I like the diff. colors!

[ooman2]

Looking at the picture of the recip saw it looks like the handle may swivel off angle from the body/blade. Is that true or is it only a design element?

http://tinypic.com/fdvqc2.jpg


I was ready to jump on the Ridgid combo, especially with the lifetime service, but the run time on the Makita, and the increased oomph factor sound pretty sweet.

(I have a 10% off and a $129 gift cert to HD, so the Makita combo will be under my $500 limit)

[ 11-06-2005, 08:41 PM: Message edited by: ooman2 ]

[Dawg]

Has anyone had any problems with the batteries getting hot with the Makita lithium-ion? One of our guys was using it continously and the battery got real hot. I thought that lithium was not suppose to have any of these problems.

[ckeck]

I know they get warm, like most other batteries, but mine have never gotten HOT...thats strange. He needs to get another set.

[jaco]

ooman2,

I found this info off the Makita Website,
no mention of handle movement...
LXT Lithium-Ion battery and optimum charging system produces 280% more lifetime work with 2x more cycles
Makita built, D35 high torque motor delivers 50% faster cutting with a 1-1/8" stroke that cuts 2,900 SPM
Compact design at only 19-5/8" length and weighs only 8.1 lbs. for less operator fatigue
Ergonomic shape fits like a glove with even pressure and easy control
LXT Lithium-Ion provides longer run time, 5x lower self-discharge (for use any time) and 16 firm holding contact terminals (for constant high power)
45-minute Optimum Charger and battery communicates throughout the charging process using the built-in chip in the battery and built-in CPU chip in the charger. The Charger also uses “Active 3 Control" for current control, thermal control & voltage control
45-minute Optimum Charger has a built-in fan to cool the battery to produce more lifetime work
Two built-in L.E.D. lights for more illuminated work
One-handed, fast tool-less blade changes and shoe adjustments
Retractable sky hook for hanging on rafters
Two-piece armature and field along with externally accessible brushes for serviceability and longer motor life

[9Iron]

You guys should look at this. http://www.v28power.com/flash.htm

[Ronnie Ruiz]

I bought the makita 18v lith impacter before they hit the depot. I can say so far it is very impressive, The self discharge rate is at least 50% better than the NMH batteries. The power and
speed is on par with the 14.4v not much more.

The run time seems to be equall to 18v tools.

The size weight and ergos are the best I have ever seen from a 18v tool. looks like we have a winner here.

[mr. frugal]

I was in HD today, scouting for an impact driver (to replace the POS Mastercraft (a Canadian company) one that I bought two years ago, that has since died)and spotted the slick looking Makita 18v. "My, how it looks like the Hitachi!", I thought. I picked it up and said, "Wow, it's light!" Then I looked at it. It's all friggin' plastic! The front(bit) end that takes the most punishment,is gonna die a horrible death. I do not abuse my tools, but I know what happens to plastic when a metal screw head cams out. Too bad Makita. For the most part I've really liked your products. I own two circa 1990 9.6v drill drivers that are still in service. Unless I'm mistaken, I can't see this series lasting that long.
It was also extremely expensive.
Since I already own a 14.4v Rigid drill/driver, I opted for the Rigid 14.4v impact driver and drill/driver combo kit with the (hopefully) lifetime warranty. I'll give the extra drill/battery/charger away to my little brother for X-mas and be a hero.

[tyreman]

9Irons post with the Milwaukee line which is in home depot canada stores now is an impressive line.
The tools are $999.00 plus the taxes here with 15% taxes of course.
Box warranty has 5 years and i believe its 2 years on batteries.
Makita and Milwaukee seem to be in the forefront of cordless tech. leaders.

[plumber]

Can't do much with 14.4 volts on a heavy duty work site.

It will be interesting to see what kind of quality yellow has next year when their new line comes out.

[packers]

Mr. Frugul-

the plastci cap that you mention about the Makita 18v lithium impact driver.....that is a "CAP"...it can be removed and changed if wanted to....it helps protect the front housing.....so the impact is not plastic.....take a look again.....I love mine and never have anything else.....people that have it...can test to that!!!!!

[CraigIowa]

Is the Makita LXT circ saw just a light duty trim saw or does it have the power to reliably cut 2x lumber and floor sheathing etc.?

[thedcdude]

I'm surprised at the way Makita put the LXT kit together. They include the drill, circ saw and impact driver. Impact drivers are cool, but I'd rather have the recip saw before it.

[ckeck]

The recip saw hasn't been released yet. There is a mail-in-rebate if you buy this set to get it free. :)

[36volt]

I was in HD today, scouting for an impact driver (to replace the POS Mastercraft (a Canadian company) one that I bought two years ago, that has since died)and spotted the slick looking Makita 18v. "My, how it looks like the Hitachi!", I thought. I picked it up and said, "Wow, it's light!" Then I looked at it. It's all friggin' plastic! The front(bit) end that takes the most punishment,is gonna die a horrible death. I do not abuse my tools, but I know what happens to plastic when a metal screw head cams out. Too bad Makita. For the most part I've really liked your products. I own two circa 1990 9.6v drill drivers that are still in service. Unless I'm mistaken, I can't see this series lasting that long.
It was also extremely expensive.
Since I already own a 14.4v Rigid drill/driver, I opted for the Rigid 14.4v impact driver and drill/driver combo kit with the (hopefully) lifetime warranty. I'll give the extra drill/battery/charger away to my little brother for X-mas and be a hero.
I think you meant you bought the Ridgid because it was $140 vs. $330. Not because it is built better. Yikes, the president of TTI won't tell you with a straight face that his 14.4V Ridgid is anywhere near the same league as a Li-Ion Makita. Mr. Frugal indeed.

[senator91]

Has anybody that has purchased the new Makite LXT400 combo. set received their "free" reciprocating saw yet? I was wondering how long it would take to receive as it is of the most use to me. I'm in Canada and was also wondering if Can. consumers have to get it shipped from the US. or if they ship them from Canada.

[Ventoso]

Has anybody that has purchased the new Makite LXT400 combo. set received their "free" reciprocating saw yet? I was wondering how long it would take to receive as it is of the most use to me. I'm in Canada and was also wondering if Can. consumers have to get it shipped from the US. or if they ship them from Canada.

I got my reciprocating saw via the Canadian postal service a few weeks ago. It's a really nice piece of equipment and they were even kind enough to include two of their Demolisher series Bi-Metal blades (one for nail embedded wood, and one rated for cutting steel up to 1/8 thick).

I did, however, buy my LXT400 kit in November and mailed away for the saw ASAP. Now whether or not they send the saw out on a first come, first serve basis, I have no idea. I was led to believe that the production run wasn't scheduled to start until early this year, and that's why there was the waiting period.