Over at Hardware & Tools they’re offering the Makita JR3000V Variable Reciprocating saw for $60. (Compare that to $90 or more via Amazon and elsewhere.) It features a 1-3/16″ stroke length at a variable 0 to 2300 strokes per minute.
Makita JR 3000V [Hardware & Tools]
Street Pricing [Google Product Search]
Via Amazon
In order to understand what “compact” means, you always have to take into account the type of item to which the name’s applied. For example, a “compact” dump truck would be small compared to a normal dump truck, but probably not so small in comparison to your friend’s Honda Civic.
So keep that in mind when we tell you about Makita’s “compact” 18V impact driver. It’s not as small as, say, Bosch’s new 10.8V Impactor, but it’s actually slightly smaller (and, more importantly, lighter) than the 14.4V we used in the Bosch comparison test. And when you consider that it delivers a li-ion-driven 1,280 in-lbs of torque, you’re starting to get the picture.
Lightweight circular saws are in this season, and Makita’s jumping into the fray with a 701/4″ model complete with magnesium components designed to bring its weight down to 10.1 lbs — significantly less than other large saws, though not nearly as light as smaller models.
That’s what makes the Makita stand out a bit, though: many of the “lightweight” models we’ve looked at so far this year employ the same techniques, but only on 6-1/2″ or smaller saws.
Roscoe writes: “Ace has this Makita 18V 1/2″ hammerdrill/flashlight kit for $99. It includes two batteries, a charger, and a case. This is a great starter set for someone needing a deal. I wish I had one.”
The only bad news: There’s a $50 mail-in rebate included in the deal. So if you’re ok with waiting for the cash back, I’d agree it’s a good way to get started.
Makita 18V Hammerdrill/Flashlight [Ace Hardware]
Okay, let’s just start by getting the jokes out of the way. You can imagine all the unsavory places this can go.
All through? Ok, this tool is actually used to mix concrete and mortar — which responds better to vibration than to standard tined mixing. This particluar model vibrates at 12,500 VPM and runs off a 12V NiCd battery. Makita makes a number of different models — including one based on their LXT li-ion line — but this one seemed the most price effective, streeting for around $400 in kit form. (If you’ve already got a 12V setup — or the LXT setup — you can buy these in tool-only form for much less.)
Let’s face it: it’s pretty rare to see a really new power tool. We’ve seen plenty of expanding the line (with everything from radios to vacuums) and lots of companies making bigger or smaller versions of what you’ve already got, but it looks like Makita’s taking a stab at something new with their “Hybrid(tm) 4-Function Impact Hammer-Driver-Drill.”
Let’s start by clearing the hype. I’m not trying to desparage the tool in any way, but the Hybrid(tm) 4-Word Name definitely elicited a chuckle around our offices. C’mon, Makita, the real “hybrid” here is the combination of an impact driver with a hammerdrill. The professionals for whom you designed this tool know that. And can you really trademark the word “hybrid?” Should everyone from Toyota to Battlestar Galactica now cease and desist?
That said, this looks like it might be a great tool for fence and deck builders — or just about anyone who pre-drills before driving big fasteners.
We get more than a little, well, cantankerous if there’re no tunes in the shop, so portable tunes that can survive the jobsite are hight on the list when we’re loading up for remote work.
Makita’s BMR100 cordless portable AM/FM radio looks to be made specifically for long plays when corded power isn’t an option, and that sounds great to us. Unlike other units, the offering from Makita goes for a minimalist approach with no charger outlets or ability to power other tools; it’s an island entirely self contained, and lithium-ion batteries provide usable power for over two freakin’ days of solid play time before it needs recharging.
You’ve heard circular and recip saws called “high amp draw” tools? An angle grinder’ll make those look downright girlie-man in comparison. This is the first cordless angle grinder we’ve seen, and we suspect it’s a good thing that it’s lithium-ion powered. It takes standard 4-1/2″ discs and spins at 10,000 RPM.
If it’ll grind for more than just a couple of minutes, it’d be handy as hell.
When you’ve got a serious drilling job on your hands, you need a rotary hammer. Example: Drilling a large holes in masonry. Makita’s taking a bit of an interesting direction with their new 18V rotary hammer though — they’re making it smaller.
The idea is that you don’t always need a 1″ rotary hammer, and during those times when you don’t, a lighter, easier to handle tool would help save your back (and tool bag) some stress.
Sometimes you just don’t have a spare (third?) hand for a flashlight, and that’s when you need a fluorescent; Its light scatters widely so you don’t have to aim it carefully. Most manufacturers now include a flashlight in their cordless lineup, but Makita’s the first we’ve seen offering an incandescent/fluorescent combo.
There’s a great article in the current issue of Woodworker’s Journal (the August issue) about bargain priced miter saws. They review the gamut and select eight that they recommend. Most of them were less than $300, and the list includes the:
Of course, you’ll want to read the article for the details. They point out numerous feature differences between the eight they selected, and it’s quite informative.
And if you don’t have a miter saw in the shop, go get one. They’re incredibly useful even in a small home shop or garage as they take most of the pain out of wood projects!
[Via Woodworker’s Journal]
Makita’s definitely made a move in the right (price) direction in releasing a four-piece grouping of their new 18V LXT Li-Ion-powered cordless tools for a street price of around $600. The kit includes:
You also get two LXT Li-Ion 3.0 Ah batteries, a 45-minute charger, and a “contractor bag” to carry the tools in.
Add to this the fact that Makita’s currently offering to throw in an 18V LXT Reciprocating Saw by mail if you buy before June 28. This is one heck of a great way to join the Li-Ion revolution.
The 18V LXT Li-Ion 4-PC. Combo Kit [Makita]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
Free 18V LXT Recipro Saw Offer [Makita]
Following the trend of installing low-voltage, long-lasting LED lighting in everything from glasses to gloves, Makita recently released their new model 5008FA 8-1/4″ Circular Saw with built-in LED lighting.
The corded saw has a 15-AMP motor operating at 5,200 RPM and an electric brake as well as a flat motor housing to keep the saw stable when you place it on its side to swap blades. But the real addition is the two LEDs that light the line of cut “for increased accuracy.”
The 5008FA is available now, and street pricing starts around $170.
Watch those fingers while cutting at night…
Press Release [Makita]
Pricing [Froogle]
www.flickr.com
|
