Makita Introduces New 18v LXT 3-Speed Brushless Motor Impact Driver

[score0matic]

Any one have one?

http://www.toologics.com/Manufacturer_News/Makita/Makita_Introduces_New_18v_LXT_3-Speed_Brushless_Motor_Impact_Driver_200906241430.html

Craig

 

[monstrol]

Hey Craig,
It looks nice.  I could have used it with a composite deck I worked on this summer. It is now on my wish list.  I still have a lot of tuckpointing to do though.
Matt

 

[slb]

I have its look-alike predecessor, and have found it to be fantastic.  Compact, light, comfortable to use, and powerful enough to snap most screws if you bang away at them.

They don't really say, but I would assume the brushless motor is similar in operation to Festool's (i.e. a 3-phase AC motor with electronics to generate the 3-phase AC from the battery DC)?  Also, it appears that the three speeds are electronically set, rather than via gearing (can't see any shifter on the picture)?  I haven't found battery life to be a problem, but any increase is always welcome.  Plus, as Festool owners know, the brushless motor means a very long life without maintenance.  I think some competition in this arena will be good for everyone.

I'm puzzled, though, by the three speeds.  The existing model is electronically continuous variable speed, so what is the advantage of having three ranges?  Why not just "throttle down" for smaller fasteners?

Steve

 

[ForumMFG]

Steve,

I agree that the 3 speeds are confusing.  I'm just used to feathering the trigger and what-not.  Hopefully this new drill is not as loud as the current ones that are out there so those ladies won't complain that the reason they don't use a impact is because it's to noisy

 

[mastercabman]

Steve,

I agree that the 3 speeds are confusing.  I'm just used to feathering the trigger and what-not.  Hopefully this new drill is not as loud as the current ones that are out there so those ladies won't complain that the reason they don't use a impact is because it's to noisy

It's not just the speed that changes,but also the force of the impact.So,if you want to secure small screws,you can set it at the lowest for light impact and slower rpm.
When you have bigger screws,you just set it higher and get maximum torque and speed.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Steve,

I agree that the 3 speeds are confusing.  I'm just used to feathering the trigger and what-not.  Hopefully this new drill is not as loud as the current ones that are out there so those ladies won't complain that the reason they don't use a impact is because it's to noisy

If you think I am bad about that, you should have been around today.

I called the cops twice about a dog that would not stop barking.  It was beside the house I was working on and all you could hear all day was a cocker spaniel barking, over and over.  I walked around the corner to see what was going on and the dog was tied to the porch railing, with no one in sight.

So I called the non emergency number, two minutes later, dumb hillbilly got a ticket for 50 bucks.

All was quiet for the next couple hours and then bark, bark, bark, bark.  Followed by their other dogs coming over and making a deposit that was not in 'their' yard.
Then, bark, bark, bark......

Called again, second ticket was for 75 bucks.

I love dogs, there is just no excuse to leave one bark all day long.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

On the topic of the Makita, let's hope the gears inside this one are metal.

There are a lot of 2 speed (former 3 speed) makita's out there, keep breaking, keep getting fixed and break again.

 

[erikfsn]

I've been using Makita LXT cordless tools for years with little problems. I like them very much, excellent value.

I don't like any impacts. Life as a remodeler is noisy enough without unnecessarily adding to the din. Unless you're talking The Beatles, I'll add them to the din.

 

[ForumMFG]

I've been using Makita LXT cordless tools for years with little problems. I like them very much, excellent value.

I don't like any impacts. Life as a remodeler is noisy enough without unnecessarily adding to the din. Unless you're talking The Beatles, I'll add them to the din.

You have been using them for years because the guts are infact metal.  I have taken apart a LXT driver before and it's all metal no plastic.  I don't know what warner is saying.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

You have been using them for years because the guts are infact metal.  I have taken apart a LXT driver before and it's all metal no plastic.  I don't know what warner is saying.

The lxt hammer drill/driver is the one with the plastic gears, I belive it was finally recalled.

 

[ForumMFG]

Thats the one I took apart and it's all metal inside.

 

[bustedbolt]

this is just like the Panasonic lithium 14.4 that I have been using for a year or so.

Excellent trigger control on the brushless.
I believe tho, it just adds electric efficiency and life over a brushed motor. nothing special.
the drill has good trigger control also. thats more important imo.

try to look up these ZEM HEARING things if you want to lower site noise a notch. I use em a lot.
[attachimg=#]

 

[Greg_R]

I don't think that it has three speeds (speed is controlled by the trigger). Instead it has 3 torque settings.  My Panasonic (the Makita appears to be an exact clone) will drive most screws on setting 1 or 2.  Setting 3 is used for Lag bolts or something requiring serious torque. 

 

[Holzhacker]

I recently posted that I bought a T15 and that it was almost beat out by Makita. On the way to the Festool dealer I stopped by HD and the Makita semi-truck mega display was in the parking lot. They were selling various Makita kits in bags and cases at amazing deals with extra batteries and bits. Anyway to the point, they had the new brushless cordless there and I played with it for a while. I have to say it is a really nice drill. The Makita guys said the brushless cordless is NAINA yet for sale. They have them on the trucks and displays but not in stores for sale. The guys did not have a sale date yet for sure. Maybe the holidays, maybe spring. If the new brushless Makita had been part of any of their packages that day I am not sure I would have spent $200+ more for a T15.

 

[wotan]

I was in Japan last year and everyone was using the brushless motor version, apparently these have been on the market  for a few years. Makita is the dominant brand in Japan, from what i witnessed. Saw a few Hitachi's. Everyone was using Impact drivers! 14.4 volt is more popular in Japan too!

 

[jmbfestool]

The Makita and Panasonic are the same with the variable speed but when I was reading the Spec the Makita has alot more torque. I think the 3 speed is brilliant for alot more control for fitting kitchens.