If I hadn’t told you that this was Makita’s new 18V cordless drywall cut-out saw (XDS01Z), would you be able to identify its function? Well, aside from how the blade says “drywall” on it?
Makita has come out with a new and very unusual-looking cordless cut-out saw, meant for cutting openings in installed boards and panels.
Advertisement
It has an adjustable cutting depth, up to 1-3/16″, or up to 9/16″ in wood, and 1/4″ stroke length. The adjustable cutting depth allows users to avoid cutting or damaging objects behind the board or panel being cut.
The new saw sports some good-looking runtime specs as well. Makita says that it can cut up to 984 feet of 1/2″ drywall on a single 4.0Ah battery charge (a battery and charger are not included in this bare-tool offering).
There’s a built-in dust collection port, and a clear dust box container that’s easy check. I suppose there are some flaps that keep the dust port sealed when not using a dust collection system of vacuum.
Makita says that their new cut-out saw is ideal for cut-outs and drywall repair applications.
Price: $213 (subject to change)
ETA: Soon?
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Advertisement
Replacement Blades:
- Wood cut-out blade, B-49719 ($34 for 2-pack)
- Drywall cut-out blade, B-49703 ($26 and change for 2-pack)
First Thoughts
I can absolutely see how this would be great for making cutouts for outlets, switches, cable/TV/etc. connections, and for making larger repairs in drywall.
Do you see any potential downsides?
Josh
Wow for $213? I would opt for that Milwaukee m12 Hackzall, and a drywall blade.
Stuart
Amazon pre-release prices are sometimes on the high side.
Even with a short blade, it can be risky sawing into drywall with a reciprocating saw.
Steve
I think the appeal is largely in the dust collection in finished areas, this would be great for cutting in new receptacles in a hospital, when coupled with a HEPA vac. For a sawzall you would make more dust and would need an extra hand to hold the vacuum, and you wouldn’t catch everything.
David g
Amen!
NoDeuces
Well if it is Makita the. The dust port was designed and sized by an asshole.
Nate818
I always want to make comments like that but I’m afraid to.
BonPacific
Its true, I’ve given up trying to attach my Makita Jigsaw to dust collection.
NoDeuces
I LOVE Makita tools, but the dust collection nightmares would not stop. I’ve sold all my sanders, my jigsaw and routers and replaced them with Festool. It was hard parting with the money, but I don’t miss the time I wasted cleaning tools, projects and my garage due to my Frankenconnector not attaching to the vacuum – or staying attached.
John Blair
I’ve had good luck with the Rockler Dust Right Universal Small Port Hose Kit. You might try it with your Makita and hate it slightly less.
Chris Butigan
True story…
David g
Lol!
Jay
Might be a nice little saw for abatement work like cutting out moldy drywall or drywall coated with lead paint. Over on Amazon they show it coupled with a Makita backpack type cordless vac.
William Butler
Is it brushless? Could this be a new design for a jigsaw? That’s what I thought it was when I first saw it.
I question whether this is really better than a jigsaw? A jig saw is much more versatile and many have dust collection. The spiral saws even have dust collection, but it can sometimes be difficult to cut a straight line when the bit isn’t following a stud. $200 seems like a high price for a tool like this.
How good can the dust canister be (when not hooked to vacuum) when cutting on the wall?
Nathan
it looks ergonomically uncomfortable – something about the angle seems out of wack?
would it work better than an OMT? I wonder.
Cw
Multi tool all day.
Jonathan
I’ve got to agree that OMT is probably the least drywall dust/and mess.
Just a tiny anthill of fine powder to clean up. I don’t own the DeWalt OMT but if I recall it has a depth/plunge control.
I’m suprised that no one makes a drywall outlet jig for an OMT or sprial saws, perhaps they do, but one with preset depth stops for the various thickness of drywall and for outlets, switches and can lights and Jboxes would be awesome.
But a Jigsaw on drywall, even with a high tpi screams mess to me, dust collection or not.
Nam Ngo
I just purchased the tool. You can use a snap blade instead of factory blade. So much better than multi-tool and it leaves residual dust. Footpad has V-guide that accurately places cuts where snap/pencil line is marked. Handle is designed for overhead cutting minus fatigue. Will update if saw can make circular cuts. Cut a half sheet of drywall stud to stud in under 60 seconds. All of subcontractors loved it especially electricians and drywallers.
Lynyrd
Could have used an Adjustable Angle Grip. Looks like it would work well when cutting overhead, but the angle for vertical seems very awkward. Give it a little while and DeWalt and/or Milwaukee will have this covered.
I can only keep up with so many brands’ batteries.
Jim D
Cant really see why anyone would want this. It does not function at all like a spiral saw for drywall. Without being able to run the bit against what your cutting out, are you suppose to measure and draw out all the openings you are going to cut out? talk about SLOW……
ElKay
Interiors walls are generally 1/2” and exterior are usually 5/8”. If you’re not sure, punch out a small piece of what you’re cutting out and measure it. It’s not slow at all. In a contract where you’re cutting out an entire basement to dry the wall after a flood, this tool is invaluable. It creates little if any dust with a vac and will save all the fatigue of cutting with a razor knife or jab saw (which will kill your vapor barrier if it’s an exterior wall. Plus you don’t have to worry about cutting studs, wires or plumbing. This tool is a Flood technician’s god send, especially for overhead work. Ever try and cut out a ceiling with a knife? Lol
Cw
it’s an upside down and backwards jigsaw. It looks like you could over cut easily and what makes that better than a sawzall with drywall blade? Also if repairing drywall how are you suppose get in a corner? Multi tool for me works great for drywall repair and cordless router for cut in.
Cw
What I meant by over cut is what Jim referred to not being able to follow the outlet boxes or anything else such as maybe a window. It’s faster to run sheetgoods over and cut out with router (wood) spiral saw (drywall).
MLewis
Must cheaper option:
http://www.techtoolsupply.com/QBit-Cut-In-Saw-for-Multi-Tools-Single-Gang-p/lss-sqs1000-s.htm
Stuart
That’s awesome!
Toolpig
I LOVE Makita! I put pics up of this on Instagram quite awhile back when it was released in Japan. I will buy one if I don’t get one for review. I do fire and water damage restoration and it WILL be useful with my HEPA vacs. The dust collection looks like it will fit with most 27 mm dust extraction hoses. If not, I will figure it out. I am finding a lot of the newer Makita dust collection ports are compatible with Festool.
fred
My ex-compatriots tell me that they ordered one today from ToolsPlus – $175.99 after a $20 off Makita promo code.