Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
In a surprise move, Makita became the first company we’re aware of to release a cordless drywall sander. As far as painting tools go, this is exciting. The new tool runs on their 18V LXT battery system, using just a single battery pack. The XLS01T Makita cordless drywall sander does a great job of rounding out the company’s multiple drywall tool solutions. That includes their updated Makita cordless autofeed drywall screwdriver and the Makita 18V cordless mixer.
The Makita XLS01T drywall sander uses a direct-drive brushless motor that sits right at the sanding head. A single 18V LXT 5 Ah battery lets the sander operate for up to 35 minutes when using 120 grit sandpaper.
As you’d expect, Makita seems to have designed the head with plenty of swivel and flexibility for getting to ceilings and walls from virtually any position. There’s also a removable dust brush that reveals easy glide roller wheels for flush-to-wall edge sanding. That’s a feature we’ve appreciated seeing on products like the Flex Giraffe GE 7 and the Festool Planex drywall sander.
In terms of weight, the Makita XLS01 does very well, measuring just 10.7 lbs. on the scale with battery. For comparison:
The stock tool remains fairly compact, but for high walls and ceilings, the handle telescopes to 16-1/2 inches. You can also pick up an extension to give you an additional 22-3/4 inches of reach.
We love the large two-finger trigger—and it features a lock-on switch for continuous operation. Speed is variable, via a dial on the handle. Maximum speed varies from 1,000 to 1,800 RPM, and the tool features a soft-start motor. Since the tool uses a brushless motor, it compensates when under load to maintain speed—much like our managing editor.
As we suspected when we first saw this tool, the Makita cordless drywall sander works with their AWS Auto-Start Wireless system. Basically, the Makita XLS01 includes a Bluetooth AWS chip that works with their 18V X2 cordless vacuum. It automatically (and wirelessly) powers-on and powers-off the Makita XCV16 cordless dust extractor automatically when the tool activates.
Obviously, there’s still a hose connecting the tool to the vacuum, but you don’t have to run the vacuum nonstop or remember to turn it on or off when using the sander. While convenient, it also extends the run-time of the cordless vacuum, since it operates at peak efficiency.
We’re keeping both eyes on this tool. At first glance, it seems like a real winner. The price seems like a bargain compared to other premium-brand products. At $509 it makes a statement. And that statement sounds a lot like: “Buy me now.” The run-time will need watching, as 35 minutes doesn’t set any records. With some of the fastest charge times on the market, there’s a good chance you’ll get near-continuous use out of this tool with two 5Ah battery packs.
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When he's not remodeling part of his house or playing with the latest power tool, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader. He has a degree in recording engineering and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.
Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films & television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years.
Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint dealt extensively with client management as well as film & video editing, color correction, and digital video & MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified.
After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades.
Crediting his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.
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If you’re still tethered to a dust extractor or shop vac, what’s the point of battery other than added weight?
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros