The Makita 40V XGT range of tools has taken another leap forward with the 40V Max XGT Brushless 185mm Metal Cutting Saw. The ability of this saw to cut up to 6mm-thick steel angle is more than impressive. There is also an optional blade available which will make cuts up to 12mm thick.
One of the first things you will notice when you make your first cut is how quiet the Makita is. Next will be how effortless it is to let the saw slice through the metal, thanks to the combination of the 40V Max XGT battery and high-performance and heavy-duty brushless motor. With a no-load speed of 3500rpm, and features like constant speed control, soft starts and Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), cutting with this metal-slicing beast is a user-friendly experience.
Fitted with an electric brake and chip collector, the 40V Max cordless metal saw is perfect for materials like aluminium, steel and stainless steel. The brushless motor has so much grunt it cuts up to two times faster than comparable outfits, and will do up to 160 cuts per charge in 64mm x 64mm x 6mm steel angle when fitted with a 40V max XGT 4.0Ah battery as in our testing set up.
The class-leading maximum cutting depth of 67mm makes it perfect for cutting materials like, pipe, stud, channel, strut, conduit, angle, square tubing, sheet metal, and more.
Test #1: Cutting
I started off with some 2mm stainless aluminium square tubing and the first cut proved we needed to ramp things up quickly to really test the saw’s capability.
We moved onto some 6mm steel flat bar. I was expecting to hear the saw strain or struggle a little, but it didn’t, and it produced a very clean and precise edge.
We moved onto six metal variations from tubing, flat bar and eventually to our 6mm angle where the 90-degree join measured some 10mm thick. I really thought the saw would struggle, but with a slow-and-steady approach the 40V Max Brushless 185mm Metal Cutting Saw did it easily. As I repeated this cut I sped up to see or hear if I could force the saw to slow a little, but it took it all in its stride.
The feel of the Makita is great. With the soft-start technology and electric brake the saw feels completely under control at all times. The depth adjustment and a very clever guard-release lever, which sits right near the thumb, makes it easy to push the guard back as the saw approaches the cutting area. I’d love to see this on the regular circular-saw range to avoid those occasional times where the guard grabs the material.
Test #2: Sterland roofing
I had prepped Matt Sterland from Sterland Roofing to expect pretty good things from the Makita, and his eyes lit up like Christmas trees as he ripped through his first section of metal roofing. I knew he was more than impressed.
“From the initial squeeze of the trigger this Makita 40V Max 185mm saw felt great,” flashed Matt. “The soft start felt smooth, and by the time I’d finished my first cut I was instantly thinking this is one of the best power tools I’ve used over the course of my career.
“There was no fighting against the tool or the material, and the ergonomics of the grip and trigger are spot on. The 67mm cut depth means you can do away with shears or other tools that could take between 5 and 10 minutes to create detailed cuts. The Makita can do them in around 5 seconds and 10 seconds.
“This saw is a game changer, and I will be setting up each of my crews with one of these straight away,” he said.
The good, the bad and the ugly
It’s nothing short of amazing to see how well the tool operates, even working at its maximum material-cutting thickness. Then when you add in the safety features, ergonomics and performance of the 40V system, you have a significant power tool that needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated.
Visit: www.makita.com.au