Over on Instagram, our primary source for Makita news since they blacklisted us (seemingly for asking too many hard questions), Makita has announced a new 18V “diamond cutter” – a 5″ mini circular saw designed for cutting tile and masonry materials.
The Makita 18V tile cutter, DCC501ZX1 (bare tool, international SKU), has a 5″ diamond grit blade that can cut materials up to 40mm (~1.57″) deep.
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It looks like the new Makita masonry/tile will include a water reservoir accessory, as well as a supply hose.
In addition to being able to wet-cut materials, users can switch to a different dry-cutting guard for use with a dust extraction system.
Key Features & Specs
- 5″ blade size
- 8,800 RPM (no-load)
- 0-45° bevel capacity
- Water supply attachments
- Electric blade brake
- LED worklight
- Optional guide rail attachment (198673-2)
- Weighs 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs)
- Replacement diamond blade: A-95152
At this time, there’s no word as to if or when this will be available in the USA, or if it will also launch as part of Makita’s 40V Max XGT cordless power tool platform.
See Also: Makita 12V CXT Tile Cutter
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Makita also has a similar 12V Max CXT tool.
Buy Now: 12V Max Kit via Amazon
Discussion
User reviews for the 12V Max tile cutting saw on Amazon seem to be mixed, but it seems to be a moot point given the drastically different designs.
One thing I find curious is that the 12V Max saw is a blade-right design, and the 18V diamond saw has a blade-left design. The 12V Max version always looked like it was retrofit, with how the water reservoir is attached and suspended above the tool, whereas with the 18V saw the guard is specially designed around the water supply accessories.
It’s also interesting to compare Makita’s two saws with respect to speed. A couple of user reviews mention that the 12V Max saw isn’t very fast or powerful. That saw is rated at 1,600 RPM and has a 3-3/8″ blade.
This new 18V version has a 5″ wheel and operates at 8,800 RPM.
It’s not just that the 18V tool is faster with respect to RPMs, but a larger blade will usually have a faster linear cutting and material removal rate than a smaller blade spinning at the same RPM.
Based on the specs, I would assume that the 18V tool cuts significantly faster than the 12V Max versions.
Whereas Makita describes their 12V Max saw as a tile and glass saw, the Makita DCC501 18V saw is described as being a diamond cutter for use on tile, masonry, and concrete.
There are many handheld cordless multi-cutters that can be used to cut tile and other such materials, but I haven’t seen many others that have a built-in water supply system.
Ryobi used to have an 18V wet-cutting saw (P580), but it doesn’t look like you can still buy that today.
Makita’s first 12V Max cordless tile and glass saw came out 6 years ago. Why haven’t other toolmakers come out with similar tools since then?
Do users have a stronger preference for larger wet-cutting tile saws?
If you’re looking for a different cordless wet tile-cutting solution, there’s always Craftsman and Porter Cable have portable benchtop-style tile saws.
Here are some other recent Makita tool releases:
New Makita 18V Cooler and Warmer, Plus More Tools are on the Way
Makita 18V X2 Cordless Pressure Washer with Portable Water Reservoir
At the Bigger and More Powerful End of the Spectrum
Milwaukee Tool has their high-powered MX Fuel 14″ cut-off saw, and there’s an onboard water connection for use in wet and dry cutting applications. But, this is not the type of tool for use on tile materials.
Several brands also have 9” saws.
It has been more than 3 years since OSHA silica rules went into effect. There are a lot of dust extraction solutions today, but it’d be good to see more wet-cutting solutions as well.
There’s also the iQ Power Tools Cyclone tile saw with built-in dust control.
Why haven’t there been many other solutions in the space between Makita’s 12V Max saw and 9-14” saws? I’ve seen angle grinders used on masonry materials, and it’s often a dusty and dirty mess.
Is Makita’s new saw the first 18V cordless wet-cutting tile and masonry tool, or is there a whole category of these tools that I seem to have missed? And if it is, why is that?
James
Seems odd you mention the Milwaukee MX power cutter, but not the 9″ Makita X2 power cutter? Wouldn’t try that on tile either though!
Stuart
The MX FUEL was top-of-mind with respect to larger masonry saws with built-in water connection.
I’m not familiar with the X2. I know there’s a Milwaukee M18 Fuel 9” saw, and can add those in if you’d like.
My point is that there are higher power solutions, but still not a lot in *this* space of 3” to 7” cutters.
Jared
I have no experience with tile. I would have thought the one-handed version would be better.
Would you really freehand cut a granite countertop like that?
Neat tool though.
Stuart
Maybe if it’s going to be a hidden edge?
There’s also supposed to be a guide rail accessory, but there are images of it.
Julian Tracy
I recently picked up Milwaukee’s M12 cutoff tool which is quite versatile in that it comes with a removable dust shield/foot and the blade direction is reversible.
Just tiled a large laundry room with just a Montolit tile cutter and the little Milwaukee with a diamond blade with a Festool vac attached for the L-cuts and oddball cuts.
I’ve got three tile saws: a large Dewalt, medium MK 7 and a small Ridgid tabletop, but the Milwaukee cutoff saw worked great, and the Montolit of course is just effortless.
My main system is Makita LXT though – I’d buy one of these if a deal came around
fred
When Makita sort of ruled the small cordless power tool field they had a 9.6V NiCad version of the 12V CXT saw. Like now – Makita makes one (SH02Z) for cutting wood and the other (CC02Z) with water for glass/tile. The 3-3/8 inch diameter saw blade form factor was once very popular (when paneling was the rage) and can still hold up well for light sheet goods. As best as my eyes can tell – the new tools are almost the spitting image of the old ones as far as form factor goes – water bottle placement etc
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-4190DW-8-Inch-9-6-Volt-Cordless/dp/B00004YODG
Stuart
Oh, the placement absolutely made sense, but to me both 12V Max saws always looked “converted” from same-voltage wood-cutting saws. There’s nothing wrong with that, a lot of brands have shared components between compact drills and impact drivers.
This 5″ saw looks completely different and with its dedicated design and guard(s).
The 12V Max tools are still unique given their water supply capabilities, but this 18V model doesn’t just look to be a voltage step-up conversion. Whereas the 12V Max tools looked perhaps adapted to me, this looks more like it was designed from scratch.
Maybe this isn’t the case, but I couldn’t find anything like it.
fred
I see where you’re coming from. Water control could be a big deal on wet cutting saws. That’s true even with professional grade rail-guided saws. The class acts like Imer do well – protect the motors and preserve longevity.
BTW – there are starting to be some mixed reviews about this (and other issues) with the Milwaukee 2786
Tom D
8800 RPM is surprisingly fast – I don’t know if I’ve seen cordless saws with that high a speed before.
Kunkel
It’s an abrasive blade. Compare to 10-20K on angle grinders and cut off tools.
Mac
Done buying anything Makita 18v until we see the fate of 40v. Although credit is due for releasing more 18v tools. Excited they finally released a grease gun.
rob
XGT is almost a year and a half old and in that time Makita has been more prolific with new LXT products than ever before.
Harrison Gregoire
Here’s my prediction: 18v will be sold for the foreseeable future. 5-10 years minimum. However- 40v will replace it eventually.
My thinking: The entry level 40(36v) battery is currently a 10 cell 18650 format, at 2.5Ah. (Same as the 18v 5Ah.) Even today, those 5Ah batteries are expensive, and you’ll only find them bundled with Makita’s flagship 18v products.
Basically there’s no way for Makita to sell cheap, compact 40v batteries (and thus affordable combo kits) until battery technology makes a BIG leap. Think AAA-size lithium cells with outputs similar to current 18650 cells. Or some sort of solid state battery? Either way, the technology doesn’t yet exist to offer affordable products in 40v.
On the other hand, it’s pretty clear that 40v is designed to be a complete solution. (Evidenced by the existence of small tools like the impact driver.) I can’t see why they would introduce a new complete solution if they didn’t intend for it to be their main system eventually. However 18v will continue to be supported for a LONG time.
So how will they differentiate the systems?
I think they will continue to develop 18v tools of all levels, from entry level to professional grade. (Like this tile saw.) The market and their existing user base is just too large to abandon.
Their 40v tools will be very similar to their pro-grade 18v tools, but with a bit of extra power, and a some extra features. These features may even trickle down to 18v, but 40v will get them first, and remain a premium option.
There will be no entry level 40v tools for the foreseeable future.
Is this a winning strategy for Makita? I don’t know. Time will tell.
Rob
The lack of TPE overmolding could mean it’s part of the industrial line. Price goes way up in that case.
MFC
DO NOT BUY A TILE SAW THAT RUNS ON A 12V PLATFORM (caveat below).
They will never be strong enough for any serious cutting. Now, if you need the size for little holes, or glass mosaic, then they’re fine. Just don’t expect to cut a full piece of tile.
Rob
I would argue against buying anything 12v. 😂
The Saint
This saw has “wrong” disc spindle direction.For its intended use for stone,tiles,etc, disc should rotate oposite,so that doesnt cause face tear and chips.Disc “attack” should be on top of material,not the other way arround.My opinion based on experience.
Richard Schneeman
> blacklisted
I’ve seen you use this term a few times. It makes me feel icky. Other industries are moving to “denylist”, could you consider switching copy in the future?
As a bonus it’s fewer characters to type.
Either way, good luck getting off that list though. I hope it’s only temporary.
Kane
S***list is another term. It’s common in the computer industry too where reviewers get omitted from receiving samples. In the automotive industry, it’s losing access to press vehicles — and a reason why many car reviews are so glowingly positive.
Getting off the list usually happens when their PR team realizes the competition is getting much more coverage and/or a change of staff.
Stuart
Maybe, but it seems I/ToolGuyd have been on their list for a while.
*shrug*
Richard Schneeman
Descriptive, visceral, and universal 👍🏼
Stuart
I looked into it recently, and the origins don’t seem to be controversial. If you explain what you don’t like about it, I’ll absolutely consider your request. I’ll send you an email.
Richard Schneeman
Sounds good. I assume you can see the emails from comments. It’s less about the origins and more about the implications.
Thanks for your consideration.
rob
https://youtu.be/B3FjwmbRoWI
Well it appeared in Sydney
rob
I forgot to mention that they’ve offered LXT dry cutting tile cutting saws in Japan for some time but I don’t believe I’ve seen them elsewhere.
Stuart
Yes – it was Makita Australia that made the announcement.
rob
Ahhh. Well, we know how Makita do. We’ll have no idea if and where else they plan to release it until it ships to those retailers.
I’m grateful that the little drill style polisher showed up in one of this month’s product dumps. Not so grateful that it’s in subcompact black. If police get called on me in for a Festool drill, what do you think a black pistol shaped tool will get me in a gang heavy neighborhood? 🥺
Mike McFalls
Pursuant to the discussion about Festools new track saw versus the Makita and the Makita offerings, they should’ve made this base track compatible.
rob
They have a track attachment accessory for it. Speaking of which: Makita have more products that ride on a Festool track without an accessory than Festool do.
Stuart
As mentioned in the post:
They don’t exactly show this in any product images that I’ve seen, and I had to dig for the accessory info.