Makita has expanded their 40V Max (36V nominal) XGT cordless power tool platform with a new air duster (model AS001G).
This isn’t exactly the type of tool I thought Makita had in mind when they started hyping up the next-level power and capabilities of their XGT cordless power tool system. Still, the duster looks incredibly versatile.
There is no word as to whether Makita will introduce a similar duster as part of their 18V cordless power tool system, but it will likely remain an XGT exclusive. As a reminder, Makita’s 18V and XGT power tool systems are not cross-compatible. There is also no word as to if or when the duster will be available in the USA.
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To start off, the Makita XGT air duster and inflator comes with a lot of different attachments and accessories to suit a broad range of applications.
I can’t tell if Makita intends for this to be called a duster, or if that’s a result of the Japanese-to-English translation, but I feel this to be an appropriate descriptor.
In addition to serving as a compact and focused blower, the new tool can also serve as an inflator and deflator.
When I think duster, I visualize cans of pressurized air being used to clean the dust out of electronics, other such equipment, and computer cases.
Vacuums are usually advised against, since they could lead to the build-up of static electricity that could discharge and potentially damage components, which is why blowers and dusters are usually used.
There are specialized anti-static dusters, but they’re pricey.
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Makita shows off the XGT cordless duster being used to clean various computer components, such as fan filters.
It also comes with a hose attachment that can be used in tight spaces, such as to clean out case fans and heatsinks.
It doesn’t look like you have any choices regarding the nozzle at the end of the tubing, but it shouldn’t be too much trouble to improvise with different hose fittings.
They also show off the duster cleaning delicate electronics such as a DSLR camera.
Makita shows the XGT duster being used to clean out an overhead fan grill, although it’s unclear as to whether the extension comes with the kit or is an add-on accessory or improvisation.
There’s a semi-circular-shaped nozzle that is shown being used to clear off part of a car windshield. It seems that cleaning an entire windshield with this nozzle would be slow, and so perhaps this is just a proof-of-concept example. I could see this being useful for clearing water away from small areas.
The 40V Max duster can also inflate beachballs.
Makita also shows off the XGT duster inflating a pool of some kind.
And, when it’s time to pack things up, you can use a vacuum hose with the duster’s intact to quickly draw air out of inflated products.
The duster also comes with a wide suction cup-style vacuum hose attachment, which looks to be used for pulling the air out of space-saving garment or blanket bags.
Although the Makita duster looks to be a rather specialized tool, I’d say that its accessory bundle greatly broadens its utility.
Raise your hand if you could use a tool like this.
Matt the Hoople
I could use one and do. I’ve got the Ryobi high volume inflator. Use it for air mattresses, pool toys and water sport towables but also is great for “dusting”. I use it on computer keyboards and vents, cleaning off the work bench and cooling off the inside of the toaster oven before toasting the next batch of bread. I would love if it had a set of nozzle adapters like the Makita does. I don’t know what the Makita willl cost but the ryobi is under $30 if you already have a battery. One thing the Makita does that the ryobi doesn’t is function as a vacuum for drawing air out of items but then again, I own a couple vacuum cleaners as well.
Mike G
It does, you can remove the tip and install on the top of the ryobi.
Adrian
Yep! I just did this with about six pool inflatables at the end of the season a few weeks ago. Got a “blemished” tool from factory direct outlet for 10 bucks. Use it all the time.
James C
I love the ryobi one. A few more uses: spot drying tools if they get wet (e.g. areas with electronics), dusting cut wood like trim pieces before you take them into a finished area, and fire starting assistance. Also cheap entertainment for kids (somewhat noisy / annoying sound though).
John L
“also cheap entertainment for kids”.
Pretty sure thats gonna get you the death penalty in 22 states according to the users manual.
Its a tricky thing, giving kids access to any of dads garage toys. They might end up missing a finger, or missing an opportunity to be a leg up on their peers in shop class (which rarely exists now anyway).
My dad was a PBX installer for PacBell for 35 years, a woodworking hobbyist, and used chainsaws every weekend on our property so owned every tool you can imagine. I wasnt really given free access to our huge garage but slipped in there a lot anyway. Lots of ways to amputate appendages but if the kids are born with more sense than curiosity they will be fine.
Jeremiah D
Ive got m18 and m12 as my main platform but lots of secondary ryobi tools and have had one of the ryobi ones for a good while. I use it quite often. fire-starting or charcoal accelerating is a great use which many people dont think of. Thanks for the tip about switching the nozzle for vacuum use, I didnt know that. Theres a functionally similar m12 blower/vacuum but i prefer this pistol form factor and ryobis price is right.
Joellikestools
I have the Kobalt inflator. It is pretty nice. Has a few attachments. Works really well to blow off my miter saw etc. It does have a deflator side, but I have not used it. It is a tool I use more than I thought I would.
TonyT
I’ve been wanting the Ryobi high volume inflator for a while, just picked one up from Direct Tools for $20, along with a Air Cannon to prepare for next summer.
And, yes, there are 3D printed nozzles for the Ryobi:
https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=ryobi+inflator&type=things&sort=relevant
The Baker
IF they had an 18V version so I could use my existing Makita 18v batteries I’d be all over it.
Albert
I saw this on YouTube awhile ago (search by model number). I really like the size. If Makita doesn’t sell it in the US, I’m sure one of those grey market sellers on Amazon or Ebay will bring them in. If the price is reasonable, I’ll use a generic connector and DC to DC converter from Amazon to adapt my M18 battery.
jorge
this is on the list of items coming to us. so we will get this.
Rob
It was at one of the recent trade shows that weekend where their were like three of them simultaneously. It’s coming out here in 2022.
Julian Tracy
I’m deep into Makita LXT and 18vx2 tools as well as Dewalt 20v and Milwaukee M12. I see no point whatsoever in this new system and this tool in particular looks fairly non-taxing in terms of power so why they made it a 40v tool is beyond me.
Between the new inflator you have to keep your finger on the trigger, the cordless laminate trimmer with the sloppy height adjust, the absurdly priced rivet gun, the un-ergonomic multi tools (version I and II), the ridiculous looking 18ga nailer, the useless version I pin nailer, etc etc, Makita is racking up the fails at a tight pace.
I’ve used Makita tools primarily for the last 33 years and haven’t seen a single new tool in the last 3-5 years I feel is worth buying.
Matt the Hoople
That’s a shame. My first “serious” power tools were Makita 18v nicad about 17 years ago. Loved those tools. Especially their 6.5” circular saw. That thing was a beast in its day. When the batteries started giving out 10 years ago, it was cheaper to switch over to Dewalt 18v (due to combo kit deals) than it was to replace the Makita batteries.
Josh Healey
Just imagine how many people are using all their makita tools straight out of the Milwaukee pack out boxes!
John L
I just bought that inflator. What a joke and $120? Hold down a trigger after you power it up and set the pressure? Why? Also the 5 on 5 off duty cycle wont fill 1 tire. I bought it because a buddy has its ryobi counterpart which is far more capable and 1/3 the price. (Last year, now risen to 1/2 price while the makita was 99)
I bought an 8 pc combo kit from the orange store a few months back for just $400, “special buy”. It was a good deal. The included flashlight wasnt worth $2.
So I guess its hit or miss with these guys. Ive been a loyal makita cordless customer for over 30 years and actually have a 14.4 nimh pod battery about 20 years old that still holds a charge.
Will be looking at the red and yellow guys next purchase.
As for the tool in this article at the price I assume its going to go for, considering the purchase of a new battery and charger, hard pass. This is a toy compared to any small air compressor, (i have an older dewalt emglo 4.5 cfm hand carry) and I already have an 18v xgt mini blower. Like WD-40, whatever the proposed use there are far better specialized alternatives.
MM
This is honestly the first small blower type tool that really grabs my attention simply because of how small it is, though how useful it will be depends on how powerful it is, and on a 40v platform it certainly has the potential to be fantastic.
Oh, and I can read a little Japanese, and the marketing text in the photos does indeed say “Air Duster” in Katakana.
Colin
As someone who is frequently wishing he had a can of compressed air, this thing looks sweet. Not sure I want it enough to add another battery system though.
MoogleMan3
I’d love for an M18 version of one of these. I use a metro datavac to dust out PCs all the time and having a cordless option would make things a lot more convenient.
Jeremiah D
Just get a ryobi one and an aftermarket battery converter. Its a pretty low draw tool so i dont see much danger in damaging the battery. Im sure there are aftermarket attachments that will adapt.
If i didnt often carry ryobi batteries as second toy m18/m12 id do this. Ive considered getting a battery adapter for my ryobi tools to just carry m18 batteries but havent gone that route yet.
it’s_jake
I don’t know what it is but i love the look of the 40v batteries. like a holographic pokémon card compared to the 18v
Nathan
probably on 40 V system to have useful run time. figure a ducted fan running at high speed either has to have alot of voltage and low current or it has high current draw at lower voltage. the second idea wastes power in wire heating
so higher voltage makes sense. Would like to see this but I also have to say I’d like the see the feature set come to a cordless heat gun. IE without heat one – fan speed increased – more ducting addtions (like this kit) so the heat gun can do double duty.
but I probably want to much.
Stuart
I don’t see this as drawing more power than 18V-class job site blowers or leaf blowers.
MM
If this tool is to be capable of providing blast of air with sufficient pressure and volume to act as an effective duster after going through that clear vinyl tubing or the long black extension shown in the overhead fan cleaning photograph then it must pack some serious power. If it doesn’t then I can see this being a whole lot of disappointment.
I personally would have no interest in it unless it represents a significant step up from the average 18V jobsite blower.
Nathan
SOrry I did miss a bit – for this to work well it has to have more pressure than a normal leaf blower. so while the volume doesn’t have to be great – and the air flow is concentrated – the pressure at the fan blade can be higher. That’s why I see this as a higher draw tool.
Carlos
I’ll be very annoyed is this doesn’t come out in 18v…
That and a brushless multi tool without starlock
Stuart
They probably have an agreement with Bosch; they’re also using Bosch’s proprietary interface in their grinders.
Jorhay
I have the current 18 volt blower. I love it, but the form factor is so awkward to store. I’d love it if they released an 18 volt version of this.
Rx9
I got the Ryobi 18v inflator. I power it with a m18 battery via adapter. It’s very useful as an air duster. As a simple, useful $15-25 tool, I’m surprised more systems don’t have this application.
Big Richard
Since you brought it up, I think when Makita talked about the next level of power and capabilities with XGT, they were talking about tools like their 80v 14″ power cutter. Using two 8Ah 40v XGT batteries it can compete with something like the MX Fuel power cutter, all while still being able to power your core handheld power tools like a drill or an impact.
Stuart
The entire platform is supposed to be their next-level-power solution.
Big Richard
That’s what I’m saying. People seemed to scoff at XGT when it came out and only had the same tools that were already readily available in 18v versions. They are beginning to show what XGT is truly capable of, light equipment. Tools like this duster and drills are likely not what Makita was hyping XGT for, but were maybe necessary for system buy in and they are nice little add ons for what XGT can become, imo.
Stuart
Makita USA says that XGT is “for high demand applications” and that 18V is “for most applications.”
However, there’s a new XGT brad nailer. https://toolguyd.com/makita-40v-xgt-cordless-brad-nailer/ Where’s the new and improved 18V nailer?
If they have 18V leaf blowers and jobsite blowers, why not an 18V duster?
But, why isn’t there an XGT jig saw yet?
I think that we’ll continue to see most new-to-world innovations and upgrades coming to the XGT line, with the 18V line becoming more focused on SubCompact and more affordable and medium-duty core tools. That’s not a bad thing, and it’s what the trend is showing.
When I play the “what would I do differently?” thought exercise, there’s no obvious better path. Personally, I think a cross-platform battery adapter would be wonderful, but maybe it simply wasn’t possible.
Makita hit the limit with what they can do power-wise with 18V and 18V X2. So, that’s where XGT steps in.
But, with XGT featuring an increasing number of tools that seem to just as well belong to an 18V platform, where does the 18V system come into play? Right now, the 18V line can fill in holes in the XGT lineup. Fast forward a couple of years, and what will the 18V lineup offer XGT users? SubCompact tools and more affordable core tools.
If tools like this are destined to be XGT exclusives, maybe it’s Makita’s way of increasing interest and drawing the line between 18V and XGT.
Ryan
Makita 12v has not been updated, 18v seems to follow this
bj
I’m all in on Makita, and my blowers are the most used tool at home. I have the x2 big boy for leaves and garage sweeping, and the compact blower for everything else. I recently had concrete repairs and wanted something with higher pressure to blow debris from cracks and holes, so I purchased a quiet series compressor and blow gun. This is now my go to when I need to dust/dislodge debris that that the compact blower can’t, but it’s a pain to set up and/or lug around. If this duster can function good enough to replace my blow gun, then it’s a no brainer for me. I would really need this in 18v form, though.
Etienne
I like it, especially with the photos showing uses I would have never considered. Wish Bosch would come out with one, since I use their 18V system.
Dave the tool
Will be interesting to see if other manufacturers will jump on this train such as Dewalt and Milwaukee which I am deeply invested in both. I did purchase a Ryobi 18v high pressure inflator and low volume blower that essentially does the same thing without all the cool adaptors. I just haven’t played around with it enough to give adequate feedback but the reviews are excellent.
Matt P.
Cool concept but seems like a really phoned-in form factor. I get that using an existing drill/driver housing keeps costs down but I feel like I’d be constantly banging the front edge of the battery into whatever I was using it on/for. As for the utility, I’m sold- I have an old, non-fuel M18 blower that is a really lackluster leaf blower but works great for inflating/dusting duties. Having the battery on the back provides way better balance IMO.
Brian
Really looking forward to either Dewalt or Milwaukee coming out with something similar
Jared
Hard to say how useful it would be, but I like the concept.
Some of it seems silly – who would try drying a car with this? My full-size cordless blower is only mediocre at this task. I can’t imagine something the size of a drill with a tiny fan at the back and a nozzle would be anything but an exercise in frustration.
As a “duster” though, it seems interesting. The shape and size would be handy to have beside a drill press or on a workbench. Too much power only makes a mess in those situations .
MM
I completely agree about this thing being far too small for drying a car. To me it seems they’re trying to compete with “canned air” sorts of dusters for small jobs that require relatively high pressure. If it can deliver the same sort of powerful blast that a canned air duster can then I can see it being very handy for all sorts of electronics/IT/etc.
For blowing down machine tools I like as much power as I can get: blow all the chips and grime onto the floor and then sweep or vac it up. I hate having to work a weaker air nozzle around through the T-slots on my milling or drill press tables, in and around the vises, etc. A good powerful nozzle gets everything at once without having to take the time to chase out every crack and crevice. Get all the chips off the tool in two seconds instead of two minutes.
I have Dixon high-volume blow guns hanging from 1/2″ coil hoses at all my machines plumbed into shop air. They are strong enough to have significant “recoil” when you pull the handle, and I don’t find those too powerful though you’d better be wearing your safety glasses.
Stuart
I think the image was just to show proof of concept. There are reasons why someone might want to dry a small area, such as glass repair or to stick on a decal of some kind (although that’s usually done on the inside).
Will
If I didn’t own a datavac, I’d totally want this to dust my computer
Joatman
Yes…. I would definitely buy one if the price was reasonable in the Dewalt 20v platform.
Ray
I’d love one in either Ridgid or Ryobi flavors….between our inflatable dinghys, kiddy pool, absurd amount of donut colored floaties…and the duster would rock, pc case, hard to reach window nooks and crannies…I bet it would be great for finding drafts in the house with a candle….
TonyT
Ryobi high volume inflator P738 (currently $30 at HD)
For Ridgid, there’s the R86043B 18V compact jobsite blower with inflator / deflator nozzle, which looks like a step up (160 MPH / 110 CFM) from the Ryobi inflator, but not quite at the level of the typical leaf blower. Currently, $60 at HD or $25 refurb if you happen to live close to a DirectToolsOutlet store.
MT_Noob
Even as a Makita fan, I’m not sure I would put this on my wish list. However, I will throw out a possible million dollar idea.
Maybe there is a market for mini turbo fan/inflator as a universal attachment. Imagine it like a right angle drill adapter. You could have an attachment that goes on the front of your drill or driver and it has gearing to drive a fan/turbine to either blow a small high pressure stream for dusting off things, or different gearing to move high volume and inflate pool toys.
Who knows, maybe we could do a kick starter.
Joatman
I like the idea! I have the Dewalt 20v inflator, which works awesome and can do a lot of what you described…..but it’s too big and bulky to use for such smaller jobs. Don’t think the pressure is high enough for blasting bursts of air to remove dust from EDC “stuff”, keyboards, tools….etc. Canned air is my go-to for that. But some sort or adapter that fits onto a drill would be great. But I’m sure that for a drill to accommodate such an attachment, the tool would need to be engineered to be able to disengage the gearing and allow just a fan or turbine like you mentioned. Awesome idea for a great tool!!!
MM
It’s possible, but I’m not sure how much cost savings there would be. Really the only thing you’re making redundant is the motor, you still have to have all the rest of the inflator present. Also, moving lots of air at high volume is a very different beast than high pressure air. There isn’t really any one mechanism which can do both. If you want to do both you need both some kind of a fan or blower for the high flow output, and a compressor for the other, which is how tools like the DCC020IB work. So I don’t think it could be all that cheap.
I think there are also a number of disadvantages. First off, how do you hold it? If you’re powering it with a drill then you need one hand to hold and operate the drill. But you also need to hold the inflator still, so now both hands are occupied holding the tool. That’s very awkward compared to a blower you can use with one hand. And if you drop it you probably broke something because a heavy drill on one and and a blower on the other joined by a narrow shaft…guess where that’s going to break. Some kind of arm attachment that holds the drill to the inflator could get around that…but at the cost of more expense, and also being awkward.
I think such a device also misses out on one of the best features that a dedicated inflator has: the ability to set a pressure and then walk away and let the tool do it’s job. I’d rather not have to sit and watch a pressure gauge now that I’ve experienced how convenient the alternative is.
Joatman
Makes sense that some sort of compression is need…..otherwise you’re just blowing air through a fan. An entirely different animal.
MM
I think it could be practical if it was kept very simple, like just a basic blower that is drill-powered. I’m imagining something like the modular outdoor power equipment blower, just scaled down for drill use.
Basically this but smaller:
https://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Pro-Attachment-Series/blower-attachment
MM
I found an interesting video on this tool though it’s entirely in Japanese
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Up5Jt9V50Q
A few highlights:
-The duster has an optional intake filter for the rear of the unit in case you need to use it in dirty conditions, though this will reduce the power.
-The duster has a “vacuum hose” that can be fitted to the rear of the unit, this allows it to be used to *deflate* large inflatables
-There are four different power mode settings, At the lowest power setting it has a 50 minute run time, this is reduced to 25, 17, and finally 13 minutes as you set it higher, if I understood correctly that was with a 4 amp battery.
-He did a basic sound level comparison between this (87 dB), a standard Makita 18v jobsite blower (90 db), and a Hikoki aka Metabo HPT compact blower (89 dB). This tool was quieter than the others but he described the sound as being subjectively more obnoxious.
-A demo of blowing water off a car hood
Sadly there was no demonstration or comparison of blowing dust.
This video from the same person contains a rather unscientific test of using an air speed meter to compare the same three tools. Curiously the AS001G manages to beat most of the competition even when equipped with a very small nozzle and from quite a distance, which is not how I imagine this tool is expected to be used.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdtB6KF6JtU
…but most important is a little demo of blowing sand/gravel around, and then trying to blow off a towel which had been rubbed in the dirt.
I am not impressed.
This video, from another source, has a much better demonstration of the blower’s capabilities in a variety of situations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6r3v7uElCY
In my opinion the best demonstration of the blowing capabilities are at about 14:55. Here he set up the blower with the flexible hose extension, set it to the highest power setting, and then tried to blow out a foam filter screen. Note you can still see plenty of dust behind.
Having seen these videos it’s apparent that it is higher pressure than a standard jobsite blower but not by much, and at the same time it is lower airflow volume. It does appear to do roughly the same job in a more compact size, however, and it has lots of attachments for inflation & the like.
Greg
With all those pictures of working with computers, I wonder if they will have any kind of ESD claims
Tim E.
For those who were wishing for an 18V version, it’s here! Just saw it up for preorder at ToolNut.