Makita has given their 18V cordless oscillating tool a tool-free blade change mechanism upgrade. The new Makita XMT035 is a variable speed oscillating multi-tool that can work with Bosch OIS-compatible blades and accessories. Powered by Makita’s 3.0Ah battery pack it offers “up to 15 minutes” of runtime.
Related: Check out our Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Recommendations!
Features and Specifications
- 6,000 to 20,000 OPM
- Variable speed dial
- On/off switch
- Smooth start motor
- 3.2° oscillating angle
- Weighs 4.5 pounds
As with other OMTs, the Makita XMT035 can be used for cutting, sanding, scraping, and grinding tasks.
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First Thoughts
Makita’s new OMT looks to be a slight upgrade over their original multi-tool, in how it now has a tool-free blade change mechanism. Personally, I won’t use an oscillating tool that doesn’t have a tool-free mechanism, as it can be quite inconvenient to have to track down an L-key for every bit or blade change.
To be frank, I don’t find the new multi-tool to be very appealing, but I also don’t see any major downsides except potentially in regard to battery life. It’s not brushless, which means lower motor efficiency and shorter runtime. Makita has 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah Li-ion battery packs available overseas – but their USA release is nowhere in sight. Meanwhile other brands’ 4.0Ah batteries are readily available, with Bosch and Dewalt 5.0Ah batteries pending release. Milwaukee’s M18 5.0Ah launch probably won’t be too far behind.
“Up to 15 minutes of runtime” isn’t terrible for a tool like this, but it’s not any better than what Makita’s older cordless oscillating tool was rated at. Since Makita didn’t design this OMT with a brushless motor, and their higher capacity battery packs haven’t even been announced in the USA, users looking for maximum runtime might want to consider competing models.
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John
The only use I can see for cordless OMTs is a contractor using it for small punchlist type work at the end of a project or one off operations like cutting a receptacle opening in a cabinet where run-time isn’t a concern.
As a homeowner, I’m fine with a corded tool because if I’m pulling out the Fein, it’s probably going to get a workout anyway.
Jack Brown
I find I use my Makita multitool pretty frequently, but rarely if ever run the battery all the way down with it. I tend to use it for little quickie mistake corrections on woodworking projects, or for taking down a little bit more material where I’ve already made a cut.
The tool that I do tend to run down all the way is the cordless grinder. To the point where I frequently whip out the harbor freight corded grinder before I’ll bother with the Makita (the harbor freight grinder is a great buy btw).
Toolless blade change on the makita multitool would be huge for me. I do frequently juggle blades on the same job, and the allen wrench is one more step that makes the job more irritating.
Mike Wilson
I see no real positives here, seriously tool free blade change on a multi tool is such a jack up. Brushless and longer run time is the REAL KEY with these tools.
During a day how many times do we actually change the blade. Not often enough for these fools to put time Into it at the cost of BRushless Motor !!!
Big Makita user but more and more disillusioned.
Not happy Jan.
Pete
When the heck are they going to release their 5ah batteries?! I don’t want to buy the 3ah batteries because I read on amazon that there are problems with their 3ah batteries.
I keep waiting and waiting, it’s to the point where I might switch over to a the Milwaukee line for the battery options.
Stuart
I have received word that their 4.0Ah batteries “are on track for Summer 2014 release.” There is no information at all about a USA release of the 5.0Ah batteries at this time.
Simon
I use this tooled version of this daily 15 minutes is a loooooong time try it some time its also only 20min to charge a 3ah battery with makita I probably make between 100 and 200 cuts on a single charge. make your cut and shut the tool off its that simple I have cut a 2×4 down the middle 3ft long on a charge with a good blade no issues. I also on the Fein multi master which sits collecting dust on my shelf because the cordless is that much more convenient and I have never once needed the corded one since. as for the L key its located on the tool sure the tool less one is easier but really its a work horse