We weren’t planning on reviewing this grinder, but when we reviewed the Makita chainsaw, this grinder was a free addition. Since grinders are so widely used, we figured we would take a closer look. While most manufacturers offer some type of cordless grinder, not all are created equal. So how does the Makita stack up? Well now would be a great time to get into our Makita XAG06Z Cordless Grinder Review.
Makita XAG06Z Cordless Grinder Review – Overview
Makita has one of the largest lineups of power tools and especially cordless power tools. In regards to grinders, Makita has been making cordless grinders for a while. Their grinders are always highly praised by tradesman because of the high quality and powerful motors.
The XAG06Z is powered by their 18V battery platform. You can buy this grinder in a bare tool or in a kit with batteries, plus it will be included in some other purchases.
Makita XAG06Z Cordless Grinder Review – Features
The Makita grinder is built around an efficient brushless motor. Not only does the brushless motor increase efficiency, but it increases the longevity of the grinder.
There are two awesome features to this grinder. First, is automatic speed change. This feature will automatically adjust the speed and torque during operation. However, if the rotation of the tool suddenly slows or stops, the electronic torque control turns off the motor.
Unfortunately you can not attach the handle to the top of the grinder, however, you can attach the side handle to either the left or right side of the tool.
The paddle trigger does not allow for a variable speed. You are either on or off, but no in between.
Makita Cordless Grinder Review – Performance
This is a grinder with a hard punch. To be more specific, it’s not a punch to the user, but to whatever you are grinding or cutting off. The grinder has plenty of power to easily complete a job.
The grinder isn’t heavy and only weighs 5.6 lbs and that is with a battery. So it’s very easy to work with and control without getting tired.
Cutting metal is quick with the 8,500 of rpm output.
One of the most notable aspects of this tool is the soft start up. I am so used to having a grinder twist on start up, so the soft start-up is a nice welcome.
Most people will find the slim body, with the rubber over-mold, very comfortable when using.
Makita Cordless Grinder Review – Final Thoughts
Overall it’s hard to go wrong with the purchase of the Makita cordless grinder. The tool is powerful and packed with some cool features. While some might not like the paddle switch, Makita does offer other options. The grinder will be up to almost any task you toss its way.
Nice close up images as always, would TIA consider creating a 360 degree type view of some tools, it would be good to see them photographed in a way that you can’t get on a website, the best photography I have seen by a manufacturer has been Metabo they have a full 360 zoomable image to look at, it’s just something nice to be able to do if you can’t see the tool in person in the store.
That’s a cool idea. Would like to try and figure that out and how to make it work.
I find that for quick short operations, like cutting off a small chunk of metal, the paddle switch is my preference. But for most projects that require long run times, the XAG04 with the lock on switch on the top of the housing is what I pick up over a grinder with the paddle style trigger. I haven’t found the lack of variable speed to be an issue with a small grinder like this one myself, but I think on a seven or nine inch model, I might just want a bit more control over the rpm.
Good points and agree. Really does depend upon your application.