Makita is delighted to announce the release of its new long-reach 18v LXT Brushless Drywall Sander.
The innovative solution marks a first for the company and will afford tradespeople more freedom, helping them to sand in difficult to reach areas.
The drywall sander is the latest addition to Makita’s lithium-ion (LXT) range. Products in this range are supported by the company’s innovative LXT battery technology. When compared to traditional batteries, LXT batteries support anytime charge, long-time storage and are shock absorbent. Designed with the trade in mind, the batteries provide superior charging times; a 5.0Ah battery can be fully charged in as little as 45 minutes with the DC18RC fast charger. What’s more, being battery-powered means the tools can be used freely, without having to connect to a mains power source.
Whilst mobile, the new drywall sander is still powerful enough for use across an array of trade jobs. The 18v brushless motor can produce a load speed of between 1,000 – 1,800 rpm. Tradespeople can control speed on the machine via its variable speed control dial. Likewise, the tool features a constant speed control function to ensure the required speed is maintained under load. At only 5.7kg, this drywall sander is highly functional and can be used for prolonged periods without causing strain in hands or arms.
As well as reducing weight, Makita has taken further steps to ensure the machine is as user-friendly as possible. To this end, the machine features a flexible head, which is perfect for progressing work in hard-to-reach places. Similarly, the sander’s dust brush is fully removable, allowing tradespeople to use the system’s easy glide roller wheels to achieve flush-to-wall edge sanding. Finally, the machine features a large two-finger trigger that’s easily accessible even when wearing protective hand gear.
The new tool uses a direct-drive brushless motor that sits on top of the sanding head. As well as a soft start function, the machine is fitted with an auto-start wireless (AWS) system, which connects to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth, making it an ideal partner for the Makita DVC864LZ cordless L-Class ‘AWS’ extractor when finishing drywall applications. As a result, whenever the tool is turned on it will automatically power up the Bluetooth-connected dust extractor it has been paired with. The innovative feature makes dust management much easier on-site, helping to satisfy increasingly stringent dust standards.
To reach tall ceilings and walls, the drywall sander is fitted with a large telescopic pole. The standard pole is long enough to reach most walls, extending to 420mm. The pole can be set at various heights, allowing the user to match its length to best suit the task they’re working on. For those wanting to use the tool on ceilings, an extension handle set is available (item - 199937-7), which provides an additional 575mm to ultimately achieve an overall working reach of 2.1 metres. The extension handle is supplied with an accompanying support belt to more evenly distribute the tool’s weight around the user’s body.
The handle forms part of a collection of accessories specially designed to complement the drywall sander. Users will also be able to purchase 225mm abrasive discs in various grits, ranging from 40 to 320. Created with the trade in mind, each disc is sold in packs of 25 and are available through all reputable Makita stockists.
Speaking on the new release, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita commented: “Our new drywall sander is giving tradespeople another option for finishing off walls and ceilings. The tool is incredibly versatile and user-friendly. During the design process, we focussed on making the machine feel light, whilst ensuring it still packed a powerful punch. We’re very proud with the result, from the large two-finger trigger, to its telescopic pole it’s been designed with the end-user in mind. We can’t wait to hear how people get on using it out on-site.”
The new 18v LXT Brushless Drywall Sander is part of a series of new product releases from Makita, which will be available in stores from September. For more information about the company’s range of industry-leading tools, please visit: https://www.makitauk.com/
