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Makita has announced new 18V and 12V Max SubCompact cordless polishers, aimed at “spot polishing micro imperfections or polishing narrow spaces,” and also “removing scuff marks or oxidation from plastic surfaces and convertible window screens,” and similar tasks.
The new Makita cordless polishers, XVP01 for 18V and VP01 for 12V Max CXT, work with 3″ pads and 2″ sanding discs.
Both feature lock-on power switches, variable speed triggers, and comparable speed ranges – 0-2800/0-9500 RPM.
At this time there is no word as to whether Makita is adding any polishers to their XGT 40V Max “One System” 18V form factor cordless platform.
See Also: Makita XGT Cordless Launch
Makita 18V and 40V Max Incompatibility
Makita’s product images make the polishers look a bit cramped, but it could just be the angles.
While you might not need a “sub-compact” cordless polisher for working on cars, something that is typically done in wide open spaces, the size of the tools seem appropriate. Still, I can hear the Derek Zoolander reaction – “is this a polisher for ants toy cars?”
Makita specifically describes their new cordless polishers as being for “precise detail polishing and sanding,” and it works with standard 2″ and 3″ accessories. “Sub-compact” is okay for this, both models seem to be suitably sized for spot or small area polishing tasks.
Makita XVP01 18V Cordless Polisher Features & Specs
- 0-2800/0-9500 RPM
- 2″ sanding disc
- 3″ pad size
- Lock-on switch
- Variable speed trigger
- 6-11/16″ length
- Weighs 3.1 lbs
The kit (XVP01R1B) comes with tool, charger, single battery (2.0Ah), backing plate, and polishing pads. There will also be a bare tool, XVP01ZB.
Price: $199 bare tool, $299 for kit
Buy Now: Kit via Acme Tools
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Acme Tools
It looks like Acme Tools is the only Makita USA retail partner to have these polishers in stock and ready to ship.
It’s good to see that these are in stock and shipping already. Usually when Dewalt and Milwaukee launch new cordless power tools, the high demand can lead to preorder and backorder delays.
Update: If you’re okay waiting, Amazon has already-discounted pricing on preorders – $188.58 for the bare tool, $281.83. It’s unclear why Makita USA would allow Amazon to undercut their independent channels with lower launch pricing, but take advantage of it while you can!
Buy Now: Kit via Amazon
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Amazon
Makita VP01 12V Max CXT Cordless Polisher Features & Specs
- 0-2800/0-9500 RPM
- 2″ sanding disc
- 3″ pad size
- Lock-on switch
- Variable speed trigger
- 5-1/2″ length
- Weighs 2.4 lbs
The kit, VP01R1 comes with tool, charger, single battery (2.0Ah), backing plate, and polishing pads. There will also be a bare tool, VP01Z.
Price: $179 for the bare tool, $269 for the kit
Buy Now: Kit via Acme Tools
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Acme Tools
As with the 18V version, Acme Tools has the 12V CXT version in-stock and ready to ship.
Buy Now: Kit via Amazon
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Amazon
Compare
Milwaukee Tool’s M12 cordless polisher has been very popular over the years. It’s less expensive than Makita’s new offerings, and the kits give you (2) batteries instead of just (1). The Milwaukee has slightly lower top speeds and a brushed motor instead of brushless.
The M12 polisher was released nearly 7 years ago. Maybe 2021 will the year we seen an M12 Fuel upgrade?
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Home Depot
Buy Now: Kit via Home Depot
