Full Review ⭐ Makita DTM50Z LXT: Cordless Oscillating Tool, 18V, 20,000

The Makita DTM50Z is a powerful and versatile 18V cordless oscillating multi-tool designed for professional use. As part of Makita's expanding 18V LXT line, the DTM50Z delivers the convenience of cordless operation with impressive power and performance similar to corded models.

This oscillating tool features Makita's brushless motor technology, which provides up to 50% more power and run time compared to previous models. With a no load speed of up to 20,000 oscillations per minute (OPM), the DTM50Z makes quick work of many cutting, sanding, and scraping applications.

The DTM50Z has a slim, ergonomic body design that promotes control and comfort during extended use. It accepts a wide range of accessories and attachments to tackle jobs like plunge cuts, flush cuts, detail sanding, grout removal, and more. Overall, the DTM50Z combines pro-level power and versatility in a compact 18V LXT cordless platform.

Design and Build Quality

The Makita DTM50Z is designed with durability and performance in mind. The housing is constructed from lightweight but tough magnesium for increased durability on the job site. Despite the metal housing, the DTM50Z weighs just 3.3 lbs making it comfortable for extended use. The compact size, measuring just 12-3/4" long, allows it to fit into tight spaces.

The barrel grip is covered in a soft rubber overmold that provides a secure and comfortable hold even when wearing gloves. All the controls are thoughtfully placed for easy one-handed operation. The variable speed dial allows you to match the speed to the application, with a maximum speed of 20,000 RPM.

The DTM50Z features Makita's proprietary Extreme Protection Technology, which seals and protects the motor and bearings from dust and debris. This results in a more durable tool with a longer lifespan. Overall, the DTM50Z is built to withstand heavy daily use on demanding job sites while still being lightweight and comfortable to handle.

For those looking for an oscillating multi-tool kit, the Makita DTM51Z is a great option. This kit includes the DTM51Z oscillating multi-tool along with 8 additional accessories and a carrying case. The accessories allow you to tackle a wide variety of applications including sanding, cutting, scraping and more. It's a versatile kit that will enable you to complete many DIY and remodeling projects.

The included accessories are high quality and maximize the capabilities of the oscillating multi-tool. You get a scraper blade, 2 sanding pads, 5 sanding sheets, and a segment saw blade. The scraper blade is useful for removing adhesives, paint or old caulk. The sanding accessories let you smooth and finish various materials. And the segment saw blade can cut through wood, metal and even tile. Having all these accessories means you'll be prepared for most oscillating tool tasks.

The carrying case keeps everything protected, organized and portable. So you'll be able to transport the oscillating multi-tool and accessories conveniently to any job site. Overall, the Makita DTM51Z kit delivers versatility and great value by including multiple accessories along with a powerful 18V LXT oscillating multi-tool.

Motor Power and Performance

The Makita DTM50Z features a powerful 18V LXT Lithium-Ion motor that delivers up to 20,000 OPM for fast cutting and sanding applications. This brushless motor is engineered for longer runtimes, increased power and speed, and longer overall tool life compared to brushed motors.

The DTM50Z has a variable speed dial with 6 settings so you can match the speed to the application. At lower speeds, the tool provides more control for detail work and precision cuts. At the highest setting, it delivers full power for aggressive stock removal. The electronic speed control helps maintain constant speed even under load for smooth, consistent performance.

Power delivery is optimized through Makita's Extreme Protection Technology, which provides improved dust and water resistance. The motor housing has labyrinth construction and special seals to protect the motor and bearings from dust ingress and improve heat dissipation. This enables the DTM50Z to deliver sustained power even in harsh job site conditions.

Overall, the DTM50Z's motor technology provides ample power for cutting, sanding, and grinding applications in wood, metal, plastic and more. Variable speed settings allow you to tune the power delivery to suit light duty or heavy duty tasks.

Blade Changing and Oscillation Angle

The Makita DTM50Z features a convenient tool-less blade changing system that allows you to quickly swap out blades without any tools. Simply press the blade release button and the blade will eject for fast changes.

The oscillation angle on the DTM50Z has a range of 3.2 degrees left to right. This gives you a nice wide sweep for aggressive material removal. The oscillation speed is also adjustable via the variable speed dial, allowing you to match the speed to the material you're cutting. Slower speeds work better for metals and hard materials, while higher speeds are ideal for wood and drywall.

Overall, the tool-less blade changing and wide oscillation angle adjustability make blade changes and cutting applications easy with the DTM50Z. The variable speed gives you flexibility to optimize the oscillation action for different materials.

Battery Life and Charging

The Makita DTM50Z comes with two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery packs, which provide impressive battery life for cordless power and runtime. The batteries use Makita's proprietary LXT technology that is engineered for longer run times, increased power and speed, and improved tool performance.

In real-world use, the DTM50Z can make hundreds of cuts on a single full battery charge. The exact battery life will vary depending on the type of cuts, materials being cut, and oscillation speed used. But users report getting 30-60 minutes of constant cutting per battery.

When it does come time to recharge, Makita's rapid optimum charger can fully recharge one of the 18V LXT batteries in just 30 minutes. So you'll be back up and running quickly. The charger plugs into a standard wall outlet.

The rapid charging capabilities combined with the outstanding battery life per charge makes sure you can keep working with minimal downtime. The two included batteries also allow you to charge one while still using the other.

Accessories

The DTM50Z comes with a good selection of accessories included in the box. It has a fixed base that allows you to use the tool for stationary sanding and grinding applications. There's also a plunge cut blade and an offset blade for making cuts in tight spaces.

For additional attachments, Makita offers a wide range of blades, sanding pads, and cutting guides that are compatible with the DTM50Z. Some of the most useful accessories include:

• Sanding and polishing pads - Available in multiple grits and shapes for finishing and surface prep tasks. The quick change system makes it fast to swap accessories.

• Carbide grout removal blade - Allows you to cleanly remove old grout without damaging tiles. Great for renovations.

• Circle cutter guide - Attaches to the tool to cut perfect circles in flooring, drywall, and other materials.

• Detail blade set - Contains specialized blades like the hook and fork blade for precision work.

With the range of attachments available, the DTM50Z can be customized to handle many different jobs from metal grinding to fine woodworking. The versatility of the accessories helps make this a useful tool for both pros and DIYers.

Ergonomics and Handling

The Makita DTM50Z has excellent ergonomics and handling, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.

Grip

The rubberized grip feels secure in your hand without being bulky or cumbersome. It provides a good balance between comfort and control. The grip has indentations for your fingers to curl around and anti-slip textures to prevent hand fatigue.

Balance

At only 3.5 lbs, the DTM50Z is lightweight and well-balanced. The tool doesn't feel front or back heavy, allowing you to maneuver it easily into tight spaces. The balance also minimizes strain on your wrists during overhead work.

Vibration

Makita has engineered the DTM50Z to produce minimal vibrations during operation. This is achieved through counterbalancing components and vibration dampening mechanisms inside the housing. Lower vibration reduces hand numbness and fatigue when working for longer durations. The smooth oscillating action also contributes to less vibration than a reciprocating saw.

Applications

The Makita DTM50Z oscillating multi-tool is a highly versatile tool suitable for a wide range of applications. Its compact size and powerful motor make it ideal for use in tight spaces and for efficiently cutting through various materials.

Some of the applications and materials this tool handles particularly well include:

• Woodworking - The oscillating action allows for precise and splinter-free cuts in wood, including plywood, lumber, trim boards, and more. It can cut curves and circles for custom wood projects.

• Metal cutting - With the right blade, the DTM50Z can cut sheet metal, pipes, nails, and other metals with ease. It's great for HVAC work, plumbing, auto repair, and metal fabrication.

• Flooring - It excels at undercutting door jambs and cutting flooring materials like laminate planks and tiles. The flush cutting ability is useful for installations.

• Drywall - The tool can cut openings for electrical boxes, vents, and other drywall modifications. It produces clean edges without cracking the surrounding drywall.

• Tile - With a diamond grit blade, it can cut ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles. It's useful for installing backsplashes, mosaics, and other tile designs.

The versatile oscillating function allows this tool to tackle materials that would be difficult with standard saws. It's designed for control and precision on a wide array of jobsites and DIY projects.

Pros and Cons

The Makita DTM50Z oscillating multi-tool offers both advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering.

Pros:

• Powerful 18V motor provides fast cutting speeds even in tough materials
• Tool-less blade change makes swapping blades quick and easy
• Variable speed dial gives great control over cutting speed
• Good runtime per charge of around 30 minutes with a 5.0Ah battery
• Ergonomic shape fits nicely in hand reducing fatigue
• Anti-vibration technology minimizes vibration for more comfortable use
• LED light illuminates work area
• Comes with a good starter kit of accessories

Cons:

• Battery and charger sold separately adds to initial cost
• Fixed oscillation angle limits versatility compared to tools with variable angles
• No soft start feature can lead to more difficult plunge cuts
• No variable speed trigger lacks fine speed control
• Some users report issues with blade wobble at high speeds
• Price is quite high compared to corded oscillating tools

In summary, the DTM50Z is a powerful and well-designed cordless oscillating tool but the high price and lack of included battery bring down its value somewhat. It excels at quick cutting jobs where cordless convenience is preferred. But for extended use, a comparable corded model could provide better overall value.

Conclusion

The Makita DTM50Z is an excellent cordless oscillating multi-tool that delivers powerful performance and versatility for DIYers and professionals alike. Its brushless motor provides efficient power output and runtime, while the tool-less blade change system allows for fast accessory swaps.

The variable speed dial gives you precise control over the oscillation speed to match the application. An LED light illuminates the work area for improved visibility. The ergonomic grip makes the DTM50Z comfortable to hold, even during prolonged use.

With a maximum oscillation angle of 3.2 degrees, the DTM50Z can make quick work of flush cutting, plunge cutting, and scraping tasks. It accepts all major brands' oscillating accessories to further expand its capabilities.

Overall, the Makita DTM50Z is a highly capable and reliable oscillating multi-tool that combines cordless convenience, power, and runtime in a thoughtfully designed package. If you're looking for a versatile problem-solving tool, the DTM50Z is easy to recommend. Its performance and features make it a great choice for most DIYers and professionals.