Makita 40V XGT 6" Cordless Sander Review — A One-of-a-Kind Design Woodworkers Need to See
Makita did something no other tool brand has done — they built a cordless sander with the battery offloaded to your belt for perfect balance and comfort. After testing it in my shop, I think this might be one of the best cordless sanders for woodworkers available today. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the reviews coming, so thanks for your support!
Watch My Full Video Review
Check out my in-depth video review and testing of the Makita 40V XGT 6" Cordless Sander on YouTube:
Why This Makita Cordless Sander is Totally Different
I’ve tested a lot of sanders over the years — from budget-friendly models to premium Festool sanders. But the Makita 40V XGT 6-Inch Cordless Sander (model GEX01Z) stands in a category all its own.
Instead of mounting the battery directly on the back of the sander — like every other cordless sander on the market — Makita moved the battery to your belt. This simple design change makes a massive difference.
It keeps the sander lightweight, comfortable, and perfectly balanced for long sanding sessions.
If you sand a lot of cutting boards, tabletops, slabs, or furniture pieces — you need to take a serious look at this tool.
this Makita XGT 40v Sander is one of the smoothest sanders I’ve ever used. The sander produces a top quality finish!
Key Features of the Makita 40V XGT Cordless Sander
Lightweight & Balanced
Sander weighs just 2 lbs 5 oz in hand
No battery weight pulling the sander backwards
Excellent Dust Collection
Best I’ve seen on a cordless sander
Works great with Makita or Festool dust extractors
Bluetooth capable for auto-start extraction
Long Battery Runtime
Up to 48 minutes of sanding per charge with a 4.0Ah 40V XGT battery
6" Sanding Pad with 5mm Stroke
Removes material fast while leaving a smooth finish
40% more surface area than a 5" sander
Off loading the battery weight from the sander was nothing short of GENIUS by Makita!
What I Like About It
The dust collection is phenomenal
Lightweight design keeps my hands from getting fatigued
Runs cool even after sanding for 20-30 minutes straight
Feels like a high-end corded sander — with cordless freedom
The battery-offloading design is a total game changer
Things to Keep in Mind
Because the battery clips to your belt, you do have a cord running to the sander. In a small shop, you’ll need to stay mindful of that so you don’t accidentally pull the sander off your bench.
Also, while it comes with some accessories like a dust bag and optional arm strap, I found them more useful for jobsite work or overhead sanding — not so much in my shop.
Final Verdict — Is the Makita 40V XGT 6" Sander Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you're already in the Makita 40V XGT platform — this is a no-brainer.
If you're looking for the best cordless sander for woodworking, especially for larger projects, this should be on your shortlist.
Makita built something completely unique here — and it works.
Shop the Makita 40V XGT 6" Cordless Sander
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Makita just changed the cordless sander game. The new Makita 40V XGT 6" Cordless Sander takes a totally unique approach