Thread: Makita vs Maktec

I bought a Maktek half inch router - quite a bit cheaper than the brand Makita. I am happy and my wallet is fatter. But I don't know what shortcuts were taken to produce the cheaper item. My guess was that there were not very many real differences. Good brands can only compete with lesser brands by rebadging their product. And so, in addition to the market of people who like quality, they can also market to cheap flints - like me - without compromising the price of their line. But I
could be wrong when the bearings fail on my Maktek.

Jake
I also checked out both the Makita and Maktec when I was after a laminate trimmer and ended up buying the maktec as it felt just as solid as the makita and like yourself couldnt see much of a difference other than the colour. Ive had it for about 1yr and have done several jobs with it without any problems.

Ta for the responses.

might be right. bearings may be inferior. Don't know much about the motor either.

See what happens. ta.

Sounds like it could be the same as with the blue and green Bosch tools.

Originally Posted by Barry Hicks

Sounds like it could be the same as with the blue and green Bosch tools.

No I have seen too many green Bosch tools fail.

I have a maktec laminate trimmer and think it is just great I have done quite a few jobs with it and it is powerful and a solid performer. As I understand it they are made under license by makita in china, this doesn't appear to be a cheap junkie model. I certainly would consider other products from maktec

I don't know. Not sure about the drills and the larger router by maktec.

At work theres 2 other makita trimmers just like my new maktec. And they seem identical.

Tell you one I wouldn't get though. The ryobi trimmer. the little wheel of the one I saw at bunnings, on the roller guide fence, doesn't roll proud of the casting that supports it. Silly. Doesn't roll. your guiding off the casting only.

I also have the Maktec trimmer and I'm happy with it so far. I think the difference between the two brands is : The Maktec is built in China. Makita in Japan.

Originally Posted by walro

I also have the Maktec trimmer and I'm happy with it so far. I think the difference between the two brands is : The Maktec is built in China. Makita in Japan.

Anyone who thinks there is no difference between these tools is kidding themselves. If the quality was the same, Makita would produce their trimmer there and sell it for the same price. The difference in assembly costs is minimal when compared to the manufacture/purchase price of components. Maktec's main savings are in their purchasing decisions of the bearings, arbour, field, housing, collets, etc.,. At a glance, these components might look the same, but they are FAR from it.

And before anyone wants to dispell my claims as BS, know this: I lived in Hong Kong from '88 - '97, travelled throughout Asia and tested a lot of tools in my time. Professional Asian tradespeople still buy 'Made in Japan' and 'Made in Germany'...

Damien

I know what your saying. Its the safe way to go. But I don't think it applys to everything does it.

eg. At work amongst a couple shelves of makita tools, there's a large ryobi router. Didn't cost as much as a makita, but has held up under heavy use. Lasted as long.

What I'd like to know Damien (or from anyone)...is....have you used both a maktec and makita trimmer heavily , and which has lasted longer ?

How about this ........ If one person bought 2 maktec trimmers at $133 each. And another person bought 1 makita trimmer (which will cost essentially the same amount as 2 maktecs) and they had similar use of a trimmer, which person do you think will have to buy another trimmer first ?

I'm thinking the makita fella will.

Hi Damien,
The Mactec is built in China. - To a price. I understand what you're saying. I've been in the air compressor business for 30 plus years and I know the difference of a machine built in China or one coming out of Japan. Mind you the Chinese are getting better all the time. SMC Pneumatics (also a Japanese co) are manufacturing some of their products in China and it's very hard to spot the difference between the chinese and japanese manufactured goods. I suppose only in the long run you will be able to see.
BTW: My money is also on the Makita.
Walter

Originally Posted by apricotripper

How about this ........ If one person bought 2 maktec trimmers at $133 each. And another person bought 1 makita trimmer (which will cost essentially the same amount as 2 maktecs) and they had similar use of a trimmer, which person do you think will have to buy another trimmer first? I'm thinking the makita fella will.

Wouldn't surprise me if the Makita (if it says 'Made in Japan') outlasts both of them - ESPECIALLY if they are subjected to demanding working conditions.

Two things kill tools. Dust and heat.

Generally:
Dust: If they are the same design, the dust labarynth will be the same. The RPMs and fan dimensions will also be the same. But lower quality bearings will be more prone to failure. The extra load on the arbour and high revs will help lead to the next major problem -
Heat: I cannot stress the importance of quality wiring. The insulation alone can prove critical to tool life. The quality of the field (coating and winding) make a big difference. The quality of the arbour and its balancing (most expensive electrical part) makes a big difference. The bearings in hi-reving tools are very important.

My first Makita (3600BR) hasn't missed a beat in 20 years. It has not only been reliable, but free of vibration and extremely accurate. There is no doubt that some Chinese factories are producing good tools. But believe me, the day they start producing great tools, they will be as expensive as those from Japan and Germany.

I'm affraid you really do get what you pay for...

Damien
PS. I've said it before but at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll say it again: those who scrimp when buying hi-reving tools, should NOT do the same when it comes to buying their safety gear...

Makita made in Japan? Gone are the days... Not Much made by Makita is made here (Japan) anymore.
If I walk into the local Makita dealer today, almost all the range is made or assembled in China, and thats the truth.
The same goes for most of the other Japanese tool sellers (Hitachi, Ryobi)
These days, if it doesnt say made in Japan or made in Germany on it, I wont buy it. Call me a snob, I don't care. Ive been caught out enough buying other tools

At Bunnings today they had some green makita hammer drills. What gives are these another cheap Makita or did they run out of blue plastic?