Makita XFD061 18V LXT Review: Best for Woodworking Cordless Drill of 2026
Lower top speed and excellent control — the woodworker's pick.
~$219 approx. street price · check retailer for current price
Check Price on AmazonBy the Best Electric Products editorial team · Last updated August 30, 2026
Woodworkers and furniture builders who value control and low weight over maximum torque.
Full Review
Woodworking asks something different from a drill than construction does. Runaway speed splinters exit holes and strips soft screw heads; what you want is controllable low-end, a clutch you trust, and a tool light enough to hold steady at an awkward angle. The XFD061 is built around exactly that.
Its 1,550 rpm top speed reads as a weakness on a spec sheet and behaves as a strength at the bench, and the 1-1/2 in. wood boring capacity covers the spade and Forstner bits most furniture work calls for. At roughly 3.8 lbs with a 3.0Ah pack it is among the easier drills here to hold precisely.
Be clear-eyed about the trade. At 530 in-lbs this is the least powerful drill on this page, and if you are boring dozens of large holes or driving structural screws you will notice. Buy it for control, not for grunt — and if you want both, the DEWALT above is the more general-purpose tool.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 1-1/2 in. wood boring capacity for spade and Forstner bits
- Lower 1,550 rpm top speed is easier to control in hardwood
- Light at about 3.8 lbs with a 3.0Ah battery
- Makita ergonomics are consistently well reviewed
Cons
- 530 in-lbs is the lowest torque figure here
- Slower than rivals when boring many large holes
Key Specs
| Motor | Brushless, 2-speed (0–400 / 0–1,550 rpm) |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 530 in-lbs |
| Wood capacity | 1-1/2 in. |
| Weight | ~3.8 lbs with 3.0Ah battery |
| Platform | Makita 18V LXT |
Ready to buy the Makita XFD061 18V LXT?
Check the current price — deals on this model come and go quickly.
Compare With Our Other Cordless Drills Picks
- DEWALT DCD800 20V MAX XR — Best Overall, ~$229
- Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL — Best Heavy-Duty, ~$229
- RYOBI ONE+ HP PBLDD01 — Best Value, ~$99
Or see the full ranking in our The Best Cordless Drills of 2026 guide.