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Milwaukee 2648-20 vs Makita XOB01Z: Which Sander Fits Your Setup?

Choose around the cordless battery platform you already use, then consider the control style: Milwaukee documents a variable-speed dial, while Makita lists three one-touch speed presets. Both selected models are tool-only; neither manufacturer page establishes a sanding-performance winner.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-18

Source checked 2026-10-18 00:28 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Which exact tool-only model fits the battery platform you use and the speed-control routine you prefer?

The Milwaukee source describes an M18 tool-only sander with a variable-speed dial; the Makita source describes an 18V LXT tool-only sander with three one-touch speed presets. These are documented setup differences, not test results.

Quick verdict

When to skip: You need an included battery and charger in the selected package; both manufacturer pages identify these versions as tool-only.
When the recommendation changes
  • If you own neither platform, compare the total cost of the tool plus any compatible battery and charger you need; current offers and prices were not assessed.
  • If your decision depends on finish quality, sanding rate, dust collection, runtime, comfort or durability, these manufacturer specifications do not settle it.

The differences that matter

Battery Platform And Tool Only Kit Planning

Milwaukee 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander (Tool Only)

Milwaukee identifies the 2648-20 as an M18 random-orbit sander sold as tool only; its page says the battery is sold separately.[1]

Makita XOB01Z 18V LXT 5-inch Random Orbit Sander (Tool Only)

Makita identifies XOB01Z as an 18V LXT 5-inch random-orbit sander sold as tool only; its page says battery and charger are not included.[2]

What this changes: Existing platform ownership and the extra battery or charger a buyer needs can change which setup fits. These sources do not establish cross-brand battery or adapter compatibility.[1, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Speed Control Workflow

Milwaukee 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander (Tool Only)

Milwaukee lists a variable-speed dial from 7,000 to 12,000 OPM.[1]

Makita XOB01Z 18V LXT 5-inch Random Orbit Sander (Tool Only)

Makita lists one-touch electronic speed control with presets at 7,000, 9,500 and 11,000 OPM.[2]

What this changes: This supports a preference-based choice between dial adjustment and the three documented presets; it does not establish faster sanding or a better finish.[1, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A buyer who already uses Milwaukee M18 batteries and prefers a variable-speed dial.

Best fit: Milwaukee 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander (Tool Only)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The exact Milwaukee page identifies this tool as an M18 tool-only sander and lists a variable-speed dial. This is platform and interface fit, not a sanding-performance result.

View Milwaukee 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander (Tool Only) on AmazonPaid link

A buyer who already uses Makita 18V LXT batteries and prefers one-touch speed presets.

Best fit: Makita XOB01Z 18V LXT 5-inch Random Orbit Sander (Tool Only)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The exact Makita page identifies this tool as an 18V LXT tool-only sander and lists three one-touch preset speeds. This is platform and interface fit, not a sanding-performance result.

View Makita XOB01Z 18V LXT 5-inch Random Orbit Sander (Tool Only) on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

Current offers and price history were not assessed. Compare live tool prices and add the cost of any compatible battery and charger you still need.

Price and dated price history were not assessed, so there is not enough information for a buy-now or wait recommendation.

Limitations

  • Both selected manufacturer versions are described as tool-only; check the exact package you plan to buy for included items.
  • The cited pages establish different named battery platforms, but do not establish cross-brand battery or adapter compatibility.
  • No controlled comparison here establishes sanding rate, finish quality, dust handling, runtime, comfort, durability or safety differences.
  • Current prices, stock and exact retail-offer conditions were not assessed.

Questions shoppers ask

Do these selected sanders include a battery and charger?

Both manufacturer pages describe the selected version as tool-only. Milwaukee says its battery is sold separately; Makita says its battery and charger are not included. Check the exact package before ordering.

How do the speed controls differ?

Milwaukee lists a variable-speed dial with a 7,000–12,000 OPM range. Makita lists three one-touch presets at 7,000, 9,500 and 11,000 OPM. This describes controls, not comparative sanding results.

Which one sands faster or leaves a smoother finish?

The manufacturer feature pages do not provide a controlled head-to-head test for sanding rate or finish, so this comparison does not name a performance winner.

Methodology and sources

Compared only the battery platform, tool-only configuration and speed-control features stated on the manufacturers’ exact model pages. No sanding, dust collection, runtime, comfort, safety or durability testing was conducted.

AI assistance organized the cited manufacturer specifications. Pickoryx did not conduct hands-on testing of these sanders.

View 2 sources
  1. 1.M18 Random Orbit Sander Tool Only - 2648-20Milwaukee Tool · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-18 00:19 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Exact model 2648-20 heading, in-box section and Specifications panel (7,000–12,000 OPM variable-speed dial; battery sold separately).: The manufacturer identifies the 2648-20 as an M18 random-orbit sander, tool only. It lists a variable-speed dial from 7,000 to 12,000 OPM and states the battery is sold separately.
  2. 2.Makita USA - Product Details - XOB01ZMakita USA · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-18 00:24 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Exact model XOB01Z heading and product details/Specifications; page states 18V LXT 5-inch Random Orbit Sander, Tool Only, three one-touch speed presets and battery/charger not included.: The manufacturer identifies XOB01Z as an 18V LXT 5-inch random-orbit sander, tool only. It lists one-touch electronic speed control with presets at 7,000, 9,500 and 11,000 OPM and says battery and charger are not included.