Makita XRJ05Z Brushless Reciprocating Saw Review for Power Tool Enthusiasts

Description

Compact and Ergonomic Design That Fits Right in Your Hand

Handling the Makita XRJ05Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Recipro Saw felt surprisingly natural from the start. Its compact frame, measuring just about 17-1/4 inches long, made maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze for me. The ergonomic grip, although made of plastic, felt sturdy and comfortable, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. I noticed this feature stood out especially when cutting in awkward angles or overhead—something my coworker, who often works on renovation sites, appreciated as well. At just over 8 pounds with the battery, it strikes a good balance between being lightweight and solidly built, which is crucial for a reciprocating saw that often requires quick, repetitive movements.

Brushless Motor Power and Variable Speed Control for Precision Cuts

One of the highlights of this tool is its Makita-built brushless motor that delivers variable speeds up to 3,000 strokes per minute on high and 2,300 on low. This variable speed trigger lets you adjust cutting speed depending on the material, which felt like having a dialed-in control for precise cuts. I tested it on engineered wood, which the saw is specifically recommended for, and the 1-1/4 inch stroke length really made cutting more efficient and faster than I expected. The motor’s electronic control matched torque and RPM perfectly to the task, so I never felt the tool bogging down even during tougher cuts. My neighbor, who’s into woodworking, was impressed by how smoothly the saw handled both light and heavy-duty jobs.

Tool-less Blade Change System: Convenience at Its Best

Swapping blades can often be a hassle, but this saw features a “tool-less” blade change system that made the process quick and painless. With just a flick of the lever, I could remove and install blades without hunting for extra tools. This convenience saved me a lot of time, especially when switching between different blade types during a single project. The included 6-inch 6TPI high-speed steel blade worked well, but knowing I could easily swap to other blades suited for metal or demolition was reassuring. This feature boosted my productivity and kept interruptions to a minimum.

LED Light and Other User-Friendly Features

The saw’s built-in LED light turned out to be more than just a gimmick. It illuminated the cut line clearly, which proved invaluable in dimly lit corners and basements. This small addition made a noticeable difference in accuracy, preventing guesswork and re-cuts. Another practical feature is the retractable tool hook, which allowed me to hang the saw conveniently when taking breaks or moving around the job site. These thoughtful touches show Makita’s attention to user needs, making the saw feel like a well-rounded package rather than just a power tool.

Price Performance: Worth the Investment for Serious Users

Considering the price to quality ratio, this cordless reciprocating saw feels like a solid investment, particularly for those already invested in the Makita 18V LXT battery platform. The fact that it uses the same fast-charging batteries I already own for other Makita tools adds a lot of value. While the saw itself comes as a tool-only option, excluding battery and charger, the performance you get justifies the cost if you’re serious about cordless power tools. It’s not the cheapest saw on the market, but its brushless motor, variable speeds, and ergonomic design make it a smart spending choice for professionals and dedicated DIYers who demand reliability and efficiency.

Drawbacks That Might Affect Some Users

Even though I’m generally satisfied, a few things stood out as potential drawbacks. For one, the plastic handle, while comfortable, doesn’t feel as rugged as some metal-bodied competitors, which may concern users who frequently drop or abuse their tools. Also, the saw’s weight, around 8.2 pounds with battery, might feel on the heavier side for smaller users or prolonged overhead work. Another quirk I noticed is that the battery and charger are sold separately, which adds to the upfront cost if you don’t already own Makita’s 18V LXT batteries. Lastly, the blade length is fixed at 4 inches, which might limit versatility if you need to cut through thicker materials often.

Drawbacks Summarized:

• Plastic handle lacks ruggedness for heavy-duty abuse
• Slightly heavy for extended overhead use
• Battery and charger not included, increasing initial investment
• Fixed 4-inch blade length limits cutting depth in some scenarios

Alternative Offerings: How It Stacks Against Rivals

Comparing this cordless reciprocating saw to competitors like the DeWalt DCS380 or Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall, the Makita excels in battery compatibility and stroke length. Its 1-1/4 inch stroke outpaces many rivals that settle for shorter strokes, translating into quicker cuts. The brushless motor technology also matches the high-efficiency standards set by these top brands. However, the DeWalt saw feels a bit lighter and has a more robust metal grip, which could sway users looking for durability in extreme conditions. Milwaukee’s model offers slightly higher max speed but at the cost of a shorter stroke length and less compact design. Overall, this saw shines in balancing power, speed, and comfort, especially if you’re already part of the Makita 18V ecosystem.

Key Benefits That Make This Saw Stand Out

• Efficient variable speed control for precision cutting
• 1-1/4 inch stroke length enhances cutting speed
• Tool-less blade change system saves time and effort
• Built-in LED light improves accuracy in low-light conditions

Using this saw turned out to be a pleasant experience, with its blend of power, convenience, and thoughtful design features. It’s not without quirks, but frankly, every tool has its trade-offs. For someone who values quick blade swaps and a brushless motor that adapts to the task, this saw is a compelling choice. My family and I have found it dependable for everything from renovation projects to garden cleanup, and its compatibility with Makita’s battery line is a real bonus.

Additional information