Makita Xrj05z 18v Lxt Lithium-ion Brushless Cord Review

Makita has two full-size brushless reciprocating saws they released a while back. The larger model is on their two-bombardment 18V X2 LXT platform. The subject of today'due south review is its picayune blood brother – the Makita XRJ05 18V LXT Brushless Recipro Saw.

The 2 saws share very similar characteristics, but they're not identical. We'll take a look at those differences and aid y'all decide if the 18V version is a better selection for your needs.

Pros

• Excellent cutting speed in all materials
• Very good vibration control
• Bract lock holds in open position and snaps closed when you insert a blade
• Good value rating

Cons

• No orbital action mode modify

Recommendation

Buy it if you lot're after a premium cordless reciprocating saw that has class-leading cut performance without any major weaknesses. Laissez passer if you're looking for a saw with smart controls or more than budget-friendly pricing.

Encounter how the Makita XRJ05 performed head-to-head in the 18V course here!

First Impressions

Just under two pounds lighter than its big blood brother, the very first thing you're going to notice between the 2 Recipro Saws is the weight. With a iv.0 amp hour bombardment, the 18-volt model weighs in at 8.2 pounds. When it comes to the feature set up, the biggest difference is that the Makita XRJ05 includes a tool-free adaptable shoe length. The 36-volt model has an adjustable shoe, only it requires the use of the hex wrench to arrange.

The two saws take identical stroke lengths likewise as no-load stroke speeds. They both have crank mechanisms that are designed to reduce blade deflection and vibration. The two-finger triggers and D-handles are pretty much the aforementioned along with the upper housing. I mentioned the upper housing specifically because my medium size easily had a tough fourth dimension finding a natural grip on it, but the guys with larger hands really liked it.

The speed pick and lockout switch are the aforementioned every bit well. In the middle you're locked while pushing the switch to the left will put you at low speed and pushing to the right will put you at loftier speed. There's a white indicator to permit you know what speed yous're in.

A couple of productivity features include a rafter hook and an LED light. And of course, it runs on ane Makita 18V LXT bombardment which now has a bombardment level indicator integrated on the back.

Performance

While it'due south not obvious at commencement glance, the Makita XRJ05 18V LXT Brushless Recipro Saw has an incredibly useful blade lock arrangement. Simply button your blade into position and the lock automatically snaps down, making it a one-handed performance. To release the bract, you lot'll demand to twist the lock on the shaft which will lock itself back in an open position ready to receive the side by side blade.

Using the aforementioned tests and identical blades from our shootout, the saw had to cut every bit fast equally it could through 2 x10 force per unit area-treated pino embedded with five 16D nails. It and so had to cut 2″ EMT and #5 rebar. We used five-pound weights to ensure the downforce was the same for each saw.

When cut through nail embedded woods, the Makita XRJ05 averaged 9.09 seconds. Even though the saw certainly would've benefited from having an orbital action, that's still the fastest boilerplate in its class.

Compared to the 18V X2, this model is actually a fiddling faster in this test. When you put more than downforce on the saw, the X2'due south more than powerful motor keeps its speed higher and ends upwardly with a faster cutting.

Metal cutting was too quick with an boilerplate of 3.97 seconds to cut through our EMT. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel with One-Key (3.75 seconds) its but competitor to have a faster average in this test.

Moving to rebar, Makita maintained its impressive performance. Its 7.75-2d average was 2nd but to Kobalt, a scant 0.sixteen seconds faster.

Overall, no other saw in the standard 18V class has as consistently high cut speeds as the Makita XRJ05 18V LXT Recipro Saw.

Ergonomics

One of the biggest advantages the Makita XRJ05 18V LXT Brushless Recipro Saw every bit over its 36-volt brother is the fact that it'southward nearly 2 pounds lighter and that makes a meaning difference.

Vibration command seems to be slightly better with the heavier model – not unexpected since the additional weight also helps stabilize the tool. Overall though, vibration command and this model is very good, merely Bosch had the all-time in our tests.

The handle ergonomics are decent. Like I mentioned before, the upper housing doesn't offer as natural a grip for my easily as it does someone who has larger hands. The D-handle and 2-finger trigger are about as good as yous can wait from a reciprocating saw. Perhaps some additional contour to the handle would help, just it'southward no less comfortable to concur than most.

The Bottom Line

The Makita XRJ05 propelled itself to a win in our caput to caput review with its design and performance. For a cordless tool that's entering its 4th yr of existence, it'southward an impressive result that shows how well Makita's team designed it.

Buy it if yous're afterwards a premium cordless reciprocating saw that has class-leading cutting performance without whatsoever major weaknesses. Pass if yous're looking for a saw with smart controls or more upkeep-friendly pricing.

Makita XRJ05 18V LXT Brushless Recipro Saw Review Key Features

• Built-in LED low-cal with pre-glow and afterglow illuminates the work area
• Refined crank mechanism design minimizes blade deflection and reduces vibration
• Retractable tool hook secures the tool when not in use
• Tool-less bract change system allows for faster bract installation and removal for increased productivity
• Rubberized soft grip handle provides increased comfort on the job
• Large two-finger variable speed trigger for operator convenience
• The electronically-controlled BL Brushless Motor efficiently uses free energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
• Electric brake for maximum productivity
• Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) is engineered for improved dust and water resistance for performance in harsh conditions

Makita XRJ05 18V LXT Brushless Recipro Saw Review Specifications

• Models: Makita XRJ05Z (Blank Tool) and Makita XRJ05M (Kit)
• Power Source: Makita 18V LXT battery pack
• Length of Stroke: 1-ane/4″
• Max. Cutting Chapters (wood westward/ 12″ blade): 10″
• Max. Cutting Chapters (pipage): five-1/viii″
• Strokes Per Infinitesimal (ii speed): 0 – 2,300 / 0 – three,000 SPM
• Overall Length: 17-1/4″
• Orbital Settings: No
• Chief Handle Type: D-Handle
• Net Weight (with battery): 8.2 lbs.
• Warranty: iii-twelvemonth Limited
• Kit Includes: 18V LXT Brushless Recipro Saw (XRJ05Z), (two) 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 4.0Ah Bombardment (BL1840B), 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Rapid Optimum Charger (DC18RC), Recipro Saw Blade, Tool Example
• Cost: Makita XRJ05Z (Blank Tool) $179.99, Makita XRJ05T (5.0Ah Kit) $299.99

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This review originally published in December 2016. Information technology has been updated to reflect its performance in our caput-to-head review.

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Source: https://www.protoolreviews.com/tools/power/cordless/saws-cordless/makita-xrj05-18v-lxt-recipro-saw-review/27325/

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