Makita Brushless Jigsaws.

[whiskymac]

Anyone tried the new brushless Makita jigsaws, if so how do you find performance?
Battery life, cutting power, 90deg cuts?

I don't need to cut anything too challenging, mainly 15-18mm laminated panels.

I'm thinking of picking up the D handle version (DJV182) as I have quite a few of the 5.0ah Makita batteries with other tools.

Thanks.

 

[GhostFist]

I've used the barrel grip quite a bit. The on off buttons on it are annoying but the worst is the soft start feature. The the saw won't go full speed until it meets enough resistance in the material you're cutting, then blast! Full power! I was getting 2 to 3 degrees deflection in 3/4 material

 

[whiskymac]

2-3 degrees in 3/4 material doesn't sound all that great actually....is that with hardwood or sheet materials?

The PSC420 Carvex has a soft start feature where you get full power when the machine hits resistance, is the Makita a lot more sensitive than that or similar?
Never noticed that as an issue on the Carvex tbh.

Thanks.

 

[NHSP759]

I've got the Carvex and the Makita DJV181 brushless barrel grip jigsaw. Both of them have the soft start and I haven't had any problems with either. I actually like my Makita and reach for it quite often for those "quick cuts" when setting up my Carvex isn't really a reality. I'm really happy with the Makita and kind of wish I had just gotten the cordless Carvex as opposed to the corded but you can't beat the Carvex IMHO though many prefer the Mafell. Long story short, I like my Makita a lot and for the price paid I really enjoy using it and the soft start is great for lining up my cuts. I wish the chip Baird was li,e my Carvex, the Makita has a pre cut slot so it doesn't quite go with zero clearance but I think the machine does a great job.

 

[GhostFist]

The problem with the soft start on the makita is that it has to be pushed hard enough info the material in order for it to engage. On thinner material, you have to jam it in, in order for it to get to speed. Deflection could have between because of the blade I was using and I found my self keeping pressure because of that soft start. Ergonomically, I quite liked the saw. You get a good controlled grip on the knob and it's easy to follow a cut line. I would prefer a switch as opposed to the two button approach to start the machine as well as the ability to disengage the soft start. As far as a cordless barrel grip goes it's real sturdy and made in the UK of all places. If you're on the makita platform, it's a good jigsaw for a cordless but be warned of those issues. I own the mafell and this makita was a coworkers. My cuts with it were in 3/4" ply and 3/16 luan. Cut an 18" diameter circle( deflection was the worst here) and straight cuts . No comparison between The corded mafell and the cordless makita but not much does compare, that being said a cordless saw is handy for utility cuts and despite my gripes this is a good saw

 

[whiskymac]

Thanks for the replies.
I cut quite a lot of scribed panels and depending on the cut I tend to feather the trigger (D handle) and back the saw blade up a bit in intricate corners. Older Bosch jigsaws were great at this but if you do this with a lot of jigsaws the blade tends to come out of the roller - some more than others.

How's the Makita with this, does the blade jump off the guide roller in intricate cuts?

 

[nickao]

The problem with the soft start on the makita is that it has to be pushed hard enough info the material in order for it to engage. On thinner material, you have to jam it in, in order for it to get to speed. Deflection could have between because of the blade I was using and I found my self keeping pressure because of that soft start. Ergonomically, I quite liked the saw. You get a good controlled grip on the knob and it's easy to follow a cut line. I would prefer a switch as opposed to the two button approach to start the machine as well as the ability to disengage the soft start. As far as a cordless barrel grip goes it's real sturdy and made in the UK of all places. If you're on the makita platform, it's a good jigsaw for a cordless but be warned of those issues. I own the mafell and this makita was a coworkers. My cuts with it were in 3/4" ply and 3/16 luan. Cut an 18" diameter circle( deflection was the worst here) and straight cuts . No comparison between The corded mafell and the cordless makita but not much does compare, that being said a cordless saw is handy for utility cuts and despite my gripes this is a good saw

I know exactly what you mean.

The soft start should begin on pulling the trigger and maybe waiting a second for full speed and NOT  be dependent on pushing through the material. It's an issue, so much so it went back to the vender. My trusty Bosch is still the king of all Jigsaws.

 

[GhostFist]

If the Bosch is the king, the mafell is Zeus