You cant buy better than Makita 18v brushless tools. Ive been a cabinet maker 50 years and Makita tools have never failed at working accuracy all day long for me in my busy workshop.
I can tell you that this is the best jigsaw by far. Better than Dewalt's by a long shot. Best vibration control and cuts smooth. I picked this over Milwaukee's. It has a good dust collection system.
Good review overall but very surprised that the key flaw in the design of this tool wasn't addressed. I own this exact model and I cant believe how awkward the button to stop and start is. #1 is the fact that both the safety and start button are NOT USABLE WHILE GIPPING THE BARREL! NO TRIGGER/NO SWITCH WITHIN FINGER DISTANCE WHILE OPERATING! Most pros use jig saws while holding the work piece steady with one hand and controlling switch/direction with the other/not clamped to a table. #2 is the soft squishy button type. Makita uses this on a few tools. You often have to press it two or three times if you don't touch it just right the first time. I have another tool where this same switch design is broken after minimal use I love Makita tools but this switch position and switch type totally sucks.
I have the same issue with this tool - it is unsafe! I was making internal cutouts where you drill holes in the corners for starting points and I was caught in a position where I couldn't turn the saw off! If you look at the 12V version these buttons are in a much better location.
There is a newer version that is 185Z vs 18Z (I think it is newer). The on off switch is parallel to the base, not the blade, and looks like it is easier to control. I used a corded Bosch for 30 or 40 years, still have it, and it had a stiff switch like corded tools do. No problem. All the battery tools seem to be a little fat. I have large hands, as far as glove size is concerned, and getting to the switch on the Dewalt is sometimes difficult. I would not say that it is dangerous, but it might be awkward. The new saw has (also has?) a built in variable speed so it is on a very low speed, until it loaded in the cut, then it accelerates to the chosen speed. This should deal with most situations where you can't turn it off one handed. It also seems like it is better at dust collection. It is a lot cheaper with more plastic.
The lack of a blower didn’t seem to obscure the sight line with sawdust. Impressed. Mikita tools seem to be more durable than many other brands, and fit / finish was very good.
There is a newer version that is 185Z vs 18Z (I think it is newer). The on off switch is parallel to the base, not the blade, and looks like it is easier to control. I used a corded Bosch for 30 or 40 years, still have it, and it had a stiff switch like corded tools do. No problem. All the battery tools seem to be a little fat. I have large hands, as far as glove size is concerned, and getting to the switch on the Dewalt is sometimes difficult. I would not say that it is dangerous, but it might be awkward. The new saw has (also has?) a built in variable speed so it is on a very low speed, until it loaded in the cut, then it accelerates to the chosen speed. This should deal with most situations where you can't turn it off one handed. It also seems like it is better at dust collection. It is a lot cheaper with more plastic.
Damn, I'm a makita guy and it would be nice of this had a trigger. I like to control the speed. Sometimes I want full speed before the blade engages the wood, sometimes I want the blade at a slow speed.
Thanks for a good video. I've been looking for a cordless replacement for my very old Bosch barrel grip. Didn't really like the DeWalt or Milwaukee and I'm not going to get into yet another battery system for the $500 (!) Festool, even if it's amazing. What I liked is your demonstration of how easily controlled this is, which was not true for me with the DeWalt or Milwaukee, at least compared to the old Bosch. HD has a deal today for a free 5ah battery that's returnable so the saw alone comes in at about $160, which is a great deal. Sold!
I’m in the market for a cordless barrel grip jig and I have been going the Makita route on tools lately but the no trigger thing is a deal breaker for me. For me a variable speed trigger is a must.
Hello! Just came onboard as a Subscriber, and a big thumbs up! Your lack of skill with a jigsaw notwithstanding, a very good review, illustrating all the features of the tool. I used to use the barrel grip Bosch corded jigsaws back ‘in the day.’ Hundreds of countertop installs and sink cutouts, and I introduced my fellow cabinet installers and trim carpenters to the idea of coping crown moulding with a jigsaw. I hated using a manual coping saw! I tried a corded Makita jigsaw, and it did not hold up. I’m in the market for a new jigsaw to replace my aging AEG and Bosch saws, and have looked at Festool, and Bosch. I want to cut the cord. Bosch seems to be ‘evaporating’ from the North American market? I’ve ruled out Festool due to price and not having any other battery tools from them, which brings me back to Teal! I’ve always had a soft spot for Makita, so I think I will try this model out. Makita makes their own motors, and their saws are generally known for being very smooooooth! 😀 Are you sure it does not have a blower, as the specs for it claims it does? If you’re still awake, thanks for this and your other very competent and professional reviews. Continue to keep it real! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😁✌🏻🇺🇸
What is the sweet spot for the amount it can efficiently cut. Specifically hard wood like Koa or Monkeywood. Every day i would use it on Cedar (northern california).
Makita is playing the long game. Milwaukee is solid, Dewalt gets it done and does alot well, but I'll be backing the green til the day I die. If your buying makita, look for Japanese model numbers. They make better faster smarter stronger tools for their own country. It's worth the 2 week shipping time. Trust me Makita sub compact Osc multi-tool is the new standard. It's a quiet hungry beast.
I wonder is it my Makita Jigsaw or my blades, but very often if i saw something a bit thicker, the blade starts to bend, making the cut crooked even though the line on the top of the cut is straight. this never happened with my previous, 20€ cheap jigsaw that i used for almost 10 years. This does not happen with my workplaces Makita with the other kind of handle.
Wrong blade (too short), too thick board, or you might be pushing it too much. Can happen easely with moist wood in a combination of a too small blade. Sorry for 5 month old answear.
@@josephKEOarthur because i have Makita 12v tools and would like to keep it in the same system. If needed I might just go with a corded too. I like the extra power of the 18v but they are mostly overkill for what I need. The 12v drill/driver are so nice to use.
Milwaukee is awful except for power . Milwaukee vibrates, blade guide is weak, so angled cuts and the base slides all over . It is not pleasant to use. It is basically a little sawzall ( which is great but is not a precision tool.) rather than a precision saw like a jigsaw is supposed to be. I have used a Bosch corded for years- they are known as the best It appears the Makita might be close. I have mostly Milwaukee but I have a few things Makita like the concrete vibrator .
ah wow i didnt know that. I know that there are hammers, wider range of screwdrivers, and manual tools in MEXICO that we can not get in the USA (california here)
soft start kills it for me, sometimes too much tech is not needed. both my bosch 18v are both old and brushed, but suoer powerful and mist importantly, super straight and absolute oerfect control and handling same for their corded models. dint even get me started in the Milwaukee fuel barrel grip. that thing is pos.
I understand what you're talking about with soft-start. It's a nice feature, but I'd rather see a switch to disable it. It's hard to beat the Bosch jig saws. Thanks for watching.
You cant buy better than Makita 18v brushless tools. Ive been a cabinet maker 50 years and Makita tools have never failed at working accuracy all day long for me in my busy workshop.
I can tell you that this is the best jigsaw by far. Better than Dewalt's by a long shot. Best vibration control and cuts smooth. I picked this over Milwaukee's. It has a good dust collection system.
We just wish the dust collection adapter came with the tool.
@@Shoptoolreviews @TheToolGameChanger do you know the part number for the dust collection plate, etc? Having a hard time finding it.
Best jigsaw is when you see not dust at all when you cutting watch this 😉
ua-cam.com/video/3LjstpaJKsI/v-deo.html
I borrowed the milwaukee equivalent and discovered I love barrel grip. I'm all makita and this looks sexy as hell. Definitely my next tool purchase
Good review overall but very surprised that the key flaw in the design of this tool wasn't addressed. I own this exact model and I cant believe how awkward the button to stop and start is. #1 is the fact that both the safety and start button are NOT USABLE WHILE GIPPING THE BARREL! NO TRIGGER/NO SWITCH WITHIN FINGER DISTANCE WHILE OPERATING! Most pros use jig saws while holding the work piece steady with one hand and controlling switch/direction with the other/not clamped to a table. #2 is the soft squishy button type. Makita uses this on a few tools. You often have to press it two or three times if you don't touch it just right the first time. I have another tool where this same switch design is broken after minimal use
I love Makita tools but this switch position and switch type totally sucks.
I have the same issue with this tool - it is unsafe! I was making internal cutouts where you drill holes in the corners for starting points and I was caught in a position where I couldn't turn the saw off! If you look at the 12V version these buttons are in a much better location.
Is it not possible to reach the buttons with your index finger?
There is a newer version that is 185Z vs 18Z (I think it is newer). The on off switch is parallel to the base, not the blade, and looks like it is easier to control. I used a corded Bosch for 30 or 40 years, still have it, and it had a stiff switch like corded tools do. No problem. All the battery tools seem to be a little fat. I have large hands, as far as glove size is concerned, and getting to the switch on the Dewalt is sometimes difficult. I would not say that it is dangerous, but it might be awkward. The new saw has (also has?) a built in variable speed so it is on a very low speed, until it loaded in the cut, then it accelerates to the chosen speed. This should deal with most situations where you can't turn it off one handed. It also seems like it is better at dust collection. It is a lot cheaper with more plastic.
The lack of a blower didn’t seem to obscure the sight line with sawdust. Impressed.
Mikita tools seem to be more durable than many other brands, and fit / finish was very good.
Correct, it still performed very well. And yes, Makita is down to be more detail-oriented with better fit/finish. Thanks for watching.
@@Shoptoolreviewsaa w h a
There's a reason why rental shops rent Makitas.
There is a newer version that is 185Z vs 18Z (I think it is newer). The on off switch is parallel to the base, not the blade, and looks like it is easier to control. I used a corded Bosch for 30 or 40 years, still have it, and it had a stiff switch like corded tools do. No problem. All the battery tools seem to be a little fat. I have large hands, as far as glove size is concerned, and getting to the switch on the Dewalt is sometimes difficult. I would not say that it is dangerous, but it might be awkward. The new saw has (also has?) a built in variable speed so it is on a very low speed, until it loaded in the cut, then it accelerates to the chosen speed. This should deal with most situations where you can't turn it off one handed. It also seems like it is better at dust collection. It is a lot cheaper with more plastic.
Damn, I'm a makita guy and it would be nice of this had a trigger. I like to control the speed. Sometimes I want full speed before the blade engages the wood, sometimes I want the blade at a slow speed.
This man slaps asses.
Thanks for a good video. I've been looking for a cordless replacement for my very old Bosch barrel grip. Didn't really like the DeWalt or Milwaukee and I'm not going to get into yet another battery system for the $500 (!) Festool, even if it's amazing.
What I liked is your demonstration of how easily controlled this is, which was not true for me with the DeWalt or Milwaukee, at least compared to the old Bosch. HD has a deal today for a free 5ah battery that's returnable so the saw alone comes in at about $160, which is a great deal. Sold!
Best jigsaw is when you see not dust at all when you cutting watch this 😉
ua-cam.com/video/3LjstpaJKsI/v-deo.html
I’m in the market for a cordless barrel grip jig and I have been going the Makita route on tools lately but the no trigger thing is a deal breaker for me. For me a variable speed trigger is a must.
Hello! Just came onboard as a Subscriber, and a big thumbs up! Your lack of skill with a jigsaw notwithstanding, a very good review, illustrating all the features of the tool. I used to use the barrel grip Bosch corded jigsaws back ‘in the day.’ Hundreds of countertop installs and sink cutouts, and I introduced my fellow cabinet installers and trim carpenters to the idea of coping crown moulding with a jigsaw. I hated using a manual coping saw! I tried a corded Makita jigsaw, and it did not hold up. I’m in the market for a new jigsaw to replace my aging AEG and Bosch saws, and have looked at Festool, and Bosch. I want to cut the cord. Bosch seems to be ‘evaporating’ from the North American market? I’ve ruled out Festool due to price and not having any other battery tools from them, which brings me back to Teal! I’ve always had a soft spot for Makita, so I think I will try this model out. Makita makes their own motors, and their saws are generally known for being very smooooooth! 😀 Are you sure it does not have a blower, as the specs for it claims it does? If you’re still awake, thanks for this and your other very competent and professional reviews. Continue to keep it real!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😁✌🏻🇺🇸
Best jigsaw is when you see not dust at all when you cutting watch this 😉
ua-cam.com/video/3LjstpaJKsI/v-deo.html
What is the sweet spot for the amount it can efficiently cut. Specifically hard wood like Koa or Monkeywood. Every day i would use it on Cedar (northern california).
thickness of wood. (pre-plane)
I'm not sure of the max, but at least 1", depending on the saw blade being used.
Best jigsaw is when you see not dust at all when you cutting watch this 😉
ua-cam.com/video/3LjstpaJKsI/v-deo.html
Do yout think this is better than the Dewalt one? Dewalt DCS335 ? What s the pros and cons for them?
Dewalt may feel stronger at first, but it's less ergonomic, and most importantly... Makita will ALWAYS outlast those toys.
Makita is playing the long game. Milwaukee is solid, Dewalt gets it done and does alot well, but I'll be backing the green til the day I die. If your buying makita, look for Japanese model numbers. They make better faster smarter stronger tools for their own country. It's worth the 2 week shipping time. Trust me
Makita sub compact Osc multi-tool is the new standard. It's a quiet hungry beast.
I wonder is it my Makita Jigsaw or my blades, but very often if i saw something a bit thicker, the blade starts to bend, making the cut crooked even though the line on the top of the cut is straight. this never happened with my previous, 20€ cheap jigsaw that i used for almost 10 years. This does not happen with my workplaces Makita with the other kind of handle.
Wrong blade (too short), too thick board, or you might be pushing it too much. Can happen easely with moist wood in a combination of a too small blade. Sorry for 5 month old answear.
Only on question. The most important question! How does it compare to a Bosch ?
It is very close, and it would really depend on the model of the Bosch. Thanks for watching.
I just bought it . thanks for the link! but damn. waiting till Feb.2 2021 to get it.
What?! Really? That's crazy. I figured they were in stock. Thanks for letting us know.
pro trick: you can watch series on Flixzone. Been using them for watching all kinds of movies recently.
@Kendrick Reign yup, been using Flixzone} for years myself =)
What is the difference between this and ®DJV181Z?
Probably not much. Thanks for watching.
Have you used the 12v version?
I've used it, but we don't have it in the shop.
why go lower?
18 v 5ah seems to be my consistency. but 18 would have more power than 12v.
@@josephKEOarthur because i have Makita 12v tools and would like to keep it in the same system. If needed I might just go with a corded too. I like the extra power of the 18v but they are mostly overkill for what I need. The 12v drill/driver are so nice to use.
Grait video m8
Thank you very much.
@@Shoptoolreviews what is your most favoritetool ever
How would you compare this to the Milwaukee?
Our thoughts are that the Makita has less vibration.
Milwaukee is awful except for power . Milwaukee vibrates, blade guide is weak, so angled cuts and the base slides all over . It is not pleasant to use. It is basically a little sawzall ( which is great but is not a precision tool.) rather than a precision saw like a jigsaw is supposed to be. I have used a Bosch corded for years- they are known as the best It appears the Makita might be close. I have mostly Milwaukee but I have a few things Makita like the concrete vibrator .
It's a different color
@@stestar09 foolish statement
Best jigsaw is when you see not dust at all when you cutting watch this 😉
ua-cam.com/video/3LjstpaJKsI/v-deo.html
unfortunately makita japan doesn't sell this particular model.
ah wow i didnt know that. I know that there are hammers, wider range of screwdrivers, and manual tools in MEXICO that we can not get in the USA (california here)
@@josephKEOarthur everything is potentially harmful in California hhhhh
Best jigsaw is when you see not dust at all when you cutting watch this 😉
ua-cam.com/video/3LjstpaJKsI/v-deo.html
soft start kills it for me, sometimes too much tech is not needed. both my bosch 18v are both old and brushed, but suoer powerful and mist importantly, super straight and absolute oerfect control and handling same for their corded models. dint even get me started in the Milwaukee fuel barrel grip. that thing is pos.
I understand what you're talking about with soft-start. It's a nice feature, but I'd rather see a switch to disable it. It's hard to beat the Bosch jig saws. Thanks for watching.
According to the instructions soft start can be turned off.
ua-cam.com/video/OUt46RYdT6s/v-deo.html instructions to disable it, if you don't want to read the manual
@@Shoptoolreviews as lemony writes above, the manual has instructions on how to disable it. Or here ua-cam.com/video/OUt46RYdT6s/v-deo.html
truth
I