Makita has introduced one more sub-compact 18V cordless tool – a new brushless reciprocating saw, XRJ07ZB. It will be available as a bare tool, and also as part of a larger sub-compact combo kit, CX300RB.
The new sub-compact reciprocating saw is just 12-1/2″ long, weighs 5.7 lbs with battery (not included), and still manages to have a respectable speed and stroke length.
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The new brushless saw joins 3 other Makita 18V sub-compact tools:
- Rotary Hammer
- Drill/Driver
- Impact Driver
Makita says that their new saw is ideal for working in tight spaces.
Specs and Features
- 13/16″ stroke length
- 0-3,000 SPM
- 12-1/2″ long
- Weighs 5.7 lbs with 2.0Ah battery
- LED worklight with preglow and afterglow
- Tool-less blade change
- Reiforced fixed shoe
- Electric brake
- XPT Extreme Protection Technology, with improved dust and water resistance
The bare tool is bundled with 4″ blades, which meshes well with the compact and tight space applications nature of the tool.
Price: $299 for a 3-tool combo, CX300RB (drill, impact, saw, 2x 2.0Ah batteries, charger, soft case)
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Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(3 tool combo kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(3 tool combo kit via Home Depot)
Amazon’s pre-launch prices seem to be a little inflated.
First Thoughts
While it can be hard to judge the size of a tool from web images, it’s hard to see this new Makita saw as anything but compact.
I hate using this word, but Makita’s other sub-compact tools have been marvels of engineering. They’re teeny tiny, but still comfortable to use, and also still reasonably powerful and capable. There is just one compromise I’ve come across so far – the adjustable clutch on the drill requires a slightly different grip to turn. Things are very good if that’s the one thing I can complain about.
Other brands have compact reciprocating saws, such as Milwaukee’s Hackzall, Bosch’s Hackzall-lookalike, and other such tools. There are several bent-over designs, but they’re generally still considered full-sized saws.
This new Makita recip saw, no doubt smaller due to its brushless motor, seems to be designed around their compact battery packs, which would be a notable accomplishment.
There are no illusions, at least there shouldn’t be, that this tool can compare to full-size saws and their greater power and longer stroke lengths. But you don’t buy something like this for application speeds and sheer power, you buy it for its light weight and compact size, which will come in handy in tight or challenging spaces.
What do you think Makita should give the sub-compact treatment next? Here’s to hoping for an 18V sub-compact brushless jigsaw!
Doresoom
It seems to me that Makita recognizes that Milwaukee has a more diverse 12V line, and are making up for it by developing these subcompact tools that are still compatible with their much larger 18V LXT line.
I’m hoping for a jigsaw next too!
Jason
I think pretty much all the brands have basically given up the 12v market to Milwaukee. No one comes close to the depth the M12 line has.
glenn
Actually Makita are rapidly adding to their 12v max line up.
Just posted on Makita Australia’s website are 2 new brushless jigsaws, 2 new caulking guns, a multi cutter, a new 12v/18v rapid charger and a brushed rotary hammer along side the recently released brushless rotary hammer, fan and pin nailer.
I would think that releasing a dual voltage charger that they intend to keep adding to the 12v line in an effort to take it to Milwaukee.
glenn
Oops, forgot to add a link.
https://www.makita.com.au/products/power-tools/platform/12v-max-mobile
Chris
Curious as to when you would need a compact jigsaw though. It just doesn’t seem like a tool that would be used in compact spaces. A drill/impact and saws I could see for getting between studs and such. But a jigsaw?
Prove me wrong Stuart =)
Stuart
Sometimes I need to make quick precise cuts, and a compact and lightweight model would be fitting. A smaller tool would be easier to leave on the benchtop.
fred
The adage about “you can’t have too many clamps” is sometimes applied to all tools as well. But you can have too many if they start becoming hard to find in a shop or storage area that is so full as to be dysfunctional. On this basis a compact jigsaw would not appeal to me – but there is a case to be made for one to be used in model-making, other crafts – and maybe even for cabinet installation/remodeling to do cutouts in tight spaces.
BTW. Sears used to sell a corded (worked off a transformer) mini jigsaw made by Bohler in Germany
Micromark sells this:
http://www.micromark.com/Micro-Make-MicroLux-Jigsaw-Scroll-Saw
Chris
Fair enough
Raoul
Agree. I hope some day someone (Bosch or Milwaukee most likely) come out with a nice little barrel grip 12v jigsaw. With brushless technology and high capacity cells they could easily make a workable saw.
Blythe
Bosch already has a barrel grip 12v
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-JS120BN-12-volt-Cordless-Exact-Fit/dp/B00OKGAEYM
glenn
Here is your wish granted!
https://www.makita.com.au/products/power-tools/platform/12v-max-mobile/jigsaws/jv102dz-12v-max-mobile-brushless-barrel-handle-jigsaw
Nathan
I’d like to see dewalt pick up on this concept some. I would like to see a more side by side picture to see how compact we are talking about.
IE take their impactor put it with the dewalt brushless job – the milwaukee job – and the standard makita one – in the same picture with a maybe a tape or something for reference. (brands are just an example)
would be nice since I’ve not seen either of these makita tools in person. ALso would be nice just to see the size span.
Garden hose
Makita has another compact recip.
XRJ01Z. 1/2″ stroke but barrel grip. One of my handiest tools. Covered in mud, working in a water filled hole and it chugs along. Takes longer to cut, but I wonder how a brushless tool would work in the same conditions.
The configuration of this thing looks like it’ll limit it’s usefulness
Tim
These tools make me want to buy more makita stuff and I HATE their batteries.
dave
why do you hate their batteries?
Doresoom
I can’t speak for Tim, but I much prefer the “grip on both sides to release” battery design rather than the single lever “grip awkwardly on the top and bottom to release” design.
That and their older batteries don’t have charge indicator LEDs, and none of their batteries to my knowledge have any sort of “grip” surface. I always feel like I’m going to drop the smooth plastic of the Makitas.
Mr. Gerbik
A compact circular saw. I’m talking about something that will cut through 2x material all the way through & small enough to fit in a 14½” space. Also I’d like to see a compact pneumatic or cordless framing nailer. As well as a finish nailer. It doesn’t necessarily have to be makita.
ktash
Makita makes great corded circular saws, but the 18v battery operated one I have is just wimpy. No way will it cut through 2x materials. So is the Ryobi that I have. That’s why I got the Kobalt 20v. It has a much greater depth of cut and more power. Also a good price on sale and cheap batteries. I’d rather have all the same system, but decided to opt for the tools that are more functional in some cases.
D W
A compact 3/8 impact wrench would be good.
lavardera
They’ve released a Sub-Compact 3/8 impact wrench – same size as the impact driver.
Gordon
I’m really happy to see Makita expand this 18v compact lineup. I think it is a really smart business move to get people locked into one battery system for all their needs. A unified system is going to be a win for Makita, and a win for consumers.
Julian
I cut 2x stock all the time with my makita (pre-star designation) 18volt LXT 6.5″ circular saw. I think you need to buy better blades.
Joe
Bosch has a 12v jigsaw, planer, router, and most of every 12v tool Milwaukee has but some different ones like I just said…….plus Bosch has bigger 12v batteries and it’s Bosch..
Mike
It kinda looks likes Dewalt compact recip saw but less powerful
Matt
There is a subcompact “hammer drill” too….
BILL PETERS
HAVE A PEEK, NOT PEAK.
Stuart
Thank you! *Fixed*