Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Makita). This thread is read-only.
Does anyone have experience with this? I am deciding between it and the Ryobi 18v jig saw. I use Makita batteries, but I have an adapter that lets me use them on Ryobi tools. I am leaning more towards the Ryobi because it is only about 1/5 of the price and this is not a tool that I will be using all the time. Is there anything about the Makita that justifies the difference in price?
Which model Makita?
I would go for the Makita if this was a regular-use tool (heck, mine isn’t and I went with it over the Ryobi anyway), but for very intermittent use I’m sure the Ryobi is fine.
ChrisK wrote:
17 minutes ago, ChrisK said:Which model Makita?
XVJ03Z.
Something people have niggles about with the brushless model(s) is Makita’s choice to make them obligatory load-sensing. You can’t modulate the rate via the trigger at all. So a lot of people prefer to get the brushed model. I admit I kinda agree, and would have done the same had I known in the first place, but it also isn’t that terribly difficult to learn anyway.
I owned the Makita DJB181. I sold it but not because I didn’t like it. I want to upgrade to the Mafell at some point so with all honesty, I think that Makita makes a great jigsaw in the 18v lineup. And I have to agree with @ToolBane response, my Makita was not variable control speed with trigger control but rather the load sensing speed and having variable speed is a good thing in a jigsaw though I did not mind the load bearing speed and actually got to like it quite a bit. I do not like high grip jigsaws though.
I have to agree with @ChrisK, load sensing on the brushless barrel grip is a complaint I have. I’ll be supplementing it with whatever turns out better between a brushless red or yellow alternative.
I also have to agree with ToolBane on the brushless models – pretty much exactly how I feel about my XVJ02Z. Another bone to pick is the stupid power button that times out quickly. WTF? The trigger already behaves like a manual on/off switch since it’s not even variable. Why didn’t they just put a lock-off button and call it a day? OK, that was my chance to rant about the brushless models…
Anyway, cliu, you needn’t worry since the model you are looking at is the brushed version. I understand that it’s tough to justify the higher price tag for something that doesn’t get used as much (at least for the average home owner).
bee-man wrote:
7 hours ago, bee-man said:I understand that it’s tough to justify the higher price tag for something that doesn’t get used as much (at least for the average home owner).
Exactly, especially since I have a much cheaper alternative.