MakitaXRJ07ZB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless Recipro Saw, Tool Only

I love this tool. It’s always in my equipment now. It is a short stroke so not the best if you’re abusing it doing yardwork, but it still keeps up with my Milwaukee. I went with Makita because I love the 18 V series. My other reciprocating saw is corded. Anyway, with a short stroke, it takes a few more seconds to get through wood, but cutting pipe I feel it was the best at. I’ve used it hours at a time running 4-5 amp batteries down and it never quit on me. I haven’t really dropped it yet, but I feel that this is very well built. I am very happy. Batteries are sold separately. Functions great the tool itself makes hardly any noise until you’re actually cutting something. Very comfortable and variable speed trigger. This subcompact is awesome.

I already had an 18V Makita recip saw, but have always been a bit afraid to use it due to its being heavy and bulky, which makes it tough to use anywhere precision is required. When it recently lost a part, I decided to try again with a smaller version, rather than just replacing the missing part.This sub-compact version is exactly what I'd hoped to find in a replacement. It is half the size and half the weight of the original, plus it is very easy to hold while making a precise cut.For instance, two days ago, I needed to add base trim to a hall closet, and wanted to miter the corner joints at 45 degrees. I bought a small miter box for the task, but soon discovered my hand miter saw blade is too wide to fit in the slots of the box. I could have used a hack saw instead, I guess, but instead, I used this saw and simply guided it through pre-marked cuts, all of which turned out exactly as hoped, once I sorted out the needed directions for the angle cuts.The saw comes only with a couple of short thin blades, but I was pleased to see it works fine with all the many blades I already had for the original larger recip saw.I suspect it would be a bad idea to use this saw to cut down trees, as I have its bigger brother, but for anything I expect to need to cut, this new smaller and lighter saw is everything I hoped it would be.Definitely recommended, especially for anyone downsizing as we are now!

Excellent tool. I bought this for a basement renovation project... I already have a pretty good corded "sawzall" but cords are a mess. This was the first tool I bought to enter the Makita 18v system. These new super compact brushless tools are freakin' great, corded power at a 12v tool size, basically.Using both the included wood cutting and metal cutting blade, I was able to effortlessly chop and snip through each of the aforementioned materials without drama or hassle. Regarding the blades, it's not easy to find the short blades in store, and it seems you'll actually pay a premium for blades that are this size, so keep that in mind. Using a large (normal) blade works fine too, but the shortness of the tool combined with the little blades opens this up to tasks that would be impossible for a full sized saw.The oversized rubberized grip on the front of the tool is much like that of a "hood" on a road bikes shifter/brake, and with enough use will begin to come lose and kinda need to be kneaded back into place.The front foot/stop is not adjustable. You can remove the bolt that holds it to the big aluminum bulkhead, but you cannot set the depth to anything other than the one setting, which may or may not be an issue.To me, the rotational rubberized handle that's turned to release the blade is backwards, requiring that the knob be turned clockwise to release the blade. Not a biggie but it's one more micro nuisance. Once the blade is in there, it stays there. Even my big plug in PorterCable will occasionally lose grip of a blade. Have not had it happen yet, but it could be because this tool doesn't have quite as much sheer power.Battery life is very good. I was able to cut through a pretty good pile of wood and paneling on a single charge; a 4 Ah battery suits this tool very well, and a 2 Ah will be fine if you need to get every last bit of compactness.I'll probably never need to use my corded recip. saw ever again, after purchasing this.

Ridiculously powerful for a sub-compact cordless. It’s a well made sawsall that will cut through....haven’t encountered anything it won’t cut in through. Very happy with purchase. Came with two 4” blades. One for metal and other for wood, in the bare tool package. Will accept 6” blades as well. Recommend buying assortment blade pack “723086-A-A” when placing the order. I’m 5’ 10” medium build. For me it’s ergonomic and fits nicely in my hands. If you’re bigger then me, get next size up. (This is not a commercial line saw, if you intend to use everyday for demo, get a commercial one). DIY overkill, but it’s so worth it. Always been a fan of Makita and they have yet to disappoint.

My wife goes to town on various branches, brush, and small trees with this thing in the backyard. She literally left it outside in the rain and mud for a few days and the thing still works.