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.
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)
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!