Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Cordless Reciprocating Saw Review 2023

The Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Cordless reciprocating saw is a handheld power tool with a brushless motor

What We Like

VIbration free for comfort and precision
Lightweight and ergonomic
Brushless 4 Amp motor allows it to make clean cuts
LED light for more productivity
Easy blade change
Tool-free adjustable shoe
Blade clamp ensures safety and precision
Cutting speed allows it to cut through different materials

What We Don’t Like

The is no feature that allows you to control the orbital action
Limited battery options
No charger or battery included

makita xrj04z 18v lxt cordless reciprocating saw review

Bottom Line

The XRJ04Z 18V LXT Cordless Reciprocating Saw is no doubt a great power tool. The 4 Amp motor might not be all-powerful but it provides just enough power for your household woodworking projects.

The tool has an ergonomic design that increases flexibility in the workplace. Let’s not forget to mention that it is battery-powered so you’ll not get any obstruction from a cord.

So, you can use the saw for different tasks, even overhead tasks. As you can see from this Makita XRJ04Z 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw review, the cutting speed is amazing. It makes it a versatile tool that can cut through not just wood but metal as well.

However, the saw doesn’t come with an orbital action control option, and getting the right battery is difficult.

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Picking out the right reciprocating power tool for woodworking purposes is supposed to be easy. However, it is kind of tricky when you consider the numerous brands out there.

All these manufacturers make similar products but some of the variables you should put into consideration are durability, price, performance, and ease of use. One of the best cordless reciprocating saws out there is the XRJ04Z LXT Cordless Reciprocating Saw manufactured by Makita.

In our Makita 18V LXT Cordless Reciprocating Saw review, we are going to show you why you should consider adding this powerful tool to your collection.

Makita designed this Makita 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw for performance and comfort among other things.

Related Reading: Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw Review

Features Of The Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Vibration Control Ensures Comfort and Precision

Saws, even reciprocating saws, have a reputation for vibrating during use. This vibration is completely normal and it happens primarily because of the speed of the blade.

Bigger saws tend to vibrate more than handheld saws but some handheld saws are a pain to use. With the Makita XRJ04Z 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw, you don’t need to worry about vibrations because it is reduced significantly with an anti-vibration feature.

There is a crank mechanism on the device that reduces vibration and deflection. This feature is good for several reasons but primarily because it makes the handheld saw more comfortable for you and it helps you to get accurate cuts all the time.

If the tool isn’t vibrating too much, you’ll not wear yourself out and you’ll hold it steady while it cuts through the desired material.

Brushless 4 Amp Motor Allows it to Make Clean Cuts

The Makita XRJ04Z LXT saw has a brushless 4 Amp motor. This isn’t too powerful but it’s strong enough for occasional household woodworking chores.

If you’re a professional who handles a lot of commercial woodworking projects that involves cutting thick materials, you might want something with a more powerful motor; say 7 Amp to 12 Amp. Keep in mind, however, that going for a more powerful motor means that you will have to go for a heavier reciprocating saw.

The 4 Amp motor on the XRJ04Z 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw isn’t all bad. It is a brushless motor so it is fast, durable, and requires less money for maintenance than brushed motors.

You can use the device to cut wood as expected but you can also use it to cut low-density metal sheets as well as plastic. Not every handheld reciprocating saw with a 4 Amp motor can be used to cut metal sheets irrespective of the density.

Lightweight and Ergonomic Design

The convenience attached to using the Makita 18V LXT is noteworthy and many things make it convenient. First of all, the reciprocating saw only weighs about 8 pounds and it has a rather compact design.

So, you can use it to make the desired cuts irrespective of the position of the material. The design ensures that you maintain full control of the device without hurting yourself.

Since it is a cordless device, you don’t need to worry about proximity to a power outlet when you’re using it. As long as the battery is fully charged, you can use it for hours without recharging.

When you want additional lighting, you can switch on the LED light. It’s not going to light up the entire garage but it is going to give a little extra light just when you need it.

18v Batteries Power the Device and Electric Blades Stop it

For the Makita XRJ04Z Cordless saw to work, you need two 18v batteries. The device also has an indicator that lets you know when it is full or low.

Unfortunately, the batteries don’t come with the device and neither does the charger. This is not unusual for a handheld saw but it is still discouraging. Another bad thing is that it doesn’t use universal 18v batteries.

If it is not the recommended Makita batteries and charger, it isn’t going to work. This gives you limited options. The electric blade on the device allows you to stop the motor automatically when there is an emergency or when you simply want to stop.

Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Cordless Reciprocating Saw Review The verdict

The Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw review above shows that it is an affordable power tool that will cost you less than $100.

The design, weight and everything else about it makes it offer you more than enough value for your money.

However, you might end up spending more than $100 when you add the cost for batteries and a charger. The limited battery options and lack of orbital control are also discouraging.