Around a couple of years ago, my professional requirements demanded that I own a jigsaw of my own to improve my efficiency. I was looking for a product from a reputable brand, with powerful performance specifications and great value for money.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
After doing some careful research and speaking with fellow contractors, I ended up purchasing the Makita DJV182Z Jigsaw. This cordless model from a great brand caught my attention thanks to the initial specifications, which I found impressive at first sight. I have listed them below in this table for your information as well.
Makita DJVi182Z is a 6 variable speed jigsaw that can be used in wood, steel, and aluminum, it has an 800-3500 SPM and can be used within 0°- 45°. It is a perfect choice for beginners as well as for professionals.
| Length of stroke | 1-inch |
| Controler | 6-speed variable |
| Strokes per minute | 800 – 3,500 |
| Bevel | 0°- 45° |
| Max. Cutting Capacity at 90° | 5-5/16″(wood), 3/8″ (steel), 25/32″ (aluminium) |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs. |
| Length | 10-1/2″ |
| Warranty | 3 years |
If you would like to know more about this product, then this article is definitely for you. After owning and testing the DJV182Z for over a year, I felt I was capable of writing an honest owner’s review of the product.
Read on as I give you a great idea about the product and its performance to help you understand if it meets your requirements and expectations.
Makita DJV182Z Review
The Makita DJV182Z Jigsaw comes with a plethora of features that enhance the user experience and increase the value for money on this product. Listed below are a few of the features that I found extremely helpful after regular usage for over a year.
- Powerful motor performance
This jigsaw from Makita comes with a brushless cordless motor. This helps reduce the heat generated as well as the noise produced by the running motor.
As a result, the efficiency is increased, which helps prolong battery life by upto 50% per charge. The motor is also controlled electronically, helping provide the right amount of torque and SPM required to make a proper cut
The motor has a 6-speed setting that allows users to choose between 800 – 3500 SPM. It also has 3 orbital settings to increase its versatility in various applications.
The large two-finger variable speed trigger comes with a lock-on feature that allows you to set the exact speed of your choice.
Thanks to its powerful performance and multiple setting options, this model is capable of cutting through aluminum, wood, and steel, making it a handy product in any workshop.
- Blade technology
The DJV182Z uses T-shank blades in its operation. The blades have a bevel capacity of 45° to both the left and right, allowing users to make angled cuts using this product.
The blades also can be removed and installed quickly without any tools thanks to the clamping technology used.
- LXT Battery compatibility
This product is powered by 18V LXT batteries from the Makita lineup. These batteries come with a capacity between 1.5 Ah and 5.0 Ah, allowing for longer run times depending on your requirement.
This allows the machine to be operated cordlessly, making it very convenient for contractors and handymen requiring such a machine at job sites without a regular power supply.
The batteries come with rapid charge technology that helps charge them within an hour, depending on their capacity. The charger also has an inbuilt fan to help cool the batteries, allowing for faster charging and preventing issues due to overheating.
- Design and ergonomics
The DJV182Z weighs just 5.8 lbs including the battery. As a result, handling this product is quite easy, requiring minimal user effort to maneuver it while cutting.
The 10-½” length also makes it convenient for transporting around, making it the perfect choice for those on the move regularly.
The base of the machine is made of heavy gauge aluminum that helps absorb vibrations due to the cutting actions of the blade. It also helps increase the stability of the machine while in operation, increasing the accuracy of the work as a result.
The large D-shaped top handle design allows users to comfortably move the device around. The anti-slip rubber pimples ensure the user has a proper grip and also minimizes the vibration felt by the user.
As a result, one can operate the machine with precision for longer periods of time, ensuring a better quality of cuts in the process.
- Soft no-load system
A unique feature of this jigsaw by Makita, the soft no load system allows users to conserve battery when the machine is not in operation. When the sensor detects little to no resistance on the blade, the motor speed is automatically turned down.
When the user engages the trigger and brings the blade in contact with the material, the blade automatically powers up to give users increased power and the optimum cutting speed.
- Additional features
The Makita DJV182Z comes with a dual LED light that illuminates the cutting line in low light conditions. This machine also comes with a dust blower to clear wooden scrapings from the cutting line, helping one track the cutting line accurately.
The product is equipped with the patented Star Protection Computer Controls to help prevent overloading and overheating, which could cause damage to sensitive internal electronics. It also has a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer on newly purchasing this model.
Things I Like
- I was very pleased with the comfort I had when using the machine. The vibrations were minimum and I had a comfortable grip, which improved my handling and accuracy.
- The variable speed technology allowed me to adjust the SPM according to my needs. The variable speed trigger with its lock-on facility also ensured that I had the perfect settings for the perfect cut.
- The number of features on this product made it one of the most versatile tools in my workshop. The bevel feature and LED lights helped me make complicated cuts irrespective of the time of day.
- The LXT batteries manufactured by Makita offered solid performance and long runtimes. The various range options also allowed me to have reserves according to my requirements.
Things I Don’t Like
- The soft no-load feature seemed to be a clever feature at first. However, this negatively affected cutting performance, especially for lighter materials. The reduced resistance forced the machine to slow down, drastically increasing the cutting time. Thankfully, I was able to find a way to deactivate this feature eventually.
- While testing out my machine initially, I realized I had to engage the safety switch every time I had to make a cut. Having to do it with both hands, it was a major inconvenience that stifled my workflow.
- The pricing of this product was on the higher side compared to other products with similar specifications in the market. I would have liked the product to be priced more competitively, making it a value for money investment that I could justify any day.
Conclusion
Like a handyman with numerous professional requirements, I can guarantee you that the Makita DJV182Z meets each and every one of them. I was very happy with the features that came with this product, which was also a cordless model.
Its superior user experience and variable speed modes made it the perfect choice for jobs that needed finesse and precision.
On the flip side, the price point was a bit higher than normal products but seemed fair to me as the machine offered great value for money. It may not be the ideal product for users on a tight budget or with basic requirements.
If you are looking to elevate your professional jobs to the next level, especially in job sites that do not have a proper electrical supply, then this is definitely the jigsaw for you.
Important things to keep in mind before buying a Jigsaw
If you are buying a jigsaw for the first time and are confused by the options available in the market, then this buying guide will help you understand the various aspects of the machine and choose the perfect model.
Here are the main parameters to consider while buying a new jigsaw.
- Power source
Corded jigsaws offer more power and infinite run times. These models can be plugged into a regular electrical socket and are used in most professional workshops. However, the range of the machine is restricted by the length of its cord, making it less suited for outdoor jobs.
Cordless jigsaws have rechargeable batteries that power the motor. They have limited runtimes but are compact and easy to carry around, making them the right choice for users on the go or with basic power requirements.
- Motor and Blade
The motor is a very integral part of the jigsaw. Lower powered motors offer lower strokes per minute (SPM), making them ideal for precision cutting materials with low resistance. Higher speeds help make cuts through tougher materials like steel and aluminum.
Most models also come with variable speed settings for increased versatility and better precision across a wide range of jobs.
When it comes to the type of blade, users can choose between T-shank and U-shank models. U-shank options were available in the past, but have been replaced nowadays by the T-shank blades which allow for tool-less blade changes.
Another important aspect while choosing the blade is the material they are designed for. This will ensure an improved stroke length through the given material without breakage due to the resistance offered by it.
General-purpose blades are good for basic cutting applications that do not require precision. Purpose designed blades ensure a professional cut with a smooth finish and increased efficiency.
- Shoe
The shoe is the base of the machine that sits on top of the workpiece. Its main function is to offer a stable cutting action and minimized vibrations to the user. The reduced friction while moving across the piece helps protect it from scratches and helps increase the life of your blade as well.
It is important to have the shoe made of heavy and high-quality materials like die-cast aluminum, magnesium, and steel to ensure a comfortable user experience and improved cutting quality.
- Additional features
Visibility of the cutting line is one of the most important aspects while using a jigsaw. LED lights and dust blowers illuminate the line and clear the dust from the workpiece respectively. This helps maintain accuracy and allows the user to follow the cutting line with ease.
Having a dust port or exhaust allows users to connect to the shop vac, which helps suck dust and debris created by the cutting action of the jigsaw. This allows for cleaner workspaces and reduces the effort required after cutting to clean up the surroundings.
