The most used cutting tool in any cordless lineup is typically the recip saw because these tools are so versatile great for wood, metal, demo or clean cutting. Until recently the Milwaukee M18 Sawzall was the only brushless option on the market, so it was no surprise they won our 2015 Recip Saw Challenge by a good margin. However it is now 2016 and Makita has already shown their brushless motors can meet or exceed the competition in many categories and now they are launching two new brushless reciprocating saw options 18V recip XRJ05Z ($199) and 36V (18Vx2) recip XRJ06X ($219).
We first saw these Recips several months ago at STAFDA and the demand has been huge among Makita users. No question these new saws have way more power than their previous cordless models and even some of their corded models (as you can see in the video above). The brushless motors not only add significant power but also add a fair amount of runtime. A 2016 Recip Saw challenge is coming soon don’t worry but from our testing we think this saw will hold its own with just about any corded or cordless recip on the market.
The difference in power does not feel significant between the XRJ05 and XRJ06 versions, we would not be surprised they were the same (with different voltages). Obviously runtime would be doubled but from our time with these tools we would expect the 18V recip XRJ05Z with 1 battery to be way more popular than XRJ06Z with 2 batteries. Both saws feature stroke of 1-1/4”, 2 speeds 0-2,300 low, 0-3000 high and the new vertical crank shaft design. The new design really makes a difference here, along with the beefier brushless motor this helps deliver more power to the blade with less deflection.
*** Updated info from our friends in Canada: These saws launched slightly ahead up north with different part numbers DJR360=XRJ06 and DJR187=XRJ05. They are reporting “Efficiency of Metal Cutting” with Competitor “M” (we’ve got to assume this is Milwaukee M18 but doesn’t suggest a SKU, brushed or brushless) rated at “100” and theirs at 150 & 180. This is a “work speed” rating which suggests a noticeable % difference. With no SKU for competitor “M” we are not going to make any assumptions here. What is interesting is they show their XRJ06 (36V) much higher rated than XRJ05 (18V) version. We did not feel this in our limited testing with each but certainly very possible to feel the similar in wood or thin metal but perform much different in thicker metals.
Special thanks again to Ally Mello Miss Makita 2016, for joining the Coptool Action News Team for the day to help feature a few of Makita’s latest products. The Kit options are coming soon but check out a great deal for August on these saws and other 18V Makita Bare Tools, buy any 2 tools and get a free 2-Pack of Makita batteries from the pros at Ohio Power Tool. Of course if you have any questions they are always happy to help, just give them a call 800-242-4424.
