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Makita JR180DWB 18 Volt Cordless Recipro Saw Kit | List Price: $520.00
Discount Price: $399.99
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Brand: Makita
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Features: - Powered by new 18-volt nickel-metal hybrid battery technology
- Tool-less blade change and shoe adjustment
- Variable speed for (0-2700 SPM) for precise cutting
- High performance Makita motor with eternally accessible brushes
- Cuts up to 38 2-by-4's from a single charge
Mixed Bag [Posted on 2002-02-23]
Overall this Makita JR180DWB is a good sawzall, but lacks refinement. Cons:
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In use, it's not as powerful as its DeWalt 18v NiCad counterpart. This is surprising since, if I remember correctly, DeWalt's NiCad 18v batteries don't support the same amperage as Makita's NiMH 18v at 2.2 Ah. And although the batteries (18v 2.2Ah) will last apx. 4 minutes under continuous use when you first get them, don't expect that level of power to remain. I've had mine for about 18 months now and am lucky to get 2.5 mins. out of them. In tight quarters or just unusual circumstances, the trigger release safety buttons can be cumbersome, even though it should be noted that the buttons are placed on either side of the handle for left or right handed use. (I deactivated mine.) The plastic moulding of the body lacks Makita's usual level of refinement and the battery is notably difficult to remove, so much so that my last laborer kept handing it to me whenever it needed a new battery. Pros:
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When I bought mine it was the only cordless sawzall with NiMH batteries, and I believe these batteries are a little better than typical NiCad. Although they are definetely not all they're trumped up to be by Makita, they do seem to hold up better to varying charge cycles, which is important if you're at work sites where your power cords get unplugged frequently, due, for example, to the usual cacophony of subcontractors trying to work simultaneously, or in my case, when I inadvertenly [angered] a fellow carpenter, only to suffer from the fact that he was working close to the turtle and I was 2 cords away. :( The quick-release blade change system is easier to use than Milwakee's or Porter Cable's. My only concern about it, is that like the Porter Cable's it seems to wear faster than traditional hex-key systems. It's quick to use though and once you get spoiled, it's hard to go back. The shoe adjustment is also toolless, but of a mediocre design that requires re-tightening over time. Synopsis
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In all, I highly recommmend having a cordless sawzall. You may vary well be surprised at the diversity of applications it can be used for and it's one of my tools that someone usually grabs first. However you cannot have it as your only sawzall. It really can only serve as an alternative for a corded model at this point. But to weigh all matters, don't be too concerned by the fact that the batteries only last a couple minutes. Remember, that's of "continuous" use. To illustrate the point, my brother just filled a small 64 sq. ft. dumpster with branches with the use of only two batteries. I'd guess he made at least 30 cuts. The real bonus is in the hassle saved lugging around and rerouting cords. :) I purchased this model to have compatible batteries with my half-dozen other 18v cordless tools, but in all, this sazall is just in the middle of the pack.
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