Makita Offers A More Compact Cordless Jigsaw With Corded-Level Power
As a professional woodworker or contractor, the smallest tool may not always be your first choice in regard to performance, but Makita hopes to change this way of thinking. The Makita XVJ04 cordless compact jigsaw promises corded power in a compact body. We’ll walk you through the details and compare this jigsaw to other models to see if it’s the right tool for you.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best cordless jigsaw reviews article for our top recommendations.
Makita XVJ04 Jigsaw: The Big Deal
Makita designed this tool with size (or lack thereof) in mind, focusing heavily on making the XVJ04 as compact as possible. It weighs 5.2 pounds with an 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery, which is lighter than any of Makita’s previous iterations. It’s also the most compact, measuring 10.1 inches from tip to tail.
Additionally, it features 3 orbital speed settings plus a straight-cut configuration for faster cuts through a variety of materials. Its speed ranges from 0-3,000 RPM with a stroke length of 0.875 inches.
There’s also an optional soft start mode that slowly increases the blade speed upon contacting the material. It’s a feature designed to help give you more accurate starts.
Compared to the XVJ01/02 (same saw with barrel grip and D-handle bodies), the performance isn’t as high. In cases where control and size are more important than cutting speed, we don’t mind. We enjoyed using Makita’s 12V CXT jigsaw with the same performance stats, so we’re not worried about this model underperforming our expectations.
Makita XJV04 Cordless Jigsaw Comparison
Here’s a comparison between the Makita XVJ04 jigsaw and other cordless Makita jigsaw models.
| XVJ02 | XVJ03 | XVJ04 (This Tool) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless | Brushed | Brushless |
| Handle | D-Handle | D-Handle | D-Handle |
| Speed | 0 – 3,500 SPM | 0 – 2,600 SPM | 0 – 3,000 SPM |
| Stroke Length | 1 in. | 1 in. | 7/8 in. |
| Controls | Variable speed dial | Single speed | Variable speed dial |
| Lock-on Switch | No | Yes | Yes |
| Length | 10.5 in. | 10.8 in. | 10.1 in. |
| Weight w/5.0Ah | 5.5 lbs. | 6.4 lbs. | 5.2 lbs. |
| Price (bare tool) | $279.99 | $169.99 | $208.99 |
Additional Features
- Built-in dust blower keeps the cut line visible
- Tool-free blade change
- Electric brake
- Dual LED lights
- Large 2-finger trigger
Makita XVJ04 Cordless Jigsaw Price
Makita’s compact cordless jigsaw retails for $208.99 as a bare tool. There’s no kit option available at the time we’re writing. As usual, Makita backs it with a 3-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Model: Makita XVJ04Z
- Blade type: T-Shank
- Max metal cutting capacity: 0.38 in
- Max wood cutting capacity: 5.31 in
- Weight: 4.83 lbs (bare)
- Bevel range: 0° to 45° (left and right)
