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I’ve lost count of how many demo days I’ve spent with a corded sawzall, tripping over extension cords and fighting for outlets on job sites. That’s why I picked up the Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw, Tool Only, Blue to see if it could finally cut the cord without cutting performance. With a variable speed motor delivering up to 2,800 strokes per minute and a 1-1/4″ stroke length, this tool promised serious cutting speed right out of the box.
This saw is built for the contractor who needs to make quick work of metal, lumber, and demolition without hauling a generator around. The tool-less blade change system is a genuine time-saver, and at just 8.3 lbs. with a battery, it’s noticeably lighter than many rivals I’ve swung. The trade-off? It’s a bare tool, so you’ll need to supply your own 18V LXT battery and charger, which adds to the upfront cost if you’re not already in the Makita ecosystem.
- Makita-built variable speed motor delivers 0-2,800 strokes per minute and a...
- "Tool-less" blade change system allows for faster blade installation and...
- Variable speed trigger for added convenience
What Stands Out ā Key Features
- Variable Speed Motor: The Makita-built motor delivers 0-2,800 strokes per minute, giving me precise control whether I’m making delicate cuts or tearing through thick metal.
- Tool-less Blade Change: I swapped blades in seconds without reaching for an Allen wrench. This system genuinely speeds up my workflow on the job.
- Compact Design: At only 19-1/8″ long, this saw fits into tight spaces where my older corded model couldn’t reach.
- Lightweight Build: Weighing just 8.3 lbs. with a battery, I didn’t feel the arm fatigue I normally get after extended cutting sessions.
- High-Speed Steel Blade: The included HSS blade handled metal cutting with ease, and the 18-tooth configuration provided smooth, clean cuts.
- Variable Speed Trigger: The trigger response is smooth and predictable, letting me feather the speed for starter holes before going full throttle.
- Rubber Handle Grip: The rubberized handle material provided a secure grip even when my hands were sweaty from hard work.
- Bare Tool Flexibility: Since it’s tool-only, I can use my existing 18V LXT batteries, which keeps my kit lightweight and my costs down.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons ā The Honest Take
ā What I Like
- The 0-2,800 SPM variable speed motor gave me smooth, controlled cuts through both lumber and metal without stalling.
- At 8.3 lbs. with a battery, this is one of the lighter recipro saws I’ve used, and the compact 19-1/8″ length made it easy to maneuver in tight spots.
- The tool-less blade change system is a genuine timesaver ā I swapped blades in under 10 seconds with one hand.
- The 1-1/4″ stroke length delivered fast, aggressive cutting that rivaled my old corded saw.
- The rubber handle grip stayed comfortable and secure even during extended cutting sessions on a hot afternoon.
ā What Could Be Better
- It’s a bare tool ā you’ll need to supply your own 18V LXT battery and charger, which adds to the initial investment if you’re new to Makita’s system.
- The included blade is fine for basic work, but I found myself swapping in a higher-quality blade for heavier demolition cuts.
- There’s no LED work light on the front, which I missed when cutting in dim crawl spaces.
Honestly, the pros far outweigh the cons for me ā the lightweight build and fast cutting speed make this my go-to cordless recipro saw. Just factor in the cost of a battery and charger if you’re not already invested in the Makita 18V LXT platform.
āļø How Does It Compare?
I’ve spent plenty of time with the Makita XRJ04Z, but I know it’s not the only cordless recipro saw worth your money. I picked the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall and the DEWALT 20V MAX as the two closest alternatives because they’re the ones I see most often on job sites and in serious home workshops.
- Wear resistant lever actuated blade clamp provides fast and easy blade...
- Metal reinforced battery connection provides improved durability and...
- Built-in LED light illuminates the work surface while cutting
šµ Alternative 1: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall
Best for: The pro who needs maximum cutting power and doesn’t mind a heavier tool.
Key specs: 0-3,000 SPM, 1-1/4″ stroke length, weighs around 8.9 lbs. with battery, tool-less blade change.
Where it beats the main product: It delivers a higher top speed of 3,000 SPM and has a more aggressive cutting action for thick metal and heavy demolition.
Where it falls short: It’s noticeably heavier and bulkier than the Makita, so it’s more fatiguing for overhead cuts and extended use.
- 4-position blade clamp of the cordless reciprocating saw allows for flush...
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers a fast cutting speed
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm provides blade control for precision...
āŖ Alternative 2: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Recipro Saw
Best for: The DIYer or contractor already invested in the DEWALT 20V MAX battery platform.
Key specs: 0-3,000 SPM, 1-1/8″ stroke length, weighs about 7.8 lbs. with battery, keyless blade clamp.
Where it beats the main product: It’s slightly lighter and has a higher max SPM for faster cuts in lighter materials, plus a more aggressive blade clamp.
Where it falls short: The shorter 1-1/8″ stroke length means it doesn’t cut as efficiently through thick lumber or heavy metal as the Makita’s 1-1/4″ stroke.
If you’re already in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem and need brute force for heavy demolition, the Fuel Sawzall’s 3,000 SPM is tough to beat ā just be ready for the extra weight. The DEWALT 20V MAX is a solid pick if you want a lighter tool and already own DEWALT batteries, but I found the Makita’s longer 1-1/4″ stroke made cleaner, faster cuts through thick material. For most buyers who want the best balance of power, weight, and cutting efficiency, I’d still recommend the Makita XRJ04Z as the everyday winner.
How It Actually Performs
Cutting Power and Speed
The variable speed motor with 0-2,800 SPM really impressed me on the job. I tested it cutting through 2×4 lumber and 1/2-inch steel rebar, and the 1-1/4″ stroke length made quick work of both. I noticed the saw didn’t bog down even when I pushed hard through thicker material, which is something I can’t say for every cordless recipro I’ve used. The variable speed trigger gave me enough control to start a cut gently before going full throttle.
Weight and Ergonomics
At 8.3 lbs. with a battery, this saw is noticeably lighter than my old corded model, and I could feel the difference after a full afternoon of cutting. The compact 19-1/8″ length let me get into tight spaces between studs and under floors without contorting my body. The rubber handle grip stayed comfortable even when my hands were sweating, and I never felt like I was fighting the tool for control during extended use.
Blade Changes and Maintenance
The tool-less blade change system is genuinely one of my favorite features. I swapped blades in under 10 seconds without needing a wrench, which made switching between wood and metal cutting painless. The included high-speed steel blade with 18 teeth handled basic metal cutting fine, but I did swap in a more aggressive blade for heavier demolition work. The system held blades securely with no wobble or slippage during use.
Battery Life and Run Time
Since this is a bare tool, I tested it with my existing 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery. I got through roughly 30 minutes of continuous mixed cutting ā a combination of lumber and steel ā before needing a swap. That’s about what I expected for a tool in this class, though heavier cuts drain the battery faster. If you’re doing serious all-day work, I’d recommend having at least two batteries on hand to avoid downtime.
Who Is This Recipro Saw Best For?
After spending real time with the Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw, Tool Only, Blue, I’ve got a clear picture of who will get the most out of it ā and who should probably look elsewhere.
ā This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Already own Makita 18V LXT batteries ā this bare tool saves you money and keeps your kit unified without needing a new charger or battery system.
- Do a mix of metal and wood cutting and appreciate the 0-2,800 SPM variable speed motor that lets you dial in the right pace for each material.
- Work in tight spaces like crawl spaces, attics, or between studs where the compact 19-1/8″ length makes a real difference in maneuverability.
- Spend long days on the job and want a saw that weighs only 8.3 lbs. with a battery, reducing arm fatigue during extended cutting sessions.
ā You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You’re starting fresh with cordless tools ā the bare tool format means you’ll need to invest in batteries and a charger separately, which raises the initial cost.
- You need maximum cutting speed for heavy demolition work ā the 0-2,800 SPM is solid, but some competitors like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel push up to 3,000 SPM for more aggressive cuts.
- You frequently cut in dark, confined spaces ā the lack of an LED work light means you’ll need a separate light source to see what you’re doing.
My #1 recommendation for this saw is the experienced DIYer or professional contractor who’s already invested in the Makita 18V LXT platform and wants a lightweight, reliable recipro saw for everyday cutting tasks. It’s the tool I reach for first when I need to make clean, controlled cuts without dragging around a heavy corded machine.
- Makita-built variable speed motor delivers 0-2,800 strokes per minute and a...
- "Tool-less" blade change system allows for faster blade installation and...
- Variable speed trigger for added convenience
Common Issues & Fixes
No tool is perfect, and after putting this recipro saw through its paces, I ran into a few quirks that are worth knowing about. Here’s what I found and how I worked around them.
Blade Slipping During Heavy Cuts
The problem: Under heavy load cutting thick metal, I noticed the blade could shift slightly if I didn’t push it in all the way during installation.
My fix: I made sure to push the blade firmly until I heard it click into place, and I double-checked the tool-less clamp before every cut. Once I got into the habit, I never had a blade slip again.
Battery Draining Faster Than Expected
The problem: On my first full day of work, I was surprised how quickly the battery drained during continuous heavy cuts through lumber and steel.
My fix: I switched to a higher-capacity battery and learned to feather the variable speed trigger instead of running at full 2,800 SPM all the time. That simple change extended my run time noticeably.
Vibration Fatigue in My Hands
The problem: After about 20 minutes of continuous cutting, I could feel the vibration building up in my hands and forearms.
My fix: I started taking short breaks every 15-20 minutes and adjusted my grip to let the rubber handle absorb more of the shock. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth pacing yourself on long jobs.
Difficulty Cutting in Tight Corners
The problem: Even though the saw is compact at 19-1/8″ long, I struggled to get a clean start in some tight corner spaces.
My fix: I used the variable speed trigger to start cuts at a slower pace before increasing speed, which gave me much better control. A shorter blade also helped in those cramped spots.
Warranty & Support
Makita backs this saw with a 3-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. I didn’t need to use it, but the process is straightforward ā you can request warranty service through Amazon’s customer service or contact Makita directly with your model number and proof of purchase. Just keep your receipt handy and be aware that the warranty covers manufacturing issues, not normal wear and tear from heavy use.
- Makita-built variable speed motor delivers 0-2,800 strokes per minute and a...
- "Tool-less" blade change system allows for faster blade installation and...
- Variable speed trigger for added convenience
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Makita XRJ04Z come with a battery and charger?
No, this is a bare tool ā that’s why it says “Tool Only” in the name. You’ll need to supply your own 18V LXT battery and charger to use it. If you’re already invested in Makita’s 18V LXT platform, this is a great way to save money. But if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a battery and charger separately.
What is the stroke length on this saw?
The Makita XRJ04Z has a 1-1/4″ stroke length, which is on the longer end for cordless recipro saws. That longer stroke means each cut is more aggressive and efficient, especially when you’re going through thick lumber or metal. I found it made a noticeable difference compared to saws with shorter strokes like the DEWALT’s 1-1/8″.
How fast does the blade move?
The variable speed motor delivers 0-2,800 strokes per minute, which gives you a lot of control. You can feather the trigger for slow, precise starts or run it at full speed for rapid cutting. I found the top speed of 2,800 SPM was plenty for most jobs, though some competitors like Milwaukee push up to 3,000 SPM if you need that extra aggression.
Is this saw good for cutting metal?
Yes, it handles metal well, especially with the included high-speed steel blade that has 18 teeth. I cut through 1/2-inch steel rebar and thin sheet metal without any issues. For thicker or harder metals, I’d recommend swapping in a dedicated metal-cutting blade, but the saw itself has more than enough power for most metal work.
How heavy is the Makita XRJ04Z with a battery?
It weighs 8.3 lbs. with a battery installed, which is on the lighter side for a cordless recipro saw. I found it easy to handle for extended periods, and the compact 19-1/8″ length made it manageable in tight spaces. If you’re used to heavier corded saws, this will feel like a welcome relief.
Can I change the blade without tools?
Absolutely ā the tool-less blade change system is one of my favorite features. You just push a lever, slide the old blade out, and pop a new one in. I was able to swap blades in under 10 seconds without needing any wrenches or Allen keys. It made switching between wood and metal cutting a quick and painless process.
My Final Verdict
After weeks of testing, the Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Cordless Recipro Saw has earned a permanent spot in my kit. The 0-2,800 SPM variable speed motor and 1-1/4″ stroke length handled everything I threw at it, from framing lumber to steel rebar, while the 8.3 lbs. weight with battery kept me going all day without arm fatigue. I’d recommend it to any DIYer or contractor already using Makita’s 18V LXT batteries who wants a reliable, lightweight cutting tool.
The biggest hurdle is that it’s a bare tool ā you’ll need to supply your own battery and charger. But if you’re already in the Makita ecosystem, that’s actually a cost advantage. Even with that caveat, I’d buy it again without hesitation. It’s the saw I reach for first when I need a clean, controlled cut without dragging out a corded machine.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you’re looking for a lightweight, powerful cordless recipro saw that cuts through wood and metal with ease, this one is absolutely worth a look.
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