Bare-Tool Makita BJR181Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Product Details

Shipping Weight: 7.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
ASIN: B000I6NO04
Item model number: BJR181Z

Price : $121.98

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw delivers faster cutting and demolition performance to the jobsite. The BJR181Z has a high-torque motor with a 1-1/8-inch stroke that is engineered for a range of cutting and demolition tasks. The LXT Lithium-Ion Battery (sold separately) makes this reciprocating saw perfect for remote use, where running a cord is not an option.

BJR181Z Features
SPEED - 50% faster cutting from 2,900 SPM (1-1/8" stroke)
CONVENIENCE - "Tool-less" blade change and shoe adjustments plus tool hook and L.E.D. light
PERFORMANCE - LXT Li-Ion batteries charge in 30 minutes, run longer and deliver 2.5X more cycles
COMFORT - Less weight with comfortable ergonomic grip
Battery and charger not included

Tool Specifications
Length of stroke
1-1/8"
Max. cutting depth
Pipe (5-1/8"), Wood (10")
Strokes per minute
0-2,900 SPM
Battery
18V LXT Lithium-Ion
Overall length
19-5/8"
Net weight
8.1 lbs. (w/battery)Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile PowerThe BJR181Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor with a 1-1/8-inch stroke that cuts 0-2,900 strokes per minute (SPM) for faster cutting. The BJR181Z has a maximum cutting depth of 5-1/8 inches for pipe, and 10 inches into wood (using a 12-inch blade). Productivity features include an electric brake, and a "tool-less-inch blade change.
Ergonomic Design in a Compact SizeThe BJR181Z weighs just 8.1 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at 19-5/8 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue. In addition, the BJR181Z has a built-in L.E.D. light to illuminate the work area, and a retractable hook so the tool remains close by but never in the way.
Versatile Design for a Range of ApplicationsThe BJR181Z is engineered for the pro that wants more features, and is perfect for a range of applications including plumbing, flooring, electrical, demolition, and for general contractors who require a best-in-class engineered cordless reciprocating saw. The BJR181Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.
About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool SeriesAs one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.
About MakitaMakita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
WarrantyEvery Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.
What's in the BoxMakita BJR181Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw (tool only).

Other Makita Lithium-Ion Series
More 18V Lithium-Ion Tools from MakitaSee the entire 18V Lithium-Ion Lineup
Driver-Drills
Impact Drivers
Impact Wrenches
BHP454
BDF451
BDF452
BDA350
BTD144
BTW450
BTW251
BTL063
Concrete
Metalworking
Combo Kits
BHR240
BCS550
BPB180
LXT1500 15-Tool Kit
LXT1200 12-Tool Kit
LXT902 9-Tool Kit

Maximum Cutting Capacity of Pipe: 5-1/8 Inches and Wood (w/12 Inch Blade): 10 Inches. Length of Stroke: 1-1/8 Inches. Strokes Per Minute: 0-2,900 SPM. Watt Hours: 54.0. Overall Length: 19-5/8 Inches. Net weight: 8.1 Pounds. Shipping Weight: 12.00 lbs. (Bare Tool - No Battery - No Charger)
See all Product Description

Technical Details

Makita-built variable speed D35 high torque motor that delivers 0-2,900 strokes per minute is combined with a 1-1/8-Inch length stoke for faster cutting and maximum productivity
Compact design at 19-5/8 inches long and weighs only 8.1 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue
Includes features such as a large 2-finger trigger, a built-in L.E.D. light to illuminate the work area, and a large retractable tool hook
Makita LXT Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles
3-year warranty on tool

Bare-Tool Makita BJR181Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)

Customer Reviews

Unless the hook is important to you [62 dollars important] the BJR182 is a better deal. In addition to not having the hook, BJR182 has a slightly different handle and does not have the LED headlights. Same motor and transmission. I got mine for eighty bucks here on Amazon: Makita BJR182Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw. I suspect these come from dealers who break down kits to get you the awesome price (I consider that excellent service) since Makita states that the BJR182 is the kits-only version of the tool. By the way the saw is very substantial and powerful because of the new cordless battery technology. I have been conditioned to expect cordless to mean wimpy but that is not the case here.

This product has 5 stars because Makita has a good product here. Then there is me. . . picking at the details. I have owned this saw for 4 years now, it has undergone daily use for 2 full years of the 4. I have only one complaint about this saw and a few requests/questions for future models.
My only complaint, and I have not seen any one else mention this, is that the blade guard is not a solid mechanism and slips back when pressure is applied. I hope that Makita can remedy this small oversight in future models.
Another question is can this tool be made any more compact? I have also noticed that a corded model Makita recipro-saw has some kind of anti vibration technology, can this be applied in some measure to the cordless?
This saw is still going strong and dispite the improvements I would like to see it is a staple of the cordless tool kit, powerful, light, love the hook and the light. It is a 5 star out of the competition but it needs tweeked to be the absolute best that it can be.