Makita XVJ04Z vs XVJ01Z
The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Jig Saw (XVJ04Z) and the Makita 18V LXT Brushless Barrel-Grip Jig Saw (XVJ01Z) are both bare brushless jig saws on the Makita 18V LXT battery platform. Makita's specifications show the same cutting capacity for both, so the choice comes down to how you hold the saw, how the stroke is set up, and size.
Handle
This is the main difference. The XVJ04Z is a D-handle saw, the top-handle style where your hand sits above the motor. The XVJ01Z is a barrel-grip saw, held around the body with the hand closer to the work surface. Our guide to barrel-grip versus top-handle jig saws explains which cuts suit each shape.
Stroke and speed
The XVJ01Z has the longer stroke, 1 inch against 7/8 inch, and the higher top speed: a six-speed dial covers 800 to 3,500 strokes per minute. The XVJ04Z runs from 0 to 3,000 strokes per minute. On paper the barrel-grip saw moves more blade through the material per minute at full speed, while the XVJ04Z can run slower than the 800 strokes per minute minimum of the XVJ01Z.
Size and weight
The XVJ04Z is the smaller tool: 10-1/4 inches long and 5.2 lbs with a battery, against 11-3/4 inches and 5.5 lbs for the XVJ01Z.
What is the same
Both cut up to 5-5/16 inches in wood, 3/8 inch in steel and 25/32 inch in aluminum. Both take T-shank blades, have tool-less blade changes, and offer three orbital settings plus straight cutting.
In the box
Neither includes a battery or charger. The XVJ04Z comes with three blades, for wood, metal and wood/metal. The XVJ01Z comes with one blade, an anti-splintering insert, a cover plate and a hex wrench. The XVJ01Z is in the "$200+" price tier.
Makita
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Jig Saw
The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Jig Saw is a bare cordless D-handle jig saw with a brushless variable-speed motor. It delivers 0 to 3,000 strokes per minute with a 7/8-inch stroke and offers three orbital settings plus straight cutting. It weighs 5.2 lbs with battery and comes with three blades.
Makita
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Barrel-Grip Jig Saw
The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Barrel-Grip Jig Saw is a bare cordless jig saw with an ergonomic barrel grip for close control. A six-speed dial sets stroke rates from 800 to 3,500 SPM, with a 1-inch stroke. It has three orbital settings plus straight cutting, a tool-less blade change system and dual LED lights.
| Makita 18V LXT Brushless Jig Saw | Makita 18V LXT Brushless Barrel-Grip Jig Saw | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Makita | Makita |
| Price range | $100+ | $100+ |
| Category | Jigsaws | Jigsaws |
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Our Verdict
Buy the XVJ04Z if
- You prefer a D-handle, the top-handle style most people find natural for long straight cuts.
- You want the shorter, lighter saw: 10-1/4 inches and 5.2 lbs with a battery.
- You want speeds below 800 strokes per minute, since its range starts at 0.
- You want wood, metal and wood/metal blades in the box.
Product page: Makita 18V LXT Brushless Jig Saw.
Buy the XVJ01Z if
- You prefer a barrel grip, with your hand low and close to the work for curves and cutouts.
- You want the longer 1-inch stroke and the higher 3,500 strokes per minute top speed.
- You want the anti-splintering insert and cover plate that come with it.
Product page: Makita 18V LXT Brushless Barrel-Grip Jig Saw.
Cutting capacity, blade type and orbital settings are the same on both, and both need a Makita 18V LXT battery and charger bought separately. Choose by grip first. If you have no preference, the XVJ04Z is the more compact tool and the XVJ01Z has the longer stroke and faster top speed.
Compare these side-by-side with more products in our comparison tool →