The Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw is a cordless reciprocating saw built for general cutting and demolition work in wood, metal, and pipe. This is a reciprocating saw designed for fast cutting in remodeling, service work, and jobsite tear-out. Model Number: XRJ04Z. If you already run Makita's 18V LXT platform, this bare tool gives you solid cutting speed without adding another battery system to the truck.

On the numbers that matter, this saw delivers up to 2,800 strokes per minute and a 1-1/4 inch stroke length. In real use, that longer stroke helps the blade cover more material each pass, so cuts move along quicker in framing lumber, pipe, and general demo material. Makita also rates it for up to 10 inches of wood cutting capacity with a 12 inch blade and 5-1/8 inches in pipe, which puts it in the range most contractors need for punch-list work, rough-ins, and tear-out.

Makita kept the design practical. The saw measures 19-1/8 inches long, giving you a compact enough body for tighter spaces without turning it into a specialty short-stroke tool. A large two-finger variable speed trigger gives you more control at startup, which is useful when you are easing into metal, cutting near finished surfaces, or trying to keep a demolition cut from jumping around. The electric brake helps stop the blade faster when you let off the trigger, which saves a little time on every cut and makes repositioning cleaner.

One of the more useful details here is the refined crank mechanism. Makita designed it to minimize blade deflection and reduce vibration, and that is not just brochure talk. On a reciprocating saw, less blade wander means better tracking through material and less fighting the tool when you are cutting awkward overhead runs or working one-handed on service calls. Add the rubberized soft-grip handle and the overall feel is built more for control than brute-force demolition.

For jobsite practicality, the XRJ04Z includes a tool-free blade change system so you can swap blades quickly without hunting for an Allen key or wrench. It also features Makita's Extreme Protection Technology for improved dust and water resistance in harsh conditions, plus Star Protection Computer Controls to help protect against overload, over-discharge, and overheating when paired with the correct battery. Those features matter most for contractors who use the saw regularly in dirty, unpredictable conditions rather than just on occasional weekend jobs.

This saw runs on the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery platform and is compatible with Makita 18V LXT batteries that have the star symbol. That is a big reason to buy it. If your drill, impact driver, grinder, or circular saw already runs on LXT packs, the XRJ04Z drops right into that system. Battery and charger are sold separately, so this one makes the most sense for users already invested in Makita cordless tools.

Who should buy it? This is a good fit for remodelers, plumbers, electricians, maintenance crews, HVAC techs, and general contractors who need a dependable cordless reciprocating saw for daily cutting without stepping into a heavier high-end demolition model. Serious DIY users on the Makita platform will also get plenty out of it. If your work is mostly service cuts, rough openings, pipe, strut, nail-embedded wood, and general tear-out, this saw hits a practical middle ground of speed, control, and platform compatibility.

Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw That Makes Sense for Everyday Cutting

This is the kind of reciprocating saw that earns its keep on service calls, remodel jobs, and general demo without trying to be a giant specialty demolition beast.

• Who it's for: Contractors and serious DIY users already on Makita 18V LXT who need a reliable cordless saw for wood, pipe, and tear-out work.
• Why it stands out: The long 1-1/4 inch stroke, tool-free blade change, electric brake, and reduced blade deflection give it a nice mix of speed and control.
• Worth knowing: This is a tool-only setup, so bring your own battery and charger. It is also a brushed motor model, which is fine for plenty of users, but guys looking for the lightest, most premium option may want to compare higher-end brushless models.

• Is this a cordless or corded reciprocating saw? It is a cordless reciprocating saw powered by a Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery.
• Does the XRJ04Z include a battery and charger? No. This is a tool-only version, so the battery and charger are sold separately.
• What is the maximum cutting speed? The saw delivers 0 to 2,800 strokes per minute.
• What can it cut? It is rated for up to 10 inches in wood with a 12 inch blade and up to 5-1/8 inches in pipe.
• What battery platform does it use? It is compatible with Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries with the star symbol.