I've had the 18v brushless barrel grip for years and love it. It cuts great and is so much more versatile than a d-handle to do long complex cuts or oddly shaped cuts. There's a small learning curve though if you aren't used to barrel grips. As soon as you pick it up keep your middle finger near or on the power button with the hand that you're using to push the jigsaw and press it whenever you want to start and end cuts and you won't have to reach around with your other hand.
I cant say im a big fan of the on/off buttons on a lot of these new tools. I feel like the trigger is more than adequate. Especially on something like the D-handle, chainsaws, and mower
I have no idea why Makita still didn’t manage to put a variable speed trigger on the barrel grip one. It would have put it clear of the D-handle for many people. Just put a button on each side of the tool so you can control the speed with your thumb the more you press it. I don’t like using D-handle jigsaws a lot since they strain the wrists a lot more than the barrel grip, but you’re right. It’s super annoying you have to reach around to shut off the tool and it basically gives you no option to slow it down. I got the 40v barrel grip though and I’m sort of happy with it. Might pick this one up at some point if I feel like buying myself a little gift haha
You wouldn't even need to put it on the side theres more than enough room to put it on the bottom, then they could do away with the D handle altogether, reducing their development cost and the number of skews they have to stock.
I always saw people use jigsaws at full power and never questioned it, but I turned down the speed on my jigsaw to half and it was so smooth I thought it was a mistake. If you’ve never tried it, drop it down a couple speeds and experience the feeling of a new tool. Especially recommended if you’re using a coping foot. It makes all the difference
‘The Tool Show’ Sara- get the defibrillator! Rob…. Avert your eyes and put on ear muffs! Although no one should indite all barrel grips based on the Makita design. I prefer it for many of the reasons Tools points out, but it certainly isnt a perfect design due to the longer body style and lack of a trigger.
D Handle is the best for sure. I am still using the old 18v brushed simply because its makita and they last so long it seems a shame to buy a new one. But after watching this video I may need to pick up the 40v D Handle. As usual thanks for the video
I love the soft start. Especially on finished plywood with the laminate blade no tear out. I used to hate it when I first used it. Maybe Im used to it now 🤷
Variable trigger allows me to use this bad boy at work as circular saw, sawzall, and jigsaw. I even got a cut blade for drywall cutting. With multi-tool along I don't really need anything else for cutting.
I heard from people who use jigsaws all the time that old 18v brushed jigsaw is a beast in terms of quality because the gear unit is all metal. Interesting to see how makita make these new once, how they develop their product etc. what they made better except for giving more power on xgt line, better runtime etc
I love my brushed D handle, and wish my US barrel grip could turn the soft start off, but ive grown used to it. I have the flat stock plate on my d handle and a collins coping foot on my barrel grip. I love the idea of the lock on with that 40v D Handle! If i ever come into a windfall id get that 40v D handle first and a 40v barrel grip later.
This is freaking awesome. Love your video’s btw. Been waiting for the 40V D-handle since i switched to 40V a few years ago (i am still using a wired jigsaw). Have to wait a bit tho, these won’t arrive in europe till late in february.
Hung over sounds perfect for a boxing day release! I prefer the control of the barrel drip, my excuse is that I'm used to a bandsaw so work around the single speed blade. Also my index finger only has to move a little to be perfectly on the power button, no reach around needed. Looks like yours would be the same but hey, we're all different.
I just got D handle DJV 184 , it has variable speed trigger, one reason i dont like barrel grips it's, on or off, there is no control. Would like to Makita to make a real circle guide for jigsaw, like Bosch and Festool up to 3 m circles, only thing Makita has is that short guide for max 60 cm circles.
Good work with sorting these out. Hope you had a good Christmas, and probably New Year by the time you read these comments. Surprised no comments yet on your safety Jandals. ;-)
I have the brushed 18V love it. I don't use jigsaws to rip plywood, so the power increase doesn't do much for me. I like the D handle for the adjustable trigger. I also like the ability to choke up on the grip and have my hand directly over the blade axis while still using the tool one-handed.
Hey tools! There's a new Hikoki multi tool release! I'd love to see if they fixed the issue of the old one in your review. You know, the issue of it like... Not working 😅
Good vid. Just st want to say the on/off on the barrel saw is utter shit. Its too far away from where you hold the thing especially in non optimal circumstances. A normal trigger like on the d handel is ao much safer and controllable.
My experience is limited to the 18v models - and this was my first serious experience with a barrel style saw. My first impression of the barrel style saw was “wow, is this tool long.” I would soon find the length changed the way I made my cuts. The barrel felt enormous compared to the D-handle version. My next concern was not having the “off” switch at my fingertips. This almost suggests a safety concern. After a fair trial, I added a D-handle model. Happiness returned. Both saws impressed with their ability to maintain speed under load, lack of perceived vibration, and smooth, square cuts. A lesser concern was the awkwardness of the barrel model in making blind cuts. Here the lack of trigger speed control was a real problem.
hello good afternoon! Will it be possible to watch a new video cutting hard wood about 5/6 centimeters thick to see if the cut comes out straight, or if it is tilted? thanks
Robert in the comments below. hello I’m Rich in the comments below… I also have alot to say about how utterly sh1te the push button safety is and the soft start on the 1st gen brushless. Makita made this model deliberately annoying to use I think. glad I didn’t get rid of my original brushed version when I ‘upgraded’ I still use it as my main jiggy and keep the crappy brushless as a spare 😂
You’re forgetting the part where you can’t turn auto mode off on the US models. Literally went out of their way to make ones where you can turn it off for everyone but North America. You can see where it’s missing the directions to do that in the US instruction manual.
Dude, wear a slip on steel toe shoes. You'll never now when something falling to your feet or when you'll bump the table leg. Lol. Anyway, manuver ability is what I prefer the most in a jigsaw. The barrel grip is superior to the D handle in my experience.
D handle is my preference if I want a powerful jigsaw for different kind of work on a jobsite to keep it tight in my hand, however for occasional small work in a garage I'd choose a compact jigsaw with barrel grip (we call it mushroom grip by the way😅)
I like the BL machines, but i think the built quality is not as strong as the old one, thinner shaft, smaller screw to set 45 decrees, it breaks off or does not stay tight
With our luck, they’re building up stock of the very special US models that won’t allow you turn off the soft start. Just as they do with the XVJ01 and XVJ02.
