Makita DJV182 Jigsaw

The Makita DJV182 is a professional-grade cordless jigsaw powered by 18-volt lithium-ion batteries within the LXT battery system, distinguished by its brushless motor technology that delivers 50 percent increased runtime compared to brushed motor equivalents. This top-handle design jigsaw features a 26-millimeter stroke length operating at variable speeds from 800 to 3,500 strokes per minute, controlled via a six-position dial accessible during operation. The brushless motor generates 390 watts maximum output, propelling the blade through cutting capacities of 135 millimeters in wood, 10 millimeters in steel, and 20 millimeters in aluminum when cutting perpendicular to workpiece surfaces. Three selectable orbital action settings plus straight cutting mode enable operators to match cutting aggressiveness to material characteristics and application requirements, from aggressive timber cutting to precision metal work requiring minimal blade deflection.

The DJV182 incorporates a tool-less blade clamp accepting universal bayonet-type jigsaw blades through simple insertion and automatic locking, eliminating the Allen key operations required by earlier designs. A rigid aluminum baseplate bevels 45 degrees in both left and right directions with positive stops at 90 degrees, secured via tool-accessible adjustment mechanisms. Twin LED job lights illuminate the cutting area ahead of the blade, maintaining visibility in poorly lit conditions or when working in confined spaces where ambient lighting is blocked by the operator's body or surrounding structures. The model designation indicates brushless motor technology through standard Makita nomenclature, while various suffix combinations distinguish bare tool configurations from complete kits with batteries, chargers, and cases.

Technical Specifications

The DJV182 operates exclusively on Makita 18-volt LXT lithium-ion slide-type batteries, specifically incompatible with older G-Series batteries despite similar voltage ratings. Compatible battery models span capacity ranges from 1.5 ampere-hours through 6.0 ampere-hours, including BL1815N, BL1820, BL1830, BL1840, BL1850, and BL1860 designations with various sub-variants. The brushless DC motor eliminates carbon brush maintenance while increasing energy conversion efficiency, producing greater torque per weight and reduced friction compared to brushed motor designs. Maximum output power reaches 390 watts, substantially exceeding the 340-watt output of the predecessor DJV180 brushed model. This power drives the blade through a 26-millimeter stroke length, representing the vertical distance traveled by the blade during each reciprocating cycle.

Variable speed control adjusts stroke rate from 800 strokes per minute minimum through 3,500 strokes per minute maximum via a six-position dial located at the rear of the tool body for thumb operation while gripping the handle. This speed range accommodates diverse materials, with lower speeds preventing blade overheating in metals and higher speeds maximizing productivity in wood and softer materials. The orbital action change lever selects between four modes: straight cutting with zero orbital motion for metals and tight curves, and three progressively aggressive orbital settings introducing forward blade motion during the upstroke to accelerate cutting in wood and softer materials. Orbital action increases cutting speed substantially but reduces precision and surface finish quality, requiring operator judgment to balance productivity against finish requirements.

Cutting capacity specifications define maximum workpiece thickness the tool will penetrate: 135 millimeters in woodaccommodates common dimensional lumber and thick hardwoods, 10 millimeters in steel handles structural steel plate and bar stock, while 20 millimeters in aluminum addresses architectural extrusions and fabrication materials. These capacities assume perpendicular 90-degree cuts; bevel cutting reduces effective capacity as blade must travel through greater material thickness at oblique angles. The aluminum baseplate tilts 45 degrees left and right from perpendicular, secured by adjustment mechanisms requiring hex key manipulation. Heavy-gauge aluminum construction resists flexing under cutting forces while maintaining smooth gliding across workpiece surfaces.

Physical dimensions measure 266 millimeters length, 77 millimeters width, and 208 millimeters height, creating a compact profile relative to cutting capacity. Weight ranges from 2.4 to 2.7 kilograms depending on battery capacity attached, with the 6.0 ampere-hour configuration specified at 2.4 kilograms. Sound power level registers 97 decibels with sound pressure level at 89 decibels, both measured with 3-decibel uncertainty factors per standardized testing protocols. Vibration exposure measures 7.0 meters per second squared when cutting boards or medium-density fiberboard, reducing to 3.5 meters per second squared for sheet metal cutting, with 1.5 meters per second squared uncertainty applicable to both measurements. Dust extraction connections accommodate 23-millimeter inlet and 28-millimeter outlet diameters through an aluminum hose joint, representing improved design over earlier plastic connections.

Key Features

Brushless motor technology fundamentally distinguishes the DJV182 from brushed motor jigsaws including its DJV180 predecessor. Brushless motors eliminate physical contact between rotating and stationary electrical components, removing carbon brush wear as a maintenance item while dramatically reducing friction-generated heat. The electronic commutation system precisely controls motor timing and current delivery, optimizing torque and speed for changing load conditions. This efficiency manifests as 50 percent runtime increase on identical battery capacity compared to brushed equivalents, substantially extending work duration between battery changes. Additional benefits include cooler operation preventing motor thermal overload during demanding applications, reduced audible noise from eliminating brush sparking, and longer motor service life from removing the primary wear component.

The tool-less blade clamp revolutionizes blade changes by eliminating Allen key requirements. Blades insert directly into the clamp mechanism and automatically lock through spring-loaded engagement, securing immediately upon full insertion. Blade removal requires only depressing a release lever while withdrawing the blade, accomplishing in seconds operations requiring tools and multiple-handed manipulation on earlier designs. This system accepts universal bayonet-type shank blades from Makita and other manufacturers, maintaining compatibility with existing blade inventories. The automatic locking mechanism maintains secure blade retention under cutting forces while enabling rapid blade substitution when switching between materials or replacing worn blades.

Soft start and soft no-load functions manage motor behavior during startup and idling. Soft start gradually ramps stroke speed when the trigger is initially pressed rather than delivering immediate full-speed operation, preventing sudden tool movement that could damage workpiece edges or compromise cut positioning accuracy. The soft no-load function automatically reduces motor speed during idling when the tool is lifted from the workpiece or trigger pressure is reduced without full release, suppressing vibration and extending battery runtime by reducing no-load power consumption. These functions combine to produce smoother operation and improved user control, particularly beneficial when landing the blade for plunge cuts or maintaining precise cut lines.

Twin LED job lights mounted ahead of the blade illuminate the cutting area from both sides, eliminating shadows that would otherwise obscure cut lines when single-sided lighting is blocked by blade or surrounding structures. The lights activate automatically when the tool is powered, continuing briefly after shutdown through an afterglow function that maintains visibility while repositioning for the next cut. This lighting system proves essential in enclosed cabinets, under counters, or other confined applications where ambient lighting cannot reach work surfaces. An integrated blower function directs air across the cutting area, clearing sawdust from cut lines to maintain visibility of marked cutting paths.

The ergonomic top-handle design positions the operator's hand directly above the cutting line for intuitive tool guidance and superior control during curved cutting. The rubberized grip features anti-slip dimples and soft elastomer coating, maintaining secure hold in dusty or damp conditions while cushioning vibration transmission to the operator's hand. The trigger switch incorporates lock-on capability for extended straight cutting, reducing finger fatigue while maintaining safety through a lock-off button preventing unintentional startup. An electronic motor brake rapidly arrests blade motion when the trigger is released, substantially reducing coasting distance and improving safety when setting down the tool or repositioning between cuts.

Applications

The DJV182 handles comprehensive jigsaw applications across professional carpentry and construction environments. Straight cutting in dimensional lumber for framing, flooring, or general construction benefits from high-speed settings with aggressive orbital action, rapidly processing repetitive cuts in softwood materials. The 135-millimeter wood cutting capacity accommodates solid timber beams, laminated lumber, and thick hardwood slabs, addressing the full range of structural and finish carpentry cutting requirements. Lower speeds with reduced orbital action provide cleaner cut edges in hardwoods and finish-grade materials where edge quality affects final appearance.

Curved cutting represents a primary jigsaw advantage over circular or reciprocating saws. The narrow blade width and top-handle control enable tight-radius curves in both solid wood and manufactured sheet goods. Furniture construction, architectural millwork, and decorative woodworking leverage this capability for shaped components impossible to produce with straight-cutting tools. Straight cutting mode with zero orbital action maximizes control during intricate curves, while blade selection between coarse and fine tooth patterns optimizes between cutting speed and edge smoothness based on whether cut edges will be exposed or concealed in final assemblies.

Metal cutting applications exploit the tool's straight cutting mode and variable speed control. Steel plate cutting for fabrication or repair work benefits from slower speeds preventing blade overheating and premature dulling. The 10-millimeter steel capacity handles common plate thicknesses in construction and maintenance applications. Aluminum cutting accommodates architectural sections, automotive parts, and general fabrication at moderate speeds preventing chip welding to blades. Sheet metal cutting for HVAC ductwork, roofing, or light-gauge structural members operates at higher speeds due to reduced material thickness and lower cutting forces. Metal-cutting blades with appropriate tooth geometry and materials must be substituted for wood-cutting blades when changing materials.

Bevel cutting enables compound-angle joints and decorative chamfers. The 45-degree bevel capacity in both left and right directions accommodates miter joints requiring beveled edges, picture frame construction, and decorative edge treatments. Cabinet installation frequently requires beveled cuts to fit scribing strips against irregular walls. The positive 90-degree stop ensures accurate return to perpendicular cutting for square-edged joints. An included cover plate protects workpiece surfaces from baseplate scratching, while an optional anti-splinter device minimizes tearout on cross-grain cuts in finish-grade materials.

Specialized applications include plunge cutting for interior cutouts in countertops, sink installations, and opening creation in existing panels. The soft start function enables controlled blade landing without kickback or surface marring. Guided cutting benefits from optional parallel guides maintaining consistent offset distances from workpiece edges, or guide rail adapters connecting to Makita track saw rail systems for long, perfectly straight cuts comparable to track saw precision. These accessories expand capability beyond freehand cutting to encompass production work requiring consistent, repeatable results.

The DJV182Z bare tool configuration includes anti-splinter device, cover plate, and hex wrench, but requires separate battery and charger purchase for users not already invested in the LXT system. Complete kit configurations like DJV182RTE include dual 5.0 ampere-hour batteries and rapid charger, while DJV182RMJ adds MakPac case storage. Makita warranties cover one year standard, extending to three years for tools registered within 30 days of purchase, with battery and charger coverage extending to two years as of April 2025 policy changes.