Makita Brings 40V Power to Woodworkers with Two New Jigsaws
Makita’s line of woodworking tools runs deep, but up until now, the brand has only offered jigsaws on the 18V LXT battery platform, as well as a few corded models. Now Makita is bringing 40V performance to pro tradesmen and woodworkers with the introduction of the GVJ01 and GVJ02 models. I’m looking over the details and specs of both Makita 40V max Jigsaws to see which model is best for the way you work.
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Makita 40V max XGT Jigsaw Performance
- Model: GVJ01 (barrel-grip); GVJ02 (D-handle)
- Speed: 800 – 3500 SPM
- Stroke length: 1 inch
- Cutting capacity:
- Wood: 5 5/16-inch
- Mild steel: 3/8-inch
- Aluminum: 13/16-inch
- Cuts up to 180 feet per charge with a 2.5Ah battery
- Bevel range: 0° to 45°
- Three orbital settings and straight-cutting
- 6-speed dial
- No-load speed reduction reduces SPM for cutting start accuracy
- Brushless motor
The Makita GVJ01 and GVJ02 jigsaws share the same performance specs. The only difference between the two models is their handle design (more on that later). As mentioned above, they are Makita’s first jigsaws on the 40V max platform.
These saws reach blade speeds of up to 3500 SPM with six speed settings to choose from. A stroke length of 1 inch lets you cut up to 180 feet per charge with a 2.5Ah battery (sold separately), making these jigsaws up to 20% faster than Makita’s 18V XVJ01 jigsaw. The vibration output was also reduced by up to 30% compared to the XVJ01.
The GVJ01 and GVJ02 jigsaws have a cutting capacity of up to 5 5/16 inches in wood, 3/8-inch in mild steel, and 13/16-inch in aluminum at 90°. They offer three orbital settings, as well as a straight-cutting mode to deliver accurate cuts no matter your working material.
Plus, these saws feature a soft-start function that reduces the no-load SPM for more accurate cutting starts.
Makita 40V max XGT Jigsaw Design
- Weight: 5.8 pounds (GVJ01); 6.1 pounds (GVJ02) with battery
- Barrel grip design (GVJ01)
- Dual ambidextrous on/off buttons
- Built-in dust blower
- Bevel locks on 0° and 45° left and right
As for design, the main difference between these two models is their handle style. The GVJ01 model has a barrel-grip handle, and the GVJ02 uses a standard D-handle. The barrel grip design of the GVJ01 offers more control since it places your hands closer to your work surface, potentially resulting in more precise cuts.
Both saws feature dual ambidextrous on/off buttons so you can power and shut off the tool with either hand. Additionally, a built-in dust blower keeps any built-up sawdust off of your workpiece to keep your cut line visible.
Finally, a standard beveling range of 0° to 45° lets you cut at a variety of angles in either direction. You can also lock your cutting angle for more precise bevel cuts.
Additional Features
- Wide base plate for improved stability
- Tool-free blade change
- Onboard LED work light
- Rubberized soft grip handle
Which Jigsaw is Right For You?
The right Makita 40V jigsaw for you ultimately depends on your preference. If you often find yourself making intricate cuts for decorative projects, or you just prefer the design and added control of a barrel-grip handle, the GVJ01 is probably your best bet.
Meanwhile, some pros are simply used to the design of a D-handle jigsaw, or just need one for simple, straightforward cutting tasks. If that sounds like you, the GVJ02 saw would do just fine.
Since both saws have the same performance features, it’s up to you to decide which model suits your needs more.
Makita 40V max XGT Jigsaw Price
The D-handle jigsaw retails for $339 as a bare tool, and the barrel-grip model is $10 more, at $349, also for the bare tool. You can find them both at your favorite Makita retailer. Makita backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
