Customer Reviews
this saw kicks *ss 
2007-01-04
I have uesd red, yellow and grey sawsalls, but this one beats them all for power and smoothness...also the metal case is nice to.
I love this tool! 2006-11-27
I have had this saw for almost a year now and love it. I have used it to cut cars in half, trim trees, remove walls, cut a polished aluminum dash and much more and it has done it all without any problems. When cutting through wood this saw flies! When cutting the dash plate out of polished aluminum diamond plate I merely used a metal scroll blade and set the speed very low, a jig saw would have obviously been the better choice but I didn't have one on hand.
My only complaint, as mentioned in a previous review is the rubber boot covering the blade holder. Mine has already become chipped, although not while I was using the saw. I am very careful with my tools and I'm sure it would have never happened to me, but this is most likely the week link in the durability of the saw.
NOT for the frail or faint of heart... 2006-06-13
I've always used Milwaukee Sawzalls and I only replaced it with this one because I finally got sick and tired of having to use a wrench the change the blade. I know, they make tool-less blade change models, but I bought this on the advice of a friend who had one. Let me tell you, this is a BEAST! Heavy and powerful to the extreme. The 15-amp motor combined with the orbital blade action will make short work of anything that it touches. The blade literally springs out when released...great for those hot blades. No more burned hands. If you want a truly powerful cutting tool, look no further. This is it.
Makita Has Come Of Age! 2006-03-08
This saw is absolutely the best recip saw I've ever used! This saw's features and anti vibration technology,as well as the great Heavy duty steel case are not just gimmicks Makita is putting out there to sucker you in.They are true!This also has a true orbital with several settings based on material being cut,and the speed control dial is excellent.This tool is well balanced with a great ribbed grip on body and the handle is comfortable and won't crowd your hand(just lock the 2 finger trigger and there is still room for your hand under it!)This thing can purr or roar.Here's the thing-I'm a Makita guy,BUT I haven't always been,I once loved the "red one",but there starting to rest a little on their lorels.I switched my other tools to Makita's A couple of years ago,and have not been disappointed since.Don't buy a tool because of it's legend or high price,buy it because it will get the job done today,tomorrow and beyond.This saw get's the job done!!Period.And what I have discovered about Makita is there tool's perform just as claimed!Search around for other reviews etc.,you'll see I'm not alone in my opinion.
Great saw 2006-01-23
I bought this saw to cut two holes in an old roof that was now inside under a new roof. I went into the attic with a dozen blades and prepared for the expected typical beating that every one of this type of saw is known for. The old roof was about 1-1/2" of wood and 1" of asphalt. I cut two access holes in 13" by 24" in a matter of minutes and could not believe how painless it was. The original blade was still going. I've used many different recip saws over the years, but this is the only one really worked.
Inadequate shoe support mechanism 
2008-07-04
I used this tool for 6 months during a major renovation. All started well and I was very impressed with the saw. The one short coming is the front shoe and the shoe holder. The mechanism that holds the shoe became looser and sloppier, causing the blade to cut into the shoe as it would rotate. The entire shoe support mechanism eventually just fell apart, rendering the saw unusable. Something a little more substantial is needed. I would be willing to accept a more robust shoe holder in exchange for the `inconvenience' of having to use a wrench to adjust it. A good motor and good blade change mechanism are offset by the shoe mechanism rendering the saw inoperable after only 6 months. Buy with caution.
the BEAST 2008-05-15
So powerful. Too much power really, it cuts too fast. It's my special forces sawzall, and it's so satisfying to have a difficult piece of work, then just say, "get the beast" and watch that tough piece of work get dealt with, quickly. I actually find it hard (well, "skill intensive" anyway) to use when cutting out OSB/plywood for windows because it's so powerful that it's tough to keep a straight line and keep the studs undamaged. Since its so big, corded, and so powerful, it's not my common/lighter use saw, which is the cordless LXT. But the second that I'm frustrated with a sawing application, I have this epiphany, and say, "f*** you, problem" and get the beast. I saw someone complain about the foot, which I guess is a bit dinky for the overall build, but they're probably the most frustrated that they sent it back! No problems with the blade holder, and the foot only got some wear for me at max extension using a narrow 12" Bosch metal blade bent over, and it was minor. Probably should have lowered the foot and no problems. This saw is somewhat heavy, but it actually might be easier to use for the average person since it's got such good anti vibration technology. The power is audible and it sounds like a jet taking off, pretty exhilarating! I'll review the LXT saw for comparison.
Edit: In actuality, the saw is almost no bigger than my LXT, and although it has more girth, I guess it just seems that way because its so powerful! It is a bit heavier.
Not Perfect, but as good as I have found 
2008-03-31
I have a few reciprocating saws (all "top of the line"), this one, the SawZall (13 AMP and rotating) and the Hitachi 12 AMP. I think this saw is the best of the group - but still not what I expected. After about 2 months of use this saw broke on me. The motor still turns but the shaft does not move in and out. This saw when it works is very good, cuts well, and the case is nice (I like that it is heavy). Truth be known I do not think any of the reciprocating saws are made with the quality of my original all metal Sawzall. I do not think any saw today is made for professional use and regular demolition work. As far as durability, this unit is made in China, the rubber boot on the blade changing mechanism will break off within about 20 uses (my Sawzall took 1/2 that time to break, my Hitachi still works, my original sawzall still works - 2 repairs in 25 years). The saw gets very hot during prolonged use (the rubber boot on the blade changing piece is there so you can touch it and change the blade because it gets too hot to touch. I think it needs a better mechanism to connect the reciprocating arm to the motor. The arm should go back and forth - no matter what and should stay aligned (the saw does not do anything else!). From what is available today, this unit is probably best of bread and is fine.
Outstanding product 2007-09-06
I've been using this tool almost daily for awhile now and it still impresses me. The antivibration technology is unmatched. Everyone who used this tool wanted one of their own.
Powerful 2007-04-11
This model replaced my original Makita reciprocating saw. Which after 10 years of heavy service finally gave up. The original you might say was a row boat it got you there. This one is like a Battle Ship! Great tool!
