I'm in the mood for a new Mak 18V jig saw to replace a 230V PPro and can't decide between the DJV185 and the DJV181. The 185 is smaller and has a slightly shorter stroke than the 181 but otherwise I can't see any major differences. Do we have an owner here of either?
I’m finally getting a good jigsaw, was about to get the DJV181 brushless barrel grip when I found there is a new barrel grip coming out, the DJV185. The 185 looks smaller, but from the specs at Makita.nz it appears to be the same weight and a little louder.
Is there any reason to wait for the 185? Seems like maybe it’s for tighter curves, which would be a big plus for me, but I’m not sure. Has anyone gotten their hands on it and can share some experience?
Answer
Well I have the 181 and the only thing I'm not crazy about with it is how it always does soft start. It's not a big deal but I know other brands give you the option of soft start or not. Other than that I love that jigsaw and I use it everyday.
I will say the tighter curves will be dependent on your blade. You can buy "scroll" blades for the jigsaw. They are less than half of the width of a regular blade and have a tight turning radius. But the catch is they can break easier.
Well, you cut all of my question and pasted a quote from a discussion on Reddit, started by "dasherado" (is that you?) which, later, says that soft-start can be disabled.
You cant pick and choose who answers your already answered questions.
I have not tried either, although I have been using a Makita 4340 mains powered jigsaw for quite a few years. It is *very* good, and a startling improvement on "normal" jigsaws. Incredibly smooth, low vibration, and with pendulum action on level three will cut at a ferocious rate (e.g. cross cut a 8x2" in about 5 secs). Also solid accurate base plate, with non marring cover. Decent blade support, so straight and accurate cutting.
I am tempted from time to time to add a cordless version to my collection, and since I have a top handled one, would add a barrel body grip model to extend the available choice.
Looking at the two you cite, both look fine, although I will admit I prefer the look of the 181. I also note that the 181 has a dust blower, which the 185 may not if the specs I have read are correct.
However on the plus side I have seen the 185 for £50 less than the 181!
On my things to buy list too. I can't see much difference - the 181 has explicit dust extraction features, the 185 doesn't mention dust except photos on retail sites show an extraction pipe. The 181 is a lot quieter, goes faster, and has 2 lights.
So I think come the time I'll get the 181, even though it's a few quid more.
I do find Makita's model naming confusing. I'd have thought a higher number would mean better, but oh no, that'd be too simple :-)
I've looked at them in the flesh now. The 185 fits my hand better (I have average hands) than the 181 and the controls seem to be in a better place. The sole plates are identical. I'm leaning towards the 185 but am trying to decide whether the shorter stroke is important ...
I think the soft start is to reduce peak current at start up, so one would imagine the non soft start ones might have a shorter life motor or whatever. Brian
The soft start is mainly to reduce the physical "jolt" on startup - so less operator fatigue, and it won't shift the position of the tool if you have it carefully lined up for a cut.
I decided on a DJV185 and I'm very pleased with it so far. The light is good (and can be dimmed, but why?), the soft start that some people moan about can be easily disabled, the blade attachment seems good, and it has dust extraction. It fits the hand well and has a solid feel (whatever that means, but much nicer than the PPro corded jig saw that it's replacing) and the controls are easy to reach. FWIW the cheapest supplier at the moment seems to be Powertoolworld.
Many thanks - I'll bear in mind come the time. I'm still on my 12 year old Lidl 18V circular and jig saw, but as soon as the batteries go I'll move over to Makitas . . .
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