Makita XVJ03Z
Score: 75/100
Craftsman CMCS600B
Score: 74/100Rankings
The Makita XVJ03Z is a brushed motor, 18V LXT Lithium-Ion cordless jig saw designed for precision cutting with low vibration and noise. It features a 1-inch stroke, variable speed up to 2,600 SPM, and a lightweight ergonomic design suitable for detailed woodworking and construction tasks. It is best suited for professional woodworkers and cabinetry makers needing a lightweight, precise cordless jig saw for straight and bevel cuts.
The Craftsman V20 Cordless Jigsaw (CMCS600B) offers portable precision cutting with variable speeds up to 2,500 SPM and 3 orbital settings. It is a lightweight, affordable option for DIY homeowners and light professionals, though the sensitive trigger and fiddly bevel lever are notable drawbacks. It is best suited for curved or straight cuts in plywood and trim work.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2,600 SPMbest | 2,500 SPM | |
25 mmbest | 19.05 mm | |
18 V | 20 Vbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.8 kg | 2.16 kgbest |
45 degreesbest | 45 degreesbest | |
4 positionsbest | 3 positions | |
135 mmbest | — | |
3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Max Speed (SPM) (SPM) | 2600 SPM | 2500 SPM |
Stroke Length (mm) | 25 mm | 19.05 mm |
Orbital Action Positions (positions) | 4 positions | 3 positions |
Features(1) | ||
Blade Change System | Tool-less | Tool-free |
Ergonomics & Build(1) | ||
Tool Weight (kg) | 2.8 kg | 2.16 kg |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Voltage (V) | 18 V | 20 V |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers note the XVJ03Z as a solid brushed model in Makita's 18V lineup, praising its stroke length, blade compatibility, and cutting capacities. However, they highlight that it is slower and heavier than the brushless XVJ01 and XVJ02 models.
Search results lack direct consumer reviews or specific complaints for this model. Unboxing videos confirm the tool-only packaging, and general satisfaction is implied by high ratings for combo kits.
Professional reviewers highlight the CMCS650 brushless model as a significant upgrade, noting its speed and runtime, but consistently note that the bevel lever is fiddly and the tool lacks the vibration dampening of heavier competitors.
Everyday users praise the tool's surprising power for DIY projects and long battery life, but recurring complaints focus on the sensitive trigger and painful bevel adjuster mechanism.
“Surprisingly powerful for DIY-3 orbital settings make wood cuts fly without binding”
“Cuts plywood/metal like butter at full speed”
“Trigger too sensitive-hard to maintain slow speeds for detail work”
