Makita jig saw - DJV185 or DJV181?

[noth...@aolbin.com]

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?

[peasmould]

On Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:59:15 +0100, nothanks wrote:

> DJV185 and the DJV181

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.

[noth...@aolbin.com]

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.

[peasmould]

You cant pick and choose who answers your already answered questions.

[John Rumm]

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!

--
Cheers,

John.

/=================================================================\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\=================================================================/

[RJH]

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 :-)
--
Cheers, Rob, Sheffield UK

[noth...@aolbin.com]

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 ...

[Brian Gaff]

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

--

--:
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...
bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
"peasmould" <gruntf...@here.org> wrote in message
news:uci33n$1mfkv$1...@dont-email.me...

[John Rumm]

On 29/08/2023 12:39, Brian Gaff wrote:
> 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.

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.

[noth...@aolbin.com]

On 29/08/2023 10:05, RJH wrote:

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.

[RJH]

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 . . .