Makita 36V LXT Jigsaw Review: A Heavy-Duty Cordless Jigsaw Worth a Look

Introduction

After selling a smaller 12V jigsaw to consolidate around a single battery platform, the Makita 36V LXT jigsaw stepped in as the new workshop jigsaw. The appeal is straightforward: one battery system across the whole tool collection, more runtime than a compact 12V tool, and a heavy-duty build from a brand with a long track record on brushed tools.

This jigsaw often comes up as a free tool option bundled with Makita 36V saw purchases, which makes it an interesting value play. It also sells on its own for around $120, and lightly used units have been seen in the $100 range on resale sites.

First Impressions: Weight and Build

Out of the box, the first thing worth noting is that this is not a light jigsaw. It has some heft and a slightly bulky feel, though that is fairly typical of the category. Anyone coming from a compact 12V model will notice the difference immediately.

The upside of moving from a smaller 12V jigsaw is battery life. Compact 12V jigsaws tend to burn through small packs quickly, sometimes needing a swap after only three or four decent-sized cuts. The larger 36V platform solves that, letting you work through a cutting session without constantly reaching for another battery.

Orbital Action and Cutting Performance

The jigsaw includes adjustable orbital action, letting you choose how much orbital movement you want. This matters most on deep cuts: orbital motion helps clear chips out of the kerf, keeping the cutting area clean and the blade working efficiently.

For typical jigsaw work, this is a practical feature rather than a flashy one. Jigsaws generally do not see the same punishing use as circular saws or reciprocating saws, so heavy cutting demands are less common, but having selectable orbital settings gives you more control when the material gets thick.

Tool-Less Blade Change

One of the standout features is the blade change system. Older compact models often required digging out a small Allen key to loosen the blade holder, which was fiddly and easy to lose track of. This jigsaw uses a simple pull-tab mechanism: pop the tab out, and the blade releases for an easy swap.

It is a genuinely convenient system, and it fits the broader trend of tool-less blade changes across cordless saws. The shoe also comes with a protective cover, a small touch that helps keep the base plate and work surfaces from getting scratched up.

Things to Consider Before Buying

• Weight: It is on the heavier side for a jigsaw. If you prioritize a light, maneuverable tool for long overhead or detail work, that is the main trade-off.
• Brushed motor: This is not a brushless model. For a jigsaw, that is not a major drawback given typical usage patterns, but buyers who insist on brushless may want to compare other options.
• D-handle design: The grip style will not suit everyone; barrel-grip fans should factor that in.

On the positive side, Makita’s brushed tools have a long-standing reputation for being solid and durable, and this jigsaw fits that mold as a heavy-duty option that has been around for quite a while.

Buying Advice

If you are already invested in the Makita LXT battery platform, this jigsaw is an easy recommendation, especially as a free or discounted add-on when buying a 36V saw. Around $120 new, it sits at a reasonable price point for a heavy-duty cordless jigsaw, and lightly used units have appeared for roughly $100.

If you are platform-agnostic, it is worth comparing alternatives. Other well-regarded D-handle jigsaws from competing brands have also shown up at similar prices on resale sites, including brushless options, so shop around if battery compatibility is not a constraint.

Conclusion

The Makita 36V LXT jigsaw is a solid, heavy-duty cordless jigsaw with practical features where they count: adjustable orbital action for cleaner deep cuts, a genuinely convenient tool-less blade change, and a protective shoe cover. Its main compromise is weight, and it skips brushless, but for LXT platform owners or anyone catching a bundle deal, it is a smart, dependable addition to the shop.