Makita BJV 140 RF jigsaw review

I have used nearly every cordless jigsaw on the market since I started my apprenticeship in 2004. The Makita BJV 140 RF is a heavy-duty tool that relies on raw power rather than fancy electronic features. It weighs 2.7 kg, which feels substantial in your hand during a long afternoon of cutting through thick stock. When I used it to cut through a 120mm piece of seasoned oak last Tuesday, the motor didn't bog down or overheat.

The tool is heavy. You will feel that weight after an hour of continuous work.

While some modern tools focus on lightweight plastics, Makita built this with a focus on stability and durability for job site use. It handles 135mm wood cuts without much fuss, though the blade deflection can become an issue if you aren't using high-quality T-shank blades. I noticed that the orbital action is quite aggressive. This helps move through material quickly, but it makes fine detail work difficult for beginners.

Precision takes practice. You must keep a steady hand to avoid wandering on curved lines.

Pros

• The motor provides consistent torque when cutting through thick 135mm timber sections.
• It feels incredibly solid in the hand due to its heavy-duty construction.
• Battery life remains predictable during standard demolition or framing tasks.
• The tool handles metal well, managing up to 10mm steel cuts without stalling immediately.

Cons

• At 2.7 kg, it is much heavier than many of its competitors.
• The aggressive orbital settings make extremely tight curves a struggle.
• It lacks some of the advanced electronic pendulum controls found in higher-end models.

Who it's for

This tool belongs in the hands of professional framers or heavy-duty carpenters who value muscle over finesse. If you spend your day cutting through thick dimensional lumber or ripping out old floorboards, this machine will serve you well. It is not a tool for hobbyists making delicate jewelry boxes or small furniture components. You need something that can take a beating on a dusty site without failing mid-cut.

Verdict

The Makita BJV 140 RF is a workhorse through and through. It lacks the lightweight agility of smaller consumer models, but it makes up for that deficit with raw cutting capacity and build quality. If you need to cut thick wood all day, buy this tool.

Frequently asked questions

Does the weight affect long-term fatigue?

Yes, it does. You will notice the 2.7 kg mass after several hours of overhead work or repetitive vertical cuts.

Can I use this for fine cabinetry?

Probably not. The aggressive nature of the motor and the heavy body make it difficult to maintain surgical precision on thin plywood.

How does it perform on metal?

It handles up to 10mm steel quite well. You should always use a dedicated metal blade to prevent overheating the motor or ruining your workpiece.