Background
Fiber cement is a common material used in various construction applications, such as roofing and siding. The American Fiber Cement Corporation safety data sheet (SDS) classifies the inhalation of this material as a 1A carcinogen. In other words, this substance has been known to cause cancer in humans. Although hazardous in its current state, fiber cement once contained asbestos (another cancer causing agent) when it was invented in the early 20th century. The fiber cement material we know today is a redesign invented in the 1980s that replaced this asbestos material with a cellulose-base material. Fiber cement cutting tools, such as the JS8000, are modern creations as a result of this modern development.
The Makita JS8000 Fiber Cement Shear tool is an optimal choice amongst the many tool options available today because it is specific to the cutting of fiber cement materials. Additionally, the variable speed drive motor and advanced steel blade technology allow for precision cutting while producing minimal dust and noise. The date of its release is difficult to track, but a phone call to the Makita customer service department has confirmed that today's model is identical to the original production line. Makita's products are available in 40 different countries. They can be purchased from various home improvement stores and websites between $250-$460. The new stock price is currently listed at $369.
The JS8000 is an accessible power tool that appeals to anyone who is a: hobbyist, homeowner, business owner, contractor, tool collector, etc. Overall, the JS8000 is a reliable device that does not have a history of widespread factory defects and recalls. It has not seen any major updates since its release. The reviews at Home Depot have rated this product with 4.7 out of 5 stars. A small minority of buyers have left negative reviews regarding the price of the item and its challenges to cutting non-straight lines, while a majority of users have claimed that the device cuts clean and straight, is easy to use, and is dust free, as advertised. There is a cordless version of this device called the Makita XSJ05Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Fiber Cement Shear.
Common failures of the JS8000 include: broken or damaged power cord, and broken or damaged shear blade. These parts are serviceable. All parts can be located through the JS8000 parts breakdown list.
Sources: Fiber Cement Wikipedia
Identification
The Makita JS8000 Fiber Cement Shear is pistol-gripped and trigger-operated, much like other common hand power tools, such as an electric drill or reciprocating saw. It is user friendly to both left and right handed operators. It contains a lock-on button for constant use to free up the operators trigger finger. Its gear housing is made from aluminum to minimize weight and maximize ease of use. The JS8000 has been in production for many years, but it only contains one universal manual and parts diagram. There is a nameplate on all Makita devices that contain the production date and model number. The JS8000 is only available in Makita's trademark teal color.
Source: Makita Faq
Technical Specifications
Fiber Cement Shear
- Cutting Capacity: 5/16 inches
- Motor Current: 6.5 AMPS
- Weight: 4.8 pounds
- Motor Strokes Per Minute: 0-2500 SPM (variable speed)
- Cordless/Corded: Corded
- Total Length Including Cord: 13-5/8 inches
- Switch Type: Trigger Switch
- Hand Configuration: Ambidextrous
- Color: Teal
Cord
- Cord Length: 8.2 Feet
Center Shear Blade
- Replaceable: Yes
Shear Blade Set
- Replaceable: Yes
Source: Makita JS8000 Products Details