DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Jig Saw (Tool Only)

I put the DeWalt 20V jigsaw to work on a mix of jobs—cutting cabinet toe kicks, trimming window openings in plywood, and nibbling curves in PVC and aluminum—and it’s the kind of tool that quickly becomes second nature on a project. It’s not the newest design in DeWalt’s lineup, but it’s a straightforward, confidence‑inspiring saw with real strengths, a few dated quirks, and broad appeal for anyone already invested in 20V batteries.

Build and setup

Out of the box, the tool feels stout. The all‑metal shoe and metal lever mechanisms give it a reassuring, jobsite‑ready vibe. At 6.3 lb bare (battery not included), this is on the heavier side for a cordless jigsaw, and you’ll feel that mass when making long vertical or overhead cuts. On a bench or sawhorses, the weight translates into stability—once it’s on the work, it tracks without skittering.

Blade changes are simple and fast. The lever‑action, keyless clamp accepts T‑shank blades only, which is what most pros and serious DIYers use anyway. The lever has a positive, all‑metal throw and reliably locks the blade without fiddling. It also ships with two starter blades, enough to get rolling if you don’t already have a set.

The shoe bevel is also tool‑free. A metal cam locks and unlocks the base, and detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° make it easy to land at common angles. My sample held square out of the box and returned to square cleanly after bevel cuts—a small but meaningful detail if you bounce between straight and beveled work.

Controls, speed, and stroke

This jigsaw runs a brushed motor with a variable‑speed trigger that spans 0–3,000 strokes per minute and a 1‑inch stroke length. The combination gives it a good balance of speed and bite. At higher SPM with orbital engaged, it moves fast through framing lumber and 3/4‑inch ply. Dial the speed down and switch orbital off and it’s controllable for sheet metal or delicate laminates.

There’s a four‑position orbital selector on the side. The range is practical: 0 for cleaner cuts, higher settings for aggressive, faster cutting through thicker stock. The changes in cut behavior are noticeable and predictable; I ended up using 0 or 1 for tight curves and melamine, 2 for general plywood, and 3 for rough ripping.

Cut quality and tracking

Cut quality depends heavily on the blade you choose, but the tool itself plays a role in how true the line stays. With a good, stiff blade and the orbital set appropriately, the saw tracks well. The internal blade support keeps deflection in check for typical tasks—window cutouts in 3/4‑inch plywood stayed square enough to drop a frame in without tuning. If you push it hard on very thick hardwood with coarse orbital, you can still coax some wander (that’s normal jigsaw physics), but a slower feed rate and less orbital tame it.

Vibration is controlled and in the “comfortable” category rather than best‑in‑class. The anti‑slip grip is well sculpted and the trigger modulation feels natural; it’s easy to feather the start and settle into a pace that keeps the blade happy. If you’re coming from an older corded homeowner saw, this will feel like a sizeable step up in refinement.

Visibility and dust management

Visibility along the cut line is solid thanks to an adjustable blower that sweeps chips forward. There’s no onboard LED, so in shadowy corners I grabbed a headlamp. The blower does its job, and I appreciated being able to tune it down when working with lighter debris that could obscure pencil lines. There’s no included vacuum adapter, so plan on the blower rather than dust extraction for managing chips.

Beveling and base plate

The all‑metal keyless bevel is a highlight. It’s quick to adjust and the detents are true. I checked the 45° setting against a digital gauge and it landed within the typical tolerance for a jigsaw; more importantly, it returned to 0° square without guesswork. The shoe surface is smooth and slides predictably across finished plywood. If you routinely work on delicate veneer, adding a non‑marring shoe cover or painter’s tape is still a good idea to avoid swirls from trapped dust.

Power and materials

• Softwood and plywood: With a clean wood blade, the saw cruises at higher orbital settings. The 1‑inch stroke clears chips well, and the motor doesn’t bog unless you lean your body weight into the cut.
• Hardwood: Slower feed and mid orbital keep tear‑out manageable. For 1‑1/2‑inch oak, I prefer a progressive tooth blade and orbital at 1.
• Thin metal: Variable speed shines here. Turn orbital off, set a moderate SPM, and let a fine metal blade and lubricant do the work. The saw’s mass actually helps it feel planted on sheet goods.

Battery life and platform

Runtime is what I’d expect from a brushed motor jigsaw at this power level. With a 5.0Ah pack, I can work through a full afternoon of periodic use—layout, cut, fit, repeat—without swapping packs. Continuous cutting in thick stock drains packs more quickly, as you’d anticipate. The upside is full compatibility with the broad 20V ecosystem, so if you already own batteries and a charger, dropping this tool into your kit is painless. If you don’t, remember this is sold as a bare tool; budgeting for at least a 4.0Ah+ battery makes sense for a jigsaw.

Ergonomics and weight

Ergonomically, it checks the boxes: a comfortable overmold grip, a trigger you can meter, a top handle that gives you leverage on curves. The trade‑off is weight. At 6.3 lb without a battery, you’re realistically holding 7+ lb in use with a mid‑size pack. On horizontal cuts it feels planted and confident; on vertical faces or overhead, fatigue sets in sooner than with lighter, more modern brushless models. If you do intricate scrollwork all day, weight matters. If you’re cutting openings, trimming scribe lines, or making occasional curved cuts, the heft is less of an issue and even adds stability.

Durability, service, and warranty

The all‑metal blade clamp and shoe hardware are built for repeat adjustments. Nothing on my unit feels flimsy. The brushed motor is proven tech and user‑serviceable in spirit; fewer electronics mean fewer things to go wrong, though you won’t get the efficiency bump or compact size of brushless. DeWalt backs it with a 3‑year limited warranty, a 1‑year free service contract, and a 90‑day money‑back guarantee—generous coverage for a workhorse tool.

What I’d change

• Weight and size: It’s bulky by today’s standards. A lighter, more compact housing would help for overhead and detailed work.
• No LED: A simple work light would improve visibility in cabinets and tight spaces.
• Dust options: The adjustable blower works, but an included vacuum adapter would be useful for shop work.

None of these are deal‑breakers, but they’re worth knowing before you buy.

Who it’s for

• Best fit: Carpenters, remodelers, and DIYers already on DeWalt 20V who want a robust, straightforward jigsaw for framing cutouts, trim fitting, and general shop tasks. If you value stability, metal hardware, and simple controls, this will feel right at home.
• Think twice if: You prioritize a lightweight, compact jigsaw for long overhead sessions, super delicate scrollwork, or you want the efficiency and refinement of the latest brushless designs.

The bottom line

This is a solid, capable jigsaw that favors durability and straightforward performance over bells and whistles. The metal blade clamp and bevel mechanisms are excellent, the variable speed and four‑position orbital give you the control you need across materials, and the adjustable blower keeps your line of sight clean. It’s heavier than many current cordless options and lacks a built‑in light, but it delivers predictable cuts and a planted feel that inspires confidence.

Recommendation: I recommend this jigsaw to anyone in the DeWalt 20V ecosystem who wants a reliable, no‑nonsense cutter with quality hardware and proven performance. If your work leans toward long, overhead cuts or you want the lightest, most modern feature set, consider a lighter brushless alternative. For most carpentry and remodeling tasks, though, this model gets the job done cleanly and with minimal fuss—and it should hold up well under regular use.