DeWalt 20V Cordless Jig Saw Review: Professional-Grade Cutting Power in a Portable Package

Our Hands-On Experience with DeWalt’s Brushless Jigsaw

After spending two weeks putting the DeWalt 20V Cordless Jig Saw through its paces in our workshop, we’re convinced this tool deserves a place in any serious DIYer or professional’s arsenal. Compatible with DeWalt’s popular 20V battery system, this brushless jigsaw delivers corded-level performance without the hassle of cords, offering impressive versatility across wood, metal, and PVC cutting applications.

Precision and Power That Impressed Our Team

The moment we unboxed this jigsaw, its robust construction was immediately apparent. At 5.7 pounds (without battery), it strikes an excellent balance between durability and maneuverability. The brushless motor technology isn’t just marketing hype—we noticed significantly longer runtime compared to brushed motor alternatives, completing an entire kitchen renovation project on just one battery charge.

What truly sets this jigsaw apart is its variable speed trigger (0-3,200 SPM) that offers exceptional control. During our testing, we easily adjusted cutting speeds on the fly, moving from slow, precise cuts in hardwood to faster cuts through softwood without stopping to adjust settings.

Key Features That Make This Jigsaw Stand Out

Versatile Bevel Cutting Capability

The tool’s 0°-45° bevel capability proved invaluable during our testing. We found the bevel adjustment to be intuitive and secure, maintaining consistent angles throughout extended cutting sessions. When creating angled cuts for a custom bookshelf project, the precision was remarkable—each piece aligned perfectly without additional sanding or adjustments.

3-Position Orbital Action for Material-Specific Performance

One feature we particularly appreciated was the 3-position orbital action setting. When cutting through 2×4 pine lumber, setting the orbital action to maximum significantly increased cutting speed without sacrificing quality. Conversely, switching to the straight cutting action (no orbit) allowed us to make clean, splinter-free cuts in delicate plywood veneers and thin metal sheets.

Brushless Motor Technology for Extended Runtime

The brushless motor doesn’t just extend runtime—it delivers noticeably more power. When cutting through 1/4″ steel plate, the jigsaw maintained consistent speed without bogging down, something we’ve seen happen with lesser jigsaws. This efficiency means fewer battery swaps during extended projects and longer tool life overall.

Performance Across Different Materials

Wood Cutting Excellence

On wood cutting tasks, this DeWalt jigsaw excels. We tested it on everything from pine to maple to oak, and it handled each with impressive precision. The blade tracking remained true even during long curved cuts in 3/4″ plywood, producing smooth edges that required minimal sanding. The dust blower function effectively kept our cutting lines visible, a small but significant feature during detail work.

Metal Cutting Capabilities

Switching to metal cutting, we were pleasantly surprised by how well the jigsaw performed. With an appropriate blade installed, it cut through aluminum sheet metal with ease. Even on tougher materials like 1/8″ steel, the variable speed control allowed us to dial in the perfect cutting rate to prevent overheating and premature blade wear.

PVC and Plastic Performance

For renovation projects involving PVC pipe or plastic sheets, this jigsaw proved invaluable. The lowest orbital setting prevented melting or chipping when cutting through 2″ PVC pipe, and the precise control meant clean, square cuts every time—critical for plumbing work where tight seals are essential.

Ergonomics and User Comfort

Extended use is where many power tools fall short, but the DeWalt 20V Jigsaw surprised us with its comfort during a full day of cutting. The contoured grip with overmolded rubber provides excellent control while reducing vibration transfer to the hand. The trigger response is predictable and smooth, allowing for precise speed modulation whether making delicate cuts or powering through thicker materials.

The tool’s balance is exceptional, even with the battery attached. During overhead cuts when installing crown molding, the ergonomic design prevented wrist fatigue that typically accompanies such awkward cutting positions.

Practical Features Worth Mentioning

Tool-Free Blade Changes That Actually Work

Anyone who’s struggled with blade changes on older jigsaws will appreciate the tool-free blade change system. During our testing, we swapped between wood and metal cutting blades numerous times, and the process took seconds without requiring additional tools. The blade ejection feature kept our fingers safely away from hot blades after intensive cutting sessions.

Integrated LED Work Light

The built-in LED work light might seem like a minor addition, but we found it incredibly useful when working in cabinet interiors and other poorly lit areas. The light activates with a slight trigger pull before the blade starts moving, allowing for precise positioning before committing to the cut.

Compatibility with DeWalt’s Battery Ecosystem

For those already invested in DeWalt’s 20V MAX system, this jigsaw integrates seamlessly. We tested it with both 2.0Ah and 5.0Ah batteries, finding that the larger capacity batteries provided several hours of continuous use while maintaining consistent power output.

Customer Reviews Analysis

After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews for the DeWalt 20V Cordless Jig Saw, we’ve uncovered some interesting patterns that might help you decide if this product is right for your projects.

What Customers Love

The overwhelming majority of reviewers are impressed with the jigsaw’s battery life and cutting power. Many professionals mentioned completing entire workdays on a single 5.0Ah battery. The brushless motor receives consistent praise for maintaining power even through dense hardwoods and metal.

Professional Insights

Contractors particularly appreciate the tool-free blade change system, with several mentioning how it saves valuable time on jobsites. The 3-position orbital setting receives high marks for adaptability across different materials, though some noted a learning curve to find the optimal setting for specialized materials.

One recurring tip from experienced users: invest in quality blades that match your primary cutting materials, as the jigsaw’s performance is significantly enhanced with application-specific blades.

Durability Observations

Many reviewers who have owned the jigsaw for over a year specifically commented on its durability in harsh jobsite conditions. Several mentioned accidental drops without any impact on performance, which aligns with our own observations about the tool’s robust construction.

“After 18 months of daily use in my cabinet shop, this jigsaw still performs like new. The only maintenance I’ve needed was blowing out dust occasionally.”

Critical Feedback

No tool is perfect, and some reviewers noted challenges worth considering. A small