DEWALT20V MAX Jig Saw, Cordless (DCS331M1)

I sold my earlier version of this saw that used the NiCad batteries. When the batteries failed, it would have cost almost as much as this new saw to replace them. There were some differences: In the NiCad version, DeWalt provided two batteries.This new version uses a Lithium Ion battery. DeWalt calls it a 20 volt max for a reason. Only at the battery terminals exists the potential for 20 volts. At any operation, it is 18 volts. Eighteen volts is plenty, which is what my original saw was rated. I think that the 20 volts max is simply a marketing ploy. My one and only gripe about this saw is that for the amount that DeWalt charges, two batteries should have been provided along with a case designed to store the extra battery.As with my first which is still sold, this one uses only the t-shank style jig saw blades. Always be sure that either the battery is removed or the switch is set to "lock" when inserting or removing a blade. As the sharp teeth on the blade effortlessly cut through wood, they will go even faster through the skin on a finger. The blade is very easy to install/remove in that a lever on the front of the saw flips to the side and the blade is slid upward into the mechanism or out of it. Note that some manufacturers require that the blade be inserted with the teeth facing toward you and then twisted so that the teeth rest in a small roller, thus facing outward. While I have used both kinds, DeWalt's installation process is much simpler and the risk of sharp teeth "biting" you is greatly reduced. This new version uses a 4 amp battery which can give it more run time and more power for tough cutting. However, while the battery is stronger, I truly never noticed a difference in power between this new one and the NiCad version, but the run time seems longer with the Lithium Ion. I can really notice a difference in the overall weight of the saw. With those two heavy 18 V NiCads, one could do curls to keep in shape on a job. It is amazing how technology has improved tools. This new version is light, precise and vibration free. This new version also has an adjustable saw dust blower. This is handy when cutting on a line in wood. However, when cutting metal, because of the fine nature of the cut metal, the blower can be shut off. I also recommend eye protection. A small piece of metal or sawdust in your eye will mean a medical visit. While waiting in pain, you will have ample time to wish that you had simply used goggles, not eye glasses, to protect your eyes.Some of you may wonder why I didn't just buy one new NiCad and keep the old saw. Well, I figured that a saw is a saw is a saw and bought a cheaper one with the twist insert for the blade. It feels cheap, was cheap and has some very real cutting limitations. Quality has a price. It was then I truly realized what the extra money had bought me before, bit the bullet and bought this saw I am writing about. I did buy an extra battery for it, which I carry in another tool's case. One last note: There are two versions of this saw. The first one comes with a 3 amp battery and one of the current case's extra slots may allow you to store an extra one of these batteries. These slots are almost large enough for a second 4 amp battery. The 4 amp one that came with the saw must be installed on the saw for storage. I wanted the 4 amp battery because my other DeWalt tools use the new 4 amp battery. I bought a pack of two extra. One is the extra one for this saw and the other is for the flashlight, which is great! Everything has a full three year warranty and DeWalt stands right behind their products, not way behind, as do some manufacturers.

I thought about giving this 4 stars, but only because of the cheaply designed plastic zero clearance insert. I decided that wasn't worth taking off an entire star, so the five stars.Likes:blade changes - any easier and Dewalt would have had to supply you with a personal valet to change the blades for you. Just practice a few minutes to get the feel of when the blade is in the correct position and you're good to go. I may be making even more of that than it is by saying to practice. It's really simple.Power: could not tell the difference between this and a corded Bosch I had for years. Cut thru 2" thick Purpleheart almost as easily as 1" plywood. Of course, this has a lot to do with the blade, but if you're wondering about the battery power, it's not an issue at all.weight: as far as I can tell, weighs no more than my old corded one.vibration: so little as to be insignificant.blade brake: the blade stops moving the instant you let go of the trigger, I mean instantly - zero delaydust blower: this actually works!. It does keep the cut line clean. My old (other brand) one supposedly had a blower, but it did nothing.cut quality: now this has more to do with the blade than the jigsaw, but at least this saw doesn't get in the way of a good blade.case: comes with a very nice sturdy case. not so much of an issue for a homeowner, but if you're a contractor, I suppose this would help to protect it between jobs.CONS:zero clearance insert: basically, it's a joke. Come on Dewalt, you can do better. Add $10 to the cost if you have to, but make a ZCI that is worth putting on the saw.price: yea, it's a bit pricey if you don't already have one of the 20 volt LI-ION batteries and charger, but that's the price you pay for this kind of convenience (pun intended).So, looks to me the good far outweighs the bad here, In the immortal words of Dennis Miller "That's my opinion, I could be wrong"Update:OK, I've had this now for 6 months, and I couldn't be happier. Granted, I don't use it everyday, and it's not my main tool for sure, but it has seen what would probably be a total of an hour or so of continuous use. That's a guess, since the average use is a few seconds at a time. Anyway, I've changed blades a dozen or more times, used it for everything from 1/4" plywood to 2" thick Oak, and it has performed perfectly.Now for the part that really amazed me. In the almost 6 months I've had this jigsaw, I have yet to recharge the battery since the initial time. There isn't hours of time on it, but it shows no signs of needing recharged, and I think even for Li-ion that's pretty darn good. I just take it out of the case and it's good to go. (for those of you familiar with "Friday" from Robert Heinlein, maybe there's a Shipstone in there)

I am very happy with this Dewalt Jig Saw, as I am with all the other Dewalt tools that I own. It works extremely well and is really easy to use.One thing that I really like about Dewalt is that most of their batteries are interchangeable.I like the quality bag that comes with this comes with and really like it.I was disappointed that it only came with one blade, but I value this company and quickly ordered a complete set of blades to use with it.While this product seems expensive, I have bought a lot of other tools that quickly ended up in the garbage, but I have never been disappointed by a Dewalt tool.Folks, my experience over my 7 decades of life is that there are no free lunches and that you get what you pay for. I am happy with this product and I think the quality is well worth the price.I recommend this product to family, friends, and others who are looking for a quality Jig Saw that you can depend on to get the job done.Enjoy!

Good product has a lite, blower and it’s orbital

A great saw and a huge upgrade vs. my 30 year old corded B&D. It has as much power as my corded saw and is much more precise and easier to use. Blade changes are push button and can be done in 2 seconds! The feel of the saw is also really nice, smooth, low vibration. The instant stop blade brake works well and blower keeps the cut line visible. I found that it cuts ¾ plywood like a knife through butter. Cut finish is great, I use Bosch blades (always have) they have a nice variety so it is easy to choose the right blade. It comes with a DW3311 zero clearance blade so don't bother to buy an extra unless you will be using it a lot.

Just what I needed. Was able to get the correct item and not go from store to store to get it.