We’ve tested lots of jigsaws over the last few years. Today, we’re putting the DeWalt cordless top handle jigsaw under our microscope. The DeWalt DCS334 cordless top-handle jigsaw is a brushless tool and one of the best jigsaws we’ve tested in recent years.
Pros
- Brushless motor
- Tool-free bevel adjustment and blade changes
- Competitive bare tool price
- Good ergonomics
- Lower vibration than competitors
Cons
- Kit price is a little high
- Stroke rate is lower than competitors
- Missing a couple of convenience features: vac attachment/port, lock-on button
DeWalt DCS334 Features
Standout Features
Variable Speed Dial
This DeWalt cordless jigsaw has its variable speed dial perfectly placed on top of the handle where you can reach it easily with one hand. The side to side adjustment isn’t as easy as Ridgid’s forward/back, though.
Additional Features
- Brushless motor
- LED light
- Variable speed trigger
- Lock off rocker switch
- All-metal, lever-action keyless blade change
- Integrated dust blower
- 3 orbital modes plus off
- All-metal, keyless shoe bevel with detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and a positive stop at 45°
- No-mar shoe cover
Missing Features
- Cutline indicator
- Dust port
- Lock-on button
DeWalt does away with their cutline indicator and I’m okay with that. The ones on most jigsaws are okay, but you need to look at the blade itself when exact precision is a must. The DeWalt cordless top-handle jigsaw keeps the blade area easily visible so no harm, no foul.
They also pass on a dust port. It’s not a mainstream standard feature yet, but it is something you’ll see from Ridgid and Milwaukee.
Like most models, DeWalt does not include a lock on switch. It’s a feature Ridgid and Ryobi include on their D-handle models and it’s much more common on barrel grip styles.
DeWalt Cordless Top-Handle Jigsaw Ergonomics
DeWalt matches their handle ergonomics well against the competition. Their curved design with rubber overmold is as comfortable as anyone else’s recent models. A small part of me wishes they would give it more of a shape like their drills and drivers, though. It’s just a preference thing more than a negative.
The rocker switch, one-finger variable speed trigger, and speed adjustment are all easy to reach with one hand on the fly. That side to side dial action won’t be as easy to adjust mid-stroke as Ridgid’s, but it’s easier than stopping to reach around to a dial on the side.
The DeWalt cordless jigsaw is among the lighter of the new models out. At 4.7 pounds bare and 6.0 pounds with a 5.0 Ah battery, you save a few ounces over others.
DeWalt Top-Handle Jigsaw Performance
The DeWalt cordless jigsaw has a slightly lower blade speed (3200 SPM) than its most recent competition (3500 SPM). Cutting speed is similar to what you see from Ridgid’s Octane, but slower than Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel.
The upside is that the lower stroke rate gives you a little less vibration to worry about.
DeWalt also moves the entire blade mechanism down some, reducing blade deflection and stabilizing your cut.
With 3 orbital modes to choose from, you can increase your cutting speed if you’re good with a rough cut. If you’re cutting in metal or hardwoods, you should be cutting at a lower speed and DeWalt’s slower rate won’t be an issue.
When it comes to accuracy, the DeWalt DCS334 is as good as its closest D-handle competition. You may want to hold off until DeWalt’s barrel grip version comes out for a more accurate platform, though.
DeWalt Cordless Top-Handle Jigsaw Price/Value
The DeWalt 20V Max Jig Saw is in the middle-high of the price range. Here’s where the field stands:
- Ryobi 18V One+ Brushless P524: $119
- Ridgid Octane 18V R8832B: $129
- Bosch 18V JSH180B (brushed model): $149
- DeWalt 20V Max XR DCS334B: $179 (bare)/$329 (5.0 Ah kit)
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2737-20: $199 (bare)/$299 (5.0 Ah kit)
- Makita LXT 18V XVJ02Z: $269
For Pros already on DeWalt’s 20V Max battery platform, the bare tool price is pretty attractive looking around the established Pro models. Ridgid’s price will open some eyes – just remember their 18V lineup isn’t nearly as deep as DeWalt’s 20V Max.
On the kit side, DeWalt seems to put a greater value on their batteries and comes out more expensive than Milwaukee. The $150 increase between bare tool and kit is the same as their 5.0 Ah battery/charger starter kit.
The Bottom Line
The DeWalt DCS334 cordless top-handle jigsaw impressed us to no end with its control, lack of vibration, and excellent ergonomics. It’s a solid all-around performer that DeWalt fans should be happy to add to their arsenal, though woodworkers may want to wait for the barrel grip version for more accurate cutting.
DeWalt Cordless Jigsaw Specifications
- Model: DeWalt DCS334B
- Metal Cutting Capacity: 0.375 inches
- Strokes per Minute – No Load: 3200
- Wood Cutting Capacity: 2 inches
- Stroke Length: 1 inch
- Weight: 4.62 pounds
- Saw Design: Top / D-Handle
- Blade Type: Jig Saw T-Shank
- Warranty: 3 years limited
- Prices:
- $179 (Bare Tool)
- $329 (Kit)
