Jigsaws can be very inexpensive and occasional-use tools, or they can be the thing you reach for at all times to solve a whole suite of difficult cutting challenges. In our case, we find that the tool really determines which viewpoint you have. Take the new Milwaukee M12 Cordless High Performance Jig Saw (2445-21), for example. This new jigsaw was shown off to us at the 2011 Milwaukee Press Event and we really haven’t stopped thinking about it. The new Milwaukee M12 cordless jig saw is incredibly simple in design – but in a good way. It has a “Hybrid Grip” design, which Milwaukee pitches as the best combination of features from a top handle and barrel grip jig saw. And really, the handle is unique and it provides ample grip, while giving you really good balance while making cuts. The tool is also very small and handles well. It weighs just 4.1 lbs and is only 8.75″ long from base to front.
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Jig Saw Features
From our inventory of the market, this looks to be one of, if not the most, compact cordless jigsaw that targets professional users. While the Milwaukee 2645-22 M18 Jig Saw we reviewed earlier this year provides more power, this Milwaukee M12 cordless jig saw is infinitely more flexible and portable.
The new Milwaukee 2445-21 Cordless Jigsaw is powered by the M12 RedLithium platform and comes with a single M12 Compact battery and we recommend picking up an XC battery if you plan on doing a lot of work with this saw – it actually doesn’t affect the balance of the tool either). It really does seem ideal for carpenters, remodelers, and plumbers and might just be the ultimate tool for dropping a sink into traditional counter tops.
The specs on the new Milwaukee M12 cordless jig saw are impressive, with a 3/4″ stroke length and variable speed trigger that pushes the blade form 0-2,800 SPM (strokes per minute). A standard Quik-Lok T-Shank blade clamp and tool free 45° bevel capability means you can easily go from material to material and bevel cuts to normal without the need for tools or tons of down-time. We also loved that Milwaukee had the foresight to add an LED light up front to illuminate the work area while cutting. Use one of these underneath a cabinet and you’ll instantly find this to be a life-saving (and time-saving) feature.
Specifications (2445-21 Kit)
- 3/4″ Stroke Length
- 0-2800 SPM
- Bevel Capacity: 45°
- Length: 8.75″
- Weight: 4.1 lbs
- Tool Free Blade and Bevel Changes
- Includes 2445-20 M12 Jig Saw, (1) M12 Red Lithium Battery, 30-Minute Charger, (1) 50-42-5310 10 TPI Wood Cutting Blade, Anti-Splintering Insert, Non-Marring Shoe & Contractor Bag.
Specifications (2445-20 Tool-only)
- 3/4″ Stroke Length
- 0-2800 SPM
- Bevel Capacity: 45°
- Length: 8.75″
- Weight: 4.1 lbs
- Tool Free Blade and Bevel Changes
- Includes 2445-20 M12 Jig Saw, (1) 50-42-5310 10 TPI Wood Cutting Blade, Anti-Splintering Insert, Non-Marring Shoe & Contractor Bag.
This saw looks like a tool that is going to be as impactful as the Milwaukee M18 HackZall which we can’t seem to take out hands off of. Kudos to Milwaukee for another excellent cordless product.
