Ryobi Introduces Their First Compact Barrel Grip Jigsaw to The 18V Lineup
Nowadays, most power tool brands offer a cordless jigsaw, but not all of them offer a barrel grip option. Popular among professional woodworkers and craftsmen because it offers more control, there aren’t many options for DIYers and hobbyists. The Ryobi 18V One+ Barrel Grip Jigsaw breaks into the class, and I’ve been using it to see what it has to offer.
Pros
- Confident cutting power
- Multiple speed modes
- Slim barrel grip design
- Well-balanced
- Automatic blade ejection
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Ryobi 18V One+ Barrel Grip Jigsaw Performance
- Stroke Rate: 900-3200 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1 in.
- Runtime: 120 cuts per charge (in 1/2-inch plywood with 2.0Ah battery)
- Max Bevel: 0-45° left and right
- Orbital Action: 4-mode
- Collet: T-shank
- Motor Type: Brushless
Cutting Power
Ryobi’s brushless barrel grip jigsaw has a total of seven speed modes ranging from 900 to 3,200 SPM. This is nearly identical to Ryobi’s 18V D-handle jigsaw (PBLJS01), with speeds ranging from 800 SPM up to 3,400 SPM. Another key difference is the D-handle saw features a variable speed trigger, while the barrel grip saw utilizes a simple on/off switch.
Modes 1 through 6 represent a simple increase in speed, and the last is a load-sensing auto mode that provides a little more control. Additionally, this model has a 1-inch stroke length, allowing it to quickly and efficiently chew through material.
The auto mode runs at a reduced speed until the blade engages with your material, then the blade will increase to top speed. This gives you a little more control while making complex cuts.
During my testing, I made a series of cross, bevel, and scroll cuts in a pine 1×6 in order to get a feel for how this saw performs under pressure. Unsurprisingly, this saw was able to fly through our board like a hot knife through butter. Even the 45-degree bevel cuts didn’t put up much of a fight.
These results left me with a lot of confidence in this tool’s cutting power. It produced clean, accurate cuts and was incredibly easy to maneuver while making scroll cuts. While I still prefer the feel of a top-handle jigsaw, I’d have no issue adding this saw to my tool arsenal.
Orbital Action
As we saw on the Ryobi HP Brushless Top-Handle Jigsaw (PBLJS01), the Ryobi PSBJS01 sports four orbital action settings. Positioning the orbital action lever to a lower setting will result in a smoother finish, but ultimately produces a slower cut. A higher orbital setting will cut noticeably faster, but the finished product will be a little rougher.
With that in mind, it’s important to think ahead to your finished product when determining if you should orbital action. For instance, a rougher edge isn’t a big deal if it’s going to be covered up in the end. But for edges you’re going to sand, back it down to get the cleaner edges and reduce the post-cut work.
Vibration
As far as vibration is concerned, it doesn’t quite live up to the Pro-focused Milwaukee M18 Fuel Barrel Grip Jigsaw (2737), but Ryobi is right in line with what we expect from a DIY, or entry-level Pro tool. Due to the nature of the tool, you really can’t fully eliminate vibration, but I think Ryobi did a good job of mitigating excessive vibration.
Mode and Blade Selection
If you’re new to jigsaws, it’s important to have a firm understanding of your specific blades, orbital action modes, and speed settings in order to get the best performance. Fortunately, Ryobi includes a brief guide to help get you started.
| Orbital Setting | Material Type | Suggested Blade Type | TPI (Teeth Per Inch) | Speed Setting | Orbital Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Counter top, laminate board | Fine tooth wood cutting blade | 10-12 (down stroke blade) | 3-4 | No |
| 0 | Thin sheet metal | Metal cutting blade | 14-24 | 6, or A | No |
| 1 | Plastics, and PVC | Wood cutting blade | 10-12 | 4-6, or A | Minimal |
| 1 | Scroll, curved cuts in wood | Scrolling wood blade | 10-12 | 4-6, or A | No |
| 2 | Plywood, decking, and hardwood | Wood cutting blade | 6-12 | 4-6, or A | Medium |
| 3 | General lumber, and soft woods | Wood cutting blade | 6-10 | 4-6, or A | Maximum |
To make things even easier, Ryobi sells an all-purpose jigsaw blade set (A143001) that will allow you to tackle most projects right away!
Pro Tip: Up stroke blades provide the fastest cuts when using orbital action, but down stroke blade are best for sensitive materials, such as laminate countertops and flooring.
Ryobi 18V One+ Barrel Grip Jigsaw Design Notes
- Model: Ryobi PSBJS01
- Power Source: Ryobi 18V battery
- Weight: 4 lbs (bare tool), 4.9 lbs (with kitted 2.0Ah battery)
- Length: 11 in.
- Height: 6.75 in.
Size and Weight
The Ryobi PSBJS01 weighs in at an even 4 pounds as a bare tool, and 4.9 pounds with the kitted 2.0Ah battery. This compact jigsaw measures 11 inches from tip to tail, and stands 6.75 inches tall at the motor housing. That’s fairly compact for a barrel grip jigsaw, especially compared to traditional D-handle saws.
Ergonomics
While barrel grip jigsaws aren’t my preferred style, I must admit that I really like the feel of this saw. The grip is noticeably slimmer than many of the saws I’ve tested. In fact, the smaller design allowed me to completely wrap my fingers around the grip, which made me feel really in tune with the tool during our tests.
Ryobi did a great job of putting the controls at the tip of your fingers. There are power buttons on either side of the motor housing, and the speed control dial is located on the underside of the grip, so you can easily adjust the blade speed on the fly.
Blade Changes
Swapping out blades is quick and easy, thanks to Ryobi’s easy-release lever on the front of the motor housing. Simply rotate the lever forward 90 degrees and insert your T-shank blade.
When you’re ready for a fresh blade, pull the lever again and the spring-loaded blade lock will automatically eject the old blade. This lets you avoid touching a hot blade. Just be careful you don’t lose it if you’re working in a tight space, or in dirt or grass.
Bevel Adjustments
Unlike Ryobi’s top handle jigsaw, the PSBJS01 requires a hex wrench to make bevel adjustments. Thankfully, they include a wrench that stows away neatly near the battery bay.
To make an adjustment, remove the plastic shoe guard, loosen the hex bolt on the bottom of the tool, and pivot the shoe to your desired angle. This saw is able to pivot 45 degrees left and right, but there are only positive detents at the 45-degree positions.
Accessories
Ryobi includes a 10 TPI blade as well as a vacuum dust adapter that accepts either a 1 7/8-inch or 2 1/2-inch vacuum hose. Additionally, the plastic shoe guard has two molded slots on the inside so you can store a couple extra blades.
While it’s not included with the tool, the shoe is compatible with an edge guide if you’re wanting to make longer rip cuts.
Additional Features
- Integrated dust blower
- LED work light
- Compatible with all Ryobi 18V One+ batteries
Ryobi 18V One+ Barrel Grip Jigsaw Price
The Ryobi PSBJS01 retails for $139 as a bare tool, and $189 as a kit. The kit comes with a 2.0Ah battery, charger, a 10 TPI blade, and a dust nozzle. Ryobi backs this saw with a 3-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
Overall, I believe Ryobi nailed the performance and design, especially for a first generation barrel grip jigsaw. The cutting speed, vibration level, and feature set are right in line with what I expect from prosumer and entry-level professional models. If you’re on the hunt for a jigsaw with confident cutting power and solid ergonomics, then the Ryobi compact barrel grip jigsaw is right up your alley.
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