Milwaukee 18V Cordless Jig Saw
This review was created as part of a paid affiliate program with the Home Depot.
My first order of business with this and every product review is a disclaimer: I am not a professional contractor. I am a farmer and a fine furniture maker. When it comes to construction and renovation projects, I’m a DIYer and weekend warrior. That said, I doubt many professional contractors will be reading my tool reviews. My goal in reviewing tools and products is to provide honest feedback based on my own use and experience with these tools to other regular folks like me- wanting to get their hands dirty, try new things, and get the best value for their hard earned dollars.
Let’s talk about the M18 Fuel 18V LI Brushless Cordless Jig Saw
Milwaukee has hit another home run with this battery operated tool, delivering the power to cut hard materials, hardwood and metals just by switching blades. And speaking of blades, this tool uses T-shank jigsaw blades, which are easy to change in seconds without any extra tools. And speaking of tool-less changes, the bevel adjust also requires no tools and clicks in at 0, 15, 30 and 45 detents. Battery life on the tool is fantastic, providing up to 105 Linear feet of cut in laminated particle board with a 5.0 AH battery. With 3500 strokes per minute, this jigsaw makes clean, controlled cuts with very little chipping.
The things I personally really like about this tool are the quick, seamless blade changes, the variable speed trigger, and the brushless motor, which starts and stops the blade on a dime. As a safety thing, I really prefer a tool that can start and stop quickly so there isn’t a blade flinging around in the air after the cut is finished. When cutting, the saw turns on a dime, is ergonomic, and the sight line on the tool is fantastic.
My only complaint with this tool is that the plastic shields for the blade don’t stay in place well and are pretty flimsy. I wish Milwaukee included a few more with the bare tool simply because I know they’re not going to last long.
At the $199 price point for a bare tool, this is one of Milwaukee’s more competitively priced items. Competing brands have corded options for $125, and battery options for $279, but I’d say if you regularly use a jigsaw and you’re on Milwaukee’s battery platform, buying this tool is a no-brainer. It’s well built, powerful, and will be very well used in my shop.