DEWALT DCS334 Review: Testing on the Job

The DEWALT DCS334 cordless jigsaw brings strong cutting performance to the table without emptying your wallet. After using this tool for a month on different job sites, I can say it stands out as one of the most dependable jigsaws I’ve worked with. The price ranges between $179 for just the tool and $329 with extras like a battery and charger, but I scored a deal that included it with three tools, batteries, and a bag for $200, which felt like a steal.

The DEWALT 20V Max XR cordless jigsaw cuts while weighing 4.7 pounds without its battery. This makes it lighter than plenty of competitors. Its brushless motor powers 3200 strokes every minute. Although some models hit 3500 SPM, this machine still has enough strength for most cutting jobs. The DEWALT brushless jigsaw DCS334 also includes four different cutting modes. It has a variable speed trigger and a handy “set and forget” dial to keep a steady speed so your fingers don’t get tired. If you want a jigsaw with both power and accuracy, keep reading to see what I found during my detailed tests.

Disclaimer

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, 3,200 Blade Speed, Cordless, Brushless…

• Brushless motor of the cordless jigsaw delivers efficient performance for longer runtime (vs. DCS331 Jig Saw)
• Compact size for easy grip and maximum control of the jig saw
• Bright LED on the jigsaw tool helps illuminate dimly lit work surfaces

$134.90

Buy on Amazon

DEWALT DCS334B Features and Design Highlights

DEWALT’s DCS334B includes a strong brushless motor, which upgrades it from older tools in their range. This jigsaw is built to work with the 20V MAX XR platform. It allows longer usage time and runs more compared to earlier models.

Understanding the Brushless Motor and XR System

The DCS334 jigsaw runs on a brushless motor that can produce up to 3,200 strokes per minute at its top speed. This marks a big upgrade compared to earlier DEWALT models like the DCS331. Brushless technology boosts performance and also increases battery runtime by cutting down on friction and heat. As part of DEWALT’s 20V MAX XR lineup, the jigsaw uses advanced power systems to improve its performance with different materials and cutting conditions. Designers placed the motor lower in the unit’s body than in older models, which provides better balance and makes cutting easier to control.

Size Weight, and Build

When you hold the DCS334B, you notice its sturdy build and well-designed shape right away. Without a battery, it weighs 4.62 pounds, and with a 5AH battery in place, it weighs 6.1 ounces. This keeps it light enough to use over long periods. Its compact size measuring 8.375 inches tall, 3.75 inches across, and 10.25 inches deep, makes moving it around in cramped spots a lot easier.

The build quality stands out with its sturdy composite body paired with soft rubber molding. This design improves both comfort and grip during use. The blade housing and key internal parts are made from metal. This enhances durability and ensures it holds up well under tough tasks. With its light frame and tough construction, the DCS334 feels good to handle and survives the rough conditions of job sites.

T-Shank Blades and Stroke Length

The DCS334B works with T-shank jigsaw blades, which professionals use for their quality. This setup provides users with plenty of blade choices to work with various materials. Its blade-changing mechanism uses an all-metal, lever-action keyless system. This design lets users switch blades without needing extra tools.

The jigsaw uses a 1-inch stroke length striking a good mix between controlled precision and strong cutting power. With this design and its adjustable speed settings, the DCS334 cuts woods as thick as 2 inches and metals up to 3/8 inch. A roller near the shoe holds up the blade to reduce bending when making curved cuts.

Feature Breakdown: Why the DEWALT DCS334 Jigsaw Stands Out

After checking out many cordless jigsaws, I’ve realized the DEWALT DCS334 has specific features that boost its cutting ability and make it easier to use.

Adjustable Speed Control with Dial and Trigger

The DEWALT DCS334 jigsaw offers solid control over cuts with its variable speed trigger paired with a special dial system. You can adjust speeds up to 3,200 strokes each minute tailoring it to whatever material you are cutting. The speed dial sits on the top handle. It makes a sturdy clicking noise with each notch, which keeps settings from slipping as you work. This “set and forget” feature lets you stop worrying about squeezing the trigger just right so you can focus more on guiding the tool to make exact cuts.

4-Position Orbital Action Settings

The DCS334 stands out for its flexibility, thanks to the 4-position orbital action switch. You get straight up-and-down motion in position 0, which works great when you need clean and precise cuts in metals or hardwood. Positions 1 through 3 give you more aggressive elliptical blade movements. These settings boost cutting speed and make working with softer materials a lot easier. The orbital feature plays a big role by helping remove chips better and lowering blade friction. This makes the DEWALT brushless jigsaw a great fit for handling many different types of projects.

Tool-Free Blade Change System

The DEWALT DCS334B features an all-metal keyless blade change mechanism that uses a lever-action system. You just lift the blade release latch, slide in any standard T-shank blade, and let go of the lever to lock it in place. This updated system gives blades a stronger grip compared to older models and keeps them straighter while cutting, which leads to better precision.

Adjusting the Bevel: Ranges from 0° to 45° with Pre-set Stops

The all-metal keyless shoe bevel lets you change angles with stops set at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°. To change the angle, slide the shoe bevel lever to the side and move the base until it reaches the desired position. The locking mechanism holds anywhere between the preset stops giving you great control for cutting at different angles.

LED Lights and Built-In Dust Blower

Two LED lights brighten your cutting line during use and stay on for 21 seconds after you let go of the trigger. A built-in dust blower keeps your line clear from debris without the hassle of dealing with an on/off switch like older models. These features work together so you always have a clean view of your cutting path, no matter the conditions.

Real-World Performance: 30 Days of Job Site Testing

Using the DEWALT DCS334 every day on the job site for a month showed me how well it cuts through many types of materials. I was impressed by its performance.

Wood Cutting: Pine, Mahogany, and Plywood

The DEWALT 20V Max XR cordless jigsaw handles softwoods and hardwoods with ease. It cuts through pine and other softwoods up to 1-1/2 inches thick with little effort. When dealing with tougher woods like mahogany, it still gets the job done but does struggle a bit on 2-inch hardwood pieces. During my tests, the DCS334 showed its strength on 45-degree bevel cuts in 3/4-inch plywood. Cutting straight lines felt smooth and didn’t require much resistance, which can be rare with other jigsaws.

Metal Cutting: Aluminum and Sheet Metal

The DEWALT jigsaw DCS334 handles aluminum cutting up to 1/4″ thick with reliable precision. Clean and accurate results showed during tests with thinner steel and sheet metal. I used the non-orbital straight cutting action for metal work, as it offers the level of precision these tasks require. While its 3,200 SPM is a bit below rivals that reach 3,500 SPM, this slower speed works better when cutting metal where lower speeds often perform better.

Blade Deflection and Accuracy

The DEWALT brushless jigsaw DCS334 uses a new blade support design that improves how it cuts. The roller, which guides the blade now sits closer to the shoe and lower down. This change keeps the blade from bending much during tight curve cuts. DEWALT also made the groove on the bearing wheel deeper. This helps the blade lock in position and stay steady. These updates make it easier to control when doing detailed scroll cuts in tough wood like hard maple.

Vibration Compared to Other Brands

The DCS334 vibrates so it feels much easier to handle over long periods of use. DEWALT improved its counterbalance system in this model making it work much better than older versions with the longer Scotch Yoke mechanism for reciprocating motion. With less vibration, cutting becomes more accurate, and users feel less tired. When compared to Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel, people say the DEWALT runs more and stays quieter than expected.

Pricing and Value: Should You Buy the DEWALT 20V Max XR Jigsaw?

Deciding to buy the DEWALT DCS334 depends on your budget and the right time to buy. Its price makes it a strong contender among high-quality jigsaws.

Cost Comparison: Bare Tool or Full Kit?

The DEWALT DCS334B bare tool costs anywhere from $179 to $239. Sometimes, prices drop during sales going as low as $132. If you need the full set, the DCS334P1 kit comes with a 5.0Ah battery and a charger priced between $329 and $379. The $150 price gap between the bare tool and the kit matches the usual cost of DEWALT’s battery-and-charger starter pack. , the bare tool is the most practical option if you’re already using the 20V MAX system.

Comparing with Milwaukee and Ridgid

In the category of professional tools, the DEWALT DCS334 lands between its key rivals. Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel jigsaw is priced a bit higher at $199 for the bare tool and $299 with a 5.0Ah kit. On the other hand, Ridgid provides its similar model for $149, including a lifetime service agreement. Even so, the DEWALT often holds its value due to its strong performance and the broad 20V MAX ecosystem that it belongs to.

Smart Timing to Buy and Bundle Offers

Price tracking records show that the best deals show up between November and mid-February because of Black Friday and other holiday sales. Deals don’t stop there though. Sales like “Spring Black Friday” in April and May give another chance to save cash. Tool bundles can also stretch your money further. Back in November, I grabbed the DCS334 as part of a 4-tool kit with batteries and a bag for $200.

Conclusion

Testing the DEWALT DCS334 on job sites for thirty days proves that it competes with the top cordless jigsaws available. The tool handles different materials with power and ease while still allowing precise and controlled cuts.

The brushless motor shows its value by delivering longer runtimes and steady power when you use it with DEWALT’s 20V MAX XR batteries. The price may be a bit higher than some others, but the solid build cutting performance, and comfortable design make it worth every penny.

While testing the DCS334, the way it managed tricky cuts stood out. The blade wobbled even on tougher jobs. The updated blade support setup does what DEWALT claims letting you cut clean tight curves even in strong hardwoods. Plus, the lower vibration made it easier to work on longer projects without feeling as worn out, compared to older models.

Shoppers trying to save money should look at this tool during sales between November and February when prices often get much lower. People new to DEWALT might see more value in buying tool bundles instead of just getting the jigsaw on its own.

The DEWALT DCS334 offers a solid mix of strong performance and fair pricing. Features like the “set and forget” speed dial and the reliable dust blower show how DEWALT puts effort into designing tools that meet the demands of professionals. Contractors and dedicated DIYers should think about this tool if they are looking to buy a cordless jigsaw.

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