DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Jig Saw (DCS334)

In regards to speed and weight, the DCS334 is about average.  Running 3,200 spm and weighing a touch over 4 lbs puts this jig saw’s capacity squarely in the middle of the pack.  The unit feels balanced when equipped with a moderately-sized battery.  The reciprocating stroke is 1” stroke, which is standard for this saw class.

The DCS334 felt comfortable in our hands and performed up to our already-high expectations in cut quality and line tracking.  As with all cordless saws, power and performance are highly dependent on battery size, blade quality, and blade condition.  Jig saws of this size will do well with batteries 4.0Ah and above.  Also, check out these t-shank jig saw blades that we’ve come to love.  They feature a unique double-sided tooth design that helps navigate and cut sharp corners.

Variable speeds for this jig saw have more optionality than other competitors.  A speed control dial on the top of the unit sets the maximum speed.  Then, the variable speed trigger allows you to ramp up to the maximum speed set by the dial.  This is useful when you want to be careful to limit the spm in tougher materials.  It takes some of the guesswork out of controlling blade speeds.

Blade changes are simple with the latch-action mechanism.  Note that this particular jig saw requires that the latch be physically opened and closed when removing and installing a blade (some others only require the blade be pushed into the blade clamp).  Blade removal doesn’t require that the blade be touched.  Just unlatch the clamp and the blade falls right out.  This is helpful when attempting to remove a hot blade.  Also note that the DCS334 only accepts t-shank blades.  

The DEWALT DCS334 features a beveling shoe adjustment that is tool free, which we like.  The bevel lever is easy to actuate and allows the shoe to tilt up to 45 degrees in either direction.  A positive 45-degree stop along with detents at 15 and 30 degrees keep things accurate when making adjustments.

There are four orbital settings (inclusive of a zero setting) that add a degree of extra aggression when tackling soft materials.

The integrated dust blower is a welcome inclusion.  Since jig saws cut on the upstroke, dust quickly piles up in front of the blade and hides cut lines.  The blower does a great job at keeping that area clear.

Note that the dust blower is just that: it indiscriminately blows dust away from the tool so your work area will get messy.  If you want to upgrade the dust management capabilities of the DCS334, an optional dust shroud (part number N564892) and universal dust port connector can be purchased that redirects the blown dust towards the back of the saw and into a shop vac.

An LED light keeps dim areas well-lit.  The DCS334 includes a delay function that keeps the LED light on for 20 seconds after the trigger is released.