DEWALT DCS334 XR Jig Saw Review
DEWALT DCS334 XR Jig Saw Review
FULL REVIEW HERE:
We’ve had some time to use D-handle Jig Saw on our jobsites and here’s what is new:
First Impression
DEWALT redesigned this newer model which is smaller, lighter [4.6lbs], faster, has a lowered motor position, and improved the blade clamp.
Redesigned Blade Clamp
The older model had been designed to accept both U-shank and T-shank blades. The problem with that model is that it did not hold the U-shank blades well, causing user frustration. U-shank blades, in our opinion, tend to wobble, flex more, and produce more tear-out than T-shank blades.
The new DEWALT DCS334 XR Jig Saw has a more reliable and durable blade clamp. DEWALT reworked the entire mechanism and actually reduced the number of parts in it. The result is a well-designed secure blade clamp with a better designed release lever. The blade clamp does NOT eject the blade.
Variable Speed Dial and Increase Strokes Per Minute
There is a variable speed dial adjustment on the top handle, and a variable speed trigger that controls the saw from 0 to 3,200 strokes per minute. [SPM] This is a blade stroke increase from the older saw that offered 3,000 SPM.
The saw does have a variable speed trigger, but the dial lets the user “set and forget” the speed, on the saw and pull the trigger fully. The variable speed dial also has a ratchet-like action that click every number you move it, to prevent accidently changing the setting with your hand.
Having a variable speed dial, results in freeing up focus on trigger/ blade speed and allows the users to focus fully on maneuvering the saw through the cut. The obvious win here is that it’s easier to operate for more precise a cuts.
Brushless Motor
The DEWALT DCS334 XR Jig Saw was redesigned with a brushless motor that operates quieter, and sits lower to the work surface giving the user more control. The older model was taller, and noisier. The barbell grip saw will provided even more control.
After using both saws it’s obvious to us, that the new model is more powerful and much smoother to operate.
Accuracy and Blade Deflection
To minimize blade deflection and improve accuracy, DEWALT lowered the position of the saw bearing, wheel-retainer, which helps stiffen the blade. Additionally, the groove in the bearing wheel is deeper, so the blade indexes better and stays in place.
I often find that a jigsaw’s quality can be summed up pretty fast if you try to cut a 45-degree bevel on a piece of 3/4″ plywood. If you can cut that bevel in a nice straight line without fighting the jigsaw than you’ve got a winning combination. This jigsaw had no problem cutting nice straight 45-degree bevel cuts over long lengths.
We tested the jigsaw in Mahogany, Pine, Maple and plywood. The saw cuts well in all of those materials, and tracks well. We made straight, 45 degree and scroll cuts and checked for square and parallels. We also did see some moderate, and aggressive scroll cutting in hard Maple. On this test we did see some moderate deflection.
Less Vibration
All jigsaws employ some sort of counterbalance system to reduce the up-and-down shaking created by the reciprocating plunger and blade. DEWALT updated this saws counter balance system and its noticeable.
The older saw had a longer Scotch Yoke reciprocating motion mechanism which resulted in more vibration. A Scotch Yoke converts the linear motion of a slider into rotational motion. (or visa-versa) resulting in the vertical blade movement.
Less vibration translates into less vibration and more accuracy.
How would you compare this with the Bosch JSB and the Makita cordless jigsaws.
I have the corded version and I like it very much. This is my next jigsaw purchase.
I bought this jigsaw after watching this video (and many other TBH that praise it). So far i have done 3 cuts, and all 3 are terrible, the blade simply jumps out of the guide roller without any side pressure. Last cut was to shorten the width of a dresser and i had clamped the top and bottom pieces plus a piece to guilde the shoe of the jigsaw. The blade again without any side pressure jumped out and started cutting inwards ruining my dresser … Simply terrible tool.
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So besides the Leds it’s the same as the one that came out in 2003
Any update on 2021 jig saws? I need to purchase one for a kitchen remodel.
I alway wanted to get a cordless jig saw and i finally did. I picked up the DCS334B from home depot sept. 2021 as a bare tool and so glad i did. The regular price was 199.00 was on sale fore 169.00 plus i had a 25.00 coupon final price was 144.00. And i was impressed with the blade that comes with it DW3753H cut perfectly clean through 1/2" plywood and 3/4"pine on both faces.
do you prefer this kind of grip or dcs335 barrel grip?
Thank you! I just purchased this for me for projects with my greenhouse . I’m glad I found your video. As a women’s perspective…you made this video easier to understand. Thank you so much
too expensive in the UK at the moment
Had the same issues with the anti-splinter insert on the corded 321K. Good review, thank you!
Used to use/borrow the older brushed model from work. No light sucked when everything else in the tool bag has one and speed control could be tedious especially when metal cutting (run it slow, keep the blade lubed and it does great). Battery life was never a concern but having leaned towards the XR line for the better run time and not having the ozone burning smell (right up there with cigarette smell) I was glad to hear dewalt finally gave the jig saw a much needed revamp and hearing they added a light and made it with a dialed-in V-S trigger I was sold. Cut several pair of rafters for a porch and could not be happier with how smooth it and clean it cut the birdsmouths. My ancient B&D jig saw has never let me down but after one cut the vibration left your hand hurting and speed control was non existent.
Big power for a small price.
Instant upgrade for blade deflection is use festool carvex blades. Also copy the carvex splinter guard design. Job done
I just got one of these, exact same model the other week and it it so much better than the old Makita I had, which was corded. I love it, and am happy with my purchase and all, BUT it is SO heavy. If you had to use this all day long it would not be a viable option. You would have arm and wrist fatigue after one hour. Fortunately I only need to use it for a minute or two at a time, maybe once a week.
Been using XR for years. Never knew it stood for extended run.
It’s a great upgrade buddy! not okay…no company makes 100% tool to suit any carpenter or woodworker…Every woodworker or carpenter has their own take on what is good or okay…
Big thanks for letting us know about the lower blade retainer and the deeper Grove, these are the details that make a huge difference and stand to separate mostly samey tools. A jig isn’t fast, and power isn’t that big a deal mostly, but deflection and maneuverability is key. Big looking to cut the cord on my jig and this helped the decision big time.
Hey Robert from your experience what do you think is better Milwaukee fuel or Dewalt XR ???
Very good review; thanks. Couple of things – I like the dust blower on the DCS331 but I also had a little confusion on what was on and what was off. Does the DCS334 dust blower work as good as the DCS331? If so, sold. Also, I never use the plastic splinter guard thing either. Never liked them.
What’s the big difference between the barrel and d handle?
I still use the old post battery jigsaw and it has been amazing, so if this jigsaw has improved upon it then it will do for me. I must have had my XR jigsaw for over 8 years and it has been used daily as I’m a joiner and hasn’t let me down yet. I always hoped they would make a brushless version and the leds and other improvements are a nice touch.
I’m going to wait a while though as Dewalt tend to keep the same model, but add improvements to it down the line based on customer feedback etc. I have seen reports of the leds being too bright when using the saw upside down, so hopefully they add an on/off switch for the led.
This video didn’t age well.
pls do a jigsaw head to head.
You do know you can edit out your pauses and your uhmms and your mistakes and it will actually save thousands of people time
Hi many thanks for your review. The main minus point I have with this jigsaw is you have to keep the button compressed – I mean you can’t lock it on to use in a jig and will have to use a clamp or "tie" the switch in the on position.
Based on your recommendation I purchased this jig saw and if I was any happier, I’d drop my harp plumb through the cloud. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. God bless!
Thank you for the video. The 45 degree cut looks like it’s off by 3 degrees or so. I bought one a few days ago, and indeed the bevel angles are far from accurate. This is my first jigsaw and I wonder if this is typical of jigsaws.
Waiting for the barrel one. Please compare them to Milwaukee and makita.
Tell Dewalt we are still waiting for the Dewalt Drain Snake with AUTO feed they promised us a year ago!
… Thanks Rob, very good review.
To bad the tool doesn’t have a belt clip, but don’t worry, soon I will have one I will put one like I did with DCS576 and with the jigsaw from Ryobi.
Been searching for while now. Cant find barrel grip jig saw version. Actually there was 3 for sale and before I blinked my eyes they were sold 🤦♂️🤦♂️
How does it compare to the Carvex and the big Bosch?
Your reviews are professional and much appreciated.
What is the barrel grip??
You did a great job on this. Thanks!
Waste of my time
Good video
My 5Ah battery lasts around 40 minutes in 331 one, cutting 4.4cm thick wood. All is great but why isn’t the blower working at all no matter what position.?
Where did you get that jumbo looking combination square ?
do you know the name of dust collector ( Dust Extraction Nozzle) ? thanks a lot
Good job 👍
Good review Rob. I have the model that came out before this one and it works great. Did you ever find out how much more run time the flexvolt 12amh has over the 9amh?
I have Dewalt batteries and tools so I am stuck with only their tools with everything cordless. Thanks for the review on the jigsaw! Cause I only have 1 choice with the brand and jigsaws. They make good stuff, I just hate having only having a few choices from various models from 1 brand of cordless tools
I have this same JiggyPoo saw. I rolled the dice on IT previous to this great review. I was a bit apprehensive. But I have zero regrets. Cutting the cord on a Jiggy saw is a big deal. In my line of work I use this type of saw regularly. The 12v Bosch just didn’t cut it. This new DeWalt is a beast. It plowes thru wood like butter. Deflection is fairly nominal and better than expected. This jig is built like a brick shithouse and I’ll retire with this tool. So happy to cut finally cut the cord on this type of tool
ILove Jig saw.
Adapters that mate different brands of batteries to others is the next step
Great review, i took XR as brushless motors on the Dewalt tools, making more efficient use of the battery usage vs brushed motors
they need to add magnetic blade storage in the handle
Anyone know the make of that combi square ? Thanks
In my country (and most of Europe I think) professional tradesmen only use barrel grip jigsaws. D-grip jigsaws are considered DIY only tools here.
I can’t recall ever seeing a carpenter use a D-handle jigsaw here. D-handle jigsaws seem to be much more popular among American tradesmen than here.
Here tradesmen also usually cut upside down from underneath the material with a jigsaw, for which only the barrel style jigsaw is any good really. The D-handle is just too far away from the material to make it any good for cutting from underneath, the control and balance are not suited for that use.