Two of the biggest names in the business, Milwaukee vs DeWalt. This always going to be an epic battle. In this comparative review, we’re pitting the Milwaukee MLW273720 M18 Fuel cordless jigsaw against the DeWalt DCS335B. Things should get interesting.
Nine times out of ten, DeWalt power tools will be my first recommendation. I really love the price in relation to quality. When comparing DeWalt vs Milwaukee, the DeWalt model will usually be the cheapest option and can match up in terms of quality and features.
This time, things are not that straightforward. The DeWalt DCS335B is notably more expensive than the Milwaukee M273720. Though, when researching this article, I found the DeWalt jigsaw on Amazon at a greatly reduced price. Although still around $20 more expensive than the Milwaukee tool (even with the discount), the DeWalt jigsaw does display some superior traits. I really like the all-aluminum gearbox housing, compared to the plastic used on the Milwaukee jigsaw.
It may simply come down to the basic design. Some prefer a barrel handle, while others are more into the D-Shape design used by Milwaukee for this model. I’ll leave you to decide which is the best jigsaw.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Jigsaw (MLW273720)
Features:
- POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor: Increased SPM and the power to cut hard materials, including hardwoods and metals
- REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence: the most advanced system of cordless power tool electronics; provides optimized performance and overload protection using total system communication between tool, battery, and charger
- REDLITHIUM battery technology: superior pack construction, electronics, and performance deliver more work per charge and more work over pack life than any battery on the market
- Variable speed ranges between 0 and 3500 strokes per minute, providing precise control for clean cuts with less chipping
- 4-position orbital cutting provides versatility for application-specific cutting
- Toolless shoe bevel with positive stops allows for quick and accurate shoe adjustment with detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°
- Cutline blower keeps the cut line clear of debris, and allows user to turn off blower when using dust extraction
- LED light illuminates the cut line
- Includes dust cover and dust extraction tube
- Includes non-marring shoe cover for protection of finished surfaces
Review:
Milwaukee M18 cordless tools have become almost legendary. Their REDLINK PLUS technology is an advanced electronic management system, protecting both the tool and battery. The POWERSTATE brushless motor ensures top performance, both in terms of power and battery working time. In a nutshell, the Milwaukee MLW273720 cordless jigsaw utilizes about the best technology in the world.
All this fancy engineering comes down to excellent working times and incredible power, better than many corded jigsaws. The Milwaukee MLW273720 delivers a really impressive 3,500 SPM for a wonderfully smooth cut on any material. Using the M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 5AH battery, you’ll be able to cut 105-feet of ¾” laminated particle board on a single battery charge. You also have continuous speed. The power management system boosts the power when the saw is bogged down and won’t labor as the battery power begins to fade.
The general design is true Milwaukee magic. A really solid tool with great features. I think we all look at the base first when considering which is the best jigsaw. This jigsaw will certainly impress the most discerning of us in this regard. The thick aluminum shoe is perfectly machined and has a non-marring cover, protecting soft material from scratches. The base also has tool-free bevel adjustment with detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°. You won’t waste time finding the most common bevel settings and you know it’s going to be 100% accurate.
User comfort is tops. The large D-shaped handle is padded, keeping vibration fatigue to an absolute minimum. The trigger switch is big enough for two fingers and offers excellent speed control. You can choose one of four oscillation speeds with a switch at the side of the gearbox. It also has an anti-splinter insert and an LED light to illuminate the cut line.
I really like the dust blower that clears away sawdust from the blade so that you can clearly see where you’re cutting. It also has a dust extraction tube, cleverly molded into the shoe. This allows you to connect a dust extraction pipe to the back of the saw. T-Shank blades slot easily into position, another great time saver.
The Milwaukee MLW273720 M18 cordless jigsaw has everything one could want. It delivers the kind of power we expect from Milwaukee tools and a level of quality that the brand is famous for. Extras, like an LED light and dust blower, just make this jigsaw a joy to use. Milwaukee is the best in terms of warranty, 5-years. I think it goes without saying, buying from one of the top brands in the business gives you a feeling of absolute confidence and, possibly, a whole of pride.
DeWalt 20V XR Cordless Jigsaw (DCS335B)
Features:
- Brushless motor delivers efficient performance for longer runtime
- Compact size for easy grip and maximum control
- Bright LED light helps to illuminate dimly lit work surfaces
- Variable speed dial provides precise speed control
- All-metal, lever-action keyless blade change allows for quick and easy t-shank blade changes
- Integrated dust blower helps clear line of sight while cutting
- All-metal, keyless shoe bevel with detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and a positive stop at 45° for easy adjustment
- No-mar shoe cover to help protect work surface from scratches
- 4-position orbital action provides control of cut quality and speed
- Accepts t-shank jigsaw blades for optimal holding power
Review:
Despite being more expensive than the Milwaukee jigsaw, I prefer the DeWalt DCS335B. This is based mainly on one simple thing. I prefer to see more metal and less plastic in a power tool. Maybe it’s just a fetish I have. Realistically, it’s not easy to determine which is the better machine. Comparing DeWalt 20V XR vs Milwaukee Fuel technology, it is impossible to say which system is more efficient. Both brands utilize the best brushless motors and excellent electronic controls. Like the Milwaukee MLW273720, the DeWalt DCS335B delivers excellent power and longer working time on a single battery.
The most obvious difference between the DeWalt DCS335B and Milwaukee MLW273720 is the handle design. The DeWalt barrel handle is probably more versatile. It is easier to work from the bottom of a board with this type of handle. Though this is not unique to the DeWalt DCS335B. Milwaukee also offer a cordless jigsaw with a barrel handle. Similarly, you can find a DeWalt XR jigsaw with a D-shape handle. Both brands of an enormous range of cordless tools in every shape and form.
Another notable difference is the amount of aluminum used for the DeWalt jigsaw and the large metal blade guard. This is what catches my fancy, placing the DeWalt DCS335B in the top position. Other than this, there is not too much difference. I guess the final decision will be mostly about your brand preference. Both DeWalt and Milwaukee have extremely loyal followers and we tend to stick with the one we most like. Especially when it comes to cordless tools, where using the same battery for all your tools is important.
The DeWalt DCS335B has amazing speed control up to 3,200 SPM. Not quite up there with the 3,500 SPM delivered by the Milwaukee saw, but still a good speed for a wonderfully clean cut. It has the same oscillation selector, with four modes, for more aggressive or finer cutting. The DeWalt jigsaw has an amazing dust blower, keeping the area around the blade free of debris, and a dust extraction port for a shop vac.
The base is immaculate, thick, and perfectly flat. A large metal lever makes it super easy to tilt the shoe for bevel cuts, without the need for any tools. Quick reference positive stops simplify things when selecting 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°. Just as easy as using the Milwaukee jigsaw. The DeWalt DCS335B also has a similar removable shoe cover, protecting soft material from scratches.
Using the DeWalt DCS335B is a truly sublime experience. It is super lightweight, only 4.5 pounds (without the battery). The handle is as comfortable as they come, with a trigger lock for continuous speed cutting. You can dial the speed up or down using your thumb without a hassle. This model also uses T-Shank blades, which slot into place in a flash – no tools required. Similar to the Milwaukee alternative, you have the convenience of an LED light.
From a user perspective, there isn’t much difference between the DeWalt DCS335B and Milwaukee MLW27320. They are both amongst the best options available. I prefer the DeWalt handle design and the more extensive use of metal in the construction. That’s not to say it is necessarily a better machine, just my preference. Although DeWalt is up there with Milwaukee as one of the top power tool brands, the warranty is not quite as good. DeWalt offer a 3-year warranty, whereas Milwaukee have an uber-cool 5-year warranty.
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