If you are looking for a powerful, cordless, and ergonomic jigsaw, you might want to check out the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Barrel Grip Jigsaw. This tool features a brushless motor, a variable speed dial, an ambidextrous switch, and a dust port attachment. In this review, I will share my experience with using this jigsaw and highlight its pros and cons.

Performance

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Barrel Grip Jigsaw delivers impressive cutting performance, thanks to its brushless motor that operates at a higher blade speed than corded jig saws. It has a 6-speed dial that ranges from 0 to 3500 strokes per minute (SPM), and an auto-control start feature that starts slow and ramps up to full speed when the blade is in the material. This feature helps reduce vibration and improve accuracy.

The jigsaw also has four orbital settings that allow you to adjust the aggressiveness of the cut. I found that the jigsaw cuts smoothly and quickly through various materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and laminate. The blade brake stops the blade instantly when the switch is turned off, which is a nice safety feature.

The jigsaw comes with a dust port attachment that connects to a vacuum hose. It also has a cutline blower that clears the debris from the cutline. However, you can turn off the blower if you prefer to use the dust collection. I liked that the jigsaw has an LED light that illuminates the cutline, which is especially helpful in low-light conditions.

Ergonomics

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Barrel Grip Jigsaw has a comfortable and ergonomic design that allows you to control the tool with ease. The barrel grip has a rubber overmold that provides a secure and comfortable grip. The jigsaw also has ambidextrous switches on both sides of the tool, which are easy to access from multiple hand positions. The switches need to be held for a second or two to turn on the tool, which prevents accidental power-ups.

The jigsaw weighs 4.9 pounds without the battery, which is slightly heavier than some of its competitors. However, I did not find it too heavy or cumbersome to use, as the material supports most of the weight. The jigsaw accepts T-shank blades, which are easy to change with the tool-free blade release mechanism. The jigsaw also has a no-mar shoe plate cover that protects the surface from scratches.

The jigsaw has a tool-free bevel adjustment that allows you to make angled cuts up to 45 degrees. It has positive stops at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees, which are convenient but a bit hard to read. The jigsaw has a 1-inch stroke length, which is standard for most jig saws.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Barrel Grip Jigsaw:

Pros:

●     Powerful brushless motor

●     Variable speed dial and auto-control start feature

●     Dust port attachment and cutline blower off switch

●     Ambidextrous switches and LED light

●     Tool-free blade release and bevel adjustment

●     No-mar shoe plate cover

Cons:

●     No variable speed trigger

●     Bevel stops are hard to read

●     Slightly heavier than some competitors

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Barrel Grip Jigsaw is a great tool for anyone who needs a cordless jigsaw that can handle various cutting tasks. It has a powerful brushless motor, a variable speed dial, an ambidextrous switch, and a dust port attachment. It also has an ergonomic barrel grip design that offers comfort and control. The jigsaw has some minor drawbacks such as a variable speed trigger, but they are not deal-breakers for me. Overall, I think this is one of the best jig saws on the market today.