DeWalt DCS331 XR Jigsaw

The DeWalt DCS331 is a cordless jigsaw from DeWalt's 18V XR (eXtreme Runtime) platform, designed to deliver professional-grade cutting performance in wood, metal, and composite materials without the constraint of power cords. The model designation "DCS331" identifies it as part of DeWalt's cutting tool lineup within their cordless system architecture.

The jigsaw is characterized by its PM47 fan-cooled motor with replaceable brushes, delivering fast cutting action up to 3,000 strokes per minute to maximize user productivity. The power output is rated at 400 watts, providing sufficient power for demanding cutting applications while maintaining the extended runtime benefits of the XR lithium-ion battery system.

The DCS331 features a 26mm stroke length combined with 4-position orbital action for wood cutting, allowing users to optimize cutting aggression based on material type and desired cut quality. Maximum cutting capacity reaches 135mm in wood and 10mm in metal, accommodating the depth requirements of most woodworking and light fabrication applications.

Technical Specifications

Motor and Power System

The DCS331 incorporates DeWalt's PM47 fan-cooled motor with replaceable brushes, designed for professional applications requiring sustained high-performance operation. The fan cooling system helps maintain optimal motor temperature during extended cutting sessions, preventing thermal overload and maintaining consistent power output. The replaceable brush design allows field maintenance of motor components, extending the tool's operational life and reducing long-term ownership costs compared to sealed motor designs requiring complete motor replacement when brushes wear out.

Stroke Performance

The jigsaw delivers a variable stroke rate from 0 to 3,000 strokes per minute, controlled through an intelligent variable speed trigger that allows users to adjust cutting speed to match material hardness and desired cut quality. The 26mm stroke length provides efficient material removal per stroke, contributing to faster cutting speeds compared to jigsaws with shorter stroke lengths. The combination of high stroke rate and substantial stroke length enables the DCS331 to maintain productivity even in thick materials approaching maximum cutting capacity.

Cutting Capacity

The jigsaw offers maximum cutting depth of 135mm in wood, sufficient for cutting through standard dimensional lumber, laminated beams, and thick hardwood stock commonly encountered in furniture making and construction applications. In metal, the maximum cutting capacity of 10mm accommodates structural steel sections, aluminum profiles, and sheet metal typical of light fabrication work. These capacity specifications position the DCS331 as suitable for heavy-duty cutting applications rather than only light-duty trimming and scrolling work.

Bevel Capability

The tool-free adjustable shoe incorporates bevel capacity of 45 degrees in both left and right directions, enabling compound angle cuts without requiring supplementary cutting guides or fixtures. The all-metal keyless shoe bevel includes four detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° to facilitate rapid adjustment to common angles while maintaining secure positioning. The metal construction of the bevel mechanism ensures accuracy is maintained over extended periods of use and prevents the gradual loosening that can occur with less robust designs.

Physical Specifications

The jigsaw weighs approximately 3.1 kilograms with battery installed, providing good balance between substantial enough construction for stability and sufficiently light weight to minimize operator fatigue. The overall length measures 305mm, with the compact footprint facilitating storage and improving maneuverability during curved cutting operations where the tool must be rotated to follow cutting lines.

Key Features

Patented Keyless Blade Change System

The DCS331 employs DeWalt's patented keyless blade change system featuring an all-metal lever-action blade clamp designed for quick and easy blade changes. The system accepts standard T-shank blades, the most common blade mounting standard, ensuring wide availability of replacement blades and compatibility with users' existing blade inventories. The lever-action mechanism enables single-handed blade changes even while wearing gloves, important for maintaining productivity in professional environments.

Anti-Vibration System

The jigsaw incorporates a patented anti-vibration counter-balance mechanism combined with a rubber grip to provide smooth operation and reduce user fatigue during extended cutting sessions. The counter-balance system minimizes the vibration transmitted to the operator's hand, improving cutting control and accuracy while reducing the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) during prolonged use. The rubber-coated grip further reduces surface vibration and enhances user comfort.

Variable Orbital Action

The 3-position pendulum action allows users to control the aggressiveness or smoothness of cuts based on material characteristics and desired edge quality. In straight cutting mode with orbital action disabled, the blade moves purely vertically for producing the smoothest possible edges. Progressive orbital settings add forward motion to the blade's upstroke, increasing cutting speed at the expense of some edge smoothness—ideal for rough cutting in construction lumber or when subsequent sanding will remove saw marks. The ability to adjust orbital action during operation allows users to optimize cutting performance without changing blades or stopping work.

Dust Management System

The jigsaw features a dust blower that keeps the line of cut clear of dust and debris, maintaining visibility of cutting lines during operation. The blower directs an air stream across the cutting area, sweeping sawdust away from the marked line and providing clear sight of the blade's position relative to the intended cut path. The tool includes a dust port connection for attachment to vacuum extraction systems when working indoors or when dust control is critical.

Intelligent Variable Speed Control

The intelligent variable speed trigger with lock-off switch provides quick controlled cuts and enhanced work safety. The trigger's progressive response allows fine control over cutting speed, particularly valuable when starting cuts or working with delicate materials where full speed might cause damage. The blade stops immediately when the trigger is released, preventing accidental overcuts. The lock-off switch prevents inadvertent tool activation during transport or storage, improving safety and preventing battery drain from accidental trigger engagement.

Applications

Construction and Renovation

The DCS331's cordless design and 135mm cutting capacity in wood make it ideal for construction and renovation applications where cutting lumber, plywood, and engineered wood products is required. The jigsaw's ability to make straight cuts, curved cuts, and plunge cuts enables it to handle diverse cutting requirements from rough framing cuts to finished trim installation. The 45-degree bevel capability facilitates compound angle cuts for roof work and complex joinery without requiring supplementary equipment.

Kitchen and Cabinet Installation

Cabinet installers benefit from the DCS331's precision cutting capability when fitting worktops, cutting sink openings, and trimming cabinet components to fit irregular wall profiles. The dust blower maintains visibility during precision cuts, while the variable speed control enables careful cutting through laminated surfaces without chipping. The cordless operation eliminates power cord management issues when working in confined spaces typical of kitchen installations, improving efficiency and reducing trip hazards.

Flooring Installation

Flooring contractors utilize the jigsaw for cutting around obstacles, trimming boards to fit irregular spaces, and creating curved transitions between flooring types. The 3-position orbital action allows aggressive cutting through engineered flooring products, while reducing to smoother settings for final fitting cuts where edge quality matters. The compact size and cordless design facilitate working in partially furnished rooms or moving between installation locations without requiring continuous access to power outlets.

General Woodworking

Woodworkers employ the DCS331 for curved cutting in furniture components, cutting internal profiles, and executing complex joinery details. The anti-vibration system and smooth operation enable accurate following of intricate cutting lines, while the variable speed control allows matching cutting speed to timber hardness and grain characteristics. The substantial cutting depth accommodates laminated constructions and thick hardwood stock commonly used in quality furniture production.

Light Fabrication and Metalwork

The jigsaw's 10mm cutting capacity in metal suits light fabrication applications involving structural steel sections, aluminum profiles, and sheet metal. When fitted with appropriate bi-metal or carbide-grit blades, the DCS331 cuts these materials effectively while the variable speed control allows operators to reduce cutting speed for different metals. The dust extraction capability proves particularly valuable when cutting aluminum, where metal particles must be removed to prevent health hazards and maintain visibility.