CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Jig Saw Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It

What stands out

• Variable speed trigger ranging from 0 to 2,500 SPM
• Three orbital settings to adjust cut aggressiveness
• Beveling shoe allows cuts up to 45 degrees
• Dust blower clears debris for better cut line visibility

Who it fits

Key specs explained for jig saws

2,500 SPM

This number shows the maximum strokes per minute. Higher speed cuts faster in soft materials like wood. Lower speed offers more control in metal or delicate plastics. You adjust this with the variable speed trigger. This range suits most DIY tasks. Table saws run at fixed speeds, so this feature adds flexibility for curved or intricate cuts that a stationary saw cannot handle.

3 orbital settings

Orbital action tilts the blade forward slightly during the upstroke. More settings allow you to increase aggressiveness for rough cuts. Fewer settings provide smoother finishes for fine work. You select the setting based on the material hardness. This feature helps balance speed and cut quality. It is a key differentiator from basic table saws, which lack adjustable blade motion for specialized cutting needs.

20V MAX

This voltage rating indicates the power output of the battery system. It determines how much torque the tool can deliver under load. Higher voltage generally supports cutting denser materials more easily. It also affects runtime depending on the battery capacity you use. This power level is suitable for portable jobs. It differs from table saws that plug into wall outlets for continuous, unlimited power during long projects.

45° beveling shoe

The shoe allows the base to tilt for angled cuts. A 45-degree limit lets you make standard bevel cuts for framing or trim work. You lock the shoe at your desired angle before cutting. This feature expands the types of joints you can create without switching tools. It adds versatility to your toolkit. Table saws often have dedicated bevel capabilities, but this portability allows for on-site angled cuts.

Design and Build Overview

According to the listing, the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Jig Saw Kit features a color scheme of red and black. The tool measures 10.3 inches in length, 5.75 inches in width, and 9.25 inches in height. These dimensions define the physical footprint you will manage in tight spaces or when carrying the tool in a bag. The compact form factor supports its role as a portable cutting device for job sites or workshops where space is limited.

The handle is described as contoured and over-molded. This design choice aims to provide added comfort during extended use. A comfortable grip helps maintain control when making intricate cuts or holding the tool at awkward angles. The layout places controls within reach, allowing you to adjust the variable speed trigger easily. This trigger ranges from 0 to 2,500 SPM, letting you match the speed to the material you are cutting.

The shoe allows beveling up to 45 degrees. This feature enables angled cuts without needing to reposition the workpiece frequently. The tool accepts both T-shank and U-shank blades. This versatility means you can use a wide variety of blades for different materials. A dust blower clears debris from the cut line. This feature improves visibility, helping you follow your marked lines accurately. The overall build focuses on practical usability and adaptability for various cutting tasks.

Setup and Daily Use Guide

Setting up this tool begins with the included battery and charger. You insert the 20V MAX V20 battery into the handle. The listing confirms the kit includes both items, so you can power the saw immediately. No external power cord is needed, which supports its cordless design for portable work.

For daily operation, you adjust the variable speed trigger to control strokes per minute. The range goes from 0 to 2,500 SPM. Use lower speeds for precision in metal or delicate materials. Choose higher speeds for faster cutting in soft wood. The three orbital settings let you change cut aggressiveness. More orbit aids in wood, while zero orbit suits metal for cleaner edges.

You can make angled cuts using the beveling shoe, which allows up to 45-degree adjustments. This feature helps with framing or trim work. The dust blower clears debris from the cut line, improving visibility without stopping to blow away sawdust manually.

Blade changes are straightforward as the saw accepts both T-shank and U-shank blades. This versatility lets you swap blades for different materials without buying specialized adapters. The contoured over-molded handle provides grip during these adjustments.

Overall, the setup is minimal due to the included battery. Daily use relies on adjusting speed and orbit for the material. The dust blower and bevel shoe add practical control for various cutting tasks.

Before You Buy This Jig Saw

You need to check your existing battery ecosystem first. This kit includes a 20V MAX battery and charger, but you likely need spare batteries for longer jobs. The tool accepts T-shank and U-shank blades. Verify that your blade collection matches these types before starting. You should also plan for blade replacements, as cutting different materials wears them down quickly. Keep the dust blower nozzle clear of debris to maintain visibility. This saw sits alongside table saws in your workshop. Use the table saw for straight, rip cuts on sheet goods. Use this cordless jig saw for curves, cutouts, and irregular shapes where a table saw cannot reach. It offers portability that stationary tools lack. Ensure you have a safe workspace for cordless operation. The orbital settings help manage material tear-out, but proper technique is still required. This tool complements your stationary setup rather than replacing it.

Check before you buy

• Verify you have spare 20V MAX batteries for extended work
• Confirm your blade stash includes T-shank and U-shank types
• Ensure you have space for safe cordless operation
• Plan to use this for curves, not straight rip cuts

The product at a glance

1

CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Jig Saw Kit

Best for: Variable speed cutting and angled cuts

Power Source

Cordless

Voltage

20V MAX

Dimensions

10.3 × 5.75 × 9.25 inches

View on Amazon: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Jig Saw Kit Affiliate link

This Craftsman V20 jig saw delivers variable speed control from 0 to 2,500 strokes per minute. It features three orbital settings to adjust cut aggressiveness for different materials. The tool allows beveling up to 45 degrees for angled cuts. A built-in dust blower helps keep your cut line visible. It accepts both T-shank and U-shank blades for versatility.

Pros

• Variable speed trigger up to 2,500 SPM
• Three orbital settings for material adjustment
• 45-degree beveling shoe for angled cuts
• Accepts T and U shank blades

Cons

• Limited to 2,500 SPM maximum speed
• No mention of electronic variable speed control
• No data on blade change tool inclusion

Good fit if

• You need variable speed control for different materials
• You require angled cuts up to 45 degrees
• You want a cordless tool compatible with T and U shank blades

Skip if

• You need speeds higher than 2,500 SPM
• You require a tool with a built-in laser guide
• You prefer a corded saw for continuous heavy duty use

Verdict: Craftsman V20 Cordless Jig Saw offers adjustable orbital settings and beveling capabilities for versatile cutting tasks. It suits users who need a portable saw with variable speed control and angled cutting ability.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• craftsman v20 cordless jig saw alternatives
• craftsman v20 rp cordless circular vs v20 cordless circular saw
• craftsman v20 cordless pole saw review
• craftsman v20 cordless reciprocating saw review