DEWALT DW331K Heavy-Duty 6.5 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw

DEWALT DW331K Heavy-Duty 6.5 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw

Ranking: 8.1 out of 10

Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model Number: DW331K
Product Code: 028877452050
Price: $294.52 -- get the latest pricing from Amazon

Features:

  • 6-1/2 amp top handle jig saw with positive bevel detents at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees
  • 4-position orbital action; keyless blade change; variable speed (0-3,000 rpm)
  • Rugged plastic housing; soft grip; carbide-tipped blade; all-metal gear case
  • Includes saw, blades, kit box
  • Kit 13-1/2 by 14-1/2 by 4-1/2 inches; tool 6.4 pounds; 1-year warranty

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Description:

6A, Heavy Duty, Top Handle Jig Saw Kit, 500-3,100 SPM, Tool Free Blade Change Shoe Bevel, 4 Position Orbital Action, Variable Speed Control, Low Vibration, Large Rubber Gripping Surface, Flush Cut Capable, Dust Blower, 1" Stroke, Includes: Blades Case.

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A great jigsaw!

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 10! out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I really like this jigsaw! I've been using a Bosch jigsaw, and while it is a very good jigsaw I never really warmed up to it. When Dewalt brought out the DW331K I looked it over and decided to try it. I'm glad I did. First I like the quick, easy, no tool blade change. I far prefer the lever type system that Dewalt uses to the spinning knob system that Bosch uses. Every time I changed blades on the Bosch and the knob snapped when it locked the blade in it always felt like something had just broken. Also another feature that I'm really happy with is the dust blower on the Dewalt. It works! The dust blower on my Bosch has never worked well at all. I also like Dewalt tools because they appear to be of good quality, and sensibly built. I may keep the Bosch as a backup, but when it comes to a jigsaw the Dewalt DW331K is my weapon of choice.

Time To Upgrade

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 6.5 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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First let me say that 97% of my portable electric tools and air staplers/nailers are from Porter Cable. They and Delta remain my standards for comparison. I broke my old PC 348 jigsaw and nearly cried when I was told that most critical parts are no longer availabe. But then, I purchased it back in the late 70's so it has been a true workhorse. So what to replace it with? After much research and hands on at various tool stores I settled on the DeWalt DW331 and let me tell you that this is one fine machine in every way and that the yellow D can be very proud of this product. I rate it a full 10. Wonder if I can get 20+ years out of this one - I think perhaps. Best feature - the ability to flush cut to the wall. WOW!! The vibration is minimal, the adjustments are rock solid, the grip is as good as gets for a top handle, and jeesh there is gobs of power. Buy this one if you want to own the current standard for corded jigsaws. Oh, the yellow means it can't hide in the pile - it's like its saying "I'm over here, silly".

Great Saw, but takes some playing with

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 6.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I have had this saw for about 8 months now, and I have to say that it has been great. I haven't used it as much as some other people may in that time, but it's been very handy when I've needed it. When I first received this item, it seemed to have scratches on it. The blade also fell out when I went to use it. I sent it back to Amazon, who was completely awesome about the return, and received a new one.
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br /When I got the new one, I opened the box and was shocked to see some of the same scratches on the saw that the one I sent back had. When I went to use it, I noticed the same bevel problems that others have stated- even at 0 the bevel would slide under pressure. Since the jig saw is the kind of tool you lean on a little when you use it, this was unacceptable. I called Amazon and got a third saw- figuring 3 strikes and you're out.
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br /The third saw came, and there weren't as many "scratches". It appears upon closer inspection, that what I saw may have just been marks from the case. I started using the saw a little more and noticed something interesting. The shoe moved not only in a beveled left/right motion, but also front to back. The arm to release the shoe would give some pressure no matter what, and appear to hold the shoe in place until I put pressure on it. On inspecting the motion more closely- I realized that the shoe is designed to have the arm unlocked, then you pull back the shoe, set the bevel, push it forward to click it into place, and then lock the arm. It is VERY easy to miss this "push forward" step and then the shoe would not lock. Once it's done right though, the shoe is unmoveable. My mistake- I am glad I figured it out though. I'm not sure if this would solve other's issues with the bevel not staying in place on this saw, but I think it may.
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br /The next issue is the blade falling out. This happened to me a few times, and I finally figured this one out too. The blade goes in very firmly. You also have to have the lever all the way open to get it in all the way. Once it's in, you release the lever and pull the blade down to check it (please do this with the saw unplugged). You will feel how firm it is in there. As one other reviewer mentioned- you have to play with it a little to get the feel for it.
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br /And finally- put good quality blades on this thing. The blades it comes with are sub-par. I bought a nice set of Bosch blades for something like $10 and they are far superior. Match the blade to the intended use. You'll be suprised at the difference it makes. Using inferior blades I couldn't cut square or smooth. With the bosch blades on this thing- I am amazed at how smooth things are. I do wish I could cut a little straighter with it- but I am pretty inexperienced with the jigsaw, and one end of the blade does roam freely, so some motion is to be expected. I have cut counter tops, pine, and maple with this thing though and everything comes out perfectly as long as you're careful.
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br /All in all, I would give this 4.5 stars due to the fact that it came scratched because the case isn't designed "pefectly" (although I'd rather they give a great tool and an OK case than an OK tool and a perfect case), the fact that it comes with inferior blades, and the fact that you have to master a couple of tricks to overcome the complaints others have mentioned. However, I am thrilled with the purchase now and love the tool- I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.
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br /One last note- when I was searching I was looking between this saw and the Bosch 1790EVSK. I decided to break from the pack and go with the Dewalt. I just liked the way it felt in my hand better. Personal choice. I am sure the Bosch is also a great saw and since I've never used it I can't compare directly. However, I can't imagine it is perfect, or that much better than the Dewalt. If I was buying again- I know it would come down to the Bosch or the Dewalt and I would go to a store and hold each tool and pick the one I thought felt better. Maybe I'd be shocked if I used a Bosch- but I think that many of the Bosch users may be shocked if they gave the Dewalt a shot too.

No good

Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 5.5 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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We are more than happy with Dewalt tools and have many DW402 and the new D28402 grinders, 18volt drills and a DW705 Mitre saw.
br / We could never get this jig saw to hold a blade even after we sent it back for warranty twice. We bought a Boch 1590 EVS which we have had in the shop for 4 years without a problem.

Beware

Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 4.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I have used a Dewalt jig saw many times before with excellent results. This led me to buy one of my own. I chose the DW331K because of its power and especially for the ability to do bevel cuts without either an allen wrench or a screwdriver to make the adjustment. I also liked the toolless blade change and that is where the problem lies. The arm that is the pivot point for the blade release is extremely thin where the pivot point is. As a result, in very short order this little arm broke. This renders the saw unusable until it is repaired. After this happened I used a co-workers same saw that he got because he liked mine so much. When he tried to change the blade the same thing happened to him. This was within several hours of mine breaking. Coincidence? No. It would appear to be a design flaw. The pivot point should have been beefed up or a stronger material used. It appears to be some sort of white metal casting. At least the bevel adjustment works great so far. I'm not sure if I would buy another knowing what I know now and I have many Dewalt products. We'll see how they treat their customers now.
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br / This is now six months later and I must downgrade my previous rating to one star. After spending shipping money to have the saw fixed under warranty it has broken again in exactly the same way. It has also developed the loose bevel adjustment lever that others have spoken about. This problem however can be fixed with an allen wrench on the bottom of the saw but if you make it too tight it makes it difficult to move the lever; it must be just right. This saw is more of a headache than it is worth so now I will be purchasing a Bosch as the one that I have used in the past is great with none of the headaches of the Dewalt....I hope.
br / Well here we are more than a year later. The blade clamp/release has broken for a third and final time. This saw is a total piece of junk. I have had enough of Dewalt altogether. I purchased the Bosch with quick blade release and simple bevel adjustment and so far it is far superior to the Dewalt. From now on I will ignore Dewalt and stick with Makita and Bosch as they seem to actually hire engineers to design their tools.

This one has almost everything, and they work.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 4.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I love the new "T" shaped blades and the capturing mechanism. Notice I said, "capturing", not "tightening". This is a completely different method and it works really well. No more trying to get the screws tight enough without stabbing your hand.
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br /CAUTION: The blade release does NOT lock out the power switch. You have to put the saw on a flat place and use both hands to open the latch and insert a blade, so you shouldn't have a grip anywhere near the power switch, but I feel safer with the saw unplugged while inserting a blade.
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br /The foot plate is nice, straight, cast aluminum, with detents at popular angles, not sheet metal that gets bent and warped, needs to be tightened with yet another screw, and won't go all the way to 45 degrees (like my old jig saw). I checked the detents with drafting triangles and I can't see any error, but my first 45 degree cut was about 4 degrees off. The way I see it, the saw is more accurate than I am.
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br /This saw has a 4 position adjustment for changing the way the blade attacks the work. "Variable agressiveness". I like that because you need a straight up and down stroke on brittle sheet plastic and thin copper tubing, then max it out to cut a two by four. And yes, it will go through a two by four, about half as fast as a Sawzall goes through a two by four.
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br /It has a 4 speed adjustment for the dust blower. I think it only needs one speed: "permanently on high". Fortunately, that setting is available.
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br /It has slots for a tee-square shaped edge guide, but the edge guide didn't come in the box with it.
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br /Bottom line: Every adjustment on this saw works properly. Snap, click, and it's done. No tools required. It takes some practice to do top quality work, but that is not the saw's fault.

the best I use so far

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 4.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Over the years, I have used jig's from others companies, and by far this is a sweet saw, the blade changer is great. and it just flows thur wood. I would buy another, and wonder why it took me so long to buy this one.

DW 331 K Disappointed

Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 4.1 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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First let me say that I have many DeWalt tools and until now been very happy with them. However this DeWalt DW331K is a piece of Junk! The blade falls out no matter what material your trying to cut. This is very frustating and unnerving also the cheap plastic guide also falls out as soon as the saw starts rendering it useless. I for one cannot understand what DeWalt could have been thinking marketing this tool. I'm sending it back to Amazon today for a refund. Do yourself a favor and look into a Milwaukee or Bosch for a quality Jig Saw.

Trouble with holding the setting for bevel cuts

Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 4.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Had no troubles until I tried to do a 20 degree bevel cut. setting it was easy but when you go to make the cut is slipped to 30 degress. found it completely useless for bevel cuts other than the 45 degree bevel setting.

need BOSCH blades, but still a huge problem with this saw.

Rating: 2 out of 5
Weight: 3.8 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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The other reviewers had complained about having the blade fall out. I had that problem too, but then realized that, for whatever reason, you have to use BOSCH "T-Shank" blades and not DEWALT blades. Since then I have not had any problems at all with them falling out, and have put some through very grueling tests. Long curves in 2" American Walnut for example.
br / The HUGE problem that I have had with this is with the shoe angle. I tried to get some intermediate angles with it when I first bought it, and it would never hold, continuously falling back into a stop. Now, I am having to tape that little lever in the back in place, just to keep it at 90degrees! The tape is working fine, since the problem seems to be that the lever just lets go, but I don't think of myself as the "duct-tape-will-fix-it" kind of a guy.
br / Yeah, the saw has the muscles to cut almost anything you would use a jigsaw for, but why would anyone buy a wimpy saw in the first place? All the higher end brands have enough power. I love the saw's blade system (best I have ever seen), the shoe plate is a great size and shape and it's non-scratch, removable pad is fantastic for cutting pre-finished trim, and veneered products. I just wish that it was able to cut a straight line! I know the trend is to have "tool-less" function these days, but a simple hex head screw on the bottom, like everyone else does, is not a wheel that need to be re-invented.

Top Notch Saw - Read the Manual!

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Just got the DW331K to cut trim for arched doorways. It is an excellent saw. So accurate it seems that I just have to eyeball the line and the saw follows. Feel and balance are perfect. Speed control is very stable and the dust blower is invaluable. The negative reviews below are likely from not using the specified t-blades, not inserting them properly and/or, not using the shoe bevel mechanism properly. As J. Eklund worte in the review below - the bevel shoe locks firmly in/out of detents by sliding it when the lever has been released.

Great Saw

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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This is a typically well-built Dewalt tool. My cache contains about 50% Dewalt. My last jig-saw was a Bosch 1587. Also an excellent tool. Dewalt has some design features which make it superior. The blade change and the bevel-adjust are just plain better. The only complaint I have is I seem to be getting some cuts that are not square on the vertical, particularly on tight curves. I'm hoping that another manufacturer's blades will correct this.

Never owned a DeWalt product.

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Always primarily a Makita tool owner I purchased this saw with a bit of trepidation. However, after 5 minutes of use I was sold on this jig saw. Great power at the touch of a trigger with very little vibration. Constructed mostly of steel with a powerful 6.5 motor (tops in its' class when I bought it) this saw should easily last 20+ years. And, the blade changer is the fastest and easiest I've ever seen. A high quality product I am sure you will be glad you purchased!

Another one with blade retention issues

Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I bought a 331 a couple weeks ago and it worked great for awhile until it started spitting blades while cutting laminate flooring. No matter how I re-installed the blade they still came out. I exchanged it for another 331 thinking it was a defective unit and didn't get 1/4 of an inch cut using the new one and it too spit the blade.
br / I couldn't believe I was so "stupid" that I couldn't install the blades properly so I called Lowes and the local DeWalt repair center and neither had an answer to the problem. I was using DeWalt blades and tried B+D blades as well with the same result.
br / It seems no matter how deeply you seat the blade it will pop out even cutting something as low stress as laminate flooring.
br / I am no dummy and have worked with power tools my entire life as well as having a mechanical engineering background. Looks like the second unit gets returned and I'll have to switch tool colors.

Dewalt Jig Saw

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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This thing is worth its weight, no question. Had an old Sears, (so old thery were using polished aluminum housings), but even considering it's age, it was crude by comparison. The Dewalt feels like it's on auto-pilot until you want to make a turn and off it goes...very little effort is required or recommended. The blade mounting mechanism is likewise a dream. Maybe a factor of the blade itself but the mounting mechanism keeps the blade straight and ridid. Shaving the edge off a bad cut is like slicing off a paper thin piece of ham with a really sharp knife. Blade changes are a snap and tooless. Also love that adjustable jet of air on the cut to help reveal the line. If you are in the market for a good jig saw, please do not hesitate to take a close look at this tool.
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Great Saw

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Jul 14, 2008
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I've had this product about 9 mos, its a great saw and I would recommend it to any serious woodworker. I especially like the way the blades fit into and out of the saw, good design. Plenty of power to do any job, well made construction.

Beautiful machine, except

Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 3.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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This is a great jigsaw, exept one flaw, which was pretty major. The bevel adjustment does not lock well. Even at zero it will move a few degrees one way or another when the locking handle is all the way locked. It just isnt tight enough. That is a problem when using it for nice oak trim.
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br /Other than that it is a great saw, everything works nicely. (Some other reviewers said they had a problem with it holding the blades)It has held the blades just fine for me. Power is good, feel is good, speed is good, and blade changing is simple.
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br /I use a lot of Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Hitachi, but I think I should have gone with the Bosch 1590EJSK for a jig saw. I have used Bosch Jig Saws on the jobsite plenty, and they always worked well for me.
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br /If you are going to buy the DeWalt, and you use a Jig Saw often, pay the little extra and get the cordless version. I have wished many times that I had. Not using cords saves a lot of time.

Almost Perfect Jig Saw

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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My previous Dewalt Jig Saw was stolen so I had to get another... this DW331K is the same power as my prior one, but a different design. I loved my last one so was looking for a direct replacement. However, my last one isn't made (that I could find) anymore, so this one's the most direct replacement I could find. It's far easier to replace the blades than my last one, easier to adjust angles (though the last one used a lever method for loosening/tightening the plate's angle as well). It's also more efficient in pulling thru the work with blade canted (at angle), with easier blade canting angle adjustment.
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br /I've also had to use the blind cut or whatever it's called (dagger mode as I refer to it) to start thru a piece with no prior hole or place to start the cut. It works like a charm... so much so that I was in actual cutting position before I realized it --- i.e. blade was thru the piece and ready to start the straight cut... no gouges in the surface where I started the blind cut.
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br /The only thing I don't love about it is that the flush cut requires a special blade since the plate doesn't move far enough to rear to get the blade flush with the front face of the saw's body. It comes with the flush cut blade, so I haven't had to go find one yet, but when I do I'll have to hunt on where to find it, and I'm sure pay more than for a normal blade!!!
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br /Other than this shortcoming it's flawless and ease of use, power, control, balance (balance is exceptional) are as perfect as I could ask for.... of course, these things seem to always improve from one generation of tool to the next --- thank goodness for a little competition among tool mfg'ers, huh? An added little plus convenience is that the case holds the saw and it's blades, accessory shoe easily... no fighting to get it into case with the cord, etc.... just a little pet pieve of mine with mfg'ers that make the case fit "perfectly" but don't allow for the casual human being's lack of being "perfect". I don't rank tools by their case so this is just a bonus without tool value add in my opinion.... not something I'm ranking the tool on however.
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br /If it hadn't have been for the special flush cut blade I'd have given this tool a perfect '5' or more.

Powerful saw, some probelms with blade retention

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I've been using the DW331K for about a year. It cuts through 1" oak like butter. Sometimes the blade pops out when I push hard on it. I then carefully reinsert the blade and mess with the blade latching mechanism to make sure that it's engaged properly. I can tell it's engaged when it no longer comes out easily when I pull on it. After I get the blade holder mechanism engaged properly, it works flawlessly.
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br /I love the variable speed feature and I'm really happy with the quality of the cut and it's got tons of power. I don't need to pull out my circular saw as much since this cuts almost as fast.
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br /I would still buy this saw again, over the others.

A great little jigsaw

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Jul 29, 2008
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A great little saw, and does everthing well and easily. But, like most DeWalt products, it's pricey.

Best Jig Saw ever!!

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I work in a car audio install bay. We use and abuse a jig saw on a daily basis. I bought this Dewalt to replace a Bosch that our shop has used for years. The Dewalt outperforms any other jig saw that we've used in our shop. A+

What a machine!!

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 2.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I'm a supervisor in a furniture factory and when this product came to the workshop everyone got amazed, DeWalt tools has been the best quality choice on our factory and the DW331K was no exception, the people call it "The Monster"

This tool is for professionals ONLY

Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 0.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I have used many different jig saws and the DW331 is far the best. Reading the reviews of some of the users claiming the blade falls out. I have never once had the blade fall out. I have cut steel, wood, and plastic and the saw just keeps going. I would have to say, it has to be user error, in order words, your too stupid to own this tool and you should return it and explain to the cashier that you are too stupid to operate this tool