buy the bosch. After using no more than 25 blades the blade lock mechanism broke. It was out of warranty so the cost to fix it is 75$. I either pay 75 bucks to get the saw back or add an additonal 75 and get a good saw.

I am very diappointed in this saw.br brI have had 2 of them during the past 10 months. brThe Dewalt service center worked one the first one and brthen had it replaced. They tried at least.br brThe problem with the saw it that it pulls to the left while cutting.brIn the application I was using I wanted to use a straight edge to get a very straight cut, ie. better then I might get free hand. brThis was in some 1/4" walnut plywood.pWith a straight edge (ie guide fence)if the fence was on the left it would pull the wood out from under the fence creating a bow or the blade would jump out of the guide roller. brIf the fence was to the right of the saw it pulled away from the fence and trying to guide it back to the fence caused the blade to jump out of the roller guide.pThe service center contacted someone at Dewalt, who said that I could not use a jigsaw with a fence and that I needed to buy a cutout tool.pI didn't argue with them but to complete my project I had borrowed my friends Bosch and it cut with a fence just fine. For a lot of years I managed to do this type of cutouts with an old Craftman until I wore it out.pI had also contacted the main Dewalt customer support via email who told me to go to the nearest service center and that the saw should work this way. When I wrote them a second time about the last visit to the repair store I got no response.pThe sole plate also hangs up and is difficult to set to an angle.pThe saw has a dust blower which is adjusted by a slide on the right hand side. My first manual did not have a description of this switch.pI do like the ability to chuck both universial and T shank blades which was why I choose the tool initially over its Bosch counterpart.pToday I used the saw for the last time and being very displeased with the results I just gave it away.

After looking at 5 different saws for a couple of hours, I settled on this one. It's use of standard and t-blades was the deciding factor. When I started sawing wood,I noticed that it cut to the right, so I had to face the saw about 25 degrees left to track straight.When I examined it, it looked like the the blade holder, or the entire shaft was crooked. The blade ran against the side of the guide bearing instead of being straight. The power-on locking mechanism did not work all the time, and it seemed chintzy. Also, the blade locking mechanism did not inspire confidence. Besides for these things, it was okay. I thought it felt good in my hand, and the power was good.I returned it and bought a Milwaukee 6266-21. I think I will stay away from Dewalt after this. Seems their QC is sleeping.

Dewalt is on the right track with this saw,however the saw has performed less admirably than I had hoped. It cuts well, once you familiarize yourself with the 'quirks' of the tool. It has little 'too much' in features that lends itself to the homeowner and backyard shop category. I absolutely hate the blade lock function on mine. Just when I'm making a critical cut .... it 'quick-releases' the blade. This does not inspire confidence. As a professional I have used other saws and bosch, portercable, and milwaukee all have their drawbacks, but I am going back to my bosch until the engineers get out of the gadget business and start designing 'industrial tools' instead of 'designer tools'

Dewalt has done it again! Managed to charge more for something that looks and acts identically to other brands' tool. Yes, its about the same as any other jigsaw (i.e. Bosch "progressor"), but it costs more.pPROSp** Clic blade change systempConsp** Costs more to comparable jig saws.p** The "feel" just isn't as good as others.

Have been using for couple of weeks now. So far I like it, here is my findings:pthe good: handling, power, variable speed switch and blower. pthe bad: cost, blade release mechanism.pthe ugly: when make orbital cut on thick material 1", it tends to cut to the left on the bottom.

I nicked this saw barely used on Ebay for $40. Thanks to all of you who gave it bad reviews here, must be the reason it went so cheap - and I got me a great tool. It seems this saw has suffered from the 'real men don't read manuals' syndrome. Sure enough, the saw I got arrived sans manual, which probably got discarded by the previous owner the first thing after opening the saw. So, I printed and thoroughly studied the PDF version off Dewalt website.
br /
br /I will just go over the problems that seem to be mentioned the most here.
br /1. Dust removal: works a lot better if you turn it on. My saw arrived with the switch on 'off'.
br /2. Inability to make a straight cut: Orbital action is for aggressive cutting, and manual specifically cautions to set it to 0 for precise cuts - or for cutting metal. My saw arrived with orbital jacked to 3. Previous owner must have had trouble cutting straight. And this saw is powerful. I shudder at the thought of trying cutting metal on orbital with it.
br /3. Base plate retention lever working loose. It did come loose during test cuts. Manual says if that happens, tighten the screw holding the lever. Which I did - and the lever never came loose again - ever.
br /4. Blade retention mechanism. Manual states that in order to secure the blade, one must turn the tab clockwise a couple turns before pushing it down. Having done this, I never had a blade go loose. This is one knock for Dewalt - the claim to support both T and U blades is not entirely correct. You CAN chuck a T blade, but a quick survey of the mechanism assured me that is is really made for U blades and is not likely to hold T's properly. This problem is made worse by the fact that later Dewalt jigsaws are all T-blade users, and the only Dewalt blades I saw in stores were T. So I got me a set of quality Bosch U-blades. Never tried this saw with a T.
br /
br /So far, I've been using this saw for several months - cutting all sorts of things with it. Not a single problem. No bent/ejected blades. No crooked cuts. No desire to ever get another jigsaw.

I must own about 20 DeWALT tools and this is a frustrating tool. For the most part I really like DeWALT tools but this one needs to be redesigned. The blade will not track straight. The problem seems to be in the blade mounting system. I have never had a problem with the blade coming loose, however as you screw the cap to tighten the blade you can see the plunger start to turn as you crank down on this thing. Since you tighten to the right, the blade will end up pointed to the right. Now I have found that if you back off slightly you can line it up, but that's not the way a jig saw should work. I think that in this case you would be better served with a Bosch.

Having several DeWalt tools and being very happy with them,brI specifically ask for the DeWalt DW321KK as a gift. BAD MISTAKE! This saw will not cut straight. Forcing it to stay in line causes the blade to bend or jump off the guide. Another problem is the sole plate locking mechanism is of poor design and should be re-engineered to work!

Just recently I had a chance to put the Bosch and the Dewalt through the ringer. I had 42 rafters on a house with swoops that had to be cut in them, no easy task for any saw. The Dewalt didn't last through four cuts seven feet long before it gave out. Not too worry though the Bosch picked up the slack. The problem was, there is a tiny pin that holds the blade holder on the Dewalt straight, sort of a locking pin. This system needs some serious help. Once it pops out or shreds you can not track straight with the saw. So go ahead and save yourself some money and buy the Bosch. Trust me you'll be fixing the Dewalt very soon.

This is my father's saw and it slows me down- PERIOD. I have tried everything i could to secure the quick release bevel which keeps vibrating loose short of throwing this unit in the trash. It also ejects blades as regular practice. I'll be cutting 3/4 inch birch and leave the blade behind and the saw keeps going. That isnt even all of it, the saw tracks like an old pickup truck with a bent frame and bends blades like its job. I cant say enough bad about this one: DONT BUY IT unless you have money to throw away. I have a dewalt circular saw and a dewalt router which are great. This saw is a dud; word on the street is buy a new makita, a bosch or a freud J85.

I should have checked this section before wasting my time. I recieved my saw today and it is packed up for return. The blade would not even stay in the saw so I said this is enough and did not even waste any more of my time. Dewalt should either junk this saw or do a serious remodel on it. I ordered a Bosch and will do my home work before making my next purchase. They should have a minus rating so we could give a better review of such poor tools.

I had an oportunity to pick up a "returned" Dewalt 321 VERY inexpensively at a home improvement center. I was obvious that the previous owner had been quite unhappy with this saw. pBefore taking it home/plugging it in, I looked at the DW321 reviews on Amazon.com and was stunned that it was rated so poorly. My heart sank. SOME DEAL I THOUGHT!!! I considered taking it back for a refund. No. Not yet.pInstead I took it home and tried it out. (Not much to lose at this point. I had 30 days to return it.) I immediately realized what some of the reviewers were complaining about. The shoe lever needed constant adjustment and would not lock the shoe securely in place...causing all sorts of problems. The shoe tension screw kept comming loose. Lousy engineering??? Hmmm!!! How could Dewalt make such a poor jig saw!pThen the solution... a few drops of Lock Tite on the threads of the shoe tension screw itself (note, NOT on the shoe lever). The result. No more loose screw. No more loose shoe lever. No more loose shoe. pAccurate cuts. Plenty of power. I'm in love... and such a deal!pI really appreciate my "nearly new" DW321. It has some great, great features that my old 20 Year old Black and Decker doesn't have. pThe blade locking mechanism is foolproof. The dust blower is great. The orbital cutting feature is a real trick! You know. This saw makes me look good.pIf you have a DW321 and are having trouble; or are considering buying one, a few drops of Lock Tite to keep the shoe tension screw from vibrating loose (while allowing the operator to still make necessary adjustment to the tension screw and shoe lever) may be the solution to a nagging problem some have with a great piece of equipment. Now why didn't Dewalt think of that!pA note in the operators manual to this effect might help keep Dewalt power tool owners happy and loyal.

This saw will not cut in a straight with a fence or free-hand. In fact, you cannot follow any line. Forcing it to stay in line causes the blade to bend and you wind up with a tapered cut. The sole plate locking mechanism is nearly worthless also. I've tried to discuss this tool with both DeWalt and their Rep and all I get is that they "will get back to me." If you need a jig saw, buy anything BUT this one.

A good price, nice kit with blades, and what I thought was a good brand name prompted me to buy this item. Unfortunately I did not read all the reviews first (won't make that mistake again) and found that ALL of them are true. This saw is terrible. The blade falls out, it takes 10-20 minutes to change blades, and its almost impossible to cut straight. I am returning this item for the Bosch, which everyone has given an outstanding review

Runs smoothly, handles well, very very little vibration, easy to change blades, runs quietly....an excellent product.

Could not get the blade to track stright. The saws shaft is lose and will shift while using. I have many other DeWalt tools I have been very happy with, but this saw stinks. I sold mine at a loss and bought a Bosch ***** stars for the Bosch.

I like the variable speed and the blower that blows the sawdust away as you saw. I even like the "no tool" ability to change the blades. Unfortunately, after less than a year owning the saw, and maybe less than a dozen uses, the knob at the top of the saw which releases the blade lock broke and I am now no longer able to change the blade. My last jigsaw, a Craftsman, lasted over twenty years before the motor finally burned up. They just don't make them like they used to.

This saw doesn't cut straight or parallel!!!! Go for something else or wait till they fix this ones problems. This tool is a total loss for me but so what...I need a good jig saw and probably will get the bosch or metabo barrel grip.ARGGHHHHHH what a pain when you throw away almost 200.00 bucks!!!!!

I have many Dewalt tools and would rate them all a 5. So based on my experience when I needed a jig saw I bought this one. I was very disapointed in the quality of the cuts. It was also frustrating having to blow off the saw dust to see where my guide line was. After all it has a blower to do this....

By far, this is the worst power tool Dewalt makes. It can't cut straight. It has the worst swayout in the industry. My advice: Buy the Bosch. I tried to get a refund from Amazon, but I had waited too long. Dewalt didn't care that I was bad mouthing their product. (So are the trade magazine reviews) Dewalt needs to stop selling this product. I can't even sell it to my coworkers for $20. Anyone want to buy mine?

I bought this jigsaw at a local Lowe's. Upon getting it home we tried to cut a staight line using a fence. It would curve to the right every time... We tried cutting free hand, following a staight line, BUT again the saw curved to the right. I found I could follow a line if the whole saw was turned at about a 30 degree angle. I took it back... I really like DeWalt products, so I bought another one. THIS ONE ALSO DID THE SAME THING IN THE SAME KIND OF WOOD WITH OR WITHOUT A FENCE... THIS IS A POOR REPRESENTATIVE OF DeWalt.... THIS ONE IS ALSO GOING BACK TO Lowe's. I will be looking for another brand...

The first time I needed to use this saw was on a circular cut. Looked in the Kit box for a rip quide..none found..manual says this was available as an accessory from a dealer. Checked with tool company who sold it to me, could not find this item in the catalog, website, or local DW repair shop. When I got to talk to a tech rep the answer was " this is not available at this time". He didn't know if they would ever have this. The saw has the guide holes and set screw holes so it is ready for this device. I checked out all other brands for interchangable parts, none fit. For the money I paid, this should have been included in the kit. So, if you want a complete saw...check out the accessories before you buy. Had I known this I would not have purchased the DW321 found in the DW321K kit. Also, the blade locking mechanism is awkward compared to other methods.

This is the second Dewalt model I tried. I cannot recommend it. The most important feature of a jigsaw in my opinion is to be able to make a square cut while following a line, curved or straight. This saw cannot do either. The plunger that moves the blade up and down has a very large "play" sideways. You can move it with your finger side to side by more than 1/16th of an inch. That kind of movement translates into a larger movement at the cutting area of the blade. So no matter what kind of cut you are making, curved or straight, the blade wants to wander. Once it moves 1/16th away from your line, you apply force on the saw to move it back. That makes it worse. As you make a curve, the blade deflects more and more as you get into the curve, making the cut not square. You end up with a very rough cut even with finest blades. You have to cut proud of your line and waste time sanding. You can do this test at Home Depot or somewhere you can see different models. Take this saw and push the plunger sideways, then take a Bosch and do the same. You will see that Bosch is rock solid, does not move visibly, whereas Dewalt is lose as if they forgot a bolt or two. I bought a barrel grip Bosch and I am happy..

First, let me state that I generally like DeWalt tools (can't say enough good things about my dw364 7-1/4" circ saw). This poseur, Bosch-wannabee, on the other hand, is horrible. I recently bought a Bosch 1590, and I can't get over how much ridiculously better the Bosch is. It's like they came from different centuries.
br /
br /The DeWalt still works, but after ruining about $60 worth of panels I was cutting for a small home project, I immediately went to my local tool purveyor, and picked up the Bosch. Needless to say, after a half hour of cutting with the Bosh, I knew I had found a lifelong keeper, and gave the DeWalt away to a friend who'll be using it once in a blue moon for small projects. Here are my problems with the 321K:
br /
br /1. TRACKING. Cannot get this thing to track straight. After ruining one panel because the saw drifted, I clamped on a straight edge/guide to a fresh, new panel. While using the guide I forced the saw's footplate/base to follow the straight guide (no easy task, as it kept wanting to pull). This did not work since the pull was so strong, the blade actually popped out of the roller guide even with the base hugging the guide, resulting in a horrendous cut. Another panel ruined. In addition, the wacky tracking also results in a fair share of bent blades. I've used $50 Black and Deckers that tracked straight lines more accurately.
br /
br /2. BLADE HOLD. Using U-shank blades, I found that blades periodically pop out after extended use. The keyless blade change system, while convenient, just doesn't provide enough grip to keep a tight hold on blades. It seems that the system loosens from vibration after extended use. Might also have to do with the additional vibration caused by blade bind from tracking issues. This is dangerous, and frustrating to say the least. In comparison, I have not encountered this problem with the Bosch.
br /
br /Pass on the 321K, and get a Bosch instead. I think Bosch has the reputation as the gold standard in jig saws, and after using one of their products, I can see why.

I bought this saw in spite of the reviews here. I spent hours at the local home improvement store and based on the extra 0.8 amps of power for the same price (over Bosch), I took one home. After two days of attempted use during a hardwood floor installation it went back to the store and the Bosch came home. The sole plate adjustment came loose during almost every cut. I finally locked it in place with a tie-wrap which worked for a few cuts. The bamboo floor material I was working with was not cheap and the saw managed to goon up more than one piece.pDon't waste your money.

In general I thing is over price. It has some good things Plenty of power variable speed. But also the blades fall out very easy and the most annoying thing is that I can't get a straight edge no matter what I do. If any body has a suggestion please E-mail me

Despite the hefty price tag and prestigious name, this saw won't hold a blade! My first one wouldn't... and neither would the replacement Home Depot gave me. Nothing I did would make a blade stay in. Call to the factory elicited this comment: "Yeah, we get a lot of complaints about that." Duh! Tried it one last time and -- the motor went out! I finallly bought the top-of-the-line Craftsman (made by Bosch) and no such problems -- it's a honey.

I'm a licensed carpenter and I only use Dewalt tools, however,this jig saw has been nothing but a disappointment.br The blade fell out and I could not get the locking mechanism to release. I brought it to a Dewalt service center and paid $80.00 for the repair. I used the jig saw twice and the same problem occured. I will not repair it again and I will buy a Makita jig saw. My partner has one and has never had a problem with it!!!!!

Let me say that I am a Dewalt product lover. I use only Dewalt tools. However, this jigsaw is the worst Dewalt product and probably the worst jigsaw on the market. There isn't enough space to list all of my complaints about this saw. Just take my advice and look elsewhere

I have had this Jig Saw for Almost 3 years now. I don't use it daily, but it does get more than its fair share of abuse. To this day, any problems with it have been due to my inexperience.pOne thing to keep in mind with any saw is having the right blade for the job. Ask your local home improvement expert which type of blade is right for your project. When I first used the saw, I was using an all purpose blade to do everything. After experimenting with a few different types on differend stock, I learned just how much difference they make.pFor me, this saw has worked great on everything from from countertops to crafts and beyond. It is more than powerful enough for a casual woodworker like myself.

the following is an old review... here's an update: this jig was barely a contender back then, and it belongs in a junk heap now. I treat my tools with respect, but wear has still been poor... Under constant use it just couldn't keep from jittering to pieces...triggers sticking/malfunctioning, blade bearings and roller wheels taking leave in mid-cut. The blower stopped working after only a few months. maybe a trip back to the pawn shop is in the near future!
br /
br /*original review*
br /
br /I found this jig saw hidden away at a pawn shop, brand spanking new, and, took it home for less than half the suggested retail value. I really wanted a Bosch top handle, but the price was just too good to pass up. Like other reviewers, I also have trouble with the shoe lever coming loose all the time, and the blade always wants to drift to the right. The blower is only so-so. I haven't had any trouble with the blade lock -- yet. I must say, though, that DeWalt almost has a good tool here. It has a nice weight, comfortable grip, and the positive stops on the adjustable shoe are a nice feature. It has plenty of power and the variable speed helps a lot.
br /
br /I can live with the blade not cutting straight...the world's an imperfect place, yet even I can get a perfect scribe with this saw, and I've only been a carpenter for just over 2 years now. To the reviewer who was using a fence with his saw, maybe you should have used a circular saw -- they're MADE to cut straight lines -- jigs saws, on the other hand, are meant to cut irregular shapes. Remember -- the tool will do what you make it do -- you just have to get used to the feel and quirks of it, as with any new tool.
br /
br /So if you find this saw at an unbelievable price, go ahead and try it -- especially if it comes with a decent return policy. Otherwise, if you are going to pay full price, go with a nice Bosch -- I haven't met one yet I didn't like.

De Walt had a great idea when they made the 321. It is handy to have a saw that will take both Bosch and Universial shank blades, that way, you can go into your local hardware store that only sells Black Decker products and get blades. But they messed up when they designed the blade clamp. If they could fix the clamp, add orbital action, this would be a five star tool. Until then, stay away, very far away, and if you have to use one, wear your safety glasses!

Great tool! Enough power for finish cuts in tight places! Very versatile!

The jigsaw is my main power tool I use it for about 90% of my work so I need a good one so I was pleased to find this one at a pawn shop for about sixty bucks. I love this saw it is straight and true with plenty of power. The blade change system is easy to use. I read a lot about people having problems with the soleplate adjustment lever coming loose, but i just tightened the screw on the clamp and I have never had a problem with it. However be very wary of this saw I have talked to a few people who have bought this saw and taken it back after about 10 minutes. Just be wary. If you don't like to gamble go with the Bosch (I just got the cordless one, looking forward to recieving it) but if you can find a good one it is a great saw.

Hello, I just bought my DDW321K despite of all the reviews here. I used it over the week end and it kept a straight line. The blade did NOT come off, although I must say vibration could be less (that's why I took one star off). But it works great for me! and I was cutting pretty nasty woods, Jatoba, Ipe and even 2" mahogany! in curves and straight, no problem!

I manage a small manufacturing plant where workers use jig saws for roughly 20% of their day. We recently replaced our aging Makitas (7 years old!!) with 3 DeWalts. We have had them all to service depots at least 3 times, and have now given up and are purchasing new Makitas again. The major problems: 1)If you cut through anything but wood (even using blades recommended by DeWalt) the blades fall out. Once this has happened a few times, the "quick release" mechanism becomes so loose you can barely turn a corner in 1/4" ply without stopping to find your blade. 2)Whoever designed the dust blower has evidently never tried the saw - we had to fabricate small plastic covers to keep the wood chips from blinding the workers - very annoying design if you are useing this saw a lot, and an easy one for DeWalt to have corrected. 3)The orbital plate mechanism (which we never use) has become so loose as to require tightening almost before every cut. On a positive note, this saw is very powerful and shows no sign of fatigue other than the above, despite being in a rugged commercial environment. Unfortunately, unless you plan on keeping this saw in a box just to show your friends, I would not recommend it's purchase.

After reading the review that said "read the manual", I figured I could pick up a good saw (that was badly adjusted) for short money. Oops. This thing is a piece of junk. It doesn't matter how aggressive (or not) the orbital action is when the shaft has play - I can not get this thing to track a line properly, or to make true cuts. Since pretty much all of the professional quality tools use T-shank blades, it's getting harder and harder to find high-quality "u" blades, so the fact that they don't fall out of the saw is pointless - the saw was designed and advertised as working with both, it should work for both.
br /
br /Of course, try looking for a used Bosch - there aren't any, at least not any with a good discount over new. Guess that should tell you something right there. Save your money and buy a Bosch first time out instead of trying this piece of junk first.

I've had my 321 for a few years now and yes there are some problems with it. To me they are not that bad though. The first problem is that some blades don't seat tightly. I've had some that will come loose once or twice, but i just tighten them up a little bit more and that solves the problem. And it does not take 20 - 30 minutes to change the blade some reviews have said, more like 20 - 30 seconds. The second problem is the dust blower on the saw. Don't get me wrong; it blows air pretty good, just not where you want it. Most of the jigsaws I have used have the same problem. Other than those problems, I think it's a pretty good jigsaw. It's powerful and cut's nicely. It will use almost any blade and cut's straight and clean

The saw that this DEWALT replaced was a Skill. At first I thought I had a real tool after using the waste of resourses Skill called a saw. It was the lack of vibration that fooled me. Every bad thing everyone else said about the Dewalt is true. I really hate the way metal blades pop out. I have tried different brands and styles but none of them will stay in the holder. I wish I had used it a little more befor the return policy ran out.

This saw feels and cuts like the powerful saw that it is. I cut out new bases for my boat seats out of 3/4" plywood with it. I was amazed with the ease it went threw the plywood. Now I know how a pro tool performs.