DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Barrel-Grip Jig Saw (Tool Only, DCS335B) review

This is a source-based assessment, not a hands-on test. DEWALT lists the DCS335B as a current US 20V MAX XR cordless barrel-grip jigsaw. The useful reason to consider it is not a promise of faster or cleaner cuts: it is a particular combination of hand position, preset speed control, T-shank compatibility, selectable stroke action, and dust options. The “B” package is tool-only, so it is not a complete cordless setup by itself.

Barrel grip is the first real distinction

The DCS335B is the barrel-grip sibling to DEWALT’s top-handle DCS334B. That changes where the hand sits and how the saw is held; whether that arrangement feels more natural depends on the user and the cut. Do not treat the shape as a performance measurement. The shared DCS334/DCS335 manual also makes an important control difference explicit: DCS335 has an on/off switch, while DCS334 uses a variable-speed trigger. On the DCS335, the electronic dial presets the speed, and switching the tool on starts at that selected setting. If you prefer to vary speed continuously with trigger pressure, the DCS334’s control scheme is different and worth comparing in its own assessment.

Choose the blade and stroke mode for the material

DEWALT’s page specifies a lever-operated, keyless clamp for T-shank blades and lists one blade with the saw. The manual says the DCS334 and DCS335 use T-shank blades only. That answers the shank-interface question, but not which particular blade is right: tooth pattern and material rating still matter, and the page does not say the included blade suits every material.

The action lever has four positions: 0 is straight cutting; 1, 2, and 3 add increasingly aggressive orbital motion. DEWALT describes orbital cutting as faster but less smooth and designed for softer materials such as wood or plastic. The manual specifically warns never to cut metal or hardwood in orbital action. That makes “wood” too broad a shortcut for choosing orbit. Use straight action for hardwood or metal, and follow the manual’s separate material-speed advice; it recommends high speed for soft metals, lower settings for plastics, tile, laminate, hard metals, and cast iron. None of those directions guarantees a particular edge or cut rate, since the blade, stock, support, and feed also matter.

Speed, light, and unsupported specifications

The exact product page advertises speed control up to 3,200 strokes per minute and an LED light at the blade area. Its manual says the chosen speed should depend on material thickness and kind. The checked US page and linked manual do not establish a numeric stroke length or cutting-depth limit, so this assessment leaves those figures unstated rather than borrowing them from a retailer or another model.

The manual advises securing the workpiece and cautions about vibration and dust. Read its safety instructions and use protection appropriate to the material and work area.

A blower is not a vacuum

The built-in blower moves loose debris away from the blade area to help keep the cutline visible. It is not dust collection. DEWALT separately documents an optional extraction shroud and chute, which connect to a suitable vacuum; the product page does not include those extraction parts in the DCS335B box list. The manual says the shoe will not bevel while the extraction accessories are attached. So a bevel-focused setup and a vacuum-connected setup require a changeover: remove the shroud and chute before adjusting the shoe for a bevel.

The shoe is documented for up to 45-degree bevels, with visible detents at 15 and 30 degrees and stops at 0 and 45 degrees on the product page. For veneer, laminate, or painted surfaces, DEWALT describes a removable no-mar shoe cover and an anti-splinter insert. These can help protect a surface or reduce tear-out, but the manual still directs the operator to match blade and setup to the cut. Check accessory fit and instructions before buying separate dust parts.

What the DCS335B package does—and does not—include

The exact US page identifies DCS335B as a tool-only product. Its included-items list names one jigsaw blade and one 20V MAX cordless jigsaw; the same page says battery and charger are sold separately. The nominal battery platform is therefore a compatibility point to verify, not a claim that the box contains a battery. DEWALT’s 20V MAX notation refers to a maximum initial voltage measured without workload, with 18V nominal voltage.

If you already own a compatible DEWALT battery and charger, check the exact model and package contents before deciding whether a bare tool meets your needs. If not, count those components into the whole setup and verify the battery/charger pairing from DEWALT’s compatibility information. This review does not assume a DCS335 kit variant, bundle contents, current price, or stock; a retailer’s offer should be checked against the full DCS335B suffix and itemized box list.

Who should shortlist it?

The DCS335B merits a closer look if you specifically want a cordless barrel-grip saw, T-shank blades, a preset electronic speed dial, and both straight and orbital choices. Its source-backed material boundary is unusually important: orbital action is not the route for hardwood or metal, and vacuum extraction conflicts with beveling while the accessories remain attached. Pause if you need a confirmed cutting-depth number, a vacuum setup that stays installed during bevel cuts, a trigger that varies speed while held, or a battery and charger in the box.

This conclusion is based on DEWALT’s US category, exact DCS335B page, linked manual, and a date-bounded recall query. It is not a claim of use, measurements, runtime testing, comparative performance, or customer experience. Use it as a fit-and-package checklist, not a test result or guarantee.

Sources checked 2026-10-28: DEWALT US Jig Saws category, DEWALT DCS335B US product page, and the DCS334/DCS335 instruction manual.