Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt Cordless Jig Saw (CJ18DAQ4) review

This is a research-based assessment of the U.S.-listed Metabo HPT CJ18DAQ4, not a hands-on test. Its useful distinction is the combination of a compact 18V-class body, a supported MultiVolt battery arrangement, three orbital settings, a cutline blower and a separate vacuum accessory whose installation rules out bevel cutting.

What the exact CJ18DAQ4 listing establishes

Metabo HPT's U.S. product page identifies the retail model as CJ18DAQ4 and calls it an 18V cordless jigsaw sold as a tool body only. The page links an owner manual titled CJ18DA and a parts list for the CJ18DA saw body. That bridge is useful for this exact page, but it does not make every older or similarly named CJ18DA offer the same package. The official page separately identifies the package as a bare body, lists one No. 41 blade, a splinter guard and a hex bar wrench, and says the battery and charger are not included.

The linked manual specifies the BSL36A18 battery and describes 18V/36V output; the exact listing also places the tool in Metabo HPT's MultiVolt system. That supports a MultiVolt battery plan, not a broad claim that every older Metabo HPT 18V pack will fit. The published bare-tool weight is 4.2 lb, while the manual's 5.7 lb figure is with a BSL36A18 attached. Those are different configurations, not contradictory weights. This matters if the tool's balance or weight is part of a purchase decision: the included package has no pack, so compare the complete setup you already own or intend to buy.

Four action positions, with material-specific limits

The model-specific page gives a 0–2,500 SPM no-load range, a 1-1/32-inch stroke and a variable trigger. The manual describes the orbital selector as four positions: 0 removes orbital travel, and I–III add it. Its general advice is to reduce orbit for harder stock or when accuracy matters and increase it for softer lumber or plastic. These instructions describe selectable behavior; they are not a measured edge-quality test.

Metabo HPT's tool card and the linked manual both list 5-5/16 inches (135 mm) as the wood capacity. The manual also names mild-steel plate, aluminum, copper, plastics and stainless-steel plate as applications, but blade choice is part of those claims. Its capacity table varies by blade number and stock. Stainless steel is a particularly specific case: the No. 97 blade is sold separately, and the manual gives a 1.5–2.5 mm procedure with position 0. The supplied No. 41 blade is not that stainless blade. No species-specific hardwood/softwood rating, ceramic claim, or cast-iron capability is established in the checked documents.

The official page calls the blade change keyless, and the manual describes a lever-operated holder, but the checked exact-model sources do not state a T-shank-only or U-shank-only interface. Do not infer a universal blade-shank family from the “No. 41” model number. Confirm the shank and intended material for a replacement blade using the exact saw and blade instructions before purchase.

Blower, vacuum and bevel are different setups

A built-in blower clears debris from the cutline; it does not collect dust. For external collection, the manual shows an optional dust-collection adapter (part 370492) connected through an adapter and hose to a cleaner. The adapter, hose and vacuum are not in the CJ18DAQ4 tool-body package. More importantly, the manual says angular cutting cannot be done with the dust collector installed. The base is adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees, with 15-degree scale increments, but that bevel capability does not coexist with the installed collector.

For an essential bevel, plan around the integrated blower and leave the collector off. For extraction, use the documented collector arrangement for square cuts and treat beveling as unavailable until the accessory is removed. The manual's base-plate instructions also distinguish a separate splinter guard arrangement. Do not infer that a dust hood, collector, guard or blade shown in another product photo is included in this exact suffix's box.

Who should compare it—and what to verify

The CJ18DAQ4 is a plausible fit to investigate if you already use compatible Metabo HPT 18V/36V MultiVolt batteries, want a top-handle saw with variable trigger control and orbital adjustment, and can choose between a line-clearing blower and an optional extraction setup. It is less straightforward for someone expecting a complete kit: battery and charger are separate, its exact blade-shank family is not stated in the checked material, and the package page does not establish a case or dust adapter.

Compare it with the separately assessed CJ36DAQ4 rather than treating the models as interchangeable. Both listings reference MultiVolt batteries and a dust blower, but the CJ36DAQ4 has its own 36V brushless body, different package documentation and an explicitly supported separate ET36A AC-adapter power plan. The CJ18DAQ4 sources do not document that AC adapter arrangement. The corded CJ90VST2 is also a different 120V mains model, not a battery-platform substitute. These are source-backed differences in setup, not comparative cutting-performance claims.

Before selecting an offer, check the nameplate and exact CJ18DAQ4 suffix, ask for the seller's written box contents, confirm the battery and charger you need, and verify replacement-blade shank and stock compatibility. For work close to a listed capacity, follow the current model manual's blade-by-material table rather than reading one capacity as universal. The manufacturer's current reference listing and warranty page do not establish current retailer stock, price, condition, warranty transfer or a seller's included accessories. This assessment makes no ownership, testing, runtime, cut-quality or customer-experience claim.