I noticed two new listings for Metabo 18V cordless jigsaws. I’m not at all familiar with them, and so I am considering them new products. Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t, it’s always hard to tell with Metabo.
First up is the barrel-grip jigsaw, STA 18 LTX 100. It looks more compact than an older Metabo model, and more air vents.
Metabo says that the cordless barrel grip jigsaw is extremely handy due to small handle size and soft-grip surface.
It features a variable stroke rate, pendulum stroke (orbital mode), and low-lying blade guidance with spring support. There’s a tool-free blade change mechanism with automatic blade ejection feature, and the footplate bevel angle can also be adjusted tool-free.
A blower function helps to keep the cut line clean and clear.
- 550-2800 SPM no-load speed
- Weighs 5.6 lbs with compact battery pack
- 4″ cutting depth in wood
- 3/8″ cutting depth in sheet metal
- 4 orbital stroke levels
- -45° to 45° bevel range
Price: $159 for the bare tool
Buy Now(via Amazon)
The jigsaws – both of them – appear to have built-in dust collector ports, but it’s unclear as to whether the vacuum accessory ports are included with the bare tools.
There’s also a top handle model, STAB 18 LTX 100.
It features the same specs and features, but with a top handle and variable speed trigger switch. It looks like there’s also a lock-on button.
Price: $139 for the bare tool
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Check out the neat folding sawhorses! I don’t think I’ve seen ones like this before.
First Thoughts
It also looks like both jigsaws have clear slide-down blade guards.
No brushless motors? But I suppose the brushed motors make the bare tools more competitively priced. Meanwhile…
New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless Jigsaws
Metabo’s going to have amp-up their efforts if they’re to stand a chance competing with other pro-grade cordless power tool brands in the USA.
I’ve liked the couple of Metabo cordless power tools that I’ve tested. But if I were in the market for a new cordless jigsaw, there’s not enough for these two new models to make it to my shortlist. If I had already bought into Metabo’s 18V cordless power tool lineup exclusively, then I’d be a lot more interested. But at the moment, Metabo is not doing enough to answer the question why buy either of these instead of competing models?
Promo Video
Here’s a quick promo video with music that I’d characterize as an “action movie montage.”
