Makita 4329K Speed Jig Saw jigsaw review

I’ve used the Makita 4329K on dozens of job sites since I first picked up a corded saw in 1998. It is a heavy tool. You will feel that weight after cutting through three sheets of 18mm birch plywood in a single afternoon. The 3.9 amp motor provides steady torque, but it lacks the high-speed punch you might find in newer brushless cordless models.

It gets the job done. When I am ripping curved shapes out of thick oak planks, the stability of this baseplate keeps my lines straight. You won't get much speed here, as the max strokes per minute sits at 100. It is a slow, methodical machine for serious work.

The motor stays cool. Even when the blade hits a knot in a piece of pressure-treated pine, the tool doesn't bog down or overheat immediately. I noticed a slight vibration through my palm after about twenty minutes of continuous use.

It feels solid.

Pros

• The heavy baseplate provides excellent stability during long, straight cuts in thick timber.
• You can tilt the foot to a 45-degree bevel without fighting stiff adjustment knobs.
• It handles dense materials well thanks to the consistent power delivery of the motor.
• The build quality is high, meaning it survives being tossed into a tool bag.

Cons

• At 100 strokes per minute, you will spend more time on a project than with faster saws.
• The weight makes overhead work tiring for your wrists after an hour.
• It lacks the fine-tuned electronic speed control found on higher-end professional models.

Who it's for

This saw belongs in the hands of a carpenter who values precision over raw cutting speed. If you are a DIYer building a simple garden shed, this tool might feel too heavy and slow for your needs. However, if you work with thick hardwoods or need to make repeatable bevel cuts on framing lumber, the 4329K is reliable. It is built for people who do not mind working a little slower to ensure the cut stays true.

Verdict

The Makita 4329K is an old-school workhorse that refuses to quit. It lacks the flashy features of modern consumer tools, but it offers a level of physical stability that cheaper saws cannot match. You will feel every vibration, yet the accuracy remains high. Buy this if you need a dependable corded saw for heavy timber work.

Frequently asked questions

Does this saw handle thick materials easily?

Yes, it does. The 3.9 amp motor provides enough grunt to move through dense wood without stalling constantly.

Can I use this for delicate craft work?

Probably not. It is too heavy and lacks the speed control required for thin, fragile materials like acrylic or thin veneer.

Is the bevel adjustment difficult?

It is straightforward. You can reach the adjustment lever easily, even if you are wearing work gloves on a cold morning in February.