Makita 4351FCT jigsaw review

I have spent two decades wrestling with jigsaws on dusty job sites and in my own garage. The Makita 4351FCT is a corded workhorse that feels familiar the moment you grip the handle. It weighs exactly 2.4 kg, which provides enough heft to keep the blade steady during deep cuts without causing immediate wrist fatigue. When I used it last Tuesday to cut through a thick piece of 80mm oak, the motor stayed remarkably consistent. The 720W motor handles the resistance well.

It moves fast. At 2800 strokes per minute, this tool eats through soft materials quickly. You will notice the 26.0 mm stroke length helps maintain momentum when you are working on thicker stock. I found that the vibration is manageable for short bursts of work. However, long sessions might leave your hands feeling a bit numb due to the high-frequency oscillation.

The tool feels solid. It does not have that cheap, hollow plastic sound common in budget brands.

Pros

• The 720W motor provides consistent power during heavy cuts in thick timber.
• A 45-degree bevel capacity allows for versatile joinery work on various projects.
• Large, clear markings make it easy to guide the baseplate along a fence.
• The weight distribution helps keep the tool stable when cutting straight lines.

Cons

• Corded operation limits your movement around large sheets of plywood or long boards.
• Dust extraction performance is mediocre without a high-quality vacuum attached.

Who it's for

This jigsaw belongs in the hands of a dedicated hobbyist or a professional carpenter who prefers the reliability of a corded tool. If you spend your days cutting through 10mm steel plate or thick hardwood, you will appreciate the lack of battery anxiety. It is not a tool for light, occasional crafts. You need something that can handle real resistance without stalling out mid-cut.

Verdict

The Makita 4351FCT is a dependable machine for serious cutting tasks. It lacks some of the modern bells and whistles found in expensive cordless models, but it makes up for it with raw, steady power. I recommend this tool if you prioritize cutting depth and motor endurance over portability. Buy it for your workshop.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this to cut metal?

Yes, you can. The specs state a maximum cut in steel of 10 mm. You must use the correct T-shank metal blade to avoid overheating the motor or snapping the teeth.

Does it come with a dust bag?

The standard package usually includes a basic dust bag. It works okay for fine sawdust, but you will get much cleaner results if you plug in a shop vac.

Is the baseplate adjustable?

The baseplate handles bevel cuts up to 45 degrees. You can adjust it manually to reach your desired angle before you start your cut.