Metabo Steb 135 jigsaw review

I picked up the Metabo Steb 135 last Tuesday to see if its 720W motor could handle a heavy afternoon of ripping through thick oak furniture components. The tool feels substantial in your hand. While many consumer-grade jigsaws feel like hollow plastic toys, this unit has a density that suggests it can survive a drop on a concrete workshop floor. I spent three hours cutting curved shapes into 40mm plywood sheets to test the orbital action and vibration levels.

The weight sits at exactly 2.2kg. It is heavy enough to provide stability during deep cuts but light enough that your forearm won't cramp after twenty minutes of continuous work. When I pushed it through a stack of 135mm timber, the motor maintained its RPM without that high-pitched whining sound that usually signals a tool is about to stall. The baseplate is solid metal.

It cuts well. You will notice the blade deflection if you use cheap, unbranded blades from a local big-box store.

Pros

• The 720W motor provides consistent torque when cutting through dense materials like thick hardwood or even 10mm steel plates.
• Vibration is kept low during long straight cuts, which helps prevent hand fatigue over several hours of use.
• The build quality feels professional and the tool handles heavy loads without overheating quickly.
• It offers a deep maximum cutting capacity of 135mm in wood.

Cons

• The price tag sits high at roughly $341.0, which might deter casual DIYers who only use tools once a year.
• Dust extraction is decent but requires a specific vacuum setup to be truly effective on fine sawdust.

Who it's for

This tool belongs in the hands of a professional carpenter or a serious hobbyist who builds furniture for a living. If you are just hanging some shelves in a garage, this machine is overkill and too expensive. It suits people who need to cut deep into thick stock frequently. You will appreciate the reliability when you are halfway through an expensive piece of walnut.

Verdict

The Metabo Steb 135 is a serious workhorse that prioritizes power and durability over lightweight convenience. It lacks some of the fancy digital features found on cheaper models, but it compensates with raw cutting ability. I recommend this jigsaw for tradespeople who need one reliable corded tool for heavy-duty timber tasks.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this jigsaw to cut metal?

Yes, you can cut steel up to 10mm thick. You must use the correct T-shank metal blade to prevent the teeth from snapping under pressure.

Is the baseplate adjustable?

The baseplate allows for angle adjustments during your cuts. This feature is helpful when you need to make bevel cuts on thicker boards.

Does it come with a dust bag?

The manufacturer does not list specific included accessories in the standard kit. You should plan to connect a shop vacuum if you want to keep your workspace clean.