Ryobi 18V One+ Brushless Jigsaw P524 Review

By: Adam Spafford

For construction work, a jigsaw doesn’t make the cut as part of the core team of tools. In woodworking, however, it’s a must-have part of your arsenal. Ryobi did a good job with their P523 jigsaw a few years ago and their new brushless tools spec out awfully close to some of the best Pro models out there. So what should you make of the new Ryobi 18V One+ Brushless Jigsaw?

Pros
> Pro-style feature set
> Pro-level cutting speed at 3500 SPM
> Brushless motor
> Tool-free blade changes and bevel adjustments
> Lock-on button

Cons
> No cutline blower
> Not as price-friendly for DIYers as brushed models

Feature Set
The feature set looks a lot like what you see from brands like DeWalt. On the surface, the only thing missing from its Ridgid and Milwaukee cousins is a dust collection port and attachment.

> Brushless motor
> Lock-on trigger with variable speed dial
> Four cutting modes – three orbital settings and off
> Spring-loaded, tool-free blade change
> Tool-free bevel base adjustment to 45° left or right
> No-mar base cover with blade storage

There are some differences, though. Like Ridgid, there’s a lock on button that’s great for long cuts. It also trades a numbered speed dial for a slider that doesn’t give you the repeatable precision you might like.

The only thing that’s really missing is a cutline blower – something that may deter more serious users.

Performance
I’ve been itching to try my hand at a saddle jig for tenoning, half laps, and general material-holding uses. Making stuff that makes other stuff is part of the attraction of woodworking (although I won’t attempt to build my own jigsaw from scratch).

There’s an amazing display of creativity and skill in this regard on Instagram and Pinterest. From there came the inspiration for my Ryobi 18V One+ Brushless Jigsaw’s first project: a push handle for my saddle jig. I printed out a simple 2-D template, traced it onto a board, and let the Ryobi rip (I eased the edges with a rotary sanding attachment in my drill).

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