Is the Milwaukee 2737B-20 Worth It for DIY Woodworkers and Hobbyists?

Milwaukee 2737B-20 performance and suitability for DIY woodworkers

The Milwaukee 2737B-20 18V DC Barrel-Grip Jig Saw delivers strong, controllable cutting for hobby projects. Its brushless motor and variable-speed trigger produce smooth cuts at 800 to 3,500 strokes per minute. The barrel grip and one-inch stroke improve plunge control and reduce user fatigue during long cuts. For cutting MDF speaker baffles, plywood panels, and 3/4″ (19mm) cabinet stock, the tool balances portability and power for small workshops.

Core specifications that matter for enclosure and baffle work

• Voltage: 18V DC
• Motor: Brushless
• Stroke length: 1 in (25.4 mm)
• Speed range: 800-3,500 strokes per minute
• Blade shank type: T-Shank
• Bevel range: 45 left to 45 right
• Tool weight: 4.5 lb
• Battery series: Milwaukee M18 (sold separately)

How easy is maintenance, upgrades, and customization?

Milwaukee 2737B-20 enables quick blade changes and minimal routine upkeep for home users. The brushless motor removes brush-replacement chores and lowers friction-related wear over time. T-shank blades give broad aftermarket availability from Bosch, DeWalt, and Irwin for specific cuts. Owners can upgrade performance with higher-capacity M18 REDLITHIUM batteries and try specialty blades for cleaner cuts in plywood and MDF.

Cost versus value for hobbyists buying compact plunge routers

The Milwaukee 2737B-20 18V DC Barrel-Grip Jig Saw represents strong value for hobbyists compared with many compact plunge routers. New compact plunge routers commonly range $120-$300 and typically include collets and a plunge base. At about $159 as a bare tool, this saw costs less upfront but requires M18 batteries and a charger for cordless use. Considering portability, the saw often wins when mobility and curved cutting matter more than router-specific joinery.

Is borrowing or renting a tool better for occasional projects?

Milwaukee Jig Saw favors ownership for hobbyists who build multiple speaker enclosures each year. Renting or borrowing suits one-off tasks, since rental centers commonly charge $20-$50 per day for power saws. If you expect recurring projects, buying the saw plus one M18 battery often becomes cheaper within two to four uses. For specialized routing or delicate roundovers, rent a compact plunge router instead of improvising with a jigsaw.

Milwaukee 2737B-20 accessories, compatibility, and workshop fit

The Milwaukee 2737B-20 18V DC Barrel-Grip Jig Saw works with common T-shank blades and the Milwaukee M18 battery platform. The tool ships as a bare unit, so buyers must budget for M18 batteries and a charger to achieve cordless operation. Available blade types matter: fine-tooth blades give cleaner edges in plywood and MDF, while aggressive blades cut faster in softwood. Accessory options include aftermarket anti-splinter guides, dust extraction adapters, and parallel guides to improve straight cuts for speaker baffles.

Accessory and blade examples for speaker-building

• Blade type examples: fine-tooth T-shank blades for plywood, coarse wood-cutting T-shank blades for framing
• Blade brands: Bosch, DeWalt, Irwin (T-shank compatible)
• Battery ecosystem: Milwaukee M18 batteries (2.0Ah-12.0Ah capacities available)

Can this router be safely mounted in a benchtop router table?

2737B-20 Barrel-Grip Jig Saw cannot safely mount like a router in a benchtop table. The tool lacks a fixed spindle and proper collet, so a router table cannot replicate plunge-router stability. You can build a custom jig or clamp the saw for occasional stationary use, but such mods may reduce safety and warranty coverage. For repeat table-based routing, a purpose-built plunge router and table give safer, more accurate results.