Metabo STA 18 LTX 18V Cordless Jig Saw Preview

Manufacturer: Metabo
Model: STA 18 LTX
Price: $144.99
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Metabo Corporation is a company we’re at least familiar with, though we haven’t done too much hands-on with their tools to-date (something we hope to remedy soon). The German company has been around for decades and specializes in pro-grade electric and cordless power tools and abrasives for
the industrial, construction and welding industries. This week, Metabo introduced the 18V STA 18 LTX Cordless Jig Saw which is part of the company’s PowerMaster Series of 18V lithium-ion cordless power tools. Metabo is focusing on power and run-time, stating that the new saw can cut more than 98 feet  of chipboard with a single battery pack charge. The tool seems ideal for all the expected roles of a jig saw, like HVAC duct cutting, cabinet making and fitting, and just about any plywood application you can think of.

The
STA 18 LTX looks like it has a solid design, with a similar feature set to other 18V cordless jigsaws we’ve tested and used extensively. The guide roller for the blade is low and positioned to ensure a solid and stiff connection to the workpiece for a wobble-free cut, and there is a 4-position orbital mode that will allow you to cut with incrementally more aggressive blade strokes for applications where you need either precision or speed (or a combination of both). The shoe is adjusted for bevel cutting and has positive
stops at 15, 30 and 45 degrees via a hex wrench (included on the bottom of the tool). Like most cordless and corded jigsaw models, the Metabo STA 18 LTX has a tool-free blade change system, but this one actually ejects the blade – perfect for swapping hot blades. 

In terms of performance specs, Metabo claims the new 18V Jig Saw can cut wood up to 5-5/16″ thick, non-ferrous metals up to 1-3/8″ in, and 10 gauge (~3/8″) sheet metal. Those are bold claims, but the STA 18 LTX is built with an advanced gear housing and motor design and puts out up to 2,700 strokes per minute. It also comes with a removable protective shoe sleeve
and anti-splinter insert to prevent chipping when working on more brittle
materials like laminate countertops.

The tool itself looks comfortable to use, with an ergonomic rubber-coated top grip and a convex handle. An adjustable blower keeps the cutting line free of debris and an integrated LED work light ensures that you stay on your mark, even when the lighting isn’t optimal. Metabo is also selling the STA 18 LTX as a tool only kit so you can add it to your collection of LTX cordless tools fairly inexpensively. The jig saw, as part of the PowerMaster Series can handle Metabo’s 1.3Ah,
2.6Ah, 3.0Ah or 4.0Ah 18V lithium-ion batteries.

Specs

• Tool-less blade change
• Adjustable blower
• Integrated LED light
• 4-position orbital