RIDGID 18-Volt Octane Jig Saw Hits the Market, and we had a chance to review it! Here is what we think.

The New RIDGID OCTANE JIG SAW offers speed control, oscillation and quick release blade.  

The all new RIDGID 18-Volt Octane Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless Jig Saw just hit the market, but we were able to get our hands on this little beast way before many others could. We put it to the test just to see what it could handle, and what it couldn’t. Long story short, there was nothing is couldn’t handle.

The new RIDGID Cordless Brushless Jigsaw is the newest member to the OCTANE Tools line-up.It comes with a high performance brushless motor and advanced electronics that send power to the saw from the battery when needed. That means that this saw delivers up to 45% faster cutting in high demand applications.

When we first got this, we saw a striking resemblance between it and the all new Milwaukee M18 Fuel jigsaw. Both of them seem to be cut from the same cloth, and many of the features, such as the quick release, cut adjustments and dust collection systems were basically the same. That being said, the Milwaukee FUEL had a much smoother use than the RIDGID’s.

Though they offered many of the same features, the one RIDGID added could be a game changer for you if in the market for a new saw. RIDGID added a hand free trigger lock button on this model which allows you to pull the adjustable speed trigger, and lock it in. You can then adjust your speed simply my turning the speed control knob that is located on top of the D shaped handle. The also added a (Line Start) setting which allows you to start a cut without all the shaking and vibration. It’s a really great design.

As for power, the new OCTANE is amazingly tough. It cut through wood and steel without an issue, and the feel of the saw is solid to say the least. I would say this saw is made for the professional in mind, and will compete against anything else on the market today. Not to mention, it will holds up to any environment you put it in. We also loved how comfortable it was in the hands, and how easy it glided when making intricate cuts.

The one downside to this saw was the dust collection system. Even though it comes with a dedicated dust attachment, it did little to nothing when hooked up to the vac. With that in mind, it did do a nice job in generating enough breeze to push the dust out and away from the blade. You also get four different settings for the oscillation which can simply be adjusted using the the easy to reach selector knob. 

Another thing to keep in mind is the lifetime service agreement that RIDGID is so well known for. If something breaks, just send it in to get fixed or they will send you a new one. Just make sure you register the tool on the RIDGID website when you get it home.   

At the end of the day, you are getting a very powerful machine for a very low price of $129. When this first came out, we thought that it would run at least in the $150 to $170 range, so we were presently surprised when we seen the price for the first time.   

Other Info

• Octane smart tools, when connected to a hyper octane battery pack, provide optimal performance in heavy-duty cutting applications
• Brushless motor technology delivers up to 50% more run-time and longer motor life
• Offers line-start mode option on the variable speed dial to create a more efficient cut by starting slow and increasing speed once engaging the material
• Adjustable orbital action provides the user with faster, more efficient wood cutting
• Sight line blower directs debris away from cut line for increased visibility
• Variable speed trigger and variable speed dial for maximum control in every application
• Lock-on button allows for continuous operation and less user fatigue
• Up to 45% faster cutting than previous models
• Lifetime service agreement with registration within 90 days of purchase
• Includes: R8832B 18-Volt OCTANE brushless jig saw, jig saw blades and operator's manual 

Dimensions

Product Depth (in.) 10.24 in

Product Height (in.) 9.45 in

Product Width (in.) 3.94 in

Details

Amperage (amps) 0 A

Batteries Included No

Battery Amp Hours 0.0

Battery Power Type Lithium Ion

Battery Size 18-volt

Bevel Capacity 45

Charger Included Charger Not Included

Color Family Orange

Cordless Tool Type Jig Saw

Cordless/ Corded Cordless

Dust Collection Yes

Keyless/keyed blade change Keyless

Length Of Stroke 1 in

Motor Type Brushless

Number of Batteries Included 0

Power Tool Features Adjustable Shoe,Laser Guide,No Tool Blade Change,Scrolling Action,Variable

Product Weight (lb.) 4.15 lb

Returnable 90-Day

Variable Speed Yes

Voltage (volts) 18

Warranty / Certifications

Certifications and Listings 1-UL Listed

Manufacturer Warranty Limited Lifetime Warranty