Milwaukee power tools are among the finest available at any price. Their well deserved reputation for quality, durability and ergonomics is the envy of the industry. Milwaukee makes only heavy-duty professional grade tools designed for, and marketed to the trades. They are not inexpensive, but they are not so pricey as to be out of reach for the serious hobbyist or do-it-yourself user. Milwaukee makes three jigsaws, each of them are excellent examples of what a first-class power tool should be.

All three models are identical at the “business end”. They share the same internal gearing, blade mounting system, shoe, blade guide, and accessories. In order to be as helpful as possible, and to assist readers in choosing the right saw for them, I'll review the features the saws have in common as well as the unique aspects of this saw.

Model 6276-21

Motors/Speeds – The 6276-21 features a 120 VAC 6.2 amp, double-insulated, selectable-speed (not variable-speed) motor that operates at 500-3000 strokes/minute. There are seven selectable speeds which provide a great deal of flexibility and range. Speed selection is made via a detented switch. These are very powerful and capable saws and prior to the introduction of the 6268-21 were the most powerful jigsaws available.

Ergonomics – The 6276-21 is a barrel grip (Milwaukee calls it Body-Grip) jigsaw, which means the user grips the saw around the motor body. Power is applied via an on/off switch on the top of the motor body within easy reach of the thumb. The speed selector is at the rear of the saw body. The is a “knob” grip extending up from the saw body that provide an excellent hand-hold for two-handed operation, which is what barrel-grip jigsaws are all about. If you need this type of saw (you know if you do), the Milwaukee is an excellent choice. Despite its power, the distribution of weight make the saw comfortable to use with one hand or two. The main hand-hold (around the motor) is far enough forward that the saw does not tend to “rear up” with one handed use. The grip also stays relatively cool, even with extended use. Ergonomics are subjective, but I find this to be a very comfortable saw to operate.

If you need (or simply prefer) a barrel-grip jigsaw, you'll be hard-pressed to find one as capable and comfortable as the 6276-21. It is well-designed, powerful and tough, and the most well balance barrel-grip jigsaw you are likely to find.

Common Features of Milwaukee Jigsaws:

Blade Mounting System – Perhaps the most critical areas of concern when purchasing a jigsaw is how securely the saw holds the blade in place and how easily the blade can be changed. Milwaukee hits a home run on both counts with their unique Quik-Lok system. The system works only with T-Shank type blades, which are available everywhere in every blade configuration and are far superior to the older universal style mounts. The very robust, spring-loaded Quik-Lok tension lever is located at the lower front of the tool body. Blade changes are accomplished by rotating the lever. What sets the system apart from the competition that rotating the lever not only releases the blade, but also moves it slightly forward, away from the blade guide. This is a small feature that makes a big difference when it comes to ease of use. The fact that the lever is spring loaded and snaps back into place when released prevents the accidental use of the saw when the blade is not locked in, a real plus in terms of safety. The blade guide is a roller wheel with a deep groove to insure that the blade stays true even when applying side pressure or doing plunge cuts. A blade guard is permanently mounted to the front of the saw for safety.

Adjustable Orbital Action – Jigsaws are self-feeding devices, which simply means that the saw is pulled toward the work when cutting (the saw cuts on the blades upstroke). Orbital action presses the blade into the work on the cutting stroke and moves it slightly back on the down stroke. This makes rough cuts in thick wood go much faster than with a non-orbital saw. A rule of thumb is that orbital action is used on rougher cuts in softer material, and no orbital action is used for smooth cuts or when cutting harder material. The Milwaukee saws feature adjustable orbital action with four settings (0-3). Adjustment is made with a heavy-duty selector on the left side of the saw body. The selector has very strong detents to prevent accidental changes. A guide is printed right on the side of the saws to indicate the proper settings for different materials. All of the saws have a stroke length of 1 inch (25.4mm).

Visibility Aids/Dust Removal – Nothing is more frustrating when using a jigsaw than struggling to follow a cut line that is covered with saw dust or is not well lit. This is never a problem when using Milwaukee jigsaws thanks to a very bright, well-placed LED light and an adjustable (!) blower to remove sawdust from the cut line. Blower adjustment is made using a detented switch on the lower right side of the saw body. A vacuum manifold is built into the base. The blower can be turned off and a transparent blade cover attached to allow the saws to be attached to an active dust retrieval system.

Shoe – The shoes on the Milwaukee saws are heavy, cast metal with a stainless steel baseplate. The base is strong and stable and can be adjusted forward and back, and to any angle between 15 degrees an 45 degrees bu using the lever below the saws motor body. Detents are provided at 15 degrees, 0 degrees, and 45 degrees. There is a removable plastics shoe cover to prevent marring of work pieces and an anti-splinter device that can be use to prevent splintering during fine cuts (the anti-splinter device and the transparent blade cover can only be attached when the shoe is set at 0 degrees). The shoe has threaded holes to allow the attachment of a straight line or circle guide (available separately). There is room inside the blow-molded case to store these accessories.

Vibration Damping – Provides quieter operation and smoother running.

Warranty – All of these saws are covered by a five-year limited warranty and backed by Milwaukee support (1-800-SAWDUST).




Recommended: Yes