DEWALT 5.5 Amp Heavy-Duty Orbital Jigsaw (DW317K)
Workhorse 5.5 Amp corded jigsaw featuring 4-position pendulum action, variable speed trigger (0-3,100 SPM), and all-metal gear case.
- Max Wood Cut: 90 mm
- Max Steel Cut: 10 mm
- Stroke Speed: 0 – 3,100 SPM
- Bare Tool Weight: 2.8 kg
Browse compatible T-shank blades for wood, metal and plastics →
Key Performance Highlights
- 90 mmMax Wood Cut
- 0 – 3,100 SPMStroke Speed
- 1 in. (25.4 mm)Stroke Length
- Top Handle (D-Handle)Grip Style
Engineering Strengths & Performance Advantages
Advantage 1
5.5 Amp motor built for demanding continuous cuts
Advantage 2
4-position orbital action for material versatility
Advantage 3
All-metal gear case withstands jobsite drops
Advantage 4
Keyless lever-action blade clamp
Advantage 5
Beveling shoe up to 45° in both directions
Workshop Checklist & Buying Advice
- Bare Tool designation: On merchant listings like Amazon, "Bare Tool" indicates the package includes only the jigsaw itself. Battery packs and charger are sold separately or bundled in kit versions.
- Universal T-Shank: This tool utilizes standard universal T-shank blades. Older U-shank or universal-hole blades are not recommended.
- Dust collection: For indoor carpentry and cabinetry remodeling, connect an external 1-1/4" vacuum hose adapter to minimize airborne dust.
Workshop Performance Scorecard & Benchmark Ratings
Standardized evaluation measuring blade guide rigidity, vibration dampening, and sustained cutting cadence.
- Cutting Precision & Guide Rigidity9.1 / 10
Square 90° verticality retention and minimal lateral blade deflection in thick timber.
- Vibration Damping & Work Ergonomics8.4 / 10
Dynamic counterbalance control minimizing operator hand fatigue during continuous runs.
- Cutting Cadence & Motor Torque9.0 / 10
Aggressive feed rate through dense hardwoods without speed stalling.
- Cutline Visibility & Dust Clearance8.9 / 10
Integrated blower effectiveness and illumination along marked cut lines.
- Tool-Free Blade Clamp & Bevel Base9.0 / 10
Keyless hot blade ejection mechanism and rigid cast footplate bevel detents.
Orbital Pendulum Dial Guide: Matching Positions 0 to 3 to Your Cut
Orbital pendulum action drives the blade forward on the upstroke and retracts it on the downstroke. Dialing the right setting eliminates tear-out, blade breakage, and overheating.
Position 0: Straight Vertical Reciprocation (No Orbital)
Zero tear-out & dense structural materialsSheet steel, aluminum plate, PVC conduit, acrylic glass, double-sided melamine, and tight radius scrolling.
Position 1: Low Orbital Thrust
Dense hardwoods & 45° bevel cutsWhite oak, maple, butcher block countertops, and 45° miter bevels to prevent lateral blade wander.
Position 2: Medium Orbital Setting
Everyday softwood & plywood standardPine, fir, CDX plywood, OSB subflooring, and general woodworking balancing speed with edge quality.
Position 3: Maximum Orbital Action
High-speed demolition & rough framingStructural 2x4 framing lumber, pressure-treated posts, garden timber, and rough cuts where chip-out does not matter.
Everything You Need to Start Cutting with this Jigsaw
To maximize precision and runtime right out of the box, our woodworking editors recommend pairing this saw with contractor-grade blades and matching power accessories.
DEWALT 5.5 Amp Heavy-Duty Orbital Jigsaw (DW317K)
Workhorse 5.5 Amp corded jigsaw featuring 4-position pendulum action, variable speed trigger (0-3,100 SPM), and all-metal gear case.
DEWALT DT2290-QZ 10-Piece T-Shank Set
High-durability assortment for hardwoods, dimensional lumber, and sheet metal profiling.
Bosch T 101 BR Down-Cut Reverse Blades
Reverse-oriented downward-cutting teeth prevent chip-out and tear-out on visible laminate surfaces.
WORX WX463
WORX
- Power: 240V Mains / 550W (UK 3-Pin Plug)
- Max Wood: 65 mm
- Speed: 0 – 3,000 SPM
WORX WX478.1
WORX
- Power: 240V Mains / 650W (UK 3-Pin Plug)
- Max Wood: 90 mm
- Speed: 1,000–3,100 SPM
Bosch PST 650
Bosch
- Power: 240V Mains / 500W (UK 3-Pin Plug)
- Max Wood: 65 mm
- Speed: 3,100 SPM
DEWALT 5.5 Amp Heavy-Duty Orbital Jigsaw (DW317K): Workshop Positioning & Cutting Capabilities
For woodcrafters requiring uncompromised cut accuracy, the DEWALT 5.5 Amp Heavy-Duty Orbital Jigsaw (DW317K) provides DEWALT’s proven control dynamics in a comfortable Top Handle (D-Handle) footprint. The balance of its 5.5 Amp (240V AC Corded) power source allows the DEWALT DW317K to execute delicate interior cutouts and long ripping passes with equal poise.
Workhorse 5.5 Amp corded jigsaw featuring 4-position pendulum action, variable speed trigger (0-3,100 SPM), and all-metal gear case.
Rated by the manufacturer for depths up to 90 mm in natural wood, 10 mm in metal channel, and 20 mm in non-ferrous bars, the DEWALT DW317K is well-equipped for HVAC openings, electrical gang boxes, and custom furniture contours.
Verified Factory Specifications & Physical Dimensions
Below are the verified manufacturer specifications and physical parameters for the DEWALT 5.5 Amp Heavy-Duty Orbital Jigsaw (DW317K):
- Power Platform: 240V Mains (UK 13A Plug)
- Grip Configuration: Top Handle (D-Handle)
- No-Load Stroke Rate: 0 – 3,100 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1 in. (25.4 mm)
- Cutting Capacity in Wood: 90 mm
- Cutting Capacity in Steel: 10 mm
- Cutting Capacity in Aluminum: 20 mm
- Bare Tool Weight: 2.8 kg
- Bevel Range: Positive detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°
- Blade Shank Standard: Universal keyless T-shank clamp
Motor Architecture & Vibration Damping Dynamics
Operating on the proven 5.5 Amp (240V AC Corded) system, the DEWALT DW317K utilizes high-output field coils and easily serviceable carbon brushes to produce steady reciprocating torque up to 0 – 3,100 SPM. Internal centrifugal fan blades actively pull cool ambient air through the housing, keeping internal operating temperatures low during prolonged sheet goods processing.
The contoured D-handle housing on the DEWALT DW317K gives the operator authoritative two-handed leverage when pushing through heavy structural timber. Micro-textured grip zones reduce hand slip in dusty conditions while dampening reciprocating pulses from the gearcase.
Shoe Base Engineering, Bevel Accuracy & Cut-Line Clarity
DEWALT fitted the DEWALT DW317K with a heavy-duty all-metal shoe featuring an integrated tool-free bevel lock lever. Positive detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° ensure rapid and repeatable bevel setups for baseboard moldings. Bright dual LEDs illuminate the blade contact point, eliminating shadows cast by the tool housing.
Keyless Blade Clamp & pendulum action Settings
The DEWALT DW317K features an intuitive keyless blade clamp engineered for rapid changeovers. Inserting a T-shank blade engages positive mechanical locking with a reassuring tactile click, while the lever-action release ensures safe removal without burning your fingers.
The DEWALT DW317K incorporates a multi-stage pendulum action selector that tailors the blade’s forward stroke swing to the material at hand:
- Setting 0: Vertical reciprocation without orbital swing. Essential for sheet metals, copper tubing, PVC, and chip-free cuts in double-sided melamine veneers.
- Setting 1: Subtle orbital oscillation. Recommended for dense hardwoods like white oak, hard maple, and birch plywood to balance edge smoothness with cut progress.
- Setting 2: Medium pendulum swing. The workhorse setting for general softwood framing (2x4, 2x6) and construction lumber.
- Setting 3: Maximum aggressive orbital thrust. Delivers blistering feed speed for rough dimensioning, timber framing, and demolition work where speed outweighs edge cosmetics.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DEWALT DW317K
Does the DEWALT 5.5 Amp Heavy-Duty Orbital Jigsaw (DW317K) require a battery or charger?
No. The DEWALT 5.5 Amp Heavy-Duty Orbital Jigsaw (DW317K) is a corded electric jigsaw that connects directly to UK 230V–240V mains power via a standard BS 1363 3-pin fused plug.
What extension lead is recommended for the DEWALT 5.5 Amp Heavy-Duty Orbital Jigsaw (DW317K)?
For domestic workshop and garden cuts, a 13A heavy-duty cable reel (1.5 mm² or 2.5 mm² core) uncoiled fully prevents voltage sag and preserves optimal motor torque.
Can I use universal Bosch-style T-shank blades in the DEWALT DW317K?
Yes. The keyless clamp is fully compatible with all standard T-shank blades from Bosch, Diablo, Milwaukee, DEWALT, and Festool, allowing you to choose any tooth geometry or material rating.