Milwaukee M18 Fuel Circular Saw Review

If you have been following us for some time, you know I am a huge fan of the Milwaukee Circular Saw 2630.  This is really my go to saw.  Now I am not saying I threw away my Skil Worm Drive because I didn’t.  However I sure don’t use it as much as I used to.  The Milwaukee saw is powerful and did a majority of applications I needed.  I wouldn’t have thought twice about updating this saw, I thought it was that good.  Well the people at Milwaukee did think about it and did upgrade the saw.  I guess that’s why I don’t work for Milwaukee, plus the fact that when I went there for my interview, they locked the doors and shut the blinds.

As you can see in the title of this article, this is the Fuel which means it uses a brushless motor.  Bottom line, a Brushless motor is more efficient and durable.  Throw in the new Milwaukee 4 A/h battery and you have a great package that offers durability and long run time, plus plenty of power. Milwaukee markets this new saw in three different packages:

• 2730-20 – bare tool
• 2730-21 – Saw, one 4 A/h battery, tool bag, Multi-Volt charger, blade
• 2730-22 – Saw, two 4 A/h battery, tool bag, Multi-Volt charger, blade

The new Fuel is a 6-1/2 saw that uses their M18 volt platform.  The saw weighs 8 lbs., so it’s still heavy enough to give you good control, but light enough where you are not fighting the saw every time you pick it up.  The max bevel cut is still a whopping 50°.  The saw utilizes a 5/8″ arbor and gets up to a quick speed of 5,000 rpm.  The older model was 3,500 rpm, so that is a big jump.  With that type of jump, I would think you would lose a little torque or power, but it sure doesn’t seem like it.  In reality, they both can cut through plywood at amazing speeds for a cordless saw.  Even hard wood, these saws do an incredible job.  Okay let’s talk about some of the improvements.

Well besides the better motor and battery, Milwaukee added a couple other features. First off, the hang or rafter hook.  Is this a make it or break it deal for buying the saw?  Heck no, but it is a great feature.  The hook can fold up when not needed.  However I tend to leave mine out mostly because I can hang it right on the saw horse when not in use.  This way I am not always bending down to pick up the saw.  Another cool feature is the LED light and that’s not a gimmick.  The light actually works pretty well and helps the user see where they are cutting.  As with the older model, both use Magnesium as a blade guard.  On the older model, Milwaukee used an aircraft aluminum for the shoe.  On the new version they changed it to magnesium. In regards to grip, I was extremely happy to see Milwaukee didn’t make any changes.  While the wrap around rubber seems much better, how your hand fits on the handle and the position of your hand, that is the same.  I am so used to using the older model and think it is one of the most comfortable positions on a saw.  Again not sure if it is just because I am so used to the design.

One big thing you will notice is the motor housing.  On the older model, it stuck out while the new Fuel has a much smaller profile.  Now again I am not claiming this will replace your worm drive, but it will be your go to saw. Your corded in-line, will probably sit on the shelf.

Milwaukee backs the saw with a 5 year warranty and 3 year warranty on the M18 batteries.  I know I sound like a broken record, but this saw is awesome.  What was already a great saw is now just that much better with more run time and better features.