M18™ Cordless LITHIUM-ION 6 ½” Circular Saw

Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Milwaukee). This thread is read-only.

brokenhillMember since Mar 2014Jun 30, 2014 3:19 PM CT

Does anyone have comment of this product, since I already have a few M18 tools, it would make life easier. Otherwise I am open to any recommendations.

Use is mainly hobby DIY stuff, nothing heavy or really demanding.

Thanks

ChrisKMember since Dec 2012Jun 30, 2014 4:23 PM CT

Are you talking about the Fuel or non Fuel M18? I had the non Fuel M18 and it was a decent cordless saw. I did like my Makita one better but….I will be getting the Fuel version which is supposed to be much better. I will say I’ve cut 2x, 3/4 plywood and even cement board with no issues. The ergonomics on my Makita LXT were better for me but I am not a. Makita guy.

JavierMember since Aug 2013Jun 30, 2014 4:40 PM CT

I have it and its great. I got this and got rid of my corded circular saw and never regretted it. The runtime is great on 4.0 batteries. I used it while finishing a shed and one battery lasted me all day making cuts on siding and 2×4’s. It wasn’t heavy work but I expected to atleast swap batteries once but didn’t need to the several days I used the saw.

Ofcourse I would prefer the fuel version but this is good enough for my uses

brokenhillMember since Mar 2014Jun 30, 2014 5:47 PM CT

Hi Chris

I am talking about the M18 fuel series

Javier …. Thanks appreciate the info. Makes a decision easier when people have positive response.

Thank you both for the honest feedback.

DR99Member since Nov 2012Jun 30, 2014 7:02 PM CT

I have the Fuel circular saw and it has been great so far. Haven’t had the chance to use it as much as the Fuel sawzall but its been great so far.

ChrisKMember since Dec 2012Jun 30, 2014 7:48 PM CT

I will say the M18 saw is a good saw, I want the Fuel for the power however. I think the saw is good and I love Milwaukee and it did me quite,good for the projects I put it through, but (and God forgive me for this) I liked my Makita LXT and it had comparable power and the grip was better for my hand placement. So that being said, I wasn’t blown away with it. I was blown away with my hammer drill, impact driver (both non Fuel and Fuel) and ALL of my M12 tools. I hope this helps but….if you can wait, I’d get the Fuel and icksnay on the non Fuel version unless you aren’t planning on heavy usage. If you are using it for light work, occasional to regular DIY and don’t need to blast through the thick stuff then you’ll be just fine. Like I said, 2x, 3/4 ply, cement board no problems. Battery gets sucked up quick but the Makita was the same way. And I’d take Milwaukee tools over Makita six days a week and twice on Sunday!

JeremyJMember since Apr 2014Jun 30, 2014 8:19 PM CT

I have the Fuel and it replaces a corded saw unless you will be timber framing. I also have the old 18vNicad circ. I’d say Milwaukee makes the best cordless circ.

dwainMember since Aug 2013Jun 30, 2014 8:57 PM CT

The standard M18 still holds it own too – http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/18-volt-cordless-circular-saw-head-to-head.html

frankiegarcia19Member since Jan 2014Jun 30, 2014 9:36 PM CT

I have the fuel, and its impressed me so far, i have a diablo blade on mine

willipsMember since Jan 2014Jul 1, 2014 5:11 PM CT

I have had the fuel for about 3 months and love it. It has a ton of power- I have ripped 50mm hardwood no worries apart from the battery drain. Only thing that takes some getting used to is the blade being on the left hand side.

It must be good as I haven’t used my corded 210mm saw since I have had it.

KraneMember since Jan 2014Jul 1, 2014 5:33 PM CT

I have to interject here and say that if you like the M18 Fuel saw then you should try the Makita X2 circ saw. I think a buddy called it beast mode. It rips.

dwainMember since Aug 2013Jul 1, 2014 6:02 PM CT

That Makita would be awesome for those with Makita platform! Love using a 7.25″ blade.

ChrisKMember since Dec 2012Jul 1, 2014 6:04 PM CT

I am not interested in switching back Krane but boy oh boy I’d love to give that thing a try. It really looks like a power house.

brokenhillMember since Mar 2014Jul 1, 2014 6:18 PM CT

Thanks everyone, appreciate the good feedback.

ChrisKMember since Dec 2012Jul 1, 2014 8:19 PM CT

No problemo. Good luck with your decision and let us know what you decided to do and how your decision worked out for you!

sparky603Member since Jun 2014Jul 3, 2014 3:47 AM CT

If a 7-1/4″ saw is your preference, a pretty well-informed fellow forum member was told that a Fuel one was in the works.

opcruzerMember since Apr 2013Jul 3, 2014 9:12 AM CT

Fuel one in the works, I will believe it when I see it. I have the fuel saw and the non-fuel saw at a another place we own and they are both fine but the Fuel one is better in all respects. I will have to saw that I have also had the Makita one for 8 years now as well and its my go to most of the time because of what others have said, it fits your hand the best.

Now only if I needed yet another cordless circ saw I could justify the new x2 version from Makita.