A while back we reviewed the Milwaukee rear handle circular saw. At the time we loved the saw as it was powerful, would keep up with corded saws and perform better than the top handle designs we have reviewed in the past. Since our review, we have been using the heck out of the saw for an addition on a house. So we figured it would be a great time to give an update. such as are we still happy with the saw, how is it performing, is the run time decent and more.
Milwaukee Rear Handle Saw Information
- Name – Milwaukee M18 FUEL Rear Handle Circular Saw Kit
- Model – 2830-20
- Price – $$269 (Bare Tool)
- Where to Buy – The Home Depot
- Original Review – Milwaukee Rear Handle Saw Review
- Milwaukee Reviews – Milwaukee Power Tool Reviews
Milwaukee Rear Handle Saw Revisit
As noted above, I am currently putting an addition on my house and in the framing phase of the project. So for this saw, I have been using it every day. We have been cutting multiple sheets of plywood, 2×8 – 2×12, LVLs and cutting into an existing roof.
Since we first tested the saw, I knew it was powerful as we ran it through the tests when we first got our hands on the saw. Some complaint about the weight but for me it;’s a plus. Sure if you are carrying this up a ladder to cut a ceiling joist, you might be better with a top handle lighter saw. However, if you are cutting larger lumber, LVL’s plywood or other demanding material, I feel that the weigh makes it easier to control than the lighter saws.
One point I touched on but didn’t really dive into was the battery platform. I am using other Milwaukee tools on the job. I can’t tell you how nice it is to be able to swap batteries from other tools and not have downtime. I have a bunch of other manufacturers on the job site also but Milwaukee is the primary power tool manufacturer. If I forget to charge the battery, I can swap it out of another tool and keep going.
I have only been using this saw with a 9Ah or 12Ah battery so for those who are wondering about their 5Ah battery run time, I am not sure. However, I do know that the run time will vary on the material you are cutting and the blade you are using.
One job we used this saw for was to cut a hole into our existing roof. I wasn’t making the cuts as I was at The Home Depot picking up supplies. Of course, people tend to use your tools differently than if it was their own tool and their own investment. He ended up cutting a hole into the roof and right through the shingles. Sure he tarred up the saw and ruined the blade because he hit nails, but I was surprised it made the cut. Since the saw was already in need of a cleanup, I cut through the other part of the roof. Even with the saw being gummed up and the blade missing a tooth, I was surprised how it was cutting through the shingles and the old 1″ tongue and groove wood. I don’t recommend this but I cleaned up the saw with brake cleaner and then changed the blade.
Most of the cuts were for the 2×12 rafters. We also used the saw for a majority of the 2×8 ceiling joist in the kitchen.
In regards to things that disappointed me in, I really can not come up with anything. The run time is awesome, the power is great so what else can I expect from a saw?
Milwaukee Rear Handle Saw Wrap Up
All in all, I love this saw for a variety of reasons but most importantly, the saw performs. This is one of those tools I can depend on and work with know it will cut through the material I need to cut. While it’s a little heavy to some, I like the weight as it’s much easier making cuts through larger material. For those who are thinking about making the jump, this is definitely a tool that you won’t be sorry for investing in. Yes, if your cutting 2×4 all day long, a top handle will work just fine. However if your cutting larger dimension lumber, LVL’s or multiple sheets of plywood, the saw will handle all this with ease.
*This is part of the THDPRoSpective program
