Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7-1/4 Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw Review

Description

Impressive Design and Build Quality

The Milwaukee 2733-20 M18 Fuel 7-1/4″ Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw immediately stands out due to its thoughtful design. Weighing just 28 lbs (with the battery), it is surprisingly lightweight for a miter saw of this caliber, making it incredibly portable. The red and black color scheme, which is synonymous with the brand, gives it a professional and rugged look. Its compact dimensions (24.8″ L x 16.14″ W x 25″ H) make it a great choice for smaller workshops or job sites where space is limited. As someone who moves tools around frequently, I found the portability and ergonomic handle design to be a huge plus.

The high-speed steel blade material is another standout feature. It feels durable and well-suited for woodcutting tasks. I noticed that the 60-tooth blade provided smooth and precise cuts, which is exactly what I needed for detailed woodworking projects. Everything about its build screams quality, especially the brushless motor, which adds longevity to the tool.

Performance and Cutting Efficiency

Performance is where this battery-powered saw truly shines. With its dual bevel functionality, I was able to make a variety of precise cuts without needing to flip or reposition my workpiece. This feature saved me a lot of time and effort, especially when working on repetitive cuts. The sliding capability also allowed me to handle wider pieces of wood, which was incredibly helpful during more ambitious projects.

I was particularly impressed by the claim of over 600 cuts per charge. While I didn’t count every cut, I can confirm that the battery life is stellar and easily lasted through a full day of heavy use. The M18 Red Lithium XC5.0 battery is powerful and dependable, and the 58.8-watt motor delivered consistent performance without any noticeable power dips.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight and portable design at only 28 lbs with the battery.
• Dual bevel functionality for efficient and versatile cuts.
• Impressive battery life, capable of over 600 cuts per charge.
• High-speed steel blade with 60 teeth for smooth cutting.
• Brushless motor for enhanced durability and performance.

Areas of Concern

Despite its many strengths, there are a few less favorable aspects that I encountered while using this saw.

• The battery and charger are not included, which means an additional investment is required if you don’t already own compatible Milwaukee batteries.
• While the 7-1/4” blade size is adequate for most tasks, it may not be sufficient for cutting very large or thick pieces of wood.
• The plastic handle material feels durable but lacks the premium feel of other materials.

Ease of Use and Features

This miter saw is incredibly user-friendly, even for someone who might not have extensive experience with power tools. The dual bevel adjustment is intuitive, and the clearly marked scales make it easy to achieve the desired angle. I appreciated the rectangular blade shape, which felt stable and efficient while cutting.

The limited 5-year tool warranty provides peace of mind, and it’s evident that Milwaukee stands behind the quality of their products. The dust collection system, while functional, could be improved as I noticed some sawdust scattering during use. However, this is not a dealbreaker for me, as it performed better than most miter saws in its class.

Competing Products

When compared to other miter saws in the market, such as the DeWalt DWS779 or the Makita LS1019L, the Milwaukee 2733-20 holds its ground well. Both competitors offer larger blade sizes, which can handle thicker materials better, but they are also significantly heavier and less portable. The DeWalt model is renowned for its smooth cuts but lacks the battery-powered convenience of the Milwaukee unit. Meanwhile, the Makita saw has excellent precision but comes with a higher price tag and is bulkier.

The Milwaukee saw excels in portability and battery life, making it a perfect choice for contractors or DIY enthusiasts who need to move around frequently. While it may not have the raw cutting power of corded models, the convenience and flexibility it offers are hard to beat.

Quality for Price

When considering the price-to-quality ratio, this miter saw is a solid investment. Its lightweight, battery-powered design and dual bevel functionality make it versatile and practical for a wide range of tasks. While the lack of included accessories like a battery and charger can add to the overall cost, the performance and convenience it provides justify the expense. For me, the ability to take this saw anywhere without worrying about finding a power outlet is invaluable.

Whether you’re a professional contractor or a weekend DIYer, this saw offers a combination of quality, efficiency, and portability that’s hard to match in this price range. It may not be the cheapest option, but it certainly feels like money well spent.

Additional information