Dewalt or Milwaukee cordless circular saw
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DFB
Well-known member
OMG...which models are you comparing
especially with the Milwaukee...there's like 5 available
especially with the Milwaukee...there's like 5 available
jgromada
Well-known member
I guess the most appropriate question would be; are you already locked into a particular brand so you can leverage any batteries you already have?
I have the M18 Fuel 7.25" Gen2 2732 saw. I had the prior generation before that 2731. The new model is noticeably more powerful than the old one, but you may need to use the HO High Output batteries to fully utilize that power. It cuts normal materials 2x's and plywood with ease. My favorite upgrade on it is the dust port for vac attachment, I do most of my cutting in my garage and this saves the majority of the mess. Only problem is its expensive $250 without battery, though right now they are offering a HO 8.0 battery for free with it.
7-8 if you count the M12 and models which I think were discontinued last year.
7-8 if you count the M12 and models which I think were discontinued last year.
OMG...which models are you comparing
especially with the Milwaukee...there's like 5 available
DFB
Well-known member
True! I didn't even think about the metal cutting ones.
To the OP I have the Milwaukee 2731 and its a really great saw...I use cordless all the time
Couple things to articulate when you ask this type of question:
1. Do you have an existing cordless tool platform you would like to stick to?
2. What are your needs? Cutting sheet goods with some cross cutting of 2x or framing sheds and decks using 2x material?
3. Budget (does that include battery and charger or not)?
4. What side of the tool do you prefer the blade (near your body or away) and are you left-handed or right-handed?
5. Is dust collection a factor? (only a few saws will offer this)
6. How important is weight?
7. Any special needs (like obtaining a finish quality cut for cabinet carcasses)?
1. Do you have an existing cordless tool platform you would like to stick to?
2. What are your needs? Cutting sheet goods with some cross cutting of 2x or framing sheds and decks using 2x material?
3. Budget (does that include battery and charger or not)?
4. What side of the tool do you prefer the blade (near your body or away) and are you left-handed or right-handed?
5. Is dust collection a factor? (only a few saws will offer this)
6. How important is weight?
7. Any special needs (like obtaining a finish quality cut for cabinet carcasses)?
finn
Well-known member
I have a Dewalt. I like Ford and Ram trucks You may like Chevy or Toyota.
Nineeightyone
Well-known member
I have the Dewalt 7.25" and like it, however be aware that it doesn't seem too happy about batteries smaller than 5ah. The kit I bought came with a 5ah battery, charger, and the saw, and it's been good to me -- but when my 5ah died and I put a 4ah in it, there was a noticeable loss in power. I'm planning to get a few more 5ah batteries (at least two) to make sure I don't run into the problem again.
WittHay
Well-known member
I have all the Milwaukee batteries but purchased the DeWalt Flexvolt circular saw kit from the local tool store came with a free DeWalt mid torque impact wrench
kctyphoon
Banned
I have two of the Milwaukees fuels. 6.5 & 7.25..
I highly recommend them.
I can only imagine the newer 12.0 model is even better
I highly recommend them.
I can only imagine the newer 12.0 model is even better
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Farmall450
Well-known member
The same can be said with Makita. No circ saw cutting more than plywood should be run with a battery less than 4ah.
I've had my DeWalt XR 7-1/4 for 2 years now and love it.
I believe I paid $107 bare tool.
The same can be said with Makita. No circ saw cutting more than plywood should be run with a battery less than 4ah.
I've had my DeWalt XR 7-1/4 for 2 years now and love it.
I believe I paid $107 bare tool.
With my Milwaukee I took a fully charged 2amp battery and got about 3 cuts in a 2x4 before it was dead. For me the sweet spot is using 5amp batteries, my 9amps make it to rear heavy.
No matter what brand just pick up a diablo blade and throw the oem away.
Farmall450
Well-known member
With my Milwaukee I took a fully charged 2amp battery and got about 3 cuts in a 2x4 before it was dead. For me the sweet spot is using 5amp batteries, my 9amps make it to rear heavy.
No matter what brand just pick up a diablo blade and throw the oem away.
I don't mind the DeWalt blades, especially on sale. They have a video on youtube at a tool show shredding Diablo. With that said I like (diablo) red, too!
I remember when I first got a cordless sawzall and tried a 1.3. Lol. Couldn't even finish off a pallet. I'm sure if they cooled off they'd run some more. Agreed on 5/6 (same size for DeWalt). I wouldn't even mind trying the new 8s.
speed bump
Well-known member
Unless you are a carpenter who uses it a lot I would pick whichever one has other tools on the platform you want to purchase eventually. If you are a carpenter pick the one you like handling more.
I've got the older Dewalt 20v 6 1/2" saw. Used it a bunch over the years. It's a great time saver for small jobs. And if you have enough batteries you can do real work with it. I imagine the 7 1/4" 20v brushless would be a big improvement.
I still prefer a corded saw and keep one on my truck right beside the cordless one
I still prefer a corded saw and keep one on my truck right beside the cordless one
The battery is the driving factor (as mentioned) Choose a platform, and grow from there. DeWalt got me in the 14.4v days, and things evolved, and kinda stuck with it. The jump to 18v, to 20 has been seamless especially with the 18 to 20v adapters. If I owned nothing, I would probably go Milwaukee, but also perfectly happy with DeWalt. Not that is matters but Im a Ford guy.
The blade was pretty bad, to the point I almost returned the saw because I was that frustrated with it, with the diablos it's a beast. Now sawzall I just buy the Milwaukee's when I see them on sale.I don't mind the DeWalt blades, especially on sale. They have a video on youtube at a tool show shredding Diablo. With that said I like (diablo) red, too!
I remember when I first got a cordless sawzall and tried a 1.3. Lol. Couldn't even finish off a pallet. I'm sure if they cooled off they'd run some more. Agreed on 5/6 (same size for DeWalt). I wouldn't even mind trying the new 8s.
Farmall450
Well-known member
Your saw probably comes with a different blade than the one on the 7-1/4. No issues there.
Your saw probably comes with a different blade than the one on the 7-1/4. No issues there.
It was the first gen 7-1/4 starter kit, the blade didn't get a lot of love in the milwaukee thread but a cheap easy fix.
Just got my DWS779 12" miter saw together today and the blade is nice but might just bite the bullet and get a diablo on that right away.
engineer2
Well-known member
I have an 18V Makita 6.5" and it's fine for homeowner use. Just get brushless and microprocessor load control. I haven't used my Skilsaw worm drive in years.
DFB
Well-known member
For some reason I'm thinking my 2731 Milwaukee CAME with a Thin Kerf Diablo blade 
But I don't really remember and whatever it was must be long gone I just looked around
Shoot I have a 24TAdmiral blade on there right now...works great
But I don't really remember and whatever it was must be long gone I just looked around
Shoot I have a 24TAdmiral blade on there right now...works great
Farmall450
Well-known member
Ah, I have the 7-1/4 dewalt and am commenting on the blade it came with, not the milwaukee. Milwaukee was never known for circ saw blades.
The day I got it ^
Lol, I like ketchup and you like mustard. Honestly most tools if you get a blade on it then it's not going to be a high dollar quality one....I like the red diablo look to.Ah, I have the 7-1/4 dewalt and am commenting on the blade it came with, not the milwaukee. Milwaukee was never known for circ saw blades.
The day I got it ^
Sorry for the mix up.