Milwaukee M18 fuel circular saw issues

[signcrafter]

I picked up an M18 fuel circular saw the other week with the 9.0 amp battery. Made a few cuts here and there in the last week or two and the saw was great. Was cutting a bunch of plywood up today and the saw started acting up. When I would pull the trigger sometimes it would spin almost at quarter speed like it was bogging down and then shut off. Thought maybe the battery was dead but it still had two bars. If I pulled the trigger a few times it would spin up to normal speed. Then after a while two of the LED battery lights started flashing. Not sure what that means but I figured it means the battery is hot or something. It was warm to the touch but not crazy hot. Gave up for the day and will try again tomorrow.

Another thing I noticed and not sure if it is supposed to do this or not but when I grab the blade and spin it by hand it feels rough and almost like a grinding or clicking. Not a good explination but to me it feels like something isn't right. But I didn't try spinning the blade by hand before I started having issues today so for all I know that could be normal on these brushless motors?

Anyone have these issues before? Or have one of these saws they can try spinning the blade by hand and see if it feels rough?

 

[Git]

I don't have any Milwaukee M18 tools but I do have a personal rule - if I buy something 'brand new' and isn't acting right or there is something else going on with it during the first 30 days - it is either going back for a refund or a replacement. One of the reasons why I like shopping at Amazon, they make it easy

 

[topp64]

I would take it back and exchange for another saw. I've had mine for over two years and never had any issues like bogging down or shutting off. Blade turns at the same rpm's no matter % of charge in the battery. When batteries go dead the blade stops, no bogging down as the charge in battery decreases. As far as turning the blade by hand, mine will turn with resistance and make a clicking sound. Probably normal for the saw to do this because of the brake to stop blade spin after releasing the trigger.

 

[signcrafter]

I would take it back and exchange for another saw. I've had mine for over two years and never had any issues like bogging down or shutting off. Blade turns at the same rpm's no matter % of charge in the battery. When batteries go dead the blade stops, no bogging down as the charge in battery decreases. As far as turning the blade by hand, mine will turn with resistance and make a clicking sound. Probably normal for the saw to do this because of the brake to stop blade spin after releasing the trigger.

That is what I was wondering. The batteries weren't dead but I'm thinking they were overheating or something. I was making a lot of fast cuts. Almost thinking the saw was in some kind of safety mode when it wouldn't spin to full power. And then the battery started blinking two of the led battery lights back and forth like a warning of some kind. I'm thinking I was working it too hard. I will check it out today after it rested all night. If it is acting normal then I will know I worked it to hard. If it still acting up I will take it back. Just wanted to see if the resistance/clicking was normal or not.

 

[LB-1911]

That is what I was wondering.

The batteries weren't dead but I'm thinking they were overheating or something.

I was making a lot of fast cuts. Almost thinking the saw was in some kind of safety mode when it wouldn't spin to full power.

And then the battery started blinking two of the led battery lights back and forth like a warning of some kind.

I'm thinking I was working it too hard.

I will check it out today after it rested all night. If it is acting normal then I will know I worked it to hard. If it still acting up I will take it back. Just wanted to see if the resistance/clicking was normal or not.

Page 5 Battery Pack Protection

https://documents.milwaukeetool.com/58-14-1801d8.pdf

 

[Ign]

Are we talking the 2731 7 1/4" handheld circular or the 10" sliding miter? Either were sold w the 9.0

 

[jobo1004]

Another thing I noticed and not sure if it is supposed to do this or not but when I grab the blade and spin it by hand it feels rough and almost like a grinding or clicking. Not a good explination but to me it feels like something isn't right. But I didn't try spinning the blade by hand before I started having issues today so for all I know that could be normal on these brushless motors?

Anyone have these issues before? Or have one of these saws they can try spinning the blade by hand and see if it feels rough?

I'll try to remember to check mine when I get home this evening. This unit has a blade brake that stops the blade spinning when you let off the trigger. My guess is that's why it feels notchy when you try to spin it by hand.

 

[topp64]

That is what I was wondering. The batteries weren't dead but I'm thinking they were overheating or something. I was making a lot of fast cuts. Almost thinking the saw was in some kind of safety mode when it wouldn't spin to full power. And then the battery started blinking two of the led battery lights back and forth like a warning of some kind. I'm thinking I was working it too hard. I will check it out today after it rested all night. If it is acting normal then I will know I worked it to hard. If it still acting up I will take it back. Just wanted to see if the resistance/clicking was normal or not.

I've never had an issue with batteries powering my circular saw. I use it almost every day while at work. I can't remember using my corded worm drive at all in the two years I've had the M18 Fuel. When I first bought it, I used it to rip an inch off 200 lenial ft of 2x12 without battery overheating. I remember because I was amazed the battery showed two bars after that much cutting. Now that I think about it, I did have batteries overheat twice on a M18 Fuel angle grinder. I was doing heavy grinding on concrete with a diamond wheel. I thought the batteries were all dead until I put them on the charger. 3 of 5 still had half of a charge remaining. I was using 4,5,&9 amp batteries at the time. Same thing happened the next day and I noticed the lights blinking. You've probably already checked, but do you have a piece of wood or something wedged between the blade and guard?

 

[signcrafter]

It's the fuel 7 1/4" circular saw. It seems to be working fine today. I'm thinking I was just trying to push to hard and over worked the saw. I was trying to rip through the boards pretty good. Guess I need to remember it's not a corded saw that I'm used to being able to push it hard when doing demo work and not needing to take my time for a straight cut.

 

[signcrafter]

I've never had an issue with batteries powering my circular saw. I use it almost every day while at work. I can't remember using my corded worm drive at all in the two years I've had the M18 Fuel. When I first bought it, I used it to rip an inch off 200 lenial ft of 2x12 without battery overheating. I remember because I was amazed the battery showed two bars after that much cutting. Now that I think about it, I did have batteries overheat twice on a M18 Fuel angle grinder. I was doing heavy grinding on concrete with a diamond wheel. I thought the batteries were all dead until I put them on the charger. 3 of 5 still had half of a charge remaining. I was using 4,5,&9 amp batteries at the time. Same thing happened the next day and I noticed the lights blinking. You've probably already checked, but do you have a piece of wood or something wedged between the blade and guard?

I decided to pick up the fuel sawzall today also with the same deal that you buy the battery and rapid charger for 250 the sawzall is free. I've always heard about people drinking the green Kool aid but this red kool aid is getting expensive. On the other hand I should have enough m18 batteries to last for a while with two 9amp and four 5amp.

 

[firworks]

Those Milwaukee saws will also stop and blink lights at you if the kick back detection kicks in. If the blade is binding it will stop the saw and you have to cycle the trigger to cut again.

 

[tarbellb]

Same thing happened to my Fuel 2731. Wouldnt spin or would do 25% rpm.

Sent it in for repair, got it back a few weeks later.

The clicking while not under power is normal, not sure what it is tho.

To be honest, im not all that impressed with the 2731. Im not sure what to expect from a cordless circ saw, buts its definitely underpowered compared to a corded. I have cut hardwoods, lumber, and sheet. Overall I think it could either use a 9.0 battery or bigger motor?

It is very convenient, and I do find myself reaching for it first. But have shelved it when it cant complete the cut or struggles to much.

 

[Duc]

Dragging an old thread back up again to maybe help others. Huge Milwaukee fan, but this saw has failed me twice on medium to heavy cutting. First one was granite, that one I get. Second, more shocking, was beveling a door (hard pine). Honestly think this saw is just good for light duty work aka 2x4s etc. Nothing more.

Has anyone had better experience? Any updates from those here?

 

[d.mcfarland]

Wondering if this is a AC vs DC power type thing when under heavy load.

 

[tyyost]

I have the 6 1/2“ fuel saw I bought in 2015. It has been solid and preforms as good as I would want from a circular saw. I also prefer it‘s blade left configuration to the 7 1/4” saw. Reading these posts I think it’s hard to judge performance without a clear description of the saw, blade and battery. I would never expect a cordless saw to excel at cutting granite, but the blade and battery play a huge role.

I suggest all cordless saw owners use sharp fresh blades, they are cheap, and the biggest amp hour batteries you have on hand to really get the most of your saw. Thin kerf blades are important, including special blades, like for stone. Nothing robs blade speed like a full plate blade on a weaker saw motor.

 

[dnschmidt]

First of all the 9.0 battery is the worst of all Milwaukee batteries. The 12.0 the 8.0 and the 6.0 are all superior to the 9.0 as they use the larger Li-ion cells. The clicking sound is entirely normal so no worries there. What you are experiencing is the battery trying to protect itself. Recharge it, let it cool down and go at it again. That's why you need multiple batteries. If you go down to two bars swap out the battery for a charged one and put the old one on the charger. By the time you need to swap again the old one will have become the new one.

 

[pl_silverado]

Had this issue with mine while cutting in a ridge vent. Threw it off the roof and later in the dump trailer, it’s at the landfill now. Replaced it with the cordless skilsaw worm drives.

I’m not buying any more new Milwaukee stuff.

 

[tarbellb]

Had this issue with mine while cutting in a ridge vent. Threw it off the roof and later in the dump trailer, it’s at the landfill now. Replaced it with the cordless skilsaw worm drives.

I’m not buying any more new Milwaukee stuff.

Ha, well tell us how that Skilsaw works out. Havent handled one in person yet, but Milky makes a decent saw/cordless platform. Not sure I can say the same about Skilsaw....

 

[Hiball]

I just got my Saw back from the service center as it was exhibiting the same issues. It would sputter and Start/Stop with the trigger pulled. The local guy at the lumber yard said it was a common issue and supposedly there was a upgraded switch. I used it the other day with the same batteries and so far so good. I can definitely tell a difference with the switch, Mainly with how it breaks over when depressed.

 

[pl_silverado]

Ha, well tell us how that Skilsaw works out. Havent handled one in person yet, but Milky makes a decent saw/cordless platform. Not sure I can say the same about Skilsaw....

Skilsaw is awesome. It feels more natural in hand as I grew up using the corded worm drives. A bit heavy with the 48v battery, but actually well balanced compared to my corded versions. It does not bog down at all. I actually bought another…

the makita rear handle saw is nice too. Very smooth, but I reach for the skilsaw almost every time.

 

[tarbellb]

Im glad to hear they are getting out into the wild, I like Skilsaw, they are pushing the sector a bit right now with both the 48v saw and the worm drive contractor table saw.

Keep us posted

 

[M635_Guy]

Had this issue with mine while cutting in a ridge vent. Threw it off the roof and later in the dump trailer, it’s at the landfill now.

Given the warranty it had, that seems like a bad (and wasteful) plan. I get that it was getting in the way of getting work done, but...

 

[pl_silverado]

Im glad to hear they are getting out into the wild, I like Skilsaw, they are pushing the sector a bit right now with both the 48v saw and the worm drive contractor table saw.

Keep us posted

I bought the table and miter saws too. My 15 year old dewalts were due for an upgrade. The table saw is a beast.

 

[pl_silverado]

Given the warranty it had, that seems like a bad (and wasteful) plan. I get that it was getting in the way of getting work done, but...

That was the second time it had acted up. I have no use for unreliable tools regardless of their warranty, especially when they cause me to have to unnecessarily climb off a roof to go find something that works. I don't like working on roofs to begin with, let alone having to make multiple trips up and down a ladder unnecessarily.

 

[dnschmidt]

You do realize the 2731 was the first version of that saw and is now obsolete? There is a far more powerful replacement the 2732. You said you picked up a 2731, did you get it new as these have not been sold in a couple of years. Here's a video comparing the two saws side by side.

Many people, including me, actually prefer the 2731 as it's much lighter and does what I want it to do. I have the Milwaukee M18 rear handle for anything requiring real power.

 

[Hiball]

You do realize the 2731 was the first version of that saw and is now obsolete? There is a far more powerful replacement the 2732. You said you picked up a 2731, did you get it new as these have not been sold in a couple of years.

Model number reference was from 4+ years ago, I suspect it’s a 2731.