Tool Box Buzz

• POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor: Outpowers all other 18-volt cordless circular saws and provides up to 3X longer tool life
• REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence: The most advanced electronic system on the market maximizes performance
• REDLITHIUM™ XC 4.0 Battery Pack: Offers up to 4X more runtime, 20% more power and up to 2X more recharges than competitive batteries
• Kit comes with a canvas carry bag, M18™ and M12™ Multi-Voltage Charger, two 4.0 Ah battery packs, framing blade and blade wrench.
• LED Light     Yes
• Tool Warranty     5 Years
• Speed     5,000 RPM
• Arbor Size     5/8″
• Blade Guard     Magnesium
• Shoe     Magnesium
• Maximum Bevel Capacity     50 degrees

The Cord Has Been Cut!

This is an excited time in the tool industry. Milwaukee has completely shattered my thoughts on what cordless power tools can perform on the jobsite. Their recent introduction of the M18 FUEL lineup has effective CUT THE CORD on several everyday power tools including the circular saw, Sawzall, and angle grinder. You may be doubtful but once you’ve had a chance to try these tools you’ll be as blown away as I am.

So how did they do it? It’s a combination of three different technologies including: POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motors, extended run-time REDLITHIUM™ XC 4.0 Battery Packs, and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence advanced electronics. These new technologies combine to create tools that you’d swear were plugged into the wall. In this review we’re looking at the M18 Circular Saw.

Power – The first thing you’ll notice about this new M18 Circular Saw is the power. I’ve tested it cutting through two sheets of OSB at one time, pushing through the cut as fast as I would with a corded saw with no sense of the saw bogging down. I was able to do cut after cut with not even a hint of the saw having trouble with the task. I also tested the saw cutting 2×8 pressure treated lumber, again I was able to cut as fast as a corded circ saw. The bottom line this saw will cut materials that a regular circular saw will cut.

Run-Time – The next thing that you’ll notice and be surprised at is the run time. The new 4.0 Ah battery packs really make a huge difference especially when combined with the brushless motor. When I tested this tool I actually quit trying to kill the battery because I ran out of wood that I wanted to “cut” up and throw away. For the test I cut up four 2×6 PT boards every six inches. Next I cut a stack of double OSB plywood into 4″ strips, I cut six 8′ long strips! After all that the battery meter still showed 75% of a charge remaining!

Design Features – In addition to the saw’s performance it also includes some nice design features. It has a very sturdy rafter hook and a very nice magnesium shoe. It has an easy to read bevel guide and depth of blade lever. The saw also has a slot to accept a parallel cutting guide.

Overall Impression – Must Have Saw!

I’m a lucky guy, I get to test cool new tools all the time. It’s not often I get really excited about a new tool unless it offers a significant upgrade to all the really good tools out there. Milwaukee has hit a home run with their FUEL lineup. Their combination of motors, batteries and electronics have truly helped cut the cord on this tool. This tool is built tough enough and offers the power and run time so that anyone doing framing and carpentry could use it on a day to day basis. So unless you need a really large powerful saw for cutting giant timbers I recommend you give this new M18 Cordless Circular Saw from Milwaukee a chance. I think you’ll be as surprised and excited as I am!

Below is a quick clip showing off this great new tool. It’s from my visit to the Milwaukee Media Event last summer.

If you’re looking for more information on cordless circular saws then check out our Best 7-1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw Review.