Milwaukee Miter Saw Review Expert Analysis of the Powerful M18 Fuel 7-1/4 Sliding Compound

Description

Positives

The Milwaukee 2733-20 M18 Fuel, 7-1/4″, Dual Bevel, Sliding, Compound Miter Saw really impressed me with its productivity and efficiency on the jobsite. This saw packs a punch with its brushless motor and M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery, enabling me to blast through more than 600 cuts on a single charge, which is nothing short of impressive. The dual bevel sliding feature means I can make complex angled cuts without constantly flipping the workpiece, saving time and reducing frustration. Its lightweight design at just 28 pounds including the battery makes it surprisingly portable for such a capable tool. The saw’s high speed steel blade with 60 teeth cuts through wood with precision and speed, which definitely adds to the professional feel I experience every time I use it.

• Over 600 cuts per charge with the M18 battery
• Dual bevel functionality for versatile cutting angles
• Brushless motor for enhanced durability and performance
• Lightweight and portable at 28 lbs with battery

Limitations

Despite the many benefits, a few things about this compound miter saw require attention. The blade size of 7-1/4 inches might feel a bit limiting for those needing to cut thicker or larger pieces of wood. While the saw is highly efficient, I noticed that the battery life, although excellent, could be a bottleneck on longer, more demanding projects if backup batteries aren’t available. The saw also weighs nearly 32 pounds, which feels light for such a powerful tool but might still be cumbersome for some users when carrying it around all day. A minor gripe is the plastic handle, which doesn’t offer the most robust grip, especially when wearing gloves or working in sweaty conditions. Finally, the lack of included batteries in the package means you must buy one separately, adding to the initial investment.

• Blade size might be restrictive for heavy-duty cuts
• Battery included separately, raising overall cost
• Plastic handle could be more ergonomic
• Weight may challenge portability over extended periods

Design and Build Quality

The red finish and solid build immediately convey a sense of ruggedness. Milwaukee has clearly focused on making this tool jobsite-ready with durability in mind. I found the compact footprint (24.8″ L x 16.14″ W x 25″ H) to be quite manageable on my crowded workbench. The dual bevel sliding mechanism operates smoothly, allowing me to easily tilt the saw both left and right up to 45 degrees, which adds enormous flexibility for miter and bevel cuts. The precision adjustment dials and stops make setting angles straightforward and repeatable. It’s worth noting that the saw’s limited warranty of 5 years reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in its longevity. The high-speed steel blade cuts cleanly through wood without much chatter, which means fewer finishing touches are needed after cutting.

Performance and Versatility

This sliding compound miter saw excels in cutting accuracy and speed, which are critical to any woodworking or framing job. The brushless motor provides consistent power throughout the cut, reducing the chance of bogging down during dense material. I have used it on a variety of wood types, and it handles both softwoods and hardwoods with ease. The dual bevel feature is a real game-changer, allowing me to tilt the blade on either side without flipping the stock, which speeds up intricate trim work and crown molding installs. The sliding feature increases cutting capacity, letting me cut wider boards compared to non-sliding counterparts. While this saw is primarily designed for wood, I wouldn’t recommend it for metal or masonry cuts, as it’s optimized for woodworking surfaces.

Price Worthiness

Given the feature set, the price to quality ratio feels justified for serious DIYers and professionals alike. It’s not a budget tool, but the combination of brushless technology, battery power, and dual bevel sliding capabilities sets it apart from cheaper models. The fact that it can deliver over 600 cuts per charge adds a lot of value, especially for those working on job sites without easy access to power outlets. Comparing this saw to corded models, the convenience of cordless operation outweighs the slightly higher price. However, the need to purchase the M18 battery separately means you should factor that in when calculating overall cost. For someone who already owns compatible Milwaukee batteries, this saw fits perfectly into the ecosystem and maximizes your investment.

Product Comparisons

I took a closer look at some popular competitors like DeWalt’s 7-1/4″ sliding compound miter saw and Makita’s equivalent model. This Milwaukee saw stands out with its brushless motor and longer battery runtime, which DeWalt’s version lacks unless paired with its pricier FlexVolt batteries. Makita offers a slightly larger blade size (10 inches) which handles bigger stock better, but it comes with the trade-off of added weight and less portability. Milwaukee’s dual bevel sliding system is smoother and easier to adjust compared to some competitors, which often require more effort to find exact angles. However, the competitors include batteries and chargers more often in their packages, which could be a better deal for first-time buyers. Overall, this saw shines in portability, power efficiency, and cutting versatility, but it demands some upfront investment in batteries.

Usability and User Experience

Handling this saw feels intuitive and well-thought-out. The trigger and safety switch are ergonomically placed, making it easy to operate with one hand. I appreciated how the dust collection port works reasonably well, capturing a good amount of sawdust, though an external vacuum is still necessary to keep the workspace tidy. The laser guide helps align cuts perfectly, even though I found myself double-checking with a square for critical jobs. My kids were curious and watched me use it, and I could confidently say it’s safe as long as you respect the blade and use proper safety gear. The tool-free adjustments for bevel and miter angles really speed up workflow, and the clear angle markings make it easy to replicate cuts. This saw strikes a nice balance between professional-grade performance and user-friendly operation.

Advantages

• Brushless motor extends tool life and increases efficiency
• Dual bevel sliding feature enables complex angled cuts without repositioning
• Battery-powered for cordless convenience and portability
• Lightweight design with excellent cutting speed and precision

Disadvantages

• Blade size limits cutting capacity for larger wood pieces
• Battery sold separately, increasing total purchase cost
• Plastic handle lacks premium feel and grip comfort
• Slightly heavy for all-day handheld transport without assistance

Additional information