Cut 3x Material In a Single Pass With The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw
At this year’s Milwaukee Pipeline even, they announced three new M18 Fuel circular Saws are joining the ranks this year. Today, we’ve got our hands on the new and improved Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw, and we’re putting it to test so you can decide if it’s right for you!
Pros
- Improved cutting power
- Compact profile
- Positive bevel and depth detents
- Capable of cutting 3x material in one pass
- Onboard tool storage
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw Performance
- No-Load Speed: 6,000 RPM
- Cut Depth @ 90°: 2-5/8 in.
- Cut Depth @ 45°: 2-1/16 in.
- Max Bevel: 57°
Cutting Power
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7-1/4 inch circular saw (2834) is geared toward professional carpenters, remodelers, and general contractors. Its Powerstate brushless motor delivers up to 6,000 RPMs with a max cut depth of 2-5/8 inches at 90°, and 2-1/16 inches at 45°. This saw features an incredible max bevel of 57 degrees, adding to the long list of updates from the Milwaukee 2732 which maxed out at 50 degrees. Additionally, there are positive depth detents at the 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1 1/2-inch marks, as well as bevel detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees.
To put this saw to the test, I stacked three sheets of 3/4-inch OSB subfloor and made a series of 8-foot rip cuts using the kitted 12.0Ah Forge battery. This is typically a job reserved for rear handle circular saw, but I really wanted to discover how the 2834 would perform under pressure.
The M18 Fuel 2834 flew threw these cuts like a hot knife through butter, leaving a clean cut in its wake. I was able to maintain RPMs throughout the cut, and it even outpaced its predecessor, the 2732, by a significant margin in the same test.
Switching over to dimensional lumber, it confidently tackled bevel, miter, and compound miter cuts in 2×10 PT pine with ease. These tests are good litmus to showcase a circular saw’s cutting power, simply due to the nature of the cuts.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw Design Notes
- Model: Milwaukee 2834
- Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery
- Weight: 8.6 lbs (bare tool), 11.75 lbs (with kitted 12.0Ah battery)
- Height: 8.5 in.
- Length: 14 in.
- Width: 7.4 in.
Size and Weight
This saw weighs in at 8.6 pounds as a bare tool, 11.75 pound with the kitted 12.0Ah battery, and measures 14 inches from tip to tail. Looking at the tool body, they managed to shave off a little over half an inch in width compared to the 2732, taking it from 8 inches down to just 7.4 inches. The motor housing is much more compact, making storage a little easier than before.
Ergonomics
Of all the saws I’ve tested over the years, I have to say that the feel of this saw is top-tier even among other Pro models. Milwaukee did away with the thumb safety lever and instead opted for a simple trigger lock. The grip itself is noticeably slimmer, and the front pommel grip is a little wider to give you more control during complex cuts. Moreover, they moved the front pommel into an offset position, which gives your arms more room during two-handed cuts.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Circular Saw 2834 vs 2732 Quick Comparison
| 2732 (Old) | 2834 (New) | |
|---|---|---|
| No-Load Speed | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Max Cut Depth at 90° | 2-9/16 in. | 2-5/8 in |
| Max Cut Depth at 45° | 1-7/8 in. | 2-1/16 in. |
| Bare Weight | 9.2 lbs | 8.6 lbs. |
| Width | 8 in. | 7.4 in. |
Additional Features
- Onboard tool storage
- LED work light
- Cut line blower
- Integrated rafter hook
- Magnesium shoe
- Compatible with all Milwaukee M18 batteries
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw Price
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2834 retails for $249 as a bare tool, and $449 as a kit. The kit includes a 12.0Ah Forge battery, a single port charger, and a storage tote. Milwaukee backs this saw with a 5-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
After some hands on time with the Milwaukee 2834, it’s clear to me the changes go far beyond just looks. Its performance didn’t waver during challenging cuts, and its overall look and feel earned it some high marks from our team, especially compare to its predecessor. While there is still plenty to love about the 2732, I think the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2834 circular saw makes a pretty strong case for an upgrade.
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