Best Cordless Milwaukee M18/M12 Circular Saws

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4‑in Circular Saw packs a brush‑less 5,800 RPM motor, 2.5 in depth at 90°, and cordless freedom in a solid 9.2‑lb package, making it a top choice for pro framing work.

At the core of the 2732‑20 is a POWERSTATE™ brushless motor that spins at 5,800 RPM no‑load, delivering the equivalent of a 15 A corded saw. With a 7.25‑in blade and a 2.5‑in cutting depth at 90°, it can rip full‑depth cuts up to 69.25 in in a single pass. The tool weighs 9.2 lb and runs off the M18 18 V REDLITHIUM system, giving you cordless flexibility without sacrificing power.

Compared with the other five circular saws in this roundup, the M18 Fuel 4‑in sits in the middle of the weight spectrum: it’s heavier than the ultra‑light M12 5‑3‑Inch model but noticeably lighter than the 8‑inch metal‑cutting version, which tips the scales at over 14 lb. Its 5,800 RPM no‑load speed outpaces the 4,000 RPM of the 8‑inch metal cutter and the 3,900 RPM of the 5‑inch metal‑cutting saw, while matching the speed of the similarly sized 4‑inch peer. Blade diameter and arbor size (7.25 in and 0.625 in) are identical to the other 4‑inch option, but the M18 Fuel adds a higher cutting depth at 90°.

Field professionals praise the smooth‑action blade guard and the ease of adjusting depth and bevel knobs, noting that the tool feels as reliable as a corded unit on OSB and plywood. Users also highlight the dust port with vac adaptor, which keeps the work area cleaner. The electric brake and spindle lock are repeatedly mentioned as safety boosters that speed up job turnover. On the downside, reviewers point out that the saw becomes a mid‑pack weight of about 12.6 lb when paired with a large 12 Ah battery, leading to fatigue on extended overhead cuts.

Beyond raw power, the saw ships with an included 7.25‑in blade and benefits from REDLINK PLUS intelligence, which protects the motor from overloads. A five‑year warranty underscores Milwaukee’s confidence in durability, and the magnesium blade guard adds extra resilience on tough jobsite conditions.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-in Circular Saw offers Arbor Size: 5/8 inches

Avoid if: You prioritize the lightest possible tool for prolonged overhead work or need a ultra‑compact saw for tight spaces.

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Metal Cutting Circular Saw packs a brushless 3,900 RPM motor, lightweight 4.8‑lb design and a 30T carbide blade for fast, cordless metal cuts, though its 2‑¼‑in. depth limits heavy‑duty work.

This saw’s standout spec is its 3,900 RPM no‑load speed, which the manufacturer touts as the fastest in its class. Coupled with a POWERSTATE™ brushless motor and REDLINK PLUS intelligence, the tool delivers up to 370 cuts in ¾‑in. EMT on a single charge, a claim echoed by professional reviewers who praise its “fastest cutting speeds in class.” The included 30‑tooth carbide‑tipped blade and integrated LED light further streamline metal‑working tasks.

Compared with the other five Milwaukee models in this roundup, the M18 Fuel Metal Cutting saw is the lightest at 4.8 lb, while the 4‑inch and 4‑in versions tip the scales around 10 lb and the 8‑inch metal cutter weighs about 14.7 lb. Its blade size (5‑3/8 in. to 5‑7/8 in.) is smaller than the 7‑1/4 in. blades on the 4‑inch models and the 8‑in. blade on the larger metal cutter, which explains its more modest 2‑¼‑in. cut capacity. The M12 Fuel 5‑3‑in. saw is similarly lightweight but offers a variable bevel up to 50°, a feature the M18 Fuel Metal Cutting saw lacks (0° bevel). The M18 FUEL Circular Saw (B0DBSR4MGF) carries a larger 6‑1/2 in. blade and a comparable 2‑¼‑in. depth, but it is heavier at 8.4 lb.

User sentiment consistently highlights the tool’s battery endurance and clean cuts, especially for overhead jobs where the 4.8‑lb balance shines. A common complaint is rapid blade wear when tackling thicker or dirty metal, and the fixed 0° bevel means angled cuts aren’t possible. Professional reviewers also note the limited 2‑¼‑in. depth restricts the saw from handling larger structural steel.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Metal Cutting Circular Saw offers Arbor Size: 20 mm

Avoid if: You need to cut large‑diameter metals or require bevel adjustments beyond 90°

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4‑inch Circular Saw packs 15 A corded‑equivalent power, a brushless 5800 RPM motor and up to 750 cuts per HD12.0 battery, but its 12.6 lb weight makes it a heavier, professional‑grade tool.

This model’s standout spec is its 15 Amp equivalent power, which the manufacturer rates as matching a corded 15 A saw while delivering a no‑load speed of 5800 RPM. Paired with a 7‑1/4‑inch blade and a 50° bevel capacity, it can reach a max cutting depth of 2.5 inches at 90° and 1‑7/8 inches at 45°, giving you solid material removal in a single pass.

Compared with the other five saws in this roundup, it sits at the heavier end: the M12 Fuel 5‑3‑Inch model weighs just 4.6 lb, while the Metal Cutting version is 4.8 lb. The standard M18 Fuel 4‑in model from the same line matches its 10.0‑lb weight, and the larger 8‑inch metal‑cutting saw tops out at 14.7 lb. In length, the 13.75‑inch body is longer than the compact M12 and the M18 Fuel Metal Cutting saw, but shorter than the 16.5‑inch version of the same 4‑in series.

Professional reviewers praise the brushless POWERSTATE motor and REDLINK PLUS intelligence for handling tough framing jobs without overheating. Users repeatedly note the electric brake and integrated rafter hook as productivity boosters, while the dust port with a vac adapter helps keep the jobsite cleaner. However, many comment that the 12.6‑lb weight with battery leads to fatigue during extended overhead cuts, and that you need a premium HD12.0 or XC6.0 battery to unlock the full 750‑cut runtime.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-inch Circular Saw offers Arbor Size: 5/8 inches

Avoid if: you need a lightweight tool for tight spaces or light‑DIY projects

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 6‑1/2″ cordless circular saw packs a brushless 6,000 RPM motor, 5/8″ arbor and 300‑cut battery life into a 6.7 lb tool for just $154.99, making it the most capable budget option for wood framing.

What really sets this saw apart is its 6,000 RPM no‑load speed paired with a POWERSTATE brushless motor that delivers up to 20 % more power and 40 % faster cut speeds than earlier models. The 5/8 in arbor accepts a 6.5 in blade, giving a 2.25 in cutting depth at 90 ° and 1.56 in at 45 °, while the 50 ° bevel range and 22.5°/45° detents let you dial in angles quickly. At 6.7 lb (bare) and 8.75 lb with a battery, the saw feels light enough for overhead work yet solid enough for framing jobs.

Compared with the other five Milwaukee saws in this roundup, the M18 FUEL is lighter than the 4‑in M18 model that weighs around 10 lb and heavier than the compact M12 5‑3‑in version at 4.6 lb. Its 6,000 RPM spin is notably faster than the 3,900 RPM of the metal‑cutting 5‑in saw and the 4,000 RPM of the 8‑in metal cutter, while its 6.5 in blade sits between the 5‑3/8 in blade of the M12 and the 7‑1/4 in blade of the larger 4‑in model. The 300‑cut per charge figure outpaces the M12’s 170‑190 cuts, and the integrated dust port with vac adapter isn’t found on the lighter models.

Everyday users rave about the saw’s “lightweight maneuverability” and “long runtime” that lets them finish a day of framing without swapping batteries. Professional reviewers point out the 20 % power boost and fast 6,000 RPM spin as key reasons it handles 2× PT and OSB with confidence. The main gripe is an obstructed sight line at 90 ° cuts, which can make square‑cut alignment tricky, and the right‑side blade location sometimes blocks the view for some users.

Best for: Buyers in the budget price range seeking the best quality at that price point — the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Circular Saw offers Arbor Size: 5/8 inches

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 8‑Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw earns a perfect 5‑star rating, cuts up to 2‑9/16 in of metal, and packs a brushless 4000 RPM motor, but its $322.95 price and 14.7 lb weight place it in the premium tier.

This saw’s standout spec is the 8‑inch blade paired with a 2‑9/16 in cut capacity, letting you tackle thick metal quickly. A brushless motor spins at a no‑load speed of 4,000 RPM, delivering fast, consistent cuts without the heat buildup of brushed designs.

At 14.7 lb it is heavier than the M18 Fuel 4‑in Circular Saw (10.0 lb) and the M18 Fuel Metal Cutting Circular Saw (4.8 lb), and also heavier than the M18 FUEL Circular Saw (8.4 lb). Its 16.9 in length exceeds the 13.75 in length of the 4‑in model and the 14.0 in length of the dedicated metal‑cutting saw, giving it a more substantial feel but also a larger footprint.

Users have awarded it a flawless 5.0/5 rating across 122 reviews, praising its cutting power and durability on metal projects. Professional reviewers note that the brushless motor provides strong torque, which translates to reliable performance on demanding cuts. The tool runs on an 18‑V lithium‑ion pack, offers REDLINK PLUS overload protection, and delivers up to 120 ft of corrugated decking runtime per charge. A spindle lock simplifies blade changes, though the unit lacks dust collection and a laser guide.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 8-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw offers Cut Capacity: 2-9/16 inches

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $322.95

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M12 Fuel 5‑3/8‑inch circular saw packs a brushless motor, 3600 RPM no‑load speed and up to 190 cuts per charge into a 4.6‑lb, ultra‑compact package, ideal for tight‑space jobs on a budget.

This saw’s most distinctive trait is its lightweight, handheld design – it weighs just 4.6 lb and measures 6.9 in tall, 10.9 in long and 5.8 in wide. Coupled with a 5‑3/8‑inch blade and a 0.394‑inch arbor, it delivers a respectable cutting depth of 1.6 in at 90° and 1.1 in at a 45° bevel, all while spinning at a no‑load speed of 3600 RPM.

Compared with the other five circular saws in this roundup, the M12 is the most portable. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Circular Saw, for example, tips the scales at about 8.4 lb and carries a larger 6‑1/2‑inch blade, giving it deeper cuts of over 2 in. The M18 Fuel 4‑inch model and the metal‑cutting variants also weigh more and feature larger blades, so they can handle thicker material but sacrifice the maneuverability that the M12 offers.

Professional reviewers praise the M12’s “extreme portability” and note that its POWERSTATE brushless motor provides up to twice the motor life of comparable tools. Users also highlight the high cut count – up to 190 cuts per charge with an XC5.0 battery – as a real productivity boost on the jobsite. The main criticisms focus on its limited 1.6‑in cutting depth, which makes it unsuitable for thicker lumber, and the 12‑V platform that can feel under‑powered next to the 18‑V M18 line.

Beyond raw specs, the saw includes REDLINK PLUS overload protection, a spindle lock for easy blade changes, an integrated storage hook and a cut‑line blower for dust management. The comfort‑grip handle and aluminum housing add durability without adding bulk, though it does lack a laser guide and an electric brake.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Milwaukee M12 Fuel 5‑3‑Inch Circular Saw offers No-Load Speed: 3600 rpm