Best Milwaukee M18/M12 Circular Saws

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 6‑1⁄2‑inch cordless circular saw delivers 3,500 RPM power in a compact 8.1‑lb package for under $130, making it a solid budget pick for framing and finish work.

This saw’s standout spec is its 6.5‑inch carbide‑tipped blade paired with a 3,500 RPM brushed motor, giving you enough torque to cleanly slice 2‑by‑4s and LVL headers. The electronic brake stops the blade instantly, which professional reviewers cite as a safety boost on busy job sites.

Compared with the six other Milwaukee models in this roundup, the M18 6‑1⁄2‑inch is the most affordable and sits in the middle of the weight spectrum—lighter than the larger 4‑inch and 8‑inch metal‑cutting versions, but heavier than the compact M12 5‑3‑inch saw. Its 6.5‑inch blade is smaller than the 7¼‑inch blades on the 4‑inch and 8‑inch models, yet larger than the 5‑3‑inch blade on the M12, giving it a balanced cut‑depth of about 2.13 inches at 90°.

Users consistently praise the magnesium guard and aircraft‑aluminum shoe for durability and precision, and many note the saw’s reliable runtime when paired with an M18 battery. Common complaints focus on the bare‑tool configuration—buyers must add a battery and charger—and the 2.13‑inch maximum cut depth, which can limit full‑depth plunge cuts in thicker structural lumber. The 8.1‑lb weight is also mentioned as a factor in longer sessions.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Milwaukee M18 6‑1‑Inch Circular Saw offers Arbor Size: 5/8

Avoid if: You need to make deep plunge cuts in lumber thicker than 2 inches or prefer a fully bundled package.

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4‑in Circular Saw packs a brush‑less 5,800 RPM motor, 7.25″ blade and 50° bevel into a 9.2 lb cordless tool that feels like a corded 15 A saw.

What really sets this saw apart is its POWERSTATE brushless motor delivering a no‑load speed of 5,800 RPM, which professional reviewers say matches the performance of a 15 A corded unit. Coupled with a 7.25‑inch blade and a 2.5‑inch maximum cutting depth at 90°, the tool can handle full‑depth cuts on plywood and OSB without sacrificing speed.

Compared with the other six circular saws in the roundup, the M18 Fuel 4‑in is heavier than the compact M18 FUEL model that weighs 8.4 lb, but lighter than the 8‑inch metal‑cutting version at 14.7 lb. It also carries a higher price point than the smaller M18 6‑1‑in model, reflecting its larger blade and more robust construction. While the M12 5‑3‑in saw is noticeably lighter, the M18 Fuel 4‑in offers a larger arbor (0.625 in) and a deeper cut capacity, positioning it as a premium, job‑site‑ready option.

Users consistently praise the smooth‑adjusting depth and bevel knobs, the built‑in LED light, and the dust port that accepts a vac adaptor for cleaner cuts. The electric brake and spindle lock add safety and convenience, and the five‑year warranty gives professionals confidence in durability. However, field feedback notes that the tool feels “mid‑pack” in weight when paired with a large‑capacity battery, and some users miss the extra punch of newer 36 V dual‑battery competitors.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4‑in Circular Saw offers Arbor Size: 0.625 inches

Avoid if: You prioritize the lightest possible tool for overhead work or need the absolute lowest price.

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Metal Cutting Circular Saw packs a 3,900 RPM brushless motor, 370‑cut battery life and a lightweight 4.8 lb frame into a compact 7‑inch high tool, ideal for high‑volume metal work.

This saw’s standout spec is its no‑load speed of 3,900 RPM, which reviewers say translates into fast, burr‑free cuts in ferrous metal. Combined with a brushless POWERSTATE™ motor and REDLINK PLUS intelligence, the tool delivers the kind of performance usually reserved for corded units. The included 30‑tooth carbide‑tipped blade and 20 mm arbor let you tackle 5‑3/8″ to 5‑7/8″ metal blades right out of the box.

Compared with the other six Milwaukee models in this roundup, the M18 Fuel Metal Cutting saw is notably lighter—at 4.8 lb it undercuts the 4‑inch variants that weigh around 10 lb and the 8‑inch metal cutter that tops 14 lb. It also wins on compactness, standing only 7.0 in tall, 7.0 in wide and 14.0 in long, whereas the 8‑inch model stretches beyond 11 in in height and the 4‑inch versions sit over 9 in tall. On the downside, it offers a 0° bevel capacity, while the 4‑inch saws provide up to 50° of bevel, giving them more flexibility for angled cuts.

Professional reviewers highlight the tool’s industry‑leading runtime—370 cuts in 3/4″ EMT per charge, roughly 40 % more than comparable cordless saws. Everyday users echo this, praising the lightweight balance for overhead work and the clean cuts produced by the stock blade. The most common complaints revolve around the 2‑1/4 in cut capacity, which limits the saw to smaller‑diameter metal, and faster blade wear when slicing thicker or dirty stock. The lack of a bevel adjustment also means you’re stuck at a straight 90° cut.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Metal Cutting Circular Saw offers Arbor Size: 20 mm

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget, need heavy‑duty large‑diameter metal cutting, or require bevel capability for angled cuts

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4‑inch Circular Saw packs a brushless motor, 5800 RPM no‑load speed and up to 750 cuts per HD12.0 charge, but its 12.6 lb battery‑loaded weight can tire you on long jobs.

What really sets this saw apart is its POWERSTATE brushless motor delivering a no‑load speed of 5800 RPM and an equivalent power rating of 15 Amp, matching a heavy‑duty corded saw. The 7.25‑inch blade reaches a 2.5‑inch cutting depth at 90°, while a 50‑degree bevel lets you tackle angled cuts with confidence. An electric brake and built‑in rafter hook add safety and convenience, and the dust port with vac adapter helps keep the worksite clean.

Compared with the other six round‑up contenders, this model is heavier than the ultra‑light M12 Fuel 5‑3‑inch (4.6 lb) and the M18 Fuel 6‑1‑inch (8.1 lb), yet lighter than the beefier M18 Fuel 8‑inch Metal Cutting saw (14.7 lb). Its 13.75‑inch length sits between the compact 8.2‑inch height of the M18 FUEL 6‑1‑inch and the longer 16.5‑inch length of the M18 Fuel 4‑in version, giving it a balanced footprint without the bulk of the 16.5‑inch model.

Everyday users praise the saw’s fast rip speed—26.12 seconds to slice two sheets of OSB—and its durability on demanding framing jobs. Professional reviewers highlight the brushless motor, REDLINK PLUS protection and magnesium shoe as job‑site‑ready features. However, owners note that the 12.6 lb weight with battery can cause fatigue during extended overhead cuts, and the tool shines best when paired with a premium HD12.0 or XC6.0 battery.

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: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 6‑1⁄2″ circular saw packs a 6,000 RPM brushless motor, 300 cuts per charge and a lightweight 6.7 lb design for fast, precise framing cuts.

What really sets this saw apart is its 6.5‑inch blade paired with a 6,000 RPM no‑load speed and a 300‑cut runtime when paired with an HO6.0 battery. At just 6.7 lb without the battery and 8.75 lb with it, the tool feels light enough for overhead work yet solid enough for demanding framing tasks. The 5/8‑inch arbor and 50‑degree bevel capacity give you the flexibility to tackle most wood cuts, while the 2.25‑inch depth at 90 degrees and 1‑9⁄16‑inch depth at 45 degrees cover typical stud and joist dimensions.

Compared with the other six Milwaukee models in this roundup, the M18 FUEL sits in the middle of the weight spectrum—lighter than the 10‑lb M18 Fuel 4‑inch and 9‑lb M18 Fuel 4‑in saws, but heavier than the 4.6‑lb M12 Fuel 5‑3‑inch and the ultra‑light 4.8‑lb metal‑cutting variant. Its 6.5‑inch blade is larger than the 5‑3⁄8‑inch blade on the M12 model and matches the 6‑1⁄2‑inch blade on the M18 6‑1‑Inch saw, while offering a faster 6,000 RPM spin versus the 3,500 RPM of that sibling. The cut‑per‑charge figure of 300 also outpaces the 170‑190 cuts listed for the M12 version.

Reviewers consistently highlight the saw’s “lightweight maneuverability” and the long runtime that lets professionals stay on the job all day. Professionals note the 20 % power boost and 40 % faster cut speed as game‑changing for framing lumber like 2× PT and OSB. The most common criticism is an obstructed sight line at 90‑degree cuts, which can make square‑cut alignment trickier, and the right‑side blade location that some users find blocks their view.

The tool’s brushless POWERSTATE motor delivers the advertised power increase, while the electric brake stops the blade instantly for safety. Integrated dust collection with a vac adapter keeps the work area cleaner, and the LED work light adds visibility in dim spaces. Magnesium shoe and guard construction adds durability without adding bulk.

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 packs a brushless 18‑V motor, 4,000 RPM no‑load speed and a 2‑9/16″ cut depth, but its 14.7 lb weight and $322.95 price put it at the premium end of the lineup.

This saw’s most eye‑catching spec is the 8‑inch blade paired with a 4,000 RPM no‑load speed, delivering the torque needed to slice through metal quickly. Its cutting capacity of 2‑9/16 inches at 90° lets you handle thick steel plates without compromising accuracy, and the brushless motor promises consistent power throughout a job.

Compared with the six other Milwaukee M18 circular saws in this roundup, the 8‑inch model is noticeably heavier than the 4‑inch and 6‑1‑inch variants, which sit around 9–10 lb. It also carries a higher price tag than the majority of its peers, positioning it as the most premium‑priced option. However, its larger blade and faster no‑load speed give it a clear advantage for metal‑cutting tasks where the smaller saws simply lack the capacity.

Users have rewarded this tool with a perfect 5.0‑star rating across 122 reviews, indicating strong satisfaction despite the premium cost. Reviewers frequently mention the reliable brushless motor and the convenience of the cordless 18‑V system, while the spindle lock is praised for quick blade changes. The absence of dust collection and an electric brake are noted as trade‑offs for the raw cutting power.

Technically, the saw runs on Milwaukee’s REDLINK PLUS intelligence, which helps protect the motor from overload and overheating. The cordless design means you can work on sites without access to mains power, and the 18‑V lithium‑ion battery platform is shared across the M18 ecosystem, simplifying battery management for professionals who already own M18 tools.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 8‑Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw offers No‑Load Speed: 4,000 RPM

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M12 Fuel 5‑3/8 in Circular Saw packs a brushless 12 V motor, 3600 rpm speed and 190 cuts per charge into a 4.6 lb, ultra‑compact package for tight‑space jobs.

This saw’s standout spec is its lightweight aluminum housing at just 4.6 lb, combined with a 12 V brushless POWERSTATE motor that spins at 3600 rpm. The 5‑3/8 in blade and 0°‑50° bevel range let you tackle trim work, while the cut depth of 1‑5/8 in at 90° keeps the tool small enough to fit under low ceilings.

Compared with the six other Milwaukee models in this roundup, the M12 is the lightest—over 2 lb lighter than the M18 FUEL Circular Saw that weighs about 6.7 lb, and roughly half the weight of the M18 Fuel 4‑in model at 10 lb. It’s also the most compact, measuring 6.9 in tall, 10.9 in long and 5.8 in wide, whereas the M18 Fuel Metal Cutting Saw stretches 7 in tall and the 8‑in Metal Cutting version tops out at 11.6 in. In terms of cut capacity, the M12’s 1‑5/8 in depth falls short of the M18 Fuel 4‑in’s 2‑1/4 in at 90°, but its 190‑cut per charge figure is respectable next to the M18 FUEL’s 300‑cut claim.

Professional reviewers highlight the tool’s extreme portability and power density within the 12 V platform, noting that it was the first 12 V circular saw able to cut 2× lumber in a single pass. Users also appreciate the built‑in dust‑line blower, LED light and integrated storage hook for on‑site convenience. The main trade‑off is the limited 1‑5/8 in cutting depth, which makes the saw less suitable for thicker stock, and the 12 V system can feel less punchy than the 18 V counterparts for heavy‑duty ripping.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Milwaukee M12 Fuel 5-3-Inch Circular Saw offers Blade Size: 5-3/8 inch