Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20 represents a series of significant upgrades, differentiating it from the older Gen 2 circular saw you may be familiar with. These changes promise to make framers and remodelers very happy.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20 | Specifications
1. 750 Cuts Per Charge (M18 REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 battery)
2. 2-5/8″ Cut Capacity: Capability to cut 3x material in one pass
3. Bevel detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees
4. Depth detents at 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1-1/2”
5. Integrated dust port on guard and included vac adaptor
6. LED light
7. Integrated rafter hook
8. Magnesium shoe and guards
9. Electric brake
10. Length: 14 in
11. Weight: 7.9 lb.
12. Height: 8.5 in
13. Width: 7.4 in
14. Brushless motor
First Impression
When we first got the new Milwaukee Circular Saw, we put it side by side with the earlier Gen 2 model. The first thing we noticed was that the new saw was much smaller and lighter. Once we made a cut with the saw, my first comment was, “WOW, this cuts smooth!” More on that later.
Accuracy
Not that a lot of people check their saws, but when we checked in the shop, our saw was a perfect 90 and 45 degrees.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20 Updates
Compact Size
Milwaukee tossed out the Gen 2 design and redid this new saw inside and out. They shaved weight and size off the gear case, shoe plate, and upper and lower guards to get a more compact, lighter saw.
Support Handle
The support handle has been moved down in front of the motor. This was done to separate the hands further and create a better opportunity for user control of the saw.
Actuation Safety Trigger
The previous circular saw model had an ambidextrous button that needed to be depressed to activate the trigger and power on the saw. This safety annoyed many users, me included.
Having to actuate this button sometimes made it difficult to use the saw in some positions, like overhead cutting or cutting rafter tails. Milwaukee removed the old button, eliminating the need for a thumb depress.
They changed it to a lock on/off button. Now, when the button is turned on, the saw can be operated from the tool’s trigger without any other safety functions or activations needed.
Finger Guard
You’ll notice a large finger guard surrounding the trigger. This was done to help prevent items from hitting or wedging against the trigger and causing an accidental power-on situation. We found this guard large enough to fit a winter-gloved hand inside.
Blade Adjustment Depth Detents
One nice feature added was the addition of depth detents at 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1-1/2”. This is a little feature that users will appreciate, and once it becomes second nature, they will just feel or listen for the detents and go!
Bevel Lever
The old plastic knob has been replaced with a robust “old-school style” metal lever. The issue we’ve noticed on the older knob was that it often would get loose, fall off, and you’d lose the nut to hold it on. The new lever is securely attached and requires a ¼ rotation to loosen and a simple push down to lock. The saw has two detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees.
Blade Guard Geometry
The new saw has a flared guard end that was designed to eliminate hang-up and improve compound bevel, miter cuts, and thin cuts. We made several test cuts trying to catch up with the guard, and while you can occasionally get it to catch, its design is way better than the Gen 2 model.
LED Light
Milwaukee moved the LED light, and it now points to the cut line and saw blade. We noted that this new LED location really improved the cut line lighting.
Dust Port
I don’t know any tradesmen who use circular saws with dust collection, but it sure is nice to have the option. Milwaukee changed the outer port to have a universal adaptor and eliminate an extra part that the Gen 2 had—one less thing to lose.
Dust Blower
The dust blower uses the motor fan to channel air to three slots in the front of the saw and direct the air to the blade. The slots can be seen near the new LED light location.
Blade Wrench
Milwaukee ditched the old Allen wrench and went back to an old-school-style wrench, placing it in a more secure location, into the saw body just under the battery location. This location seems more secure than the older location and is way less likely to back out.
The wrench itself is bigger and gives the user more to hold onto. You’ll notice a prying section at the wrench’s end, which is a carryover from the old diamond cutouts on blades—even though Milwaukee is eliminating them for a 5/8” round arbor on all their saws.
Guard Spring
While not necessarily new, if you turn the saw upside down, you’ll see the guard safety spring is more visible than the Gen 2. Milwaukee uses what’s called a “Double Bugle Spring,” compared to many competitors that use a J-Spring.
The “Bugle Spring” cones-open on both ends and makes it far less likely for it to come loose under stress and usage. Milwaukee is committed to making safe products. They use the double bugle spring because it’s very reliable option and they test it to the extreme. The goal is to have a guard that always opens and closes properly!
Increased Bevel
The new Milwaukee saw now has the capacity to bevel to 57 degrees versus the Gen 2, which beveled to 53 degrees. The cut capacity does lessen at this angle, but the ability to make that angle cut can be helpful to many carpenters.
New Motor
We like to describe this new motor as power-dense in a smaller size. Milwaukee didn’t shave weight off the motor, instead opting to increase the copper windings, making it 1/10 lb. heavier than the older motor.
Here’s an interesting explanation of motor power:
- Gen 2 Saw #2732: Motor produces approximately 2,000 watts of power with a 12 Ah High Output battery.
- Gen 3 Saw #2834: Motor produces 2500-2600 watts of power with a 12 Ah High Output battery.
- Gen 3 Saw #2834: Motor produces 3200 watts of power with a 12 Ah FORGE battery.
Vent Slots Under Saw
If you look under the saw, you’ll see some vent slots. Vent slots are not new to Milwaukee saws, but these vents pull in cool air to cool off the saw’s components and electronics.
Using this Saw – My Thoughts
Using this saw, I immediately noticed how smooth and effortless it was to make cuts. The bevel adjustment is a standout feature, and I truly appreciate the expanded 57-degree range, which offers more versatility for various cutting angles. The smaller, lighter design makes the saw more maneuverable, and the elimination of the thumb safety actuation switch is a welcome change, allowing for easier operation. The new LED location is another highlight, significantly improving the illumination of the cut line compared to the older Gen 2 model. Additionally, the dust blower does an excellent job of clearing the cut line, ensuring better visibility during use.
The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts
The larger story here is that the new motor efficiency, updated electronics, and new batteries come together to give you a more powerful saw in a smaller footprint.
The following four core components all work together to enhance the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20’s performance
1. M18 Forge Batteries
Milwaukee now has more powerful tab-less cell batteries and all-new battery pack construction that can charge faster. They come in the following sizes: XC6.0, XC 8.0, XC 12.0.
2. M18 SUPER Battery Chargers
Active cooling technology COOLCYCLE forces air through compatible battery packs. This airflow can cool overheated batteries within 90 seconds to begin charging.
3. Motor
This is the most power-dense motor Milwaukee has ever created. It has an increase of 36% more copper in the stator windings while reducing the overall size by 15%.
4. Electronics
More robust circuit boards and thicker wires are necessary to handle the increased current flowing between the new batteries and more powerful motors.
The new M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE batteries offer enhanced power in a smaller, lighter design, while the M18 Dual Bay SUPERCHARGER cuts charging time dramatically with innovative cooling technology. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motors have been refined for greater efficiency and power, and the upgraded REDLINK PLUS electronics ensure seamless communication between these advanced components. These enhancements culminate in the new 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, delivering more power, higher RPM, and improved ergonomics in a lighter package, setting a new standard for the M18 lineup.
Price and Availability
ACME Tools offers the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw in two configurations:
- Bare Tool: $249
- Kitted: $449, which includes a charger, bag, and a 12Ah FORGE battery. Model # 2834-21HD.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20
249.00 bare tool | 446.00 kitted
Overall Impression | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20
We were blown away by the recent updates to this saw and immediately noticed the difference in power on the first cut. One of my crew described it as cutting “like a hot knife through butter.” Personally, I’d describe it differently. I’ve owned many pickup trucks, and I recently bought myself a used Audi Q5 as my personal car. This saw cuts with the power of my truck’s towing capacity but feels as smooth as cruising in my Audi.
Well done, Milwaukee.