Milwaukee 10" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Kit

As a professional carpenter, I've had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of tools, and recently, I spent some time using the Milwaukee 10" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Kit (model 2734-21HD). With a mix of excitement and skepticism, I approached this tool, eager to see if it could live up to the reputation Milwaukee has built over the years. Here’s my detailed take on how it performed in real-world conditions.

Design and Build Quality

The saw boasts a POWERSTATE Brushless motor, which is a hallmark of Milwaukee’s M18 line, promising extended runtime and durability. The saw is relatively lightweight at 45 lbs, making it more portable than many of its corded counterparts. The top and side carrying handles certainly aid in its portability, a feature I found particularly useful when moving between job sites.

The overall construction feels sturdy, with a robust stainless steel detent plate and a cam locking miter system that ensures the saw stays locked in place during cuts. However, the plastic components, particularly around the dust collection system, felt less durable. The rear hose attachment point and the plastic behind the rubber dust chute seemed particularly vulnerable to damage.

Cutting Performance

Out of the box, the saw required some calibration. Both the miter and bevel settings were slightly off by about half a degree, which is critical for precision work. Once adjusted, the saw performed admirably on straightforward cuts. The shadow cut line indicator is a fantastic feature, providing a clear, accurate guide that I found more reliable than the laser guides on some other models.

However, when it came to more complex cuts, particularly those involving both miter and bevel angles, the saw's performance was less impressive. The sliding mechanism, while smooth initially, developed a noticeable flex over time. This flex can lead to inaccuracies, especially on compound cuts. During my usage, I had to be extremely mindful of applying consistent pressure to avoid deviations, which isn’t ideal for a professional setting where speed and accuracy are paramount.

Battery Life and Power

One of the highlights of this saw is its cordless nature, powered by the M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT battery. I was able to get through a significant amount of work on a single charge, including cutting through 2x12s and other substantial materials. Milwaukee claims up to 400 cuts per charge, which might be a bit optimistic depending on the material, but the battery life was impressive nonetheless.

However, as the battery depletes, there is a noticeable drop in power. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it's something to be aware of, especially if you’re working on a larger project without immediate access to recharge.

Dust Collection

Dust collection is often a weak point for miter saws, and this model is no exception. Despite having a vacuum hooked up, a considerable amount of sawdust still escaped, making cleanup more cumbersome than I would have liked. The design of the dust chute could benefit from some improvements to better capture the debris directly at the source.

Ease of Use

Setting up the saw was straightforward, and the controls for adjusting bevel and miter settings are intuitive. The bevel adjustment lever is easily accessible, and the detent override allows for precise miter settings. Despite these user-friendly features, the saw’s slide mechanism felt less refined. It’s crucial to ensure that the saw is well-maintained to avoid the sticking and jamming issues that can arise from dust and debris buildup in the slide bearings.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is a mixed bag with this saw. While the core components like the motor and detent plate are built to last, the sliding mechanism and dust collection components left me with some concerns. Over time, the flex in the sliding mechanism can affect the saw’s accuracy, which is a critical factor for professional use.

Final Verdict

Would I recommend the Milwaukee 10" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Kit? It depends on your specific needs. For a professional finish carpenter, the flex in the slide mechanism and the challenges with maintaining precise cuts on compound angles are significant drawbacks. If absolute precision and durability are paramount, you might find better options available.

However, for general carpentry, framing, and tasks that don’t require laser-sharp precision, this saw is a solid performer. Its portability, battery life, and overall cutting power make it a valuable tool for job sites where mobility and ease of setup are crucial. The shadow cut line indicator is a standout feature, and the saw’s overall ease of use makes it accessible for a range of users.

In summary, while the Milwaukee 10" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Kit has its strengths, it also has notable weaknesses that could be deal-breakers for some professionals. If you prioritize portability and cordless convenience over absolute precision, this saw could be a worthwhile addition to your toolkit. For those who need impeccable accuracy and durability for finish carpentry, you might want to look elsewhere.