Milwaukee 10" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

As a professional carpenter and avid DIY enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to test numerous miter saws, both corded and cordless. Recently, I spent several weeks working with the Milwaukee 10" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, model 2734-20. This cordless saw is part of Milwaukee's M18 line, known for its power and portability, and it certainly has a lot to offer. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the first thing that struck me was the solid build quality. The saw feels robust and well-constructed, a hallmark of Milwaukee tools. Weighing in at 45 pounds, it’s not the lightest miter saw on the market, but it strikes a good balance between portability and stability. The top and side handles make it relatively easy to carry around the job site, although it’s not something you’d want to lug around all day.

Performance

The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers a commendable 4,000 RPM, making quick work of various materials, from soft pine to harder oak and composite decking. I was particularly impressed with the cutting capacity. It can handle a 2x12 at 90 degrees and a 2x8 at 45 degrees, which is more than sufficient for most carpentry tasks.

Cutting Accuracy

Accuracy is paramount in finish carpentry, and this is where the Milwaukee saw has both strengths and weaknesses. The Shadow Cut Line LED light is a fantastic feature. It projects a clear shadow of the blade, allowing for precise cuts. I found this to be more reliable than traditional laser guides, especially in bright outdoor conditions.

However, I did encounter some issues with the miter and bevel adjustments. Despite the adjustable stainless steel detent plate, I noticed that the detents were not always accurate. The saw sometimes cut slightly off-angle, which necessitated frequent recalibrations. Additionally, the slider bars exhibited some flex, which affected the consistency of the cuts. This is particularly problematic when making fine miter cuts for crown molding or baseboards.

Ease of Use

One of the standout features is the ease of adjustments. The bevel adjustments are easily accessible, and the miter lock lever is straightforward to use. The saw also comes with a quick-release system for blade changes, which is a time-saver on the job site.

Battery Life

Battery life is another critical factor for a cordless tool. Milwaukee claims up to 400 cuts per charge with their 9.0 Ah battery. While I didn’t keep an exact count, I found the battery life to be impressive. I used the saw for several full days of work without needing to recharge. However, it’s worth noting that the battery life will significantly decrease when cutting harder materials or making larger cuts.

Dust Collection

Dust collection is a mixed bag with this saw. The dust port is not particularly effective at capturing sawdust, especially when not connected to a vacuum. This can be a concern if you’re working indoors or in a confined space. The dust tends to scatter, making cleanup a bit of a chore.

Durability

Over a few weeks of rigorous use, the saw held up well, but I did notice some wear on the sliding mechanism. The bearings seemed to collect dust and debris, which affected the smoothness of the slide. This is something to keep an eye on if you’re planning to use the saw heavily.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Motor: The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers excellent performance.
• Portability: Reasonably lightweight with convenient carrying handles.
• Shadow Cut Line: Provides precise and reliable cut lines.
• Battery Life: Impressive battery life, especially with higher capacity batteries.

Cons:

• Accuracy Issues: Detents and sliding mechanism can cause inconsistent cuts.
• Dust Collection: Ineffective dust collection system.
• Durability of Slider: Potential long-term issues with the sliding mechanism.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend the Milwaukee 10" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw? It depends on your specific needs. If you’re a professional carpenter or contractor who values portability and the convenience of a cordless tool, this saw has a lot to offer. It’s powerful, reasonably lightweight, and has a long battery life. The Shadow Cut Line is a fantastic feature that enhances cutting accuracy.

However, if you require absolute precision for fine carpentry work, you might find the accuracy issues and the flex in the sliding mechanism frustrating. The dust collection system is also a letdown, especially for indoor work.

In summary, the Milwaukee 2734-20 is a solid choice for general carpentry and rough cuts but falls short for detailed finish work. If you can live with its quirks, it can be a valuable addition to your tool arsenal. For those who demand pinpoint accuracy, you might want to consider other options or keep this as a secondary saw for less precise tasks.