Milwaukee 8-1/4" Table Saw w/ One-Key™ Kit

The Milwaukee 8-1/4" Table Saw with One-Key Kit offers a blend of power, portability, and advanced features that cater to both professional carpenters and DIY enthusiasts. As someone who relies heavily on precision and ease of use in my tools, this table saw presented a compelling option for my woodworking projects.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this table saw is its robust yet portable design. Weighing just 41.6 lbs, it’s light enough to carry around the job site but sturdy enough to handle demanding tasks. The all-metal frame exudes durability, and the well-placed handle makes it relatively easy to transport. One downside, however, is that maneuvering it through tight spaces, like doorways, can be a bit tricky since you have to turn it sideways.

The onboard storage for accessories is a thoughtful addition, keeping everything I need within arm’s reach. However, the miter gauge and throat plate are somewhat lacking in quality. The miter gauge is basic and doesn’t glide as smoothly as one would expect, and the throat plate fits poorly, wobbling during cuts, which can affect the accuracy.

Performance

Performance-wise, this table saw does not disappoint. The 18V lithium-ion battery, especially the 12.0Ah High Output version, delivers impressive power that rivals many corded models. With a brushless POWERSTATE motor, it achieves up to 6300 RPM, making quick work of ripping through materials like plywood and 2x lumber. I was particularly impressed with its ability to rip full 4x8 sheets of plywood, thanks to its 24-1/2” rip capacity.

One of the standout features is the rack and pinion fence system, which ensures precise and consistent cuts. However, I did encounter issues with the fence locking mechanism. It doesn’t lock as tightly as I would like, causing the fence to drift slightly during cuts. This can be a safety concern and affect the accuracy of your work. Adjusting the tension helped somewhat, but it’s a flaw that could use improvement.

Battery Life

Battery life is a mixed bag with this saw. The 12.0Ah battery offers up to 600 linear feet of cutting per charge, which is commendable. However, for more intensive tasks, the battery drains quicker than expected. Having a second battery is almost a necessity to avoid downtime, especially if you’re working on projects that require prolonged use. The rapid charger is a must-have to keep you running throughout the day.

Ease of Use and Adjustments

Setting up the saw was straightforward, and I appreciated the tool-free guard and riving knife changes. The blade height and bevel adjustments are simple and quick, thanks to the intuitive dials. However, the initial calibration out of the box required some fine-tuning. I had to spend some time ensuring the blade was square to the table and adjusting the riving knife, which was a bit cumbersome due to the tight space around the adjustment screws.

Safety Features

Safety is always a priority, and this table saw includes several features to protect the user. The anti-kickback pawls and riving knife work effectively to minimize kickback, and the push stick is a welcome addition for keeping hands safe during cuts. The blade brake is another useful feature, bringing the blade to a stop quickly once the power is cut.

One-Key Technology

The One-Key compatibility is a modern touch that adds value, especially for professionals who need to track and manage their tools. The Bluetooth feature allows you to monitor the saw’s last known location, adding an extra layer of security. While this feature might not be essential for everyone, it’s a nice-to-have, particularly in larger job sites where tools can easily get misplaced.

Portability and Stand

Portability is one of the key selling points of this table saw. It’s compact and easy to carry, which is ideal for moving between job sites or working in limited spaces. However, the included stand leaves much to be desired. It’s functional but lacks the sturdiness and convenience of a gravity stand. The stand also had some issues with paint peeling and rust, which detracts from its overall quality.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee 8-1/4" Table Saw with One-Key Kit is a solid performer with a few notable drawbacks. Its power and portability make it an excellent choice for job site work and smaller workshops. The precision and ease of use are commendable, although the fence locking mechanism and accessory quality could be improved.

If you’re already invested in Milwaukee’s M18 battery system, this table saw will integrate seamlessly into your toolkit. The advanced features like the One-Key technology add value, especially for professionals. However, if you require absolute precision and a rock-solid fence, you might want to consider other options or be prepared to make some adjustments.

Would I recommend this table saw? Yes, but with reservations. It’s a powerful and versatile tool that excels in portability and ease of use, but it falls short in some areas that are crucial for precision work. If you can overlook or work around these flaws, it’s a worthy addition to your collection. Otherwise, you might find better alternatives that offer more stability and consistency in performance.