Milwaukee 7-1/4" Circular Saw

When I first picked up Milwaukee's 7-1/4" Circular Saw (model 2732-20), I was immediately struck by its solid construction and thoughtful design. This cordless saw is a real game-changer for anyone in carpentry, remodeling, or general contracting, offering the same muscle as a 15A corded saw with the added benefit of battery-powered mobility. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had ample time to test it out on various projects, and here’s my comprehensive take on what it brings to the table.

Build and Design

The saw's body is mainly comprised of durable magnesium guards and a shoe, contributing to both its lightweight and robust nature. Despite its power, the saw weighs in at a manageable 9.05 pounds (without the battery), making it easy to handle during extended periods of use. The integrated rafter hook is a neat feature that allows me to hang the saw easily when not in use, ensuring it's always within reach.

The electric brake is another standout feature, stopping the blade almost instantly when the trigger is released. This is not just a convenience but a significant safety feature, reducing the risk of accidental cuts.

Performance and Power

The heart of this circular saw is its brushless motor, which provides a high RPM of 5,800, making it a beast in terms of cutting speed and efficiency. From hardwoods to plywood, the saw cuts through materials like a hot knife through butter. I was particularly impressed when it handled a full-depth cut in hardwood without losing power or speed. The saw's capability to make up to 750 cuts per charge is a testament to its efficiency and the power of the M18 18V battery system.

For those concerned about precision, the saw doesn't disappoint. The bevel and height adjustments are easily accessible, and the markings are clear, making it straightforward to set up for different cuts. With a maximum bevel of 50 degrees, it offers enough versatility for a wide range of cutting tasks. However, I did notice that the depth adjustment gauge could be more user-friendly, as its markings are somewhat hard to see.

Usability and Ergonomics

One of the aspects of this saw that I found particularly useful is the integrated dust port. When connected to a vacuum, it drastically reduces the amount of airborne dust, making for a cleaner and safer work environment. This is especially beneficial when working indoors or in confined spaces. The LED light near the cut line is another small but highly appreciated feature, providing additional visibility in low-light conditions.

In terms of ergonomics, the saw is well-balanced, even when using larger batteries like the 12.0Ah. While the bigger battery does add some heft, making the saw noticeably heavier, it doesn't compromise the balance or comfort significantly. For most tasks, I found that a 5.0Ah battery struck the perfect balance between power and weight.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is always a critical factor for cordless tools, and the Milwaukee 7-1/4" Circular Saw doesn’t disappoint. Even with the smaller 5.0Ah battery, I managed to get through an entire day of intermittent cutting without needing a recharge. The 12.0Ah battery, though bulkier, extends this even further, making it suitable for more demanding tasks.

Charging is relatively quick, thanks to the rapid charger included in the kit. The 12.0Ah battery went from nearly empty to fully charged in about 100 minutes, which is impressive considering its capacity. However, the charger does get noticeably hot during this process, which is something to keep in mind.

Areas for Improvement

While this saw excels in many areas, it’s not without its minor flaws. The depth and bevel adjustment levers could benefit from more distinct markings, as the current setup requires a bit of squinting to read. Another small gripe is the included blade, which isn’t the best quality. I ended up swapping it out for a better one almost immediately. Lastly, while the saw’s safety interlock is effective, it does require a bit of a thumb stretch to engage, which can be slightly annoying over extended use.

Real-World Applications

In practical use, this saw has proven to be versatile and reliable. Whether it’s framing, demo work, or precision cuts for trim, it handles it all with ease. The freedom from cords is a significant advantage, allowing me to move freely around the job site without worrying about finding a power outlet or tripping over cords.

One application where this saw really shined was during a deck-building project. The combination of power, precision, and battery life made quick work of cutting through pressure-treated lumber. The dust port, when connected to a shop vac, kept the workspace relatively clean, which was a massive plus.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Milwaukee’s 7-1/4" Circular Saw is a formidable tool that lives up to its promise of delivering corded power in a cordless form. Its combination of power, precision, and thoughtful features makes it an excellent choice for professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts alike. While it has a few minor areas for improvement, they are far outweighed by its strengths.

Would I recommend this tool? Absolutely. Its robust performance, long battery life, and user-friendly design make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. If you’re looking for a cordless circular saw that can handle demanding tasks with ease, this one should be at the top of your list.