Whether to use a cordless M18 FUEL or corded brushless circular saw depend on how you work. If your job require moving around with no access to power strip, go for battery powered version. If you plan to always plug into the wall at your work area, grab the corded 15-amp version.
Both will make quick work of cutting through wood and create piles of saw dust, but they do it different. They’re not really about cutting faster then each other; both saw framers’ lumber just fine. It’s more about your style of work what else you need to bring along, where you’ll be working, etc. You’re choosing a tool that allow a certain way of working.
How to Choose the Right Milwaukee Circular Saw
Corded vs Cordless Performance Differences
But what about the other? What’s so great about this corded version from Milwaukee? For one thing, it has an unlimited run time.
Plug it in and you can go all day long with no need to check the battery level or swap batteries out. It use a permanent split capacitor motor that runs at steady speed even when loaded down. This is really important when ripping long sheets of plywood or making super-accurate crosscut, and it give you consistent operation for accurate cuts.
Mobility and Portability Benefits
And because the motor are also lighter and smaller than similarly powered cordless version, there is less vibration and better balance in your hands. It is portable. Even though it’s compact, the M18 FUEL have the power of a corded vacuum cleaner thanks to the Brushless Motor.
No more planning routes based off extension cord reach. You can get wherever you need to go… Whether it’s up and down a ladder or across a large floor surface.
The ability to roam freely make this a great tool for those who must be on-the-move throughout their day. But with the M18 FUEL, you’ll need a battery rotation plan to keep from losing momentum. But there’s still one big problem with cordless: range anxiety.
Battery Management and Runtime
A single battery pack isn’t going to get you all day long on a big framing job or through a whole wall. You’ll want a couple or even three high capacity (9.0 or 5.0 amp hour) batteries and a rotation system. This will help you keep working and not gets slowed down by a lack of batteries.
Otherwise you’ll be waiting for charge time, killing your momentum and slowing your progress.
Precision and Motor Response
For those who like precision cutting, the corded solution win because of its instantaneous response. Squeeze the trigger and the corded saw is at full RPM immediately.
With the M18 FUEL there’s a bit of lag as the controller ramp up the motor. That make no noticeable difference on general framing work, but can make a difference with complex cabinetry or other fine finish work. You have slightly tighter control over detail cuts since the corded saw react more directly to your input.
Durability and Build Quality
Both tools is also built well. They’re made for abuse. The magnesium guards resist rust and the hardened steel gears is meant to take the hits.
You drop them off of scaffolding and they keeps on working. Since the corded tool has fewer electronic part than the battery version, there is less to wear out, such as circuit boards or battery management systems. Simple makes for reliabel in the long run.
Cost Analysis and Ecosystem
If you’re new to the Milwaukee line, then price may be a consideration. A corded saw will be less expensive initially since it’s just the tool plus a power cord. If you don’t already have batteries and chargers, then you’ll need to invest in that as well for the M18 FUEL.
That said, once you’ve got your battery ecosystem going, the cost per additional tool goes down. But the corded model is still going to be more affordable at first for one purchase. It should of been noted.
Final Recommendation Based on Work Style
So what does this mean? Pick the right tool for the conditions of your work space. If you’re doing finish work and need everything to be absolutely consistent, then go with the corded Milwaukee, as it has more power and is very reliabel and affordable.
But if you move around a lot working on roofs or framing houses on large sites, then get the M18 FUEL because it will have the range to work anywhere on the site and not be tied down. Both are great tools, so pick the one that works best for how you actualy do your job.