Milwaukee M18 Cordless Circular Saw Review 2630-20
The Milwaukee 2630-20 is my pick for Best Budget of cordless circular saws. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its features and benefits to find out why I think it’s the best model if you’re on a budget.
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What’s in the Box?
If you purchase the 2630-20 as a bare tool, it comes with the 2630-20 saw, a 6 ½” 24 tooth carbide-tipped blade, and an allen wrench for changing the blade. As part of the ever expanding Milwaukee M18 platform, it is compatible with all Milwaukee 18-volt batteries. The 2630-22 is also available in a kit, which includes the saw, blade, wrench, 2.) 5.0 ah batteries, charger and contractor bag.
How Much Power Does It Have?
While the Milwaukee has a little less power and a slower blade speed that the DeWalt DCS391, it’s 3,500 RPMs are adequate to make clean accurate cuts in a variety of materials. The upside to having a little less power is a slightly lighter, nimbler tool. And you’ll be surprised at how quiet this saw is.
Bevel Capacity
The 2630-20 can make cuts anywhere between 0-50°. The degrees are marked clearly and adjusting the angle is smooth and easy. Unlock and lock the shoe with a turn of the lever. The 6 ½” blade can make a beveled cut through 2X material in one pass with set at 45° without bogging down.
Depth of Cut
Setting the depth of cut is done by unlocking the lever and sliding the base shoe up or down.
Base Shoe
The base shoe is made from aircraft aluminum and has nice deep etched lines that are easy to read.
Changing Blades
When it’s time to change blades, you’ll appreciate the onboard allen wrench holder in the front handle that securely attaches it to the tool. Nothing worse than trying to change the blade and having to search around for the wrench. Depressing the spindle lock button makes changing blades super-fast and easy.
Safety Features
This saw is well balanced and lightweight. The rubber over grip makes the handle comfortable and the on/off trigger requires one of the safety buttons to be pushed down with your thumb in order to start the saw. This safety switch is a must have feature on any cordless saw. For those of us that like to throw the saw in the tool box without removing the battery, there are no worries about the saw inadvertently starting up on its own. It also has an electric brake that stops the blade quickly after releasing the trigger.
Battery Indicator
Milwaukee’s 18-volt batteries have these nifty indicator lights to show you how much charge is left in the battery.
Battery Fuel Gauge Indicator
When you press the button, all four red lights mean full charge. Three lights signal 75% of full charge, two means 50% and one light means less than 25%.
How does it Perform?
The Milwaukee 2630-20 is everything that you want in a cordless saw at a super reasonable price. While it certainly isn’t going to replace your corded model for framing all day long, it’s a great tool for any job where you need extreme portability or the convenience of not having to roll out a cord. The cutting accuracy is great and the blade on the left side allows you to clearly see the cut line.
If you’re a budget conscious pro looking for a solid cordless circular saw that will stand up to daily use and abuse, or a weekend DIY-er wanting a versatile pro grade tool, you can’t go wrong with the 2630-20.
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