Big Thing in a 5-3/8" Package: Milwaukee Expands 12V Range with Milwaukee M12 Fuel Circular Saw
The big news from Milwaukee is the small size of the latest Milwaukee M12 Fuel Circular Saw. This one only has a 5-3/8 inch blade. This translates to a cutting capacity of 1-5/8 inches. As you may have guessed, this is exactly what you need to cut 2x material. You can also guess that this leads to weight loss as well.
"In the past, 12V users needed to carry an 18V or corded circular saw to complete cuts in most common jobsite materials. Capable of making 170 cuts in a 2×4, the M12 FUEL 5-3/8" circular saw delivers performance and runtimes comparable to Comparable to larger tools at a fraction of the size and weight. "
Tom Simeone, Director of Product Management, Milwaukee Tool
Performance
Well, how much does it help us to know that it has the ability to cut 2x the material? Well, since most construction site circular saws cut 2x or less material, Milwaukee bets it will help us a lot. There are even some uses in 4x material. To make a single cut, you'll need to use a full-size miter saw or make two cuts with a 7-1/4-inch circular saw. So you don't really lose the 2x and 4x crosscuts.
Restrictions will appear on bevel cuts, but nothing more. With that in mind, you might want to check out the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Circular Saw. However, for most applications this will be an excellent lightweight solution, with the advantage of using brushless motors on the M12 platform. While other 5-3/8" circular saws rely on an 18V battery platform, it looks like Milwaukee is the first to have an effective solution on a 12V platform. The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Circular Saw is available as a bare tool (2530-20) or as an included M12 Supplied in kit of 4.0 XC battery, multi-voltage charger, blade, blade wrench and tool bag (2530-21XC).
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Circular Saw Specifications
- Model: 2530-20, -21
- Power supply: M12 red lithium battery pack
- Blade Size: 5-3/8"
- Arbor: 10 mm (0.39 in)
- No-load speed: 3600 RPM
- Maximum cutting depth: 1-5/8″
- Bevel capacity: 50 degrees
- Weight: 5.35 lbs
- Warranty: 5-year limited
- Price: $149 bare metal, $249 kit