Before I draw a comparison between Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 circular saw. I would like to tell you what models are available in M18 circular saws in these sizes.
Milwaukee M18 7-1/4″ circular saw & 6-1/2″ circular saw are available in FUEL & Non-FUEL models. You can also check the difference between FUEL & Non-FUEL Milwaukee tools.
| Saw Size | M18 Fuel Model | M18 Standard Model |
|---|---|---|
| 7-1/4″ | Available | Available |
| 6-1/2″ | Available | Available |
NOTE: M18 Milwaukee tools use an 18 V battery, While the M12 Milwaukee tools use a 12 V battery.
There are some important factors that you should consider before buying any circular saw. I will compare each factor between 7-1/4″ and 6-1/2″ circular saws in this blog post. By the end of this blog post, you will be able to make your own decision.
- Selection Factors between M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
- 1. Weight of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
- 2. Depth of Cut of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
- 3. Dimensions of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
- 4. Battery of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
- 5. Blade Orientation of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
- 6. No Load RPM of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
- 7. Dust Port Attachment: Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
- 8. Price of Milwaukee: M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
- Conclusion
Selection Factors between M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
1. Weight of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
The weight of any tool can matter a lot, especially for a DIYer or newbie in this business. The M18 6-1/2″ circular saw is much lighter than M18 7-1/4″ circular saw. The weight (Without battery) of the latest Milwaukee M18 FUEL & Non-FUEL circular saw is summarized in the below table.
| Saw Size (Model No.) | Product Type | Weight in Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 6-1/2″ (2730-20) | FUEL | 6.80 |
| 6-1/2″ (2630-20) | Non-FUEL | 8.50 |
| 7-1/4″ (2732-20) | FUEL Top Handle | 10.75 |
| 7-1/4″ (2830-20) | FUEL Rear Handle | 9.87 |
| 7-1/4″ (2631-20) | Non-FUEL Top Handle | 7.5 |
2. Depth of Cut of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
The maximum depth of cut of a 7-1/4″ Milwaukee M18 circular saw is 2-1/2″ at 90° and 1-7/8″ at 45°. For a 6-1/2″ Milwaukee M18 circular saw, it is 2-3/16″ at 90° and 1-5/8″ at 45°. It is greater for a 7-1/4″ circular saw because of its greater blade size.
| Saw Size | Maximum Cut Depth at 90° | Maximum Cut Depth at 45° |
|---|---|---|
| 7-1/4″ | 2-1/2″ | 1-7/8″ |
| 6-1/2″ | 2-3/16″ | 1-5/8″ |
The difference is 0.31″ for 90° cut and 0.25″ for 45° cut between these sizes. This difference can be significant if you work on a project requiring deeper cuts. You must consider this factor before planning on buying one.
3. Dimensions of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
Dimension is another important factor that should be considered for a circular saw. The smaller circular saw provides easy maneuverability. The dimensions of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 and 6-1/2 are summarized in the table below.
| Saw Size (Model No.) | Dimension Inches (L x H x W) |
|---|---|
| 6-1/2″ (2730-20) | 13.5 x 10.0 x 7.5 |
| 6-1/2″ (2630-20) | 13.5 x 8.5 x 7.5 |
| 7-1/4″ (2732-20) | 13.8 x 11.5 x 8.0 |
| 7-1/4″ (2830-20) | 18.9 x 7.9 x 8.0 |
| 7-1/4″ (2631-20) | 13.8 x 11 x 7.0 |
4. Battery of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
The 7-1/4 is a larger saw, and obviously, it requires a larger battery, 6-1/2″ uses a smaller battery. The estimated run time is also high for a 7-1/4″ circular saw because of a larger battery.
| Saw Size (Model No.) | Battery (Recommended) | Estimated Run Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6-1/2″ (2730-20) | XC4.0/XC5.0 | ~ 45 minutes |
| 6-1/2″ (2630-20) | XC4.0/XC5.o | ~ 45 minutes |
| 7-1/4″ (2732-20) | HD12.0 | ~ 70 minutes |
| 7-1/4″ (2830-20) | HD12.0 | ~ 70 minutes |
| 7-1/4″ (2631-20) | XC5.0 | ~ 45 minutes |
The estimated charge time for each battery with different charger types is summarized in the below table.
- Compatible with all M18™ & M12™ batteries.
- 80% charge indicator: the charger slowly flashes green when the battery reaches 80% state of charge.
- Charges batteries up to 4x faster.
- Integrated hang holes.
- Sequential charging: automatically charges the second inserted pack once the first pack is fully charged.
- REDLINK™ Intelligence: Charger Communicates with the Battery Pack to Ensure Optimum Performance and Extend Life.
- Compatible with all M12™ and M18™ batteries.
- Charges batteries up to 40% faster.
- Sequential charging: automatically charges the second inserted pack once the first pack is fully charged.
- REDLINK™ Intelligence: Charger Communicates with the Battery Pack to Ensure Optimum Performance and Extend Life.
- Compatible with all M18™ & M12™ batteries.
- BATTERY COMMUNICATION: The charger has a chip that communicates with its batteries, keeping track of how much they have charged. It saves you power by reducing the charge produced as the battery reaches full charge.
- SEQUENTIAL CHARGING
- INDICATOR LIGHTS
5. Blade Orientation of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
Blade orientation is not that important, but some people prefer it. Right-handed people prefer to have the blades on the left side of the saw handle, and vice versa for left-handed people.
The table below summarizes blade orientation for all the Milwaukee M18 circular saw models.
| Saw Size (Model No.) | *Blade Side |
|---|---|
| 6-1/2″ (2730-20) | Left |
| 6-1/2″ (2630-20) | Left |
| 7-1/4″ (2732-20) | Right |
| 7-1/4″ (2830-20) | Left |
| 7-1/4″ (2631-20) | Right |
6. No Load RPM of Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
The Milwaukee FUEL models are more efficient than the Milwaukee Non-FUEL model. Subsequently, the No load RPM is high for Milwaukee FUEL models. RPM is high for FUEL 7-1/2″ than the 6-1/2″ FUEL models. RPM values are summarized in the below table.
| Saw Size (Model No.) | No Load RPM |
|---|---|
| 6-1/2″ (2730-20) | 5000 |
| 6-1/2″ (2630-20) | 3500 |
| 7-1/4″ (2732-20) | 5800 |
| 7-1/4″ (2830-20) | 5800 |
| 7-1/4″ (2631-20) | 5000 |
7. Dust Port Attachment: Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
Dust port attachment on a circular saw also matters a lot, especially if you are working in a closed environment. the Milwaukee 6-1/2″ circular saw has NO dust port attachment in any model, while the Milwaukee 7-1/2″ circular saw has dust port attachment in all FUEL & Non-FUEL model.
8. Price of Milwaukee: M18 7-1/4 vs 6-1/2 Circular Saw
The price of the Milwaukee FUEL model is about 30-35% high compared to the Milwaukee Non-FUEL model of the same size. The estimated prices are summarized below for each model in Milwaukee M18 7-1/4″ & 6-1/2″ (Prices were checked at the time of writing this blog).
| Saw Size (Model No.) | *Estimated Price ($) |
|---|---|
| 6-1/2″ (2730-20) | 219~250 |
| 6-1/2″ (2630-20) | 129~160 |
| 7-1/4″ (2732-20) | 250~280 |
| 7-1/4″ (2830-20) | 280~300 |
| 7-1/4″ (2631-20) | 230~250 |
Conclusion
Milwaukee tools never disappoint you. They always look for innovation and durability in their tools. The circular saw is no different. It can do your job without any downtime as far as the tool is concerned. All you need is to consider the above points before deciding on buying. Compare the factors which are more important to you. For example, some people like to have a compact & lightweight circular saw, and others can work efficiently with a blade left orientation saw. The point is to think about which works best for you or your project.
Personally, I like the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4″ circular saw because it has a deeper cut, excellent run time, power, and of course, the dust port attachment.
The Milwaukee FUEL tools are far better than Non-FUEL tools in many ways. If you work daily, the FUEL circular saw is a go-to option other than the points mentioned above, which depends on your preference.
