Milwaukee lists its M18 FUEL 7-1/4 in. circular saw with ONE-KEY (model 2835-20) at $349 as a bare tool, and the 2835-21HD kit with a REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 battery at $549. Those are US prices from Milwaukee’s own press release and product page. The sources we read give no Canadian price, so check milwaukeetool.ca or your local retailer before you plan a purchase.
What does the saw offer on paper?
Milwaukee says the POWERSTATE brushless motor and REDLINK PLUS electronics deliver 6000 RPM under load. Paired with the HD12.0 battery, the company claims up to 750 cuts per charge. The Crafty Catsman, a maker news site, repeats the same figures and notes that its page contains no independent cutting or runtime testing, so treat both numbers as maker claims for now.
| Spec | Milwaukee’s figure |
|---|---|
| Speed | 6000 RPM |
| Cut depth at 90 degrees | 2-5/8 in. |
| Cut depth at 45 degrees | 2-1/16 in. |
| Maximum bevel | 57 degrees |
| Weight, bare tool | 7.9 lbs |
| Weight with HD12.0 battery | 11.2 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years tool, 3 years battery |
Milwaukee says the saw is almost 1 lb lighter than its previous generation.
Which safety and jobsite features are included?
The saw has AUTOSTOP kickback prevention, which Milwaukee says uses machine learning to cut power when it detects a severe kickback. It also has VACLINK wireless dust control: with a compatible extractor or vacuum, pulling the trigger starts the vacuum automatically. The Home Depot listing adds an electric blade brake, an LED work light, a rafter hook and magnesium guards and shoe, plus a 24T thick kerf framing blade.
ONE-KEY connects the saw to a free app so crews can see where and when it was last seen, track use and service intervals. The Crafty Catsman notes that it is not yet clear which vacuums are VACLINK compatible at launch.
Does it work with my M18 batteries?
Yes. Milwaukee says the saw is fully compatible with the M18 line, which it describes as more than 275 solutions. The bare tool ships without a battery or charger. The 2835-21HD kit adds the HD12.0 battery, an M18/M12 multi-volt rapid charger, a wrench, a dust port and a contractor bag.
Who it suits
- Professional carpenters and framers: the 6000 RPM rating, the framing blade and the 750 cut claim target all day cutting. Confirm the cut depth of 2-5/8 in. covers the lumber you use most.
- Crews and fleet buyers: ONE-KEY tracking and service reminders help with inventory. Check that your vacuums support VACLINK before you count on automatic dust control.
- Owners of M18 batteries: the bare tool at $349 avoids paying for a second battery. The Crafty Catsman recommends the bare tool for this group.
- First time M18 buyers: the $549 kit includes the HD12.0 battery and charger. A battery that large adds weight, so note the 11.2 lbs figure with the battery fitted.
- Occasional DIYers: this is a professional saw at professional prices. Compare it with lighter duty saws if you cut a few boards a year.
What should you do next?
Check the current price at milwaukeetool.ca and at Canadian retailers, since Milwaukee’s press release quotes US figures only. Read Milwaukee’s product page for the full spec sheet, and look for independent runtime tests before you rely on the 750 cut claim.
