Milwaukee has come out with a new M18 Fuel metal-cutting circular saw that they’re saying is the industry’s fastest. The new brushless metal-cutting saw, model 2782, is designed for cutting EMT conduit and other small-diameter metallic materials.
In my experience, metal-cutting circular saws are great for cutting things like Unistrut and other metallic channels, medium diameter thin-walled tubing, angle iron, extrusions, threaded rod, and other such materials.
Aside: cordless band saw vs. metal-cutting circular saw? I suppose a metal-cutting circular saw like this one is a better choice when straight cuts are desired.
Milwaukee says that the M18 Fuel metal-cutting circular saw cuts faster than its cordless predecessor, as well as other leading cordless metal-cutting circular saws from competitors.
As has been the trend for some of Milwaukee’s other Fuel brushless tools, the new metal-cutting circular saw borrows components from the corded version. In this case, that means it gets the same lightweight housing and gearing system.
Milwaukee drives the point home in their press materials, saying that no wearable components (thanks to the brushless motor) and superior durability means less servicing needs and thus lower cost of ownership.
Features & Specs
- 5-3/8″ to 5-7/8″ blade size
- 20mm arbor hole
- 3,900 RPM
- 2-1/4″ cut capacity (with 5-7/8″ blade)
- Weighs 6.5 lbs
- Hanging hook
Milwaukee says that its cut capacity – 370 cuts in EMT per fully charged 5.0Ah battery pack, is 40% more than other metal-cutting circular saws today.
There’s a hanging hook, which going by this image means you can temporarily hang it off of Unistrut or other structures.
Buying Options
2782-22 Kit: Saw, (2) 5.0Ah M18 XC battery packs, multi-voltage charger, 30T blade, contractor bag
2782-20 Bare Tool
Price: $200 for the bare tool, $400 for the kit
ETA: April 2017
Ohio Power Tool is the first to list the new metal-cutting saw.
Buy Now(Kit via Ohio Power Tool)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Ohio Power Tool)
First Thoughts
Seems like a strong option for anyone looking to pickup a metal-cutting circular saw.
Part of me wonders why Milwaukee had not come out with this saw sooner. If it shares some durability features found in their corded saw, why the long wait?
As mentioned, this is not the first Milwaukee cordless tool to feature corded-like durability. Their M18 Fuel brushless deep cut band saw is said to share over 90% of the same parts found in their corded version.
Milwaukee’s a strong name when it comes to saws, and I expect this one to rise in popularity once it’s available. The price point stings a little, though, but if it truly does last longer, in regard to both runtime and longevity, it’ll be worth it.