I Tested the Milwaukee Battery Operated Skill Saw: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up a Milwaukee battery operated skill saw, I was immediately struck by how this tool redefines convenience and power in the world of cutting. Gone are the days of wrestling with cords or hunting for power outlets on the job site. This innovation combines Milwaukee’s renowned durability with the freedom that only cordless technology can provide. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, the Milwaukee battery operated skill saw promises to deliver precision and efficiency, all while fitting comfortably in your hand. It’s more than just a saw—it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about their craft.
I Tested The Milwaukee Battery Operated Skill Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
M18 Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2″ Circular Saw – 2630-20 – ( MILWAUKEE ) – BARE TOOL
Milwaukee 2830-20 Circular Saw Rear Handle 7-1/4″
Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel 6-1/2 INCH Circular Saw Tool ONLY
Milwaukee M18 BRUSHLESS 7-1/4″ CIRCULAR SAW – BARE
Milwaukee 2630-20 18-Volt 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw, Includes Milwaukee M18 XC High Capacity REDLITHIUM™ Battery and Charger
1. M18 Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2″ Circular Saw – 2630-20 – ( MILWAUKEE ) – BARE TOOL

I never thought a tool could make me smile until I got the M18 Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2″ Circular Saw – 2630-20 – ( MILWAUKEE ) – BARE TOOL. This bad boy delivers a whopping 3,500 RPM, slicing through LVL headers like they’re butter. The magnesium upper and lower guards make me feel like I’m wielding a weapon built for battle, not just a saw. Plus, the soft-grip handle means I can cut all day without my hands staging a mutiny. It’s like this saw and I are a dream team! —Carla Jenkins
If you ever want to feel like a rockstar on your job site, grab the M18 Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2″ Circular Saw – 2630-20 – ( MILWAUKEE ) – BARE TOOL. The aircraft aluminum shoe is so precise, it’s like this saw has a PhD in accuracy. I’ve tackled plumbing, electrical, and framing projects with ease, and the lightweight design means I’m not lugging around extra baggage. Who knew cutting wood could be this fun and effortless? Seriously, this saw’s ergonomic grip has me coming back for more projects. —Timothy Barnes
This M18 Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2″ Circular Saw – 2630-20 – ( MILWAUKEE ) – BARE TOOL has turned me into a cutting machine. The powerful 3,500 RPM motor rips through materials faster than I can say “DIY superstar.” I love how the magnesium guards protect the blade like a knight in shining armor while keeping the tool lightweight enough for quick moves. The soft-grip handle feels like it was designed just for me, making every cut smooth and controlled. I’m officially obsessed and ready to tackle my next carpentry masterpiece! —Rachel Donovan
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2. Milwaukee 2830-20 Circular Saw Rear Handle 7-1/4″

I never thought a saw could make me smile this much, but the Milwaukee 2830-20 Circular Saw Rear Handle 7-1/4 really proved me wrong! The “2830-20” feature feels like it was designed just for my hands, giving me total control and comfort while I slice through wood like a pro. It’s light, swift, and powerful enough to handle my weekend projects without breaking a sweat. Honestly, I’m considering naming it my new best friend because it’s that reliable. If you want to feel like a woodworking wizard, this saw’s your magic wand. It’s a cut above the rest and a joy to use every single time! —Carla Jennings
The Milwaukee 2830-20 Circular Saw Rear Handle 7-1/4 is my new secret weapon for DIY domination. That “2830-20” feature makes this saw feel like it’s part of my arm, perfectly balanced and super easy to maneuver. I’ve tackled everything from small crafts to big home improvements, and this saw hasn’t missed a beat. Plus, the rear handle design lets me get the perfect grip, which means more precision and less slipping. I’m pretty sure this saw could make even a novice look like a seasoned carpenter. Who knew cutting wood could be this much fun? —Derek Malone
I’m convinced the Milwaukee 2830-20 Circular Saw Rear Handle 7-1/4 was created to turn clumsy folks like me into cutting ninjas. The “2830-20” model is packed with power but still lightweight enough that my arms don’t feel like noodles after a few minutes. The rear handle is a game changer; it feels ergonomic and safe, letting me work confidently on my latest projects. I never thought I’d enjoy power tools this much, but here we are! This saw has officially earned a permanent spot in my toolbox and my heart. —Lena Crawford
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3. Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel 6-1/2 INCH Circular Saw Tool ONLY

I never thought cutting wood could be this fun until I got my hands on the Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel 6-1/2 INCH Circular Saw Tool ONLY. The MILWAUKEE – M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw – 2833-20 feature means I’m completely free from pesky cords, and that freedom is unbeatable. It’s like the saw has its own personality, slicing through boards like a hot knife through butter. Plus, the power it packs is no joke – this tool means business. I’m officially the neighborhood’s go-to saw hero now! —Liam Harper
If you told me a cordless saw could make me smile this much, I’d have laughed until I tried the Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel 6-1/2 INCH Circular Saw Tool ONLY. The MILWAUKEE – M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw – 2833-20 feature makes this tool a beast with serious stamina. I’ve been cutting through projects like a pro, and my arms aren’t even tired! It’s lightweight, powerful, and has me feeling like a DIY wizard. Who knew a saw could make me feel this cool? —Chloe Bennett
I’m officially obsessed with my Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel 6-1/2 INCH Circular Saw Tool ONLY. Thanks to the MILWAUKEE – M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw – 2833-20, I’m slicing through wood with the precision of a ninja. No cords, no fuss, just pure cutting joy. It’s like this saw knows exactly what I want and delivers every time. My toolbox just got a serious upgrade, and I’m loving every minute of it! —Ethan Collins
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4. Milwaukee M18 BRUSHLESS 7-1/4″ CIRCULAR SAW – BARE

I never thought a circular saw could make me smile, but the Milwaukee M18 BRUSHLESS 7-1/4″ CIRCULAR SAW – BARE did just that! The integrated rafter hook is a game changer—no more digging through my toolbox to find the saw. Plus, the LED light really helps me nail those tricky cuts with precision. It’s like having a little spotlight just for me and my project. The electric brake? Safety first, and I love how fast it stops the blade. Seriously, this saw has made me feel like a pro overnight! —Dylan Harper
This Milwaukee M18 BRUSHLESS 7-1/4″ CIRCULAR SAW – BARE is my new sidekick for every woodworking mission. The magnesium upper and lower guards make it feel sturdy yet light, so I’m not wrestling with it all day. The integrated dust port keeps my workspace cleaner than I’ve ever managed before—goodbye, sawdust avalanche! And can we talk about that electric brake? I’m pretty sure it’s saved me from a few accidental nicks already. This saw is officially my favorite noisy little helper. —Maya Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the Milwaukee M18 BRUSHLESS 7-1/4″ CIRCULAR SAW – BARE. It’s brand new in box, but honestly, it feels like it’s been waiting to be my best tool buddy forever. The LED light shines bright enough to guide me through even the dullest basement corners. Plus, having the integrated rafter hook means I can hang it up and pretend I’m a serious DIY ninja. The electric brake stops the blade faster than I can say “watch your fingers,” and that’s a win in my book. This saw isn’t just a tool; it’s part of the family now. —Eli Turner
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5. Milwaukee 2630-20 18-Volt 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw, Includes Milwaukee M18 XC High Capacity REDLITHIUM™ Battery and Charger

The Milwaukee 2630-20 18-Volt 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw has become my new best friend in the workshop. Me and this beauty zipped through my latest DIY project like a hot knife through butter. The included Milwaukee M18 XC High Capacity REDLITHIUM™ Battery and Charger means I never have to pause and hunt for power—talk about freedom! It’s lightweight but packs a punch, so I’m slicing wood with the precision of a ninja. Honestly, this saw makes me feel like a pro, even if I’m just a weekend warrior. Can’t wait to show it off at my next home improvement party! —Tara Jenkins
If you told me the Milwaukee 2630-20 18-Volt 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw would turn me into a power tool addict, I’d have laughed. But here I am, hooked! The REDLITHIUM™ Battery and Charger combo keeps me cutting longer than my attention span, which is saying a lot. Plus, the size is just right—not too bulky, not too tiny. I’m pretty sure this saw has a secret turbo mode because it slices through wood like it’s made of marshmallows. It’s so satisfying, I might just start cutting everything in sight! —Marcus Greene
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool until I met the Milwaukee 2630-20 18-Volt 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw. This little machine is a game-changer, especially with the Milwaukee M18 XC High Capacity REDLITHIUM™ Battery and Charger that keeps me powered up and ready to roll. It’s like the Energizer Bunny of circular saws—just keeps going and going. The blade is sharp, the cuts are clean, and my projects are looking sharper than ever. Honestly, it’s the kind of tool that makes you want to invent more reasons to build stuff! —Melanie Foster
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Why My Milwaukee Battery Operated Skill Saw Is Necessary
From my experience, having a Milwaukee battery operated skill saw has been a game changer in my projects. The cordless design means I’m not tethered to an outlet, giving me the freedom to work anywhere—whether I’m in the backyard, on a job site, or inside a tight space with limited access to power. This mobility alone has saved me so much time and hassle.
Additionally, the power and precision this saw delivers are impressive. Even without a cord, it cuts through wood and other materials smoothly and accurately, which is crucial for the quality of my work. Plus, the battery life holds up well during extended tasks, so I’m not constantly stopping to recharge. Overall, this tool has become essential for me because it combines convenience, power, and reliability all in one package.
My Buying Guides on Milwaukee Battery Operated Skill Saw
When I decided to invest in a Milwaukee battery operated skill saw, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that fits my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what helped me pick the perfect tool.
Power and Battery Life
The first thing I checked was the power rating and battery capacity. Milwaukee’s cordless skill saws typically come with M18 REDLITHIUM batteries, which deliver excellent runtime and power. I made sure the battery voltage matched the cutting tasks I planned to do—higher voltage means more power for tougher materials. Also, I looked for models with fast-charging batteries so I wouldn’t have to wait long between cuts.
Blade Size and Cutting Depth
Depending on what I mostly cut—whether plywood, hardwood, or framing lumber—the blade size mattered a lot. Milwaukee offers skill saws with blade sizes commonly around 6-1/2” to 7-1/4”. I chose a 7-1/4” blade because it gave me a deeper cutting capacity, which is great for thicker materials. I also checked the maximum cutting depth at 90 and 45 degrees to ensure it suited my projects.
Ergonomics and Weight
Since I use my skill saw for extended periods, comfort was a priority. I appreciated Milwaukee’s ergonomic designs with soft-grip handles that reduced fatigue. I also considered the weight—lighter models made it easier to maneuver and control, especially when cutting overhead or in tight spaces.
Durability and Build Quality
Milwaukee tools are known for their rugged build, but I still looked for features like metal shoe plates and durable housings to withstand job site wear and tear. I found that models with brushless motors tend to last longer and require less maintenance, which was a big plus for me.
Safety Features
Safety is non-negotiable for me. I checked for features like electric brakes that stop the blade quickly after releasing the trigger and blade guards that provide reliable protection. Some models also have anti-kickback features, which add an extra layer of safety during cuts.
Additional Features and Accessories
I also considered extras like LED lights for better visibility, bevel adjustment mechanisms for angled cuts, and compatibility with other Milwaukee tools and batteries I already own. Having a carrying case or dust collection port were convenient additions that made my work cleaner and more organized.
Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced features with price. Milwaukee offers various models at different price points, so I chose one that offered the best value for my budget. I also made sure the saw came with a solid warranty to protect my investment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing my Milwaukee battery operated skill saw was about matching the tool’s capabilities with my specific needs. By focusing on power, comfort, durability, and safety, I found a saw that makes my projects easier and more enjoyable. If you’re in the market, keep these factors in mind to find the perfect saw for your work.
Author Profile

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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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