Milwaukee Vs Makita Circular Saw Review: Who’s A Cut Above?

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Pro Tool Reviews’ head-to-head test found Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2834 cut faster than Makita’s XGT GSH01 in two demanding OSB rip tests. The saws performed similarly in crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts, according to the review; the results do not establish which is the better choice for every buyer.

Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2834 cut faster than Makita’s 40V max XGT GSH01 in two demanding rip-cut tests, according to a head-to-head review by Pro Tool Reviews. The saws were otherwise closely matched in the tested crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts, making the findings most relevant to buyers who regularly push a cordless saw through heavier material.

Both saws are 7¼-inch cordless models with brushless motors rated at up to 6,000 revolutions per minute. Each has a stated maximum cutting depth of 2⅝ inches at 90 degrees. Milwaukee’s saw has a maximum bevel angle of 57 degrees; Makita’s reaches 56 degrees and has positive stops at 22.5, 45 and 56 degrees.

For the first timed test, reviewers pulled each saw for seven feet through double-stacked ¾-inch OSB on a custom sled using a 10-pound weight. Milwaukee finished in 9.76 seconds, while Makita took 13.53 seconds. In a separate full-depth rip through triple-stacked ¾-inch OSB, Milwaukee took 17.41 seconds and Makita took 24.74 seconds. Those figures describe the review’s specific test conditions, not a general productivity guarantee.

The review reported that both saws handled standard crosscuts, miter cuts and bevel cuts without difficulty. Both also completed compound cuts without reported issues. Reviewers praised the lower blade guards on each model for moving over the workpiece without catching. Milwaukee’s guard felt slightly smoother to the reviewer, while Makita’s bevel stops offer set positions for common angles.

Rip-Cut Speed Separates the Saws

The clearest practical difference in the review appears when the saws are under sustained cutting load. Milwaukee’s lower times in both OSB rip tests may matter to carpenters and builders who often make long or deep cuts in sheet goods. The results give those buyers a comparative data point beyond matching headline specifications such as blade speed and cutting depth.

For routine crosscuts and angled cuts, the review found no decisive performance gap. Buyers may place more weight on features and platform compatibility: Milwaukee lists a folding rafter hook, an electronic blade brake and an LED work light with a dust blower. Makita lists compatibility with its AWS wireless dust-extraction system when paired with a Bluetooth transmitter, an integrated tether point and its three-position bevel dial. Feature availability can vary by configuration, so buyers should check the exact model and package.

Two Platforms, Similar Specifications

The comparison covers Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2834, described in the source as the latest generation of its 7¼-inch sidewinder saw, and Makita’s XGT GSH01, which runs on Makita’s 40V max XGT battery platform. Both use right-side blade orientation and have the same stated no-load speed and 90-degree cutting depth.

Pro Tool Reviews says it tested the saws using a standard set of circular-saw cuts in materials including 2-by lumber and OSB subflooring. The test categories ranged from basic crosscuts to bevel, miter and compound cuts. Its account supports a comparison of these two models under the reported conditions; it does not provide results for every battery, blade, material or jobsite setup.

“Milwaukee pulled ahead in raw cutting speed.”

— Pro Tool Reviews

Limits of the Published Test

The source material does not give a publication date, saw prices, battery configurations, battery charge levels, blade specifications or repeated-test averages. It also does not report enough information to determine how much the results might change with different blades, battery packs, wood species or work techniques. The recorded times are results from the stated test setup, not a guarantee of performance on a particular job.

The review excerpt also does not identify a single overall winner across every category or provide a buyer-specific recommendation based on price, weight, balance or battery ownership. Those factors remain relevant when comparing the saws, but the supplied information does not settle them.

Compare Kits Before Buying

Readers considering either saw can use the test as one part of a model-by-model comparison, then check current kit contents, battery requirements, pricing and warranty terms with retailers or manufacturers. The source material does not announce a follow-up test or additional results. Based on the published findings, Milwaukee has the edge in the two timed rip cuts, while both models performed similarly in the other cut types described.

Key Questions

Which saw was faster in the review’s rip-cut tests?

Milwaukee’s 2834 was faster in both reported tests: 9.76 seconds versus Makita’s 13.53 seconds through double-stacked OSB, and 17.41 seconds versus 24.74 seconds through triple-stacked OSB at full depth.

Did the saws perform differently on crosscuts and angled cuts?

Pro Tool Reviews described the saws as closely matched in standard crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts. The reviewer noted a slightly smoother-feeling lower guard on Milwaukee during bevel testing.

What are the main specification differences?

Both are 7¼-inch saws rated at up to 6,000 RPM, with a 2⅝-inch maximum cut at 90 degrees. Milwaukee’s maximum bevel angle is 57 degrees; Makita’s is 56 degrees, with positive stops at 22.5, 45 and 56 degrees.

Does the test prove Milwaukee is the better saw for everyone?

No. The findings favor Milwaukee in the specific timed OSB rip tests, but the review excerpt does not establish a universal winner. Price, battery platform, included features and the kinds of cuts a buyer makes may affect the choice.

Source: rss