Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Plunge Cut Track Saw Review

May 19, 2023

There have been a handful of highly-requested Milwaukee tools over the past several years. The M18 Fuel lawn mower fulfilled one big one and now the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Plunge Cut Track Saw is a reality!

Like most track saws, Milwaukee sticks with a 6 1/2-inch blade diameter. Its brushless motor pairs with a High Output battery and kicks the blade up to 5600 RPM to help you achieve clean cuts, even with high tooth count blades and hardwoods.

One performance feature you might not have expected is a variable speed dial. With it, you can bring the blade speed all the way down to 2500 RPM to match the material you’re cutting.

The trigger safety is another element that's different from what you may expect. Instead of using an ambidextrous push-in or push-down switch to the side of the handle, it's a button that sits on top. It doesn't take much time to get used to and it's very easy to operate with your thumb.

As you plunge (which is a smooth experience), a riving knife descends, helping to prevent material pinching against the blade or kickbacks.

When you’re using a rail, there's an adjustable cam mechanism to help you dial in a precise cut. We used Milwaukee's rails and got an accurate fit and the smooth gliding action you expect from a quality track saw.

Weight isn't a huge concern for track saws. Sure, you have to carry them to where you’re cutting, but a bit of weight actually helps as you glide through your cut. Without a battery, the Milwaukee 2831 weighs 9.1 pounds. With the recommended 6.0Ah High Output battery, you’re looking at 11.5 pounds

Milwaukee includes a dust bag that connects to the port on the back of the blade guard for when you don't have access to a vacuum. Of course, it also connects to Milwaukee's wet/dry vacs and others, giving you over 90% dust collection that keeps your workspace cleaner and leaves less dust in the air for you to breathe in.

The dust port swivels 360°, so you can set it in whichever direction is the most convenient for you. Its diameter fits 1 7/8-inch hoses and adapters.

You can cut up to 2 1/4 inches deep with the Milwaukee M18 Fuel track saw. Adjusting the depth is very easy. Press the button on the red depth gauge stop, and slide it to the depth you want for your cut. That's it. When you make your plunge, it will stop where you set the indicator. Note the single indicator line is the depth when you’re not using a rail and the double indicates the depth when you are.

There's also a micro depth adjustment knob. It's the same knob that hits the depth stop. To adjust for the blade you’re using, simply turn that knob to extend or retract it.

Hiding beside the blade lock button, there's another depth stop switch. This is the scoring cut stop and does exactly what it says. Using the stock blade, you expose only about 5/16 of an inch below the shoe and even less on a track.

One thing worth noting for both the depth and bevel is that the reverse contrast markings make it very easy to see your measurements. From all of us with less-than-perfect eyesight, thank you, design team!

The bevel range is from – 1° to 48° and most importantly, there are stops at 22.5° and 45°. To adjust the bevel, you need to loosen the knobs on the front and back of the saw first. To use the stops, turn the dial on the front to the one you want to use.

When you want an angle beyond the stops, use the bevel override slider hiding behind the bevel gauge.

The blade change is a multi-step (but easy) process. First, flip the lever under the secondary handle up and plunge the saw forward until it locks in the down position. This not only gives you access to the blade, but that lever position also locks out the trigger so there's no possibility you can accidentally activate the saw.

Now that you have access to the arbor, grab the blade wrench (it stores in front of the secondary handle), press the spindle lock button, and loosen the arbor nut.

Add the blade you want to use and reverse the process to finish up.

The Milwaukee 2831-21 kit is $639.00 and includes the saw, a 6.0Ah High Output battery, a multi-voltage charger, and a Packout XL toolbox. It's also available as a bare tool for $399. Either way, you get Milwaukee's standard 5-year warranty.

There are other configurations, including ones that come with guide rails. Those range from $624.99 to $924.99.

It's tough to take full advantage of a track saw's capabilities without guide rails, and Milwaukee has a suite to supplement the 2831. Here's available:

In addition to its other premium circular saw blades, Milwaukee also has a line of track saw-specific 6 1/2-inch blades to choose from. Here are your options:

While we certainly wish we had the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Plunge Cut Track Saw sooner, it was worth the wait. It doesn't compromise performance to be cordless, it has a well-thought-out design, and Milwaukee has all of your accessory needs to go along with it. So go ahead and take the plunge—you won't be disappointed!

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