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Pro Tool Reviews compared Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2834 and Makita’s 40V max XGT GSH01 in crosscuts, rip cuts, bevels, miters and compound cuts. The saws performed similarly on several cut types, but Milwaukee was faster in both timed, demanding OSB rip tests.
Pro Tool Reviews compared Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2834 with Makita’s 40V max XGT GSH01 in a series of circular-saw tests, reporting that Milwaukee cut faster in two demanding rip-cut trials. The models were closely matched in basic crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts, making the results most relevant to buyers who regularly push a saw through heavier material.
Both saws are 7 1/4-inch cordless sidewinders with brushless motors rated at up to 6,000 RPM. Each has a stated maximum cutting depth of 2 5/8 inches at 90 degrees. Milwaukee lists a 57-degree maximum bevel and a 2 1/16-inch depth at 45 degrees; Makita lists a 56-degree bevel and a 1 13/16-inch depth at 45 degrees. Those specifications are manufacturer product details cited in the review, not independent measurements of performance.
The clearest separation came in the review’s timed OSB rip tests. In a double-stacked test using two layers of 3/4-inch OSB, pulled seven feet on a custom sled by a 10-pound weight, Milwaukee finished in 9.76 seconds, compared with Makita’s 13.53 seconds. In a separate full-depth test through triple-stacked 3/4-inch OSB, Milwaukee took 17.41 seconds and Makita 24.74 seconds.
The report describes both models as capable in everyday crosscuts and says they performed well through miter, bevel and compound cuts. Testers also praised the lower blade guards on both saws for moving smoothly over the material. The report gave Milwaukee the edge in raw cutting speed under the tested rip-cut loads, while noting that Makita maintained its blade speed well and was not short of power.
Rip-Cut Speed Separates the Saws
For a buyer choosing between these two premium cordless saws, the results suggest that the type of work matters more than a simple specification-sheet comparison. Their matching listed blade speed and 90-degree cutting depth do not tell the whole story: in the review’s two timed, demanding rip cuts, Milwaukee completed the cuts sooner.
That finding may matter to tradespeople or serious DIY users who often rip sheet goods or cut thicker stacks. It should not be treated as a universal ranking. The report found the saws broadly even across several other cut types, and a buyer’s battery platform, available tools, preferred features and work conditions can affect the practical choice. The tests report cut times, but do not establish that one saw is the better fit for every user.
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Two Platforms, Similar Core Specs
The comparison is between Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2834, described in the source as the latest generation of its 7 1/4-inch M18 Fuel sidewinder, and Makita’s 40V max XGT GSH01. Both are brushless models with the same stated no-load speed and maximum 90-degree cutting depth, but their accessory and adjustment features differ.
Milwaukee’s listed features include a folding rafter hook, electronic blade brake, LED work light and dust blower; the source also notes One-Key compatibility for the M18 Fuel 2835, a different model number from the tested 2834. Makita’s listed features include AWS compatibility when paired with a Bluetooth transmitter, an integrated tether point and positive bevel stops at 22.5, 45 and 56 degrees. The comparison’s results come from the review’s described test setup, which used 2x lumber and OSB to assess crosscuts, rips, bevels, miters and compound cuts.
““Milwaukee pulled ahead in raw cutting speed.””
— Pro Tool Reviews
Limits of the Reported Tests
The source describes particular materials, test methods and cut times, but does not provide enough information here to establish how results might vary with different blades, battery sizes or charge levels, operators, wood types, temperatures or repeated long-term use. It also does not report a broader statistical analysis or independent replication of the timed trials.
The supplied material ends during its account of the compound-cut tests. It says both saws handled those cuts without issue and delivered good sightlines, but does not include the review’s full concluding comparison, total category score, prices or final value assessment. The cut-time results alone do not settle which saw is the better purchase for every buyer.
Compare Fit Before Buying
Readers considering either saw can use the reported rip times as one point of comparison, then check current local pricing, kit contents, battery compatibility and warranty terms. The review’s account supports a Milwaukee advantage in its timed rip tests, but its reported parity in several other cuts leaves room for platform and feature preferences to guide a purchase.
No follow-up test or additional review milestone is identified in the source material. Buyers seeking a broader verdict would need the complete review and any further testing that accounts for battery configurations, varied materials and sustained use.
Key Questions
Which saw was faster in the reported rip-cut tests?
Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2834 was faster in both timed tests reported by Pro Tool Reviews: 9.76 seconds versus 13.53 seconds in double-stacked OSB, and 17.41 seconds versus 24.74 seconds in triple-stacked OSB.
Were the saws evenly matched in every test?
No. The review reported a Milwaukee lead in timed rip cuts, while describing the saws as broadly even in standard crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts.
Do the two saws have the same cutting capacity?
Both list a 2 5/8-inch maximum depth at 90 degrees. Their listed bevel and 45-degree capacities differ: Milwaukee is rated to 57 degrees and 2 1/16 inches at 45 degrees; Makita is rated to 56 degrees and 1 13/16 inches at 45 degrees.
Does the test prove Milwaukee is the better buy?
No. It reports faster Milwaukee cut times in two specific OSB tests, but the supplied material does not give current prices, a full value comparison or enough information to rank the models for every user. Battery platform, features and the work involved remain relevant.
Source: rss
