Milwaukee M18 FUEL 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw (2730-20, bare tool)

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw (2730-20, bare tool)

By Milwaukee · Circular Saws · Power Tools

  • M18 FUEL brushless 6-1/2 in. circular saw, bare tool
  • Blade-left sidewinder design, about 5,000 RPM
  • Bevel capacity 0-50 degrees, 2-1/8 in. cut depth at 90 degrees
  • Magnesium shoe and guards
  • Runs on M18 REDLITHIUM batteries (sold separately)

Lowest price seen
~$229.00 (approx.)
from $229.00 at Amazon

Prices are snapshots. Check the current price with the store.

Summary

A brushless 18V cordless circular saw for people already on Milwaukee’s M18 battery platform, sold as a bare tool. Check that you own M18 batteries and a charger, because neither is in the box.

Strengths

  • The fastest 6-1/2 in. saw in a 2017 Pro Tool Reviews shootout, with a 4-ft OSB crosscut in 9.1 seconds.
  • Brushless POWERSTATE motor with a cast magnesium shoe and guards.
  • Blade-left layout and a cutline blower keep the cut line visible.
  • Compact and light at 6.8 lb bare.
  • Owners report reliable service over years of use.
  • Backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

Weaknesses

  • No electric brake, so the blade coasts to a stop after the trigger is released.
  • No dust port or vacuum adapter.
  • No positive bevel stops, only a continuous scale.
  • The lower blade guard can hang up on shallow cuts, a weakness Pro Tool Reviews measured.
  • Some owners report trigger switch failures and saws that stop working.
  • Sold bare, so new M18 users must add batteries and a charger.

Verified specifications

Model2730-20, M18 FUEL 6-1/2 in. circular saw, bare tool.
PlatformM18, 18V DC; battery and charger not included.
MotorPOWERSTATE brushless.
No-load speed5,000 RPM.
Blade6-1/2 in (165 mm) with a 5/8 in arbor, mounted on the left.
Depth of cut2-3/16 in (56 mm) at 90°, 1-5/8 in (41 mm) at 45°.
Bevel0° to 50°, with no positive stops.
Shoe and guardscast magnesium.
Electric brakenone; the blade coasts after the trigger is released.
Dust portnone, and no vacuum adapter.
Riving knifenone.
Light and hookintegrated LED and a rafter hook.
Operating temperature0°F to 125°F.
Weight6.8 lb bare; some listings give 6.3 lb.
Dimensions13.5 in long; Grainger and iFixit list 16 in.
Warranty5-year limited.
Includeda blade and a blade wrench.
Full research notes and sources

Which model this is

This page covers the Milwaukee 2730-20, the M18 FUEL 6-1/2 in. circular saw sold as a bare tool. It launched around 2013 and is the predecessor to the 2833-20, which adds 6,000 RPM, an electric brake, a dust port and depth detents. Do not confuse it with the 7-1/4 in. models or the M12 line.

The Amazon listing for this model is ASIN B00G0GLZF2.

What owners report

Owner feedback is mixed. Many report years of dependable use and enough power for 2x lumber and plywood, and they like the blade-left visibility and the compact size. Others describe trigger switches that fail, saws that stop mid-cut, and one saw that came back from a warranty repair unrepaired because the on/off switch was called a wearable part. Treat these as individual reports, not a failure rate.

Repairs, parts and warranty

Milwaukee keeps a parts list for the 2730-20 dated 2023, with individual parts such as the lower guard, its spring and lever, the LED assembly and the output shaft. The manual warns that the lower guard can run sluggishly from debris or damaged parts and should be serviced before use. The 5-year limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship but not normal-wear items, including the saw shoe and blade clamps.

Is it worth it?

The saw is a bare tool, so its value depends on the M18 batteries you already own. Codale Electric Supply lists it at $314.98, and used examples have sold on eBay for $65 to $159.97. The successor 2833-20 is listed at $229 bare tool at Home Depot, and Pro Tool Reviews called the 2017 kit at $319 a good value. If you are new to M18, add batteries and a charger to any of those figures.

Sources

Manufacturer:

Independent reviews:

Owner reports:

Parts and stores:

Buying guides for this category

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