Milwaukee Fuel Circular Saw Comparison: 7-1/4 inch vs 6-1/2 inch – Which is Right for You?

Jacob Wilson | Dec 28, 2023

Circular saws are power tools commonly used for cutting various materials, including wood, metal, masonry, and more. The tool consists of a circular blade that rotates around an arbor and is powered by an electric motor. The blade is mounted on a metal shoe that can be adjusted for the depth of cut and angle, allowing the user to make various cuts.

Milwaukee Fuel circular saws are high-performance power tools designed for professional use. These saws feature a brushless motor and REDLITHIUM battery technology, which provides extended run time and efficient power delivery.

They also come equipped with RedLink Plus Intelligence, which helps to optimize the tool’s performance and protect it from overloading, overheating, and over-discharging. The Milwaukee Fuel circular saws come in two sizes, 7-1/4 inch, and 6-1/2 inch, with different cutting capacities, weights, and other features, making them ideal for a wide range of cutting tasks.

Key Differences Between 7-1/4 inch and 6-1/2 inch Milwaukee Fuel Circular Saws

Here is a comparison table between the Milwaukee Fuel 7-1/4 inch circular saw and the 6-1/2 inch circular saw:

As you can see, the main difference between the two saws is the size of the blade and the cutting capacity, with the 7-1/4 inch saw having a slightly larger blade and more cutting capacity.

Both saws feature a brushless motor and REDLITHIUM battery technology, which provides long run time and efficient power delivery. The 7-1/4 inch saw is also slightly heavier than the 6-1/2 inch saw.

Blade Size and Cutting Capacity

The blade size and cutting capacity of circular saws play a crucial role in determining their performance and versatility. In the Milwaukee Fuel circular saws case, the 7-1/4 inch model features a larger blade size than the 6-1/2 inch model. This means that the 7-1/4 inch model can make wider cuts but may need to be more maneuverable for cutting in tight spaces.

In terms of cutting capacity, the 7-1/4 inch Milwaukee Fuel circular saw is capable of making deeper cuts, with a maximum cutting depth of 2-3/8 inches at 90 degrees and 1-7/8 inches at 45 degrees. The 6-1/2 inch model, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller cutting capacity of 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees.

Power and Efficiency

The power and efficiency of a circular saw are crucial factors in determining its performance and overall capability. In the case of the Milwaukee Fuel circular saws, both the 7-1/4 inch and 6-1/2 inch models are powered by brushless motors and equipped with REDLITHIUM battery technology, which provides long run time and efficient power delivery.

The 7-1/4 inch Milwaukee Fuel circular saw delivers up to 15A of power, while the 6-1/2 inch model delivers up to 12A. This means that the 7-1/4 inch model can handle heavier-duty cutting tasks, while the 6-1/2 inch model is better suited for lighter-duty cutting tasks.

Additionally, both saws feature RedLink Plus Intelligence, which optimizes performance and protects the saw from overloading, overheating, and over-discharging. This results in increased efficiency, improved runtime, and extended tool life.

In terms of power and efficiency, the choice between the 7-1/4 inch and 6-1/2 inch Milwaukee Fuel circular saws will depend on the specific cutting tasks at hand. The 7-1/4 inch model offers greater power for handling heavier-duty cutting tasks, while the 6-1/2 inch model is a more compact and efficient option for lighter-duty cutting tasks.

Weight and Dimension

The weight and dimensions of a circular saw play a crucial role in determining its maneuverability, portability, and overall ease of use. In the case of the Milwaukee Fuel circular saws, the 7-1/4 inch model weighs in at 9 lbs, while the 6-1/2 inch model weighs in at 6.8 lbs. The 7-1/4 inch model is thus slightly heavier, but still relatively lightweight for a saw of its size and capabilities.

In terms of dimensions, the 7-1/4 inch Milwaukee Fuel circular saw measures 13.1 in x 10.1 in x 10.8 in, while the 6-1/2 inch model measures 11.2 in x 9.6 in x 9.9 in. The smaller size of the 6-1/2 inch model makes it easier to maneuver and use in tight spaces, while the larger size of the 7-1/4 inch model allows for a more stable cutting platform.

Cutting Depth and Dust Port

The cutting depth and dust port are important features to consider when choosing a circular saw, as they can greatly affect the saw’s performance and versatility. The Milwaukee Fuel circular saws, the 7-1/4 inch model, has a maximum cutting depth of 2-7/16 inches at 90 degrees and a 1-7/8 inch cutting depth at 45 degrees.

Meanwhile, the 6-1/2 inch model has a maximum cutting depth of 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and a 1-5/8 inch cutting depth at 45 degrees. Both saws also come equipped with a dust port, which helps to manage sawdust and debris during cutting operations.

The dust port helps to increase visibility and reduce the amount of airborne sawdust, which can improve the overall safety and cleanliness of the cutting environment.

Battery and Battery Life

The Milwaukee Fuel circular saws are cordless saws powered by M18 RedLithium batteries. The 7-1/4 inch model and the 6-1/2 inch model both use the same type of battery, but the 7-1/4 inch model is slightly more powerful and therefore requires a larger battery.

As a result, the battery life of the 7-1/4 inch model may be slightly shorter than that of the 6-1/2 inch model. However, both saws can be powered by any M18 RedLithium battery, so it is possible to swap batteries between saws if necessary. Additionally, both saws feature a battery gauge that displays the remaining battery life, so you can easily track the status of your battery during use.

Other features

In addition to the previously mentioned features, both the Milwaukee Fuel 7-1/4 inch and 6-1/2 inch circular saws have several other notable features, including:

LED Light: An integrated LED light helps to illuminate the cutting area for improved visibility.

Electronic Brake: An electronic brake stops the blade quickly after the trigger is released for added safety.

Tool-Free Adjustments: Tool-free bevel and depth adjustments allow for quick and easy cuts without needing additional tools.

Ergonomic Design: An ergonomic design with a rubber grip and low-vibration operation makes the saws comfortable for extended periods.

Brushless Motor: A brushless motor provides more power and longer life than traditional brushed motors.

Overall, the Milwaukee Fuel 7-1/4 inch and 6-1/2 inch circular saws offer a combination of power, versatility, and user-friendly features that make them ideal for a wide range of cutting tasks.

Final Words

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Fuel 7-1/4 inch and 6-1/2 inch circular saws are top-quality cutting tools that offer excellent performance and a range of features designed to make your work easier and more efficient. Whether you are a DIYer, a professional carpenter, or simply someone who needs a reliable saw for occasional use, either of these saws is an excellent choice.

The main differences between the two saws lie in their blade size, cutting depth, power, weight, and battery life, so it’s important to consider your specific needs when choosing between them. The 7-1/4 inch saw is the better choice if you need a larger blade size and more cutting depth. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more compact saw with longer battery life, the 6-1/2 inch saw may be the better option.