Two battery plunge saws by their makers' figures
| Specification | Milwaukee 2831 | Makita XPS01 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 18 V, one pack | 36 V, two 18 V packs |
| Speed (rpm) | 2,500–5,600 | 2,500–6,300 |
| Depth at 90° | 2-1/4 in | 2-3/16 in |
| Depth at 45° | 1-5/8 in | 1-9/16 in |
| Bevel | −1° to 48° | −1° to 48° |
| Weight | Not stated in the documents | 9.8–11.2 lb with batteries |
| Brake | Electric brake; may lag or occasionally miss | Electric brake (product page) |
| Riving knife | Fitted; removed for plunge cuts | None described in the manual |
| Scoring stop | 1/16 in (1.5 mm) | 2–3 mm |
| Rail control | Anti-tip knob | Lever engages the rail for bevels |
| Dust | 1-7/8 in hoses; 'over 90%' claimed | No port size stated in the documents |
| Run time | No figure given | 'Up to 125 cuts per charge' in 1/2 in plywood, claimed |
Each figure is the named maker's own. Claims in quotes are the makers' and were not checked. Not a ranking.
Equipment notePaid link
M18 FUEL 6-1/2-in plunge track saw, bare tool
Milwaukee 2831-20
Milwaukee's 2831 from the table above, sold as a bare tool: bevel stops at 0°, 22.5° and 45° and a 1-7/8 in vacuum-hose fit, by Milwaukee's page.
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What to compare
- One pack or two. Makita's saw needs two 18 V LXT batteries fitted to run; Milwaukee's runs on one M18 pack. Count the packs and charger you own on that platform.
- Weight with batteries. Makita gives 9.8–11.2 lb depending on the packs. Compare the saws with the batteries you would use, because the heaviest packs change the figure most.
- Speed and depth. Both start at 2,500 rpm; Makita's tops out higher. Depths are within 1/16 in of each other.
- Riving knife. Milwaukee's manual describes a knife with kerf and body limits, removed for plunge cuts and refitted after; Makita's manual describes none. Blade choice is constrained by the knife on a saw that has one — see choosing a blade.
- Scoring stop. Milwaukee sets 1/16 in, Makita's manual 2–3 mm; both for use on a rail.
- Run-time claims. Makita states a number of cuts per charge under its own conditions; Milwaukee's page compares its battery to competitors without a figure. Neither is a measurement made here.
- Dust. Milwaukee warns that dust from coated work can self-ignite in the bag: empty it often, and never store the saw with a full one.
Rails for a battery saw
Makita sells the XPS01's guide rail separately. Milwaukee's manual does not name a rail and tells owners to read the rail maker's instructions before trimming one. Rails, lengths and carrying a saw between jobs are compared in choosing a plunge saw to carry; corded saws in choosing a plunge saw. A battery circular saw on a straightedge is the other way to cut sheets on site: see choosing a cordless saw.
Before buying a battery plunge saw
- The battery platform you own, and how many packs the saw needs
- Weight with the batteries you will use
- Riving knife design and blade limits
- Scoring stop depth that suits your sheet goods
- A rail of the right length, in the kit or bought to fit
- Dust hose fit for your extractor
How the saw and rail work is in track saws, and the family is mapped in the circular saw guide.
Sources
Specification-based: every figure is the maker's own for the saw named, from its manual or product page as stated. Run-time and dust figures are makers' claims under their own conditions and were not checked. No saw was tested and none is ranked.
- 1.
M18 FUEL 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw, Cat. No. 2831-20, Operator's Manual. Milwaukee Tool.
Used for: The 2831: 18 V; 2,500–5,600 rpm; 6-1/2 in blade on a 20 mm arbor; 2-1/4 in at 0° and 1-5/8 in at 45°; bevel −1° to 48°; kerf, body and riving-knife figures; the knife removed for plunge cuts; a 1/16 in scoring stop on a rail; an electric brake that may lag or miss and is no substitute for the guard; the anti-tip knob; a splinter guard on the saw; dust from coated work self-igniting in the bag; reading the rail maker's instructions.
- 2.
2831-20 M18 FUEL 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw. Milwaukee Tool.
Used for: The 2831's 1-7/8 in vacuum-hose fit, bevel stops at 0°, 22.5° and 45°, and its claim of over 90% dust collection efficiency.
- 3.
Cordless Plunge Cut Circular Saw XPS01, Instruction Manual. Makita.
Used for: The XPS01: 36 V from two 18 V LXT batteries; 2,500–6,300 rpm; 2-3/16 in at 0°, 1-9/16 in at 45°, 1-1/2 in at 48°; 9.8–11.2 lb depending on batteries; a 2–3 mm quick-stop scoring cut on a rail.
- 4.
XPS01PTJ 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit. Makita.
Used for: The XPS01's electric brake; −1° to 48° bevel with stops at 22.5° and 45°; a lever that engages the rail for bevel cuts; the rail sold separately; a 55-tooth blade; Makita's claim of up to 125 cuts per charge in 4 × 8 sheets of 1/2 in plywood with two 5.0 Ah batteries.
About this buying guide
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