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Pro Tool Reviews tested Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2834 and Makita’s 40V max XGT GSH01 cordless circular saws across several cut types. Both handled routine crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts well, while Milwaukee recorded faster times in two demanding OSB rip-cut tests.
Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2834 cut faster than Makita’s 40V max XGT GSH01 in two demanding rip-cut tests, according to a head-to-head review by Pro Tool Reviews. The report found the saws broadly comparable on common crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts, giving buyers a performance comparison rather than a clear winner for every task.
Both saws use a 7 1/4-inch blade and have brushless motors rated at up to 6,000 RPM. Each is listed with a maximum cutting depth of 2 5/8 inches at 90 degrees. Milwaukee’s saw has a maximum bevel angle of 57 degrees; Makita’s reaches 56 degrees and has positive stops at 22.5, 45 and 56 degrees.
The most distinct results came from the review’s timed rip-cut trials. In a double-stacked test using 3/4-inch OSB, with each saw 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 cut through triple-stacked 3/4-inch OSB, Milwaukee took 17.41 seconds and Makita took 24.74 seconds.
For ordinary crosscuts, the reviewers said both models had enough power and capacity for common dimensional lumber. They also reported smooth tracking and lower blade-guard movement during miter and bevel cuts. Both saws completed compound cuts without issue in the tests described. The article says Milwaukee’s lower guard felt slightly smoother, while describing that difference as a small detail rather than a decisive performance gap.
What the Rip-Cut Results Show
The comparison gives users a practical distinction between cutting speed under load and performance on routine cuts. In the reviewer’s two timed OSB tests, Milwaukee finished sooner; for the other listed cut types, the report describes the saws as closely matched. That makes the results most relevant to buyers who regularly make demanding rip cuts, rather than proving one model is better for every job.
Tool-platform fit also matters. The Milwaukee 2834 belongs to the M18 Fuel system, while Makita’s GSH01 runs on its 40V max XGT platform. Existing batteries and chargers, along with job-specific features, may weigh as heavily in a purchase as test speed. The report does not establish a universal recommendation or compare total ownership costs.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7 1/4 inch circular saw
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Two Flagship Cordless Platforms
The review frames the models as premium cordless sidewinder saws with similar headline specifications: the same blade size, listed no-load speed and 90-degree cutting depth. Their differences include bevel range and practical features. Milwaukee lists a folding rafter hook, electronic blade brake, LED work light and dust blower; the source also identifies a related model, the 2835, as One-Key compatible. Makita’s GSH01 has an integrated tether point and supports AWS when paired with a compatible Bluetooth transmitter.
Pro Tool Reviews says it tested crosscuts, rip cuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts, using 2x lumber and OSB to limit some testing variables. The supplied report describes results for those categories but does not provide a publication date, full laboratory protocol or broader long-term durability findings. Its conclusions should be read as results from the stated tests, not as a guarantee of performance in all materials or conditions.
“Milwaukee pulled ahead in raw cutting speed.”
— Pro Tool Reviews
Makita XGT GSH01 cordless circular saw
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Limits of the Head-to-Head Test
The provided source does not state when the review was published, how many repetitions were made for each timed cut, or whether the results include variation between batteries, blades or operators. It also gives no battery runtime, pricing, warranty comparison or long-term reliability data. Those factors could affect a buyer’s decision but cannot be settled by the reported cut times.
The test results do not show how the saws compare across every wood species, jobsite condition or battery state. The review says Makita maintained RPMs well during demanding cuts even though it finished the timed rip tests later. That distinction matters: the time results show which saw completed those specific trials sooner, not that Makita lacks power or is unsuitable for demanding work.
best cordless circular saw for rip cuts
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Match the Saw to Your Work
The review does not announce a future test or a product change. Readers comparing the two models can use its results alongside current pricing, battery-platform ownership and the features they need, then check the full review for its remaining test details. For buyers whose work centers on heavy rip cuts, Milwaukee’s faster recorded times are a relevant point; for routine cuts, the report found little performance separation.
Further comparisons of runtime, price and long-term use would be needed to judge overall value. Until those are available in the source material, the most supportable takeaway is specific: Milwaukee led the two timed OSB rip-cut tests, while both saws performed well across the other cut types covered.
professional circular saw for OSB cutting
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Key Questions
Which saw was faster in the rip-cut tests?
Milwaukee’s 2834 was faster in both reported trials: 9.76 seconds versus 13.53 seconds in the double-stacked OSB test, and 17.41 seconds versus 24.74 seconds in the triple-stacked full-depth test.
Did one saw clearly outperform the other on every cut?
No. The review reported Milwaukee’s lead in the timed rip cuts, but described both saws as capable on crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts.
How do their main specifications compare?
Both have a 7 1/4-inch blade, a listed no-load speed of 6,000 RPM and a 2 5/8-inch cutting depth at 90 degrees. Milwaukee’s maximum bevel is 57 degrees; Makita’s is 56 degrees and includes stops at 22.5, 45 and 56 degrees.
Does the review settle which saw is the better buy?
No. The source reports cutting tests but does not give a price, battery-runtime or long-term reliability comparison. Buyers may also need to account for which battery platform they already use.
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