Circular Saws: The Heart of Every Framing Crew
No power tool sees more abuse on a framing site than the circular saw. From ripping OSB to crosscutting 2x lumber and cutting 4x beams, a circular saw runs hard from sunup to sundown. DeWALT and Milwaukee both make outstanding cordless options in 2026 — here’s how they compare on the metrics that matter most to working contractors.
DeWALT DCS573B: FLEXVOLT Power
Running on the 60V FLEXVOLT battery, the DCS573B delivers a blistering 8,000 RPM with a 7-1/4-inch blade — matching or exceeding the power of many corded saws. It cuts 2-1/2 inches at 90° and 1-7/8 inches at 45°, handling doubled 2x material comfortably. The magnesium shoe is lightweight and rigid, the electric brake stops the blade in under 2 seconds, and the sight line to the blade is excellent. Weight: 8.8 lbs with a 60V 3Ah FLEXVOLT battery — heavier than some, but the power justifies it on heavy structural cuts.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2732-20: Optimized for Cordless
Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL 2732-20 takes a different approach — 18V platform, 7-1/4-inch blade, optimized specifically for cordless efficiency. It runs at 5,800 RPM (lower than the FLEXVOLT) but delivers 4,800 RPM under load — the loaded RPM is what actually matters for cut performance. Its POWERSTATE motor cuts through 2x and 3x lumber smoothly, and its 6.2 lb weight (with 5Ah battery) makes it significantly lighter for all-day use. The rafter hook is robust and well-positioned.
Cut Speed and Battery Performance
In framing lumber tests (crosscutting 2×10 Douglas fir), the DeWALT completes cuts 10–15% faster thanks to higher RPM and torque. However, per battery charge, the Milwaukee typically gets 15–20% more cuts due to its efficient motor and lower voltage draw. For a framing crew that values continuous use with quick battery swaps, Milwaukee’s efficiency wins. For occasional heavy cuts where raw speed matters, the FLEXVOLT is in a class of its own.
Dust and Visibility
Both saws manage dust reasonably well — neither has a dust port that actually works with a vacuum in practice. The DeWALT’s cut line visibility is marginally better thanks to its blade-left configuration and lower blade guard profile. Milwaukee’s LED work light helps in low-light conditions.
The Verdict
For maximum power on structural framing: DeWALT DCS573B on FLEXVOLT. For all-day framing efficiency and lighter weight: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2732-20. Both are legitimate professional tools — your existing battery ecosystem should guide the decision. Shop both at Pro Tools Hub.
