Milwaukee 7 1/4" Miter Saw Review

This week I review my Milwaukee 7 1/4" miter saw. I have had this saw for 2 years and In this video I go over all its features and tell you what I like and Don't like about this saw.
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[@thegoodfight365]

These reviews are the ones I enjoy the most. Really how much info can you get from anyone opening the box and telling you what? Meanwhile the 2 years of experience with the saw is practical and priceless in my humble opinion. Thanks for sharing your experience with this. I own many red tools and it's either this or the makita 36 volt. Since I don't need the huge saw I'm probably going to add this to team red. Thanks again 👍🏿

[@petertruscott6852]

I have a trailer full of Milwaukee tools, which I love. I've had a Makita compound mitre saw for years but it is due for replacement and I'm naturally gravitating towards Milwaukee. Watching your review convinced me to go with exactly this 7.25 inch saw, so I've just ordered it! Thank you from Australia, Peter

[@tmillermann700]

Good review good camera work and I appreciate you being very informative. Just bought one love it.

[@markfredericks9892]

Thanks for the review Wes. I recently found your channel while looking at reviews on the Dewalt 8 1/4 tablesaw. You've got lots of great content! Carrying that table saw and this chop saw in either hand sounds like a dream when getting setup on a job. Thanks again

[@WesHamstra]

Thanks! Both are great saws! Thanks for watching.

[@TheVineyardFarmhouse]

I have enjoyed watching most of your videos. You have inspired me to start my own channel. It’s been slow moving but I am enjoying the journey. Thank you very much.

[@stephenfiore9960]

Have you started your channel yet?

[@kittypigeonclueless5566]

I think this was the best review of this specific saw I have watched.....I've watched them all.

[@stephenfiore9960]

Very fast and concise. Probably missing some key points but at least it’s not a half hour long

[@yohad81]

I just ordered it 5 minujtes ago and I came searching for videos on KZbin to get some unbias reviews. Thank you.

[@sapelesteve]

Nice short & sweet review Wes! Milwaukee makes some nice tools. If I were in the market, I would definitely consider purchasing this saw! Hope that you guys are all doing well....

[@WesHamstra]

Thanks, doing good.

[@frd3fadi]

I been using this saw for 2 years now and I love it . The battery amazing I do about 2000 ft show moulding with one Charge . I agree About the zip bag it's hard to open and close. In the end is a great saw u can get ur money back from 1 job . Thanks for sharing 👍

[@WesHamstra]

Most tools have this issue with the bags. I paid mine off with the first job as well. Thanks for watching

[@steveb611]

Great review. I just sold my 12" to buy this. If I cut bigger boards I just flip them over. Perfect cause I'm not moving a 60lb mitre saw anymore 👊

[@coreyallan-audiovideo]

was kind of a crazy thing we did for years hey? I remember one week I didn't work because my mentor slipped on an icy hill while carrying the milwaukee 12".

[@ericl6460]

I'm filled with rage every time I lift up my stupid huge 12" saw just to cut a few 2x4s

[@nodoubt46able]

@@ericl6460 lmao ditto

[@edwardreid2598]

Brilliant saw light and easy to use in tight spaces …. Between this saw and Milwaukee table saw working life is so much easier…… mark from the UK👍🏻

[@ramiroalberto1990]

About to buy one of this, thank you for your review.

[@WesHamstra]

You won’t be disappointed. I use mine everyday. Best little saw out there

[@Guitube99]

Wow I need one of those now, very nice.

[@cdgregOG]

“I could probably take it to my mom and she could sew a new zipper.” Best part of the review lol

[@simonlunt353]

I am a big Milwaukee fan l have the m18 254 which is the 12” and I use 12 amp battery on it great saw l want to set it up with packouts clips on so I can just clip it onto my stand or my packout boxes stay safe 👍

[@OkieFarming]

Just now unpacked mine, I went with the 7 1/4 because of the blade availability. The review helped figure out how the lite part came into play. Like you, I also have the DeWalt 12" and that thing gives ya nightmares just the thought of moving it around, now that I'm 66. The surprise bonus was the DeWalt stand works with the Milwaukee saw, which saved me $239.00 Thanks for posting.

[@stephenfiore9960]

Nice and concise video

[@blacksmyth]

Been thinking about a new saw for a while. I am still running a 10" single bevel non sliding Rexon saw that I bought 20 years ago. I don't do jobsites and don't have Milwaukee batteries anymore so think I will heading to Bosch or festool when I do upgrade. Good honest review though man. Keep up the great content 🙏👍

[@WesHamstra]

If I had to get a new stationary saw I would consider the Bosch

[@blacksmyth]

@@WesHamstra yeah, just love how the glide doesn't take up any space behind the saw. But I don't do much big stuff so a 8" would probably do me. Maybe a DeWalt just cus I have the flexvolt system already.

[@tonmage29]

Wow you just invented the baseboard dance move.🤩

[@cisco5400]

Great info thx

[@lagomaldonado1116]

Muy buen explicación Amigo.

[@frontlinefinishcarpentry4193]

Just bought the saw yesterday. Can't wait for the mailman now! This will be complimentary saw to by bosch axial glide. I'll be glad to quit lugging the bosch around.

[@WesHamstra]

You will like it. My big 12” dewalt stays in my shop now. I use this saw everyday for installing hardwood and trimming houses.

[@frontlinefinishcarpentry4193]

@@WesHamstra We were at a window restoration project today. I built (and repaired) the window sashes at my shop. We were on site doing install in a historic home and I had to lug the big miter saw (and gravity rise stand) out there just for cutting small moulding pieces. Super stoked for the 7-1/4

[@johnmichael642]

Awesome thanks

[@uararunuh9010]

Hi, what do you think is it available to use this saw for finishing with 48 theafs blade?

[@noalbloqueogenocida7629]

Just got it today

[@coreyallan-audiovideo]

I have it and Love it. it's almost too good to be true so I still find myself researching the top 12" saws. honestly, I just need to accept that it has always done everything I need it to with ease. one downside, and I mean one (because I cut crown using a crown bevel chart) is the presence of the saw. it doesn't have that massive robotic look that the bosch glide has. Who really cares if a great job is getting done?

[@WesHamstra]

I know what your saying. It’s my go to mitre saw right now.

[@coreyallan-audiovideo]

@@WesHamstra so hard to beat that one hand carry with the stand in the other hand and room to throw a tool bag in the mix 😄 thanks for that video. It actually sold me on the saw and I came back to watch it again 😄

[@alanmcwilliams4264]

Good review are they still using that phenolic mat'l where the saw connects to the main body?

[@WesHamstra]

Not sure what that is.

[@brandonsheaffer5035]

I hate that some major brands only make single bevel model. I’d buy a Bosch 7 1/4 if it was dual bevel. Love my Bosch 12in

[@keenxxx1]

I started w/ Milwaukee's 10" miter saw & thought is was a flop in every way. Purchased the 7 1/4" and have been happy for the most part. I really wish the saw had a depth stop. Also the bevel gauge is really hard to read & set when doing flat cuts. I recently purchased the 12" version because bigger is better right? Well the 12" might be too much for my needs. It is heavier in weight and action.

[@stephenfiore9960]

Thank you so much for giving your opinion on all 3 versions. I’m still debating the pros and cons of all 3

[@dustymanjuiice4445]

​@@stephenfiore9960 same here probably going with the 7 1/4 myself

[@CesarEstrada92]

do you know if the 10inch milwuakee miter saw gauge will fit this 7 1/4?

[@WesHamstra]

I have no idea

[@heydoyourhomework]

No saw is perfect. This one looks pretty good. About how often do you find yourself tuning up the blade/fence for squareness?

[@WesHamstra]

I have not tuned it up yet. It does a great job

[@hrayrohanyan4498]

Hello first of all thank you for your reviews .I considering to buy ridgid or Milwaukee miter saw(7-1/4) . which one can you suggest? Concerning to precision, build quality, i need it for cutting picture frames, moldings and door framing, and need ti put for example 45° and get cut on 45, thanks

[@WesHamstra]

I have not looked at the ridgid. Just make sure that it is a dual bevel. I know dewalts cordless 7 1/4” mitre saw is only a single. I imagine rigid is also a single bevel. I bought this Milwaukee because it was dual bevel.

[@hrayrohanyan4498]

@@WesHamstra ridgid is also dual bevel, but quality compered with this, wanted to know. is Milwaukee precise and accurate cut?. as well as can I cut 45 miter 3 inch high and 1.5 inch thick board? putting board against fence by 3 inch side, thanks for answer

[@MichaelHamstra]

My brother has one of these saws, I think he likes it.

[@WesHamstra]

Really? That’s crazy

[@Wordsnwood]

I miss Josh with his "first"...

[@MistAtsiM]

Can a battery conversion adapter be used with dewalt battery?

[@WesHamstra]

Possibly. I have no idea. Dewalt does make a 7 1/4” cordless mitre saw as well. I don’t think it’s as good as the milwaukee

[@josebruno6612]

Hi, I have the same miter saw but I’m not happy at all . It has a problem with the trigger. 3 times had taken it Milwaukee repair shop and it’s still the same.

[@WesHamstra]

Really, I have had this saw for a few years and havnt had any issues at all

[@DocRickJr]

I bought this saw and ended up returning it and buying another one right away because of 2 things. #1 the sliding mechanism was very rough. My hand on the handle would actually shake because the sliding on the rails was so notchy feeling! My current saw (which was manufactured 10 units away from the first one) is still somewhat notchy but better. Is your sliding mechanism perfectly smooth or does it have some notchyness to it while sliding? #2 reason I exchanged the first unit was the gears chattered like crazy which was especially noticeable while under no load. Apparently a common issue, but it drove me nuts!

[@forrestcoleman2659]

That crunchy slide feeling is the #1 thing I saw on all the reviews on depots website. I’m still going to buy it though I think

[@joemassena8051]

I just bought this saw and mine slides really smooth, however the one at tool crib was doing what you are talking about and it almost made me not buy the saw.

[@TraderG007]

Thanks for the info. What limitations are there with the 7 1/4 vs 10 & 12 inch? What's the largest crown moulding you can do with the 7 1/4?

[@Barkingtoad1]

What’s the max cut stood up against fence for skirting/baseboard

[@jonathanshaffer4399]

@@Barkingtoad1 Per Milwaukee's website, 3-1/2" vertical capacity (against the fence), 2-5/8" nested crown capacity and 2x8" horizontal capacity (laying flat and cut at 90). I realize you asked several months ago but maybe someone else will find this helpful.

[@Slowhand871]

I use my 7.25 (Dewalt) all the time my 12” hardly ever. Lightweight and easy to move around.

[@suzesiviter6083]

I got mine 2nd hand, is it normal to have a little roughness in the linear track as you pull/push it, it feels a little bumpy.

[@WesHamstra]

No, that’s not normal. Try cleaning the rails and maybe lube them aswell

[@suzesiviter6083]

@@WesHamstra I tried that, I think maybe its took a nasty hit in the post, I have to figure out a way to remove the sliders.

[@suzesiviter6083]

@@WesHamstra Just to clarify, you shouldn't even feel a little vibration?

[@eugeneyyz8979]

because it real shit , sorry , i like milwaukee but completely disapointed with that model

[@DocRickJr]

@@suzesiviter6083 I bought 2 units brand new from Home Depot. First one did this terribly! Second one, which according to the tech with Milwaukee said was manufactured 10 units away from the first unit, is also somewhat rough. I think I'm going to take it to the local service center vs gambling again with returning and buying a new unit AGAIN. Must have been made on a bad chinese morning....

[@sviinfinity1559]

Hey your review help a lot..Now a question for you..I have a makita 7.1/4 mitre saw and I use for trim and Hardwood which work perfectly from me..Is this battery mitre saw good for Harwood?? Or you need a bigger battery??and what do you think about Milwaukee table saw for Hardwood as well??Thanks

[@WesHamstra]

I bought this saw specially for doing hardwood flooring and trim. It works great. With a 5 amp hour battery it lasts all day

[@sviinfinity1559]

Thank you it's what I need to hear 🙏🏻

[@alexcleverly4579]

2:45 When you adjust the bevel does it fall on a 45° each side you swing it? I’ve currently got the DeWalt 18v chop saw but the bevel angle is more than 45° Meaning that I have to manually lock it off at 45° and that sometimes isn’t very accurate. Thanks

[@nathanield.4527]

Can it cut a 4x4?

[@WesHamstra]

No

[@stephenfiore9960]

Wow, almost a deal breaker for me. Does it cut a 4x4 in two cuts??

[@OSheaWoodworks]

Milwaukee... pay this man!

[@WesHamstra]

Free tools would be ok too.

[@maurofunez3386]

Lol

[@stevenpodolsky5164]

I ended up replacing the zipper myself.

[@judithrob1591]

Woodworking Beginner: Update. This test is only if you want to saw with precision with a miter saw.(test is not intended for rough and hard work). Tips and Test: Remember this test is only about torsion. Very important if you would like to saw with precision. (avoid torsion as much as possible)! Always choose a Miter saw with a handle positioned in a VERTICAL line above the saw blade. Everything must be aligned, slide rails, handle, and saw blade,it is much better this way the blade will not tilt. Because there is some torsion in the aluminum housing . And choose an engine with softstart on it to prevent wear of the gear and worm shaft. It is very important that everything is aligned. Here are some examples to show how the handle must be positioned above the blade First option: handle vertical positioned in line above the saw blade. Bosch gcm 800 sj / Bosch gcm 8 sjl / Evolution rage 3 / FESTOOL KS 60 / Bosch GCM 8 SDE / FESTOOL KS 60 E KAPEX / Metabo KGSV 72 Xact/ Bosch PCM 8 SD / Hitachi C10FSH / Evolution Fury3-S / Evolution R255SMS / Metabo HPT C10FSBS / Hitachi C10FSB / Hitachi C10FS. Second optie: handle horizontal positioned in line above the saw blade / Evolution R185SMS / Evolution F255SMS / Evolution RAGE3R255 SMS3 / Ridgid MS255SR 10-inch (This also is the case with the Miter saw without the slide rails). (If you want). You can test it yourself at home if there is torsion in the aluminum housing. Step-1. First you make a saw cut from +-5 mm deep in to a flat piece of wood about +- 20 mm thick to this with the normal handle positioned on the right side of the Miter saw (the wood it will remain in place until the test is completed). Step-2. Then repeat this by pushing the saw blade down with your hand or finger on the aluminum protective cover were the saw blade is cased in. Just now only do this without the running engine. Step-3. Now you can see if the saw blade will be positioned in or next to the saw cut. If the saw blade is (+- 0,2 / 0,5 mm) next to the saw cut then there is torsion in the aluminum housing. (test is completed). Step-4. Therefor it is much better to choose a Miter saw with the handle positioned VERTICAL in line above the saw blade. The second option is the handle positioned HORIZONTAL in line above the saw blade. Step-5. When you measure the vertical 90 degrees angle square (Digital Level Box) of you're sawblade don't forget that there is always some torsion in the aluminum housing. Conclusion: how further away the handle is from the saw blade how more chance of torsion in the aluminum housing, you better not go for that. Remember this, the test is only about torsion and nothing else. (the choices are yours). Also with a cheap slide miter saw it is still better the handgriff in line a above the saw blade than on the right side. Maybe they will make it someday then we have a winner...

[@paulsikorski9109]

Carnt do trench cuts with it

[@jimewelsh]

I clean all my tools as often as I have time. I don't buy the customer wants to see dirty tools... I think that makes it look like you've bought second hand or can't afford newer stuff

[@WesHamstra]

You also don’t want new looking tools. Makes you look like a rookie.

[@jimewelsh]

@@WesHamstra Shaq and many other players wear/wore brand new shoes every game... They never looked like rookies playing.

[@stephenfiore9960]

…swoosh……………..I think?

[@Gene-kl1br]

Agreed : bag toss it .

[@carlbeauregard5862]

I respectfully disagree with your take on keeping your tools dirty. Take care of your tools and they will take care of you. Fact is that dirty tools don't work as efficiently and can be more dangerous. In contrast to what you feel a customer thinks about clean tools, I feel that clean tools give the customer confidence in your attention to detail, and are probably less worried about how messy you will leave your jobsite.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

I have one. Its good if you only need to make a few cuts but I wouldn't trim a house with it. I bought it because it's super light and when I only need to case a door it's easy to throw around. The table is nowhere near flat from factory. The rails have some slop in them (like all sliders) and the blade kerf is very thin on this size blade so when trying to Bevel @ 45 there is blade deflection resulting in some uneven cuts in the middle section of the piece.

[@WesHamstra]

You may have a got a bad saw. I have none of those issues. I also use a thicker blade then the one that was provided with it. I trim entire houses with no issues

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

@@WesHamstra There's no such thing as a full kerf blade in 7 1/4 that I know of. The thickest I've seen is a Freud melamine blade that .079 kerf which is still pretty thin. I never used the provided blade. I swapped it out for a Diablo 60T when I got it. Still has blade deflection. Also, if you look at other tool test channels that checked for accuracy, it confirms the table is roughly .020 out of level on their saws too.

[@WesHamstra]

I buy exchange a blade for mine. They are pretty thick kerfs. I’d say almost 1/8”

[@relaxdude1105]

If you need a saw that can cut precisely and accurately, don't get this saw. This saw is good for the small baseboard repairs or cutting rough lumber, I've tried calibrating my saw but it just isn't possible. Only one side of the fence can be made square to the blade, the top itself isn't level and has different heights, and trying to cut a nice outside 45 corner is impossible. So yeah, don't plan on doing any professional trim work with this saw. I honestly wish I had returned mine and got something different.

[@WesHamstra]

Sorry to hear you had this expierence. I never have issues with getting precise outside corners with this saw.

[@relaxdude1105]

⁠@@WesHamstra if cutting smaller baseboards then yeah, outside miters are super simple. For me, getting precise angles on baseboard that is 5 1/4 or more was a bit more difficult and time consuming. If you enjoy using the bevel adjustments then props to you. Thanks for the review.

[@kllgrogto5838]

Mixing yellow and red is a sin, you are going straight to hell... jk i do it all the time but i try not to

[@eugeneyyz8979]

completely disapointed withthis saw , all miter amgles are gone , you adjust it , works fine , next day it f***d up again , dont know , motor with handle shakes side to side from the frame , dislike at all

[@WesHamstra]

Maybe you got a lemon, mine doesn’t do any of that.

[@eugeneyyz8979]

@@WesHamstra dont know , but it f.up from every point

[@ovi1013]

You almost twisted your ankle because you stepped on the stairs the wrong way

[@WesHamstra]

Yes, that is true. It was also because the saw is heavy and awkward to carry. Many factors

[@ovi1013]

@@WesHamstra heavy is heavy lol stepping wrong is an accident

[@eugenemartin7084]

I have this saw and it's miter and angel are shit