Cutting Edge Design Takes Cordless Rebar Cutting to a New Level
If you work with rebar, having the right tool for the job can make cutting it a whole lot easier. While there are a couple of cordless rebar cutting tools on the market, Milwaukee’s new M18 Fuel Rebar Cutter improves upon the formula in a number of ways. I’ll walk you through what we’ve learned about this tool ahead of its release, and how it compares to similar tools from other major tool brands.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Rebar Cutter Overview
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Rebar Cutter at a Glance
Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 3675-20
- Cut capacity: 1 1/4 in
- Max speed: 2000 RPM
- Length: 17.3 inches
- Weight: 6.9 lbs bare
- Blade: Milwaukee #10 Rebar Cutting Blade (48-40-4064)
- Price: $699 bare
Key Features
- RapidStop Brake: Stops the cutting wheel in less than 1 second
- Cut-Stop: Automatically stops the wheel when the cut is complete
- PowerState Brushless Motor: Cut #5 rebar in 2 seconds and make up to 240 cuts in #5 rebar per charge with a 6.0Ah High Output battery
- Cold Cut Design: Cuts with far fewer sparks and keeps the heat of the material down
- Paddle Switch Activation: Never worry about the wheel spinning if your hand comes off the tool
- Vibration-Reducing Side Handle: Installs in three positions to offer the best cutting angle
- One-Key Enabled: Track and manage the tool using the One-Key interface
Performance
Cordless rebar cutters aren’t new to the scene, but the 3675 is Milwaukee’s first rebar cutter on the M18 battery platform. It has a cutting capacity of 1 1/4-inch to cut up to #10 rebar.
Among major competitors, Makita’s XCS06 gets the closest with a 1-inch rebar capacity. A smaller company, BN Products, has a cordless #10 rebar cutter. I’ll show you how both of these models compare later on in the article.
The cutting wheel on the 3675 spins at a top speed of 2000 RPM, and the brushless motor can power through #5 rebar (5/8-inch) in just 2 seconds. This is a cold cutting speed and wheel combination, so it produces far fewer sparks than using an abrasive wheel on a grinder. Using an M18 6.0Ah battery, the Milwaukee 3675 rebar cutter can perform up to 240 cuts in #5 rebar.
For safety, this tool employs two types of braking. First, RapidStop technology stops the wheel within 1 second when you let go of the paddle switch.
Second, a new innovation for this class of tool is called Cut-Brake. When you enable this setting, the tool senses when you complete the cut and automatically shuts the motor off. It’s particularly helpful when you’re trying to avoid damaging material behind the cut.
Design
This tool is grinder-style in design, featuring a paddle switch for more control over your cut. Milwaukee tells us it’s compatible exclusively with the brand’s proprietary #10 (1-1/4-inch) Rebar Cutting Blades, which are equipped with carbide teeth for fewer sparks than an abrasive wheel.
The field is split between rebar cutters built on a grinder platform and those with a pistol grip design. Both have their place, and Milwaukee’s design excels when you’re cutting installed rebar as close to flush as you can. You can cut loose rebar easily as well, but the close-to-surface cutting capability is what sets it apart.
How Does it Compare?
Milwaukee’s 3675 rebar cutter offers some advantages compared to similar tools, benefiting from a large cutting capacity and a reasonable price tag. Here’s a glance at how this model compares against similar tools from Makita and BN Products.
| Milwaukee 3675-20 (This model) | Makita XCS06 | BN Products BNCE-45-24V | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Capacity | 1 1/4-inch (#10) | 1 inch (#8) | 1 1/4-inch (#10) |
| Runtime (#5 cuts) | 240 cuts (6.0Ah) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Weight | 6.9 lbs (bare) | 8.8 lbs (w/ battery) | 10.3 lbs (w/ battery) |
| No-Load Speed | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Price: | $699 (bare) | $1329 (bare) | $945 (kit) |
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Rebar Cutter Price
This tool retails for $699 bare. There are currently no kit options available, so be sure to pick up an M18 battery and charger if you’re not already on Milwaukee’s 18V system. Milwaukee backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
Most concrete Pros have their tried and true methods for cutting rebar, but Milwaukee aims to increase productivity with the M18 Fuel Rebar Cutter. Its large cutting capacity, cold cutting design, and innovative Cut-Stop technology help set it apart from other options.
If you frequently cut rebar on site, the Milwaukee 3675 is a compelling option that can help your crew be more productive. Between its cordless convenience, low-spark performance, and safety, there’s not much to complain about.
If you’re used to a pistol grip rebar cutter, the change in design will take some getting used to. However, the grinder style’s ability to cut close to the surface of installed rebar offers some real benefit in those applications.
