Milwaukee Unveils One-Key Update to the Next-Gen M18 Fuel Circular Saw
At Pipeline 2024, Milwaukee announced several new M18 Fuel circular saws joining the roster. We got our hands on the next-gen 7 1/4-inch model last year and put it to the test. Now, I’m putting the 2835 and its new tech advances under the microscope. Is it enough to warrant an upgrade? I’m sharing what we know about the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7 1/4-inch Circular Saw with One-Key ahead of its release to help you decide.
Have you seen the new Milwaukee Nitrus Carbide Framing and Demo Circular Saw Blade yet?
Milwaukee 7 1/4-inch Circular Saw: Overview
- Model: Milwaukee 2835
- Max speed: 6000 RPM
- RedLink Plus overload protection
- Runtime: up to 750 cuts (w/ 12.0Ah Forge battery)
- AutoStop kickback protection
- VacLink dust control
- One-Key compatibility
The Milwaukee 2835 circular saw features the same performance level as the standard model we reviewed last year. It has a top speed of 6,000 RPM with the power to keep its RPMs high in tough cuts thanks to its PowerState brushless motor. Using a 12.0Ah Forge battery, Milwaukee estimates up to 750 cuts per charge.
So, if it has identical performance, what makes this saw stand out from the last model? For starters, it features One-Key digital tool management, which I’ll touch on more later. In addition to One-Key, this saw has some new technology inclusions that Milwaukee hasn’t added to circular saws in the past.
As a new safety feature, the 2835 employs an AutoStop Advanced Kickback Protection. When a severe kickback event is detected, the saw’s power shuts off to reduce the chances of injury or damage. This isn’t something you typically find on a circular saw, even among advanced models.
While the previous M18 Fuel 7 1/4-inch saw features a dust port and includes a vacuum adapter, the 2835 steps things up a notch with the inclusion of VacLink technology. This allows you to wirelessly activate compatible dust extractors for less downtime. Like AutoStop, this element makes a first-time appearance in Milwaukee’s circular saw lineup with the 2835.
As we expect from the M18 Fuel line, it’s equipped with RedLink Plus technology, which protects the tool from overload, overheating, and over-discharge.
One-Key
As I mentioned, one of the key differences between this saw and Milwaukee’s previous model (2834) is the addition of One-Key. If you’re new to this technology, there are some advantages to having it onboard.
One-Key is a Bluetooth-based system that offers several integrated technologies. It’s a free app that you can add to your smart device or computer that allows for advanced tool control, jobsite reporting, and power tool inventory control for your M18 tools. We’re still waiting to hear the specific One-Key advantages for this tool. Having custom tool controls would be odd on a circular saw, but there may be some setting selections surrounding the electronically-controlled features.
Within the app, you can manage your tool’s photo, manufacturer, tool description, model, tool number, and location. The app also stores helpful info on the tool like the serial number, category, and purchase information (giving you the “when, where, how much” info you need). Finally, it even accesses your smartphone’s camera and lets you store digital proofs of purchase for each of your tools.
The nice thing is that One-Key is a built-in technology. You don’t have to purchase a separate transmitter before the tool is ready to pair.
We have a full breakdown of everything you need to know about Milwaukee One-Key technology, so check out that article to learn more!
Additional Features
- Electric blade brake
- LED work light
- Rafter hook
- Magnesium guards and shoes
Milwaukee 7 1/4-inch Circular Saw Price and Availability
At the time of writing, pricing for the 2835 is speculative. We do know that the previous model is selling for $249 bare and $499 as a kit with a battery and charger.
However, with the One-Key inclusion and other first-time technologies in the new saw, we expect it to be at least $50 more. While we don’t know exact numbers yet, we do know that Milwaukee will back this saw with its standard 5-year warranty.
This saw will be featured in the 2025 Pipeline event, where we’ll get to see it in action and learn more details.
Should You Buy It?
As the One-Key update to the next-gen M18 Fuel 7 1/4-inch Circular Saw, we weren’t expecting any changes in performance. However, we also weren’t expecting upgrades beyond the normal One-Key tech. The additions of AutoStop and VacLink are significant and make this a more compelling upgrade.
If you’re not worried about tool management, the upgraded safety, or automatic vacuum activation, then the 2834 is still your best bet for top-of-the-line performance.
