Milwaukee 2732-20 vs Makita XSH06Z: M18 FUEL Single Pack Against X2 LXT Two-Pack Circular Saw

Where these two differ

Both are brushless 7-1/4 inch sidewinders with electric brakes and the blade on the right. The Milwaukee 2732-20 runs on one M18 pack at 5,800 RPM with a magnesium shoe, a 2-1/2 inch cut and a 50 degree bevel. The Makita XSH06Z runs on two LXT packs at 5,000 RPM with a 2-5/8 inch cut and a 56 degree bevel. The Makita has more power and capacity; the Milwaukee is lighter and tougher.

This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both saws and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either saw ourselves.

Power

The Makita rips wet pressure-treated 2×12 without slowing on two 5 Ah packs. The Milwaukee on a High Output pack rips the same board with a little less reserve. Dry lumber and deck boards cut cleanly on both.

Cut capacity

The Makita cuts an eighth deeper and bevels six degrees further, which matters for a 4×4 in two passes and for steep pergola rafters.

Build and handling

The Milwaukee magnesium shoe and guards are lighter and survive a drop. The Makita with two packs is heavier and better planted on a sawhorse. Both have good line visibility.

Batteries and runtime

One M18 High Output pack lasts an afternoon of joists and runs the Milwaukee yard range. Two LXT 5 Ah packs last similarly and run the Makita X2 yard tools and every 18V LXT tool.

Blades and setup

Both take 7-1/4 inch blades with a 5/8 inch arbor. A 24-tooth framing blade for joists; a 40-tooth blade for deck boards. Depth and bevel levers on both.

Yard jobs this decides

Fence rails, pickets and deck boards suit both; the lighter Milwaukee is nicer on a ladder. Deck framing and a pergola with steep rafters favor the Makita. The platform decides the rest; both run full yards.

Warranty and support

On the Milwaukee 2732-20, Milwaukee covers M18 FUEL tools with a five-year warranty and M18 packs with three years. On the Makita XSH06Z, Makita covers LXT tools and batteries with a three-year limited warranty. Both makers run service networks in the US and both honor the warranty only with proof of purchase, so keep the receipt with the manual. Registration takes a few minutes online and is worth doing the day the tool arrives.

Care and storage

Both are brushless battery tools and both last longest with the same habits: blow the vents clear after dusty work, store packs indoors at partial charge rather than empty or full for months, and keep the tool out of a hot truck in summer. Neither needs lubrication or brush changes. A pack left on the charger for weeks is not harmed by either maker, but a pack left at zero through a winter often is.

Common owner complaints

2732 owners mention wanting High Output packs. XSH06Z owners mention needing two packs. Both are reliable.

Which one should you buy

Buy the 2732-20 on M18 or for a lighter single-pack saw with a tough build. Buy the XSH06Z on LXT or for the deepest cut and most power.

Our verdict

The Milwaukee 2732-20 edges this comparison for most homeowners on weight and build. The Makita XSH06Z is the more capable saw for framing.