22 Reviews

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
March 2005 - I've owned two Milwaukee 6176-20 chop saws, both purchased from Home Depot. Both had problem after problem - two switches, a broken arm, broken handles and finally a burned out motor. So when I decided to replace the dead unit, I looked at some reviews and my first choice, a DeWalt unit, was not highly recommended. So I checked, reluctantly, into what Milwaukee has to offer. On Milwaukee's website, they listed a new unit, the 6180-20 so I went ahead and purchased the unit. I'll jump right into it - this is without a doubt a much better chop-saw. Some of the highlight are: * A higher and heavier base - That keeps it from running the wheel into the floor when you use it on the ground and you have a new wheel. It also seems more stable since it's a overall slightly larger saw. * The pivot point of the arm is raised up - This keeps the centerline of the wheel even when it comes down at it's lowest point. * The arm (I broke one on my last saw) seems much sturdier. * The handle is now "D" shaped and allows easier down-pressure on the arm than the typical pistol style grip. * The lock to keep the arm down when transporting it isn't a chain now, it's an actual pin that is easier to set and un-set. It seems to me to be questionable since the pin rests up against the arm without much backing, though I'm sure someone tested this. * The motor seems to be more powerful, I noticed it pop-ed a 15amp breaker that the old saw could not. It also cut quite a bit faster (though not nearly as fast as a dry cut saw). * It's completely tool less. The backing plate slides up and down to allow for larger stock just by pushing down on a spring loaded pin (though it is a bit hard to do with gloves on). The angle is also tool less, though it could have been designed with a bit more thought, though it does work. Don't expect precise setting of the angles, you will still need a protractor or framing square to get it right 100% of the time. * The quick release is also improved, it's now just a simple lever that turns 180 degrees to allow quick adjustment of the clamp. The clamp release/screw is even better - it isn't just a L shaped section of rod that you struggle to open when it's tighten down, it's now a nice flatten section of metal and the overall size is bigger, allowing it to me more easily opened. * The warranty is now 5 years... though it does say at Milwaukee's discretion, you mileage may vary. It is still better than the old 1 year warranty. Overall I am very happy the unit so far, though time will tell if it holds up. ------------------- Dec 2006 - Update.... I've had this chop saw for over a year now. I would guess that I have run 15 or more blades through it in that period of time. I've done some pretty thick material - 2" solid square stock, stainless and small items. I've cut extremely tight cuts (32"nds) in square tube and through it all this saw has been a performer. Other than the weight of the saw - this thing is a real performer. I've only had one problem with the unit during this time - I tried to use pliers to tighten the "tool-less" arbor nut and it broke. I can now see that you shouldn't use pliers on it. They did have them in stock for $25 at the dealer though. Still I highly recommend this saw to anyone looking for a metal chop saw that is better than just a "once a year" tool. I've also noticed that if you perfer a "dry cut" saw with teeth instead of an abrasive cutoff wheel, they sell the unit 6190-20 also. The advantage (other than ongoing costs) is they don't leave that "layer" of abrasive black dust all over your shop and cut area. I personally find them a little more dangerious. Comment | Permalink | function showYesNoCommunityResponse(uId,result,value) { var msgLayer = getElement("thanks" + uId); if ( result == "SUCCESS" ) { msgLayer.innerHTML = "Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided to other Amazon.com readers and reviewers. Your vote will be counted and will appear on the product page within 24 hours."; } else { showVoteErrorResponse(msgLayer,result,value); } } (Report this)