With a sharp focus on comfort, the Milwaukee 6390-20 circular saw sports a tilt-lock main handle, which makes it different from other circular saws out there. If you’re looking for fatigue-free tasks and stability then this is a tool that you’ll find useful.
With that said, let’s have a look at the features, specs, pros, and cons of the Milwaukee 6390-20 to help you decide if it’s the right purchase for you.
Milwaukee 6390-20: The Basics
As a corded circular saw, this unit emphasizes simple usability thanks to its Tilt-Lok main handle so you can adjust to different positions when handling your material. It has balanced specs and is ideal even for wet lumber.
Specifications
With a speed of 5,800 RPM, this circular saw bears a 7-1/4-inch wheel size and a 5/8-inch arbor. Its cutting depth is 2-7/16 inches, which is a decent size compared to other similar models (usually around 2-3/8 inches). At 50 degrees, it has a cutting depth of 1-11/16 inches while it has a 1-13/16-inch depth at 45 degrees.
With its 9-foot power cord, this tool weighs 10.4 pounds and spans 13-3/4 inches in length. Its motor is a 15-amp one, with 3.25 peak HP, and it has a bevel capacity of 50 degrees.
Quality
A 5-year warranty is given by the manufacturer, which is one of the longest warranties among circular saws on the market today. Usually, other brands only have 1-year or 3-year warranties on their tool, and this one stands out.
To further give you peace of mind, it even has double-insulated construction for added longevity even through tough tasks. Aside from that, it has a 22-amp switch and helical steel gears to improve its durability for long-term use. I also like that it has a magnesium shoe, which not only improves the balance and weight but also maintains the tool’s durability.
Usability
What makes this circular saw special is the Tilt-Lok feature, a handle that can be moved to different positions to adjust to your preferences. You can adjust the cushioned top handle to eight different configurations, and the fact that it is cushioned will help to reduce user fatigue.
Because it has a wide and clear line of sight, seeing the blade cutting through the material becomes easier from both sides. This will assure better accuracy when you’re working on your task. Due to the spindle lock, changing the blade is also a breeze with this tool. This is a time-saving feature, especially when working between different types of materials.
Should You Buy the Milwaukee 6390-20?
I think that the Milwaukee 6390-20 will appeal to you if your job involves wet lumber, handling headers, microlams, and the like. Because of its ease of visibility, it will be useful for cutting tasks that involve awkward positions.
Since it has a Tilt-Lok handle, it will also diminish user fatigue during long hours of operation. When it comes to durability, it’s also a good investment thanks to its double insulation and the magnesium base/shoe, which makes it suitable for industry-related jobs.
If you are still unsure about your decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.
Pros of the Milwaukee 6390-20
Let’s start with the positives.
The handle has many different positions.
With its Tilt-Lok handle, you can configure the handle to eight different positions. This means you have great work flexibility for different kinds of tasks. Another plus is that with this feature, you are likely to find a comfortable position for handling the tool even in awkward positions, greatly reducing user fatigue.
Compared to other circular saws that only have two or three configurations, this one is by far the best when it comes to flexibility. While other models allow you to place the handle only on the left or right side, this unit has a fully-customized handle that can be positioned in nearly all directions.
It has a magnesium shoe.
While not explicitly mentioned in the specs, this circular saw has a magnesium shoe, which further improves its durability and stability. Compared to aluminum, circular saws that are made with magnesium material tend to last longer and have a more balanced weight to it, which is important in making a precise cut. A stable shoe/base also lessens the likelihood of work accidents.
It has a clear line of sight.
The clear line of sight makes it easier for you to see what’s going on. The markings are easy to see so you’ll know the measurements are just right for your current task. This will make jobs easier because you can see the material that you’re working on, unlike those that have an awkward design.
It has a high no-load speed.
With a 5,800 RPM no-load speed, this is more than enough for industrial jobs, as compared to those that are only around 5,000 to 5,300 RPM. Nonetheless, you should still get a high-quality blade for the specific material that you’re working on, and as well match the speed to yield the best results.
Cons of the Milwaukee 6390-20
On the other hand, while it has good points, the product has some minor drawbacks.
It doesn’t have an electric brake.
A slightly disappointing con, to be honest. The lack of an electric brake means that it might slow your work down a bit if you’re looking to cut rapid, successive cuts.
The cord is not detachable.
Unlike other corded circular saws, this one doesn’t have a detachable cord, so you could find this to be a bit of a hassle when transporting it around a large job site.
What Are the Alternatives to the Milwaukee 6390-20?
If you think that the Milwaukee 6390-20 isn’t quite right for you, there are other alternatives. For those who desire a tool from the same manufacturer, the Milwaukee MLW263120 is a brushless saw that weighs significantly lighter, at only 7.2 pounds. This one has 5,000 RPM and the main difference is that this unit is cordless, which is why it has a lower speed and weight. If you want a circular saw with fewer vibrations and less maintenance, opt for this brushless tool instead.
Meanwhile, the Porter-Cable PCE310 has 5,500 RPM and the similarity is that they both have a magnesium shoe for durability and stability. It is 9 pounds in weight and has a spindle lock for quick blade changes. Both of the saws are corded but this one has a higher bevel capacity of 55 degrees. Nonetheless, it has a clear line of sight as well due to the auxiliary handle.
For those who were disappointed because the Milwaukee 6390-20 didn’t have an electric brake, the DeWalt DWE575SB is a great alternative that has one. This model has a 15-amp motor, a dust blower for managing debris, and a high-level capacity of 57 degrees. It is also lightweight at 8.8 pounds only and has on-board wrench storage for easy blade changes, which saves you time when you’re meeting a deadline.
Finally, make sure to also check my list of the best circular saws for beginners.
Summary
To summarize, the Milwaukee 6390-20 is a good choice for those who have a great need for an adjustable handle. While it doesn’t have an electric brake, the convenient features still make it a fatigue-free circular saw for both beginners and seasoned users. The speed alone is enough for tough jobs and its magnesium base/shoe speaks for itself.