Choosing a cordless miter saw means deciding what you are willing to give up for the ability to cut anywhere. The Milwaukee 2739-80 M18 18V 12-inch Cordless Miter Saw is a no-battery-included take on that trade-off, with a 12-inch blade for bigger trim and a motor built to chase corded-style performance on the M18 platform. It costs $350.00, and the first thing to know is that this price does not include a battery or charger.
Quick verdict
This is a serious sliding miter saw for someone who already owns Milwaukee batteries. The cutting capacity is real, but you have to supply the power source. If you can borrow a battery from another Milwaukee tool, you'll make cuts sooner; if not, the true cost goes up.
Who it suits
A trim carpenter, finish installer, or ambitious DIYer with an existing Milwaukee battery collection will get the most out of this saw. The 7-1/2-inch nested crown capacity and 6-3/4-inch vertical capacity with baseboard against the fence mean you spend less time flipping stock for common trim cuts. It is not ideal for someone starting from zero, because the total investment goes beyond the saw.
What stands out
The POWERSTATE brushless motor is designed to generate the power and performance of a 15-amp corded miter saw, which is the main reason to cut the cord. The shadow cut line LED projects a clear mark without a laser, and the integrated handles make it easier to carry. The runtime estimate of up to 330 cuts per charge also points to jobsite use.
Meaningful trade-offs
The biggest trade-off is the bare-tool packaging. You are paying for the saw body, not the battery, charger, or accessories. If you already own the batteries, this is a smart way to avoid paying for gear you have. If you do not, you will need to buy at least one battery and a charger before the saw is usable. You are also committing to a specific 18V battery system, which is a broad but focused platform.
Milwaukee 2739-80 M18 18V 12-Inch Cordless Miter Saw - Bare Tool
The Milwaukee 2739-80 makes sense as a cordless upgrade for a pro who wants a 12-inch blade without staying tethered to an outlet. The trade-off is that it ships as a bare tool, so you must bring your own battery and charger. If you already have tools in the same battery family, that keeps the cost down; if not, you need to purchase those power items separately.
Bottom line
The decision comes down to your battery inventory. The Milwaukee 2739-80 is a capable cordless miter saw with a brushless motor and a shadow line LED, and the $350.00 price is the starting point. If you already have the batteries, this is worth a close look. If you do not, factor in the extra cost and decide whether the cordless freedom is worth it.
