Cordless table saws occupy a complicated place in a contractor's kit. They eliminate the extension cord management that makes a corded jobsite saw frustrating on framing sites, but they trade runtime and sustained cutting power for that freedom. The DeWalt DCS7485B and Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2736-20 are the two most capable cordless jobsite saws available in 2026. Neither is a replacement for a corded Bosch 4100XC or DeWalt DWE7491RS in a dedicated shop setting — but for site work where portability and cord elimination matter, both are serious tools.
DeWalt DCS7485B (FLEXVOLT 60V)
The DeWalt DCS7485B has more sustained cutting power at 60V; the Milwaukee 2736-20 is the right call for M18 platform users who value ONE-KEY connectivity.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | DeWalt DCS7485B (FLEXVOLT 60V) | Milwaukee M18 FUEL ONE-KEY 2736-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Size | 8-1/4 in | 8-1/4 in |
| Rip Capacity | 24-1/2 in | 24-1/2 in |
| No-Load RPM | 5,800 | 5,800 |
| Battery Voltage | 60V FLEXVOLT | 18V M18 |
| Tool Tracking | None | ONE-KEY |
| Warranty | 3-year | 5-year |
| Tool-Only Price | ~$379 | ~$369 |
Blade Size, Rip Capacity, and Cutting Power
Both saws use an 8-1/4-inch blade — a trade-off from the 10-inch standard of corded jobsite saws. The smaller blade reduces cutting capacity: the DeWalt DCS7485B offers a 24-1/2-inch rip capacity, which handles standard sheet goods (48-inch wide panels) in two passes but not in one. The Milwaukee 2736-20 has a 24-1/2-inch rip capacity as well — identical. For site-built cabinets and finish framing in manufactured lumber, both are adequate. For ripping full 4x8 sheets in a single pass, a 10-inch corded saw is the right tool.
The DCS7485B at 60V FLEXVOLT produces torque comparable to a 15-amp corded contractor saw — DeWalt's own lab comparisons show blade speed maintenance under load that's within 5-8% of the DW745 corded model. That's a credible data point, though independent contractor testing shows the gap widens on sustained cuts through 2x pressure-treated.
The Milwaukee 2736-20 at M18 operates at 5,800 RPM no-load. Its POWERSTATE motor handles dimensional lumber cross-cuts and sheet good ripping adequately but shows more speed drop under load than the 60V DeWalt. On light-to-moderate work — job site trim cutting, OSB sheathing cuts — the Milwaukee performs well. On repeated long rip cuts in dense material, the DeWalt's voltage advantage is tangible.
ONE-KEY, Connectivity, and Smart Features
The Milwaukee 2736-20 includes ONE-KEY connectivity — Milwaukee's tool tracking and customization platform. You can register the saw's location, track it if stolen, and review usage data through the Milwaukee app. For contractors managing fleet tools across multiple job sites, ONE-KEY provides real theft recovery utility. Milwaukee reports that ONE-KEY integration has led to equipment recovery in real theft cases, which is not a marketing abstraction.
DeWalt's DCS7485B does not include tool tracking. It's a straightforward cordless saw without connectivity features. If theft is a concern (and at $399 tool-only, it should be), DeWalt offers no smart-lock or location tracking out of box.
ONE-KEY also allows customization of the saw's behavior in subtle ways — speed profiles and usage logging that some fleet managers find valuable. For an individual contractor using one saw on one site, this is less relevant. For a company managing 20+ tools across crews, it has genuine operational value.
Battery Platform, Runtime, and Portability
The DCS7485B requires a 60V FLEXVOLT battery. A 6.0Ah FLEXVOLT pack gets approximately 70-80 cross-cuts in 3/4-inch plywood per charge. That's meaningful but not unlimited — a busy day of sheet goods cutting requires two or three packs staged for rotation.
The Milwaukee 2736-20 on an M18 HIGH OUTPUT 12.0Ah pack gets comparable cut counts but requires the largest M18 pack available. The 12.0Ah pack is heavy and large — it shifts the saw's balance and adds to carry weight. Both saws weigh 33-35 lbs without batteries, which is significantly lighter than corded 10-inch saws at 45-60 lbs.
The portability argument is real for site work. Neither saw requires a cart or permanent station — you can move them between floors, carry them through rough openings, and set them up on a sawhorse without the cord hunting that makes corded saws frustrating. For finish carpenters and trim crews who move between rooms and floors constantly, that freedom has daily value.
Fence System, Warranty, and Value
Both saws include a rack-and-pinion fence system. The DeWalt DCS7485B's fence locks solidly with minimal play — comparable in quality to the DW745 corded model. The Milwaukee 2736-20's fence is adequate but receives mixed feedback from contractors on fence alignment maintenance over time.
Milwaukee's 5-year warranty applies to the 2736-20. DeWalt's 3-year warranty covers the DCS7485B. At this price tier ($369-399 tool-only), warranty coverage is meaningful — table saws take repeated stress on motor and arbor bearings that accumulates over years of site use.
The cordless table saw premium is real: both these saws cost $50-100 more than a comparable corded jobsite saw. The premium buys cord freedom, not better cutting performance. Know what you're paying for.
DeWalt DCS7485B (FLEXVOLT 60V) Strengths
- 60V FLEXVOLT sustained motor power — closer to corded performance than M18
- FLEXVOLT battery cross-compatibility with 20V MAX tool ecosystem
- Rack-and-pinion fence quality matches DeWalt corded models
- ~$369-399 tool-only — competitive for the 60V category
Milwaukee M18 FUEL ONE-KEY 2736-20 Strengths
- ONE-KEY theft tracking and tool management connectivity
- M18 platform runs same batteries as Milwaukee power tool ecosystem
- 5-year tool warranty vs DeWalt's 3-year
- POWERSTATE motor adequate for light-to-moderate site cutting tasks
DeWalt DCS7485B (FLEXVOLT 60V) Weaknesses
- 3-year warranty — two years shorter than Milwaukee
- No tool tracking or theft deterrent connectivity
- 60V FLEXVOLT packs required for full performance — expensive entry
Milwaukee M18 FUEL ONE-KEY 2736-20 Weaknesses
- 18V M18 shows speed drop under sustained heavy-load ripping
- High-capacity M18 packs (12.0Ah) add significant weight
- No cross-voltage battery architecture
Best For
- DeWalt DCS7485B (FLEXVOLT 60V) DeWalt/FlexVolt platform users and framers who need maximum sustained cutting power in a cordless package
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL ONE-KEY 2736-20 M18 platform users and contractors managing multi-tool fleets who value ONE-KEY tracking
FAQ
Can either of these saws replace a corded table saw in a shop?
For a dedicated shop: no. The 8-1/4-inch blade limits single-pass capacity and neither saw has the fence quality or extension wing capacity of a proper cabinet or contractor saw. For site work and job-box portability where a 10-inch corded saw would need an extension cord and cart: yes, both are genuine working tools.
What blade upgrades are worth buying for either saw?
Both saws accept standard 8-1/4-inch blade arbors. A Diablo D0840X 40-tooth ATB blade ($30-40) is the first upgrade worth making — the stock blades on both tools are functional but not remarkable. For melamine and sheet goods, a Freud LU97M010 80-tooth blade pays for itself quickly in edge quality.