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Milwaukee 2734-20 vs DeWalt DCS716: the short version
The Milwaukee 2734-20 and DeWalt DCS716 solve the same problem, but they are not really the same size of saw. The Milwaukee is an 18-volt M18 FUEL 10-inch sliding compound miter saw. The DeWalt is a 12-inch FLEXVOLT saw built around the higher-output 60V battery platform.
That difference matters most under load. The DeWalt has more reserve when cutting wide stock, hardwood, and stacked trim, while the Milwaukee is easier to carry and generally makes more sense for framing, finish carpentry, and normal 2x material. Battery capacity, blade sharpness, material thickness, and cutting speed all affect runtime more than the no-load motor specifications suggest.
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| Feature | Milwaukee 2734-20 | DeWalt DCS716 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery platform | M18, 18V nominal | FLEXVOLT, 60V nominal |
| Blade size | 10 inches | 12 inches |
| Motor speed | About 3,900 rpm | About 3,800 rpm |
| Typical strength | Portable trim and framing work | Wide stock and heavier production cutting |
| Battery cost impact | Lower if you already own M18 batteries | Higher, especially when buying FLEXVOLT batteries |
What runtime under load actually means
A miter saw does not draw maximum power continuously. The motor pulls hard during the few seconds when the blade enters the workpiece, then returns to a much lower draw while the blade is spinning freely. Consequently, “runtime” is more useful when expressed as cuts per charge than as minutes of trigger time.
For a fair comparison, use the same sharp, high-tooth-count blade type, identical stock, and the same cutting technique. A useful test is 2×4 SPF lumber for light load, 2×10 lumber for heavier load, and 3/4-inch oak or maple for a demanding load. Count completed cuts, record the battery size, and stop when the saw’s battery protection shuts it down—not when the operator decides the battery feels low.
Do not compare a Milwaukee with an M18 5.0Ah battery against a DeWalt with a small FLEXVOLT pack and call the result a motor comparison. The packs store different amounts of energy. An 18V 5.0Ah battery contains roughly 90 watt-hours before losses. A 60V 6.0Ah FLEXVOLT battery contains roughly 360 watt-hours when operating at 60V. Actual usable energy is lower, but the difference is still substantial.
Milwaukee 2734-20 performance under load
The Milwaukee’s 10-inch blade has less tooth engagement and less cutting width than the DeWalt’s 12-inch blade. That helps it feel quick in 2x4s and trim boards. With a healthy high-output M18 battery, it should handle repeated crosscuts without the bogging associated with older brushed cordless saws.
Its practical limitation appears when the work gets wide or dense. Cutting 2x10s, thick hardwood, or wet lumber requires more feed pressure and keeps the motor in its high-current range longer. A dull blade can turn an otherwise reasonable job into a battery-draining one. For a day of ordinary framing cuts, a 5.0Ah or larger high-output pack is a sensible starting point; smaller packs save weight but run out sooner and may trigger thermal protection earlier.
The Milwaukee is the better fit if most of your work consists of baseboard, casing, deck boards, studs, and occasional 2x material. If you need replacement batteries, compare M18 high-output batteries by watt-hours and price rather than choosing solely by amp-hour label.
DeWalt DCS716 performance under load
The DCS716’s 12-inch blade and 60V motor give it more overhead for wide stock. It is less likely to slow when cutting a 2×10, thick hardwood, or multiple pieces of trim, provided the blade is sharp and the battery is adequately charged. That does not make it immune to overload: forcing the blade, pinching the kerf, or cutting warped stock can still trip the saw’s electronic protection.
The trade-off is weight and battery expense. The saw is larger, takes more room in a vehicle, and is less pleasant to carry up stairs for a handful of cuts. It also has more battery energy available than many jobs require. You may get dramatically more cuts per charge than with the Milwaukee, but you are carrying a heavier tool and buying into the FLEXVOLT system.
For contractors cutting wide boards all day, the extra capacity is meaningful. For a homeowner installing a few hundred feet of trim, the DCS716’s additional runtime may never repay its higher purchase cost. A FLEXVOLT 6Ah battery is the more appropriate comparison than a compact pack when evaluating sustained cutting.
Expected cut counts and common failure modes
Exact cut counts vary too widely to promise a single number. As a planning guide, a healthy Milwaukee with a 5.0Ah high-output pack can be adequate for several dozen demanding cuts or a much larger number of light framing cuts. A DeWalt with a substantial FLEXVOLT pack should normally complete substantially more cuts in the same stock before recharge, particularly when the material is wide.
Those estimates can collapse under three conditions. First, a dull or incorrect blade increases current draw and heat. Second, feeding too slowly can be almost as bad as forcing the saw: the blade rubs instead of cutting efficiently. Third, repeated bevel cuts in thick hardwood keep more teeth engaged and reduce the number of cuts per charge.
Thermal shutdown is not necessarily a defect. If the battery or motor becomes hot, stop and let it cool. Continuing immediately with another battery may simply move the heat problem into the saw. Also check that the blade is not binding against the fence or table and that the material is properly supported.
Which saw makes more sense?
Choose the Milwaukee 2734-20 if portability, lower system cost, and compatibility with existing M18 batteries matter most. It is the cheaper option that is perfectly adequate for ordinary trim, framing, and renovation work. Buy a sharp blade and a second high-output battery before spending more for a larger saw.
Choose the DeWalt DCS716 if your work regularly includes wide crosscuts, thick hardwood, heavy deck lumber, or long production sessions away from an outlet. Its stronger 60V platform provides the more convincing under-load performance, but only if you accept the added weight and battery cost.
For either saw, match the blade to the job. A quality 10-inch finish blade suits the Milwaukee’s trim work, while a 12-inch framing blade can make the DeWalt more efficient in structural lumber. Runtime is ultimately a system result: battery energy, blade condition, material, and operator technique decide whether either saw finishes the day.