To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

J

JettaGetUpandGo

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 3, 2015
Messages
685
Location
Pewaukee, WI
kctyphoon said:
Anyone notice all the new Milwaukee levels?

Sizes from 16" to 96".....

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/levels/mlbxm48
Click to expand...

I assumed these were coming since Milwaukee purchased Empire a while back. I ran across them in a store locally last week. They are very expensive ($140 for a 48"?! https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1003819-milwaukee-48-redstick-magnetic-box-level.html). The size options are a bit baffling as well (16", 24", 32", 36", 48", 59", 72", 78", and 96"). Are all of those sizes really necessary?

I did a side by side comparison with the Empire levels on the shelf right next to them. $70 for the closest Empire (https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1003799-empire-48-true-blue-magnetic-box-level.html). The only substantial difference I could find is the Milwaukee had stronger magnets... is that worth double the price?
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
W

whitetailhntr

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 18, 2015
Messages
208
JettaGetUpandGo said:
I assumed these were coming since Milwaukee purchased Empire a while back. I ran across them in a store locally last week. They are very expensive ($140 for a 48"?! https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1003819-milwaukee-48-redstick-magnetic-box-level.html). The size options are a bit baffling as well (16", 24", 32", 36", 48", 59", 72", 78", and 96"). Are all of those sizes really necessary?



I did a side by side comparison with the Empire levels on the shelf right next to them. $70 for the closest Empire (https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1003799-empire-48-true-blue-magnetic-box-level.html). The only substantial difference I could find is the Milwaukee had stronger magnets... is that worth double the price?
Click to expand...



The reviews on the new ones are horrible. And the quality assurance has gone downhill


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
B

bry@n

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2008
Messages
2,785
Location
Ocean County, NJ
bry@n said:
I gotta ask, what's your feeling on buying on eBay.

The fuel sawzall can be had for $115 if you don't want the 9.0 battery.

The kit is great.

I got a 2897-22 kit for Christmas as a gift. Thinking of returning it for the one key.
Click to expand...

No feelings on buying off of eBay?
 
D

diskreet

Active member
Joined
Sep 13, 2016
Messages
39
Location
PA, USA
I'm waiting for the new garage doors to finish my build, but I picked up one of these. Can't wait to get it in and start filling it in with all my Milwaukee tools.

attachment.php


My goal is to make this my home base for all Milwaukee power tools, and the most commonly used hand tools. Less used tools will go in cabinets eventually.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
D

danski0224

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 29, 2005
Messages
13,346
Location
Near Naperville, IL
JettaGetUpandGo said:
I assumed these were coming since Milwaukee purchased Empire a while back. I ran across them in a store locally last week. They are very expensive ($140 for a 48"?! https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1003819-milwaukee-48-redstick-magnetic-box-level.html). The size options are a bit baffling as well (16", 24", 32", 36", 48", 59", 72", 78", and 96"). Are all of those sizes really necessary?

I did a side by side comparison with the Empire levels on the shelf right next to them. $70 for the closest Empire (https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1003799-empire-48-true-blue-magnetic-box-level.html). The only substantial difference I could find is the Milwaukee had stronger magnets... is that worth double the price?
Click to expand...

Yes, if you need the magnets and don't want to buy Stabila, but if the Milwaukee levels are made in China, the pricing is pretty steep.
 
I

Ign

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
12,769
Location
Butte Peak ND
JettaGetUpandGo said:
I assumed these were coming since Milwaukee purchased Empire a while back. I ran across them in a store locally last week. They are very expensive ($140 for a 48"?! https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1003819-milwaukee-48-redstick-magnetic-box-level.html). The size options are a bit baffling as well (16", 24", 32", 36", 48", 59", 72", 78", and 96"). Are all of those sizes really necessary?

I did a side by side comparison with the Empire levels on the shelf right next to them. $70 for the closest Empire (https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1003799-empire-48-true-blue-magnetic-box-level.html). The only substantial difference I could find is the Milwaukee had stronger magnets... is that worth double the price?
Click to expand...

Take a drink every time he says "disrupt."
 
E

enyce9

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2014
Messages
87
Someone talk me out of buying the new m18 blower 2728-20 from acme......

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
 
T

ToddW

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 18, 2009
Messages
229
Location
In the snow
I don't see the attraction to a battery powered blower... I mean I go through a tank+ gas each time I use one and at that I've debated getting a backpack style for more power and ease of use.

Those of you buying a blower I assume you are just blowing a driveway or a tiny front yard?
 
I

Ign

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
12,769
Location
Butte Peak ND
ToddW said:
I don't see the attraction to a battery powered blower... I mean I go through a tank+ gas each time I use one and at that I've debated getting a backpack style for more power and ease of use.

Those of you buying a blower I assume you are just blowing a driveway or a tiny front yard?
Click to expand...

There HAS to be a niche in residential areas. Ever stood around someone operating a gas blower while you were just "at home," ie not geared up to work, no PPE etc? It's like giving a toddler a 2 stroke motorcycle and releasing him in the local cul-de-sac.
 
E

enyce9

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2014
Messages
87
starquestMM said:
You defiantly shouldn't buy the 2728-20 from acme. Stepping up to a 2728-21HD will get you free shipping [emoji481]
Click to expand...
I have 3 9.0 already, small property, definitely don't need gas. Plus I can use it to dry my Ridgeline after a wash.... Should I get the -21..... Hmmmmm

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
B

BQuicksilver

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 25, 2006
Messages
560
ToddW said:
I don't see the attraction to a battery powered blower... I mean I go through a tank+ gas each time I use one and at that I've debated getting a backpack style for more power and ease of use.

Those of you buying a blower I assume you are just blowing a driveway or a tiny front yard?
Click to expand...

I live in a dense/affluent urban residential area with ~.3 acres and 7 mature trees that drop a lot of leaves.

These electric blowers are amazing! I used to have a B&D 18V blower, which was okay for sweeping the driveway, then a neighbor loaned me his Stihl BG56 which was a huge step up, but couldn't really handle fall. I then purchased a Greenworks 80V handheld, which could do everything the Stihl could with very little noise, no liquid fuel, no winterizing, no wife avoiding it, and less weight. The neighbors have started picking up electric blowers after seeing how convenient mine is and some have commented on how nice the lack of noise is. I do still keep a Redmax 8500 for heavy fall use.
 
F

fordgasm

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 26, 2012
Messages
353
Location
Huntington Beach, Ca
ABSTIFFGS said:
Darn it! That brings the FUEL sawzall 9.0 starter set to $206.67. Do I really need it!? Decisions decisions
Click to expand...

that's what I was thinking. Pretty cheap, but I really want a case to go along with it and that combo is just the sawzall with no case....hmmmm. Its really tempting though.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
D

DerekV

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 12, 2016
Messages
1,070
Location
Central TX
be2b56bb3101aacc5fe6dd2b559a7f46.jpg

1f2b4004f4bdc29d4f64220f3b305b9e.jpg

e4cf2a3c0beb788dec173e91d0a58e9a.jpg

ebc3c270ed4c4407fb97e41bd12f25af.jpg

fbcd3be78ecb63afbddca1e14773ca06.jpg

4d811b0c4e3b62b09377a72df92c0886.jpg


Finally got around to doing this. Ah, so much better - and practically free. Paint was just a little too wet when I pulled the tape, but what the heck. It's a fan. Good enough for me.
 
D

DerekV

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 12, 2016
Messages
1,070
Location
Central TX
one9gt said:
Details?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


It was really pretty easy. I you take it apart you'll see for yourself.

Cut up the provided transformer and found a spot for it inside. There's only 1 spot for it to go and it's a perfectly snug fit.

Soldered the output leads to the fan PCB that had the DC plug on it (now removed).

Used the tangs off the transformer case as the plug tangs. Soldered wires from them to the hot and neutral inputs of the transformer.

Buttoned everything up inside so nothing would short out (electrical tape, etc.).

Marine epoxied the plug tangs to the fan housing. Sanded. Painted.

Bobs your auntie.
 
C

cajunfirehawk

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 29, 2011
Messages
2,566
Location
Ms Gulf Coast
DerekV said:
It was really pretty easy. I you take it apart you'll see for yourself.

Cut up the provided transformer and found a spot for it inside. There's only 1 spot for it to go and it's a perfectly snug fit.

Soldered the output leads to the fan PCB that had the DC plug on it (now removed).

Used the tangs off the transformer case as the plug tangs. Soldered wires from them to the hot and neutral inputs of the transformer.

Buttoned everything up inside so nothing would short out (electrical tape, etc.).

Marine epoxied the plug tangs to the fan housing. Sanded. Painted.

Bobs your auntie.
Click to expand...
The big Milwaukee LED has a plug like that on it..
 
Last edited by a moderator:
K

kctyphoon

Banned
Joined
Jun 9, 2014
Messages
9,102
Location
Jersey/Staten Island
cajunfirehawk said:
The big Milwaukee LED has a plug like that on it..
Click to expand...

Yea they actually have a couple dual powered lights that are similar.. the radius light has a male and female plug so you can daisy chain them together..

Nice project though.. when I first saw the pic I thought it was a model change..lol.

I'd still like to try and stick a plug and power inverter inside one of the battery cases and make that tripod I have at work dual powered too.. wish Milwaukee would do it but I don't see that on the horizon.
 
D

DerekV

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 12, 2016
Messages
1,070
Location
Central TX
kctyphoon said:
Nice project though.. when I first saw the pic I thought it was a model change..lol.
Click to expand...

Thanks! That's actually quite the compliment haha. It was easy and free.



kctyphoon said:
I'd still like to try and stick a plug and power inverter inside one of the battery cases and make that tripod I have at work dual powered too.. wish Milwaukee would do it but I don't see that on the horizon.
Click to expand...


Do it...what's stopping you? You've been talking about it for awhile now...it shouldn't be difficult. Just realize that any transformer than can actually fit inside the battery case won't be too powerful (since it's small) and should only really be used on low-ish constant draw tools (aka lights, fans, radios, etc.).

You can probably use the same transformer from the fan. It has a wide AC input and puts out 18vdc @ 2.5 amps. I can get the part # for you...or just get a universal one off eBay/Amazon.
 
T

TK-421

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2015
Messages
1,398
Location
Pflugerville, TX
bry@n said:
No feelings on buying off of eBay?
Click to expand...

It's the same with buying anything on eBay, look at their reviews. If their reviews make you think they're really sketchy, then they're probably sketchy and should be avoided. If their reviews make you think they're okay, then they're probably okay.

I bought some M18 5.0 batteries off eBay and they were legit and I haven't had any problems with them.
 
C

chrisnazzy

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 20, 2013
Messages
1,671
Location
Arizona
Decided to try out a set of Cobalt drill bits. Hoping they make me wonder why I ever used anything else?
c058db60b273f46c995328720e0d09a1.jpg


Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
 
M

Mohawk Dave

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 7, 2012
Messages
5,068
Location
SoCal
D

DFB

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 7, 2016
Messages
5,765
Location
Southern VT/Western Mass
kctyphoon said:
Yea they actually have a couple dual powered lights that are similar.. the radius light has a male and female plug so you can daisy chain them together..

Nice project though.. when I first saw the pic I thought it was a model change..lol.

I'd still like to try and stick a plug and power inverter inside one of the battery cases and make that tripod I have at work dual powered too.. wish Milwaukee would do it but I don't see that on the horizon.
Click to expand...

DerekV said:
Thanks! That's actually quite the compliment haha. It was easy and free.


Do it...what's stopping you? You've been talking about it for awhile now...it shouldn't be difficult. Just realize that any transformer than can actually fit inside the battery case won't be too powerful (since it's small) and should only really be used on low-ish constant draw tools (aka lights, fans, radios, etc.).

You can probably use the same transformer from the fan. It has a wide AC input and puts out 18vdc @ 2.5 amps. I can get the part # for you...or just get a universal one off eBay/Amazon.
Click to expand...

So now you guys got me thinking couldn't one simply add a round style (3.5mm?) jack to like the original tower light and use the fans original power supply. :dunno:
 
D

DerekV

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 12, 2016
Messages
1,070
Location
Central TX
DFB said:
So now you guys got me thinking couldn't one simply add a round style (3.5mm?) jack to like the original tower light and use the fans original power supply. :dunno:
Click to expand...



Totally could. And, I've said it before, but I bet the fan's power supply would be perfectly adequate for it too.

It just ***** having to remember to carry it around with the light - which is 100% of the reason why I modified the fan the way I did!
 
F

Frontierajl

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 31, 2015
Messages
292
Location
Northern California
So I gave in and got the string trimmer kit with the 9.0 and charger and the blower by itself from ACME for 17% off each. Comes out to about $375-ish. No tax either so that saves me some more money.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
D

DerekV

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 12, 2016
Messages
1,070
Location
Central TX
kctyphoon said:
I'm lazy....
Click to expand...



Bah humbug. Do it!! Get a fried or knock off battery from eBay. Mains AC to 18VDC power supply off eBay while you're at it. Get a cord, maybe some black silicone, and a strain relief at HD...bam. Super simple. But again, it'd only really work well for lights since tools draw current in higher bursts than that PS could handle.

I've been thinking of building an 1800w 18v AC/DC "battery" hookup for a while...should be enough juice for even high demand tools. It's an expensive project though. The PS's that powerful aren't small or cheap, which would require them to be outside the battery pack, which would then require beefy 6g+ welding leads from the battery to the PS, etc.

It'd be sick though
 
K

kctyphoon

Banned
Joined
Jun 9, 2014
Messages
9,102
Location
Jersey/Staten Island
DerekV said:
Totally could. And, I've said it before, but I bet the fan's power supply would be perfectly adequate for it too.

It just ***** having to remember to carry it around with the light - which is 100% of the reason why I modified the fan the way I did!
Click to expand...

My thought was to run some test leads from a battery to the rocket light, and measure the draw with a meter.. then you'd know what it's taking. Buy the proper power source online, and a dead m18 battery off eBay just for the shell.. gut the battery, gut the power source. Insert power source into battery shell, and have a 2' whip from an extension cord protruding out the front of the pack through a hole.

If you're motivated enough - I'm sure a few people would buy one if it looked decent and didn't need to be "handled with care".. im sure I could make one, but as I said, I'm lazy and my recliner is comfortable...

In other news, I've tried contacting Milwaukee a few different ways for my other bright idea with no luck. I actually emailed someone from TTI the other day. If I don't here back my last Hail Mary might be to contact one of these video tool reviewers that do Milwaukee vids on YouTube.. after that, I give up..
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom