Looking for a M12 Tool

[alexwang32]

I currently own a m12 charger, 1 x 2ah & 1 x 4ah battery. Only got a m12 3/8 stapler.

The reason I can't make up my mind on what to buy is because I own the DeWALT 12v & 20v max platform, and the ridgid 18v as well. Which ever tool I choose to buy, I'm faced with the choices of different models from different brands.

What I need: Tools associated with wood framing and woodworking. Mainly wood framing for now.

Tools I want: a left handed circular saw as a backup to my current side winder, which although I have a very good experience with, I want a left handed one for better line of sight and portability, some cuts are easier done with a left side saw like cutting rafter tails when standing on the wall.

The miliwaukee m12 circular saw being brushless looks nice, but I'm still concerned over its cutting ability due to its lower voltage.

I'm also looking for a compact drill as an upgrade to my DCD710, I'm looking at the dewalt xtreme brushless 12 max drill, but I also like the miliwaukee 2504-22, can't make up my mind on which to choose.

The miliwaukee m12 fuel surge is also very enticing, though I just picked up a pulse driver recently from ridgid... which is heavy and big.

One question, is a recip or sawzall necessary for a new construction? What features should I be looking for?

Thanks

 

[LeeG]

The new M12 Installation driver is pretty nice for woodworking, cabinet work, and even electrical installation.

I have both M12 and M18 tools, and will use the M12 unless I just need the extra power (like driving lag screws). The smaller, lighter M12 drills and impacts work well. I like the M12 Hackzall better than the M18 version, as it gets into more places. For the full Sawzall, the M18 is the way to go.

Look at one of the cordless oscillating tools also. They come in real handy for all sorts of tasks.

 

[DFB]

You want an opinion. I can talk about Milwaukee, If your major intentions is steadily cutting 2x stock in building construction IMO the M12 FUEL wouldn't be my first choice and you be far better off with something else like the lightweight 2730 M18 FUEL. But as a small trim saw the M12 is pretty ok though, especially for 3/4" stock and certain plywood rips. Most people that have one do like it for it's light weight and ease of handling.

Milwaukee M12Fuel drills are pretty powerful little beasts I truly like using my Gen1 over an M18 most times and the performance easily rival some older brushed drills, (now for a dollar value not sure if you intend to buy a bare tool as you already own batteries and charger) but there is a combo kit that also additionally provides the 12 Fuel impact though in between promotions $229 looks to be the current price right now it often times been had for like $179 and possibly with a free add on promo.

Plus You already have pulse driver so I don't see a need for duplication with the new M12 those that own one say is not any lighter than the M18 SURGE

Ya recip is handy for new construction. Not everybody gets everything right all the time and so there very well may be a point you need to redo something whether a framing opening is off measurement or maybe something needs to be moved for plumbing etc. On the M12 platform the FUEL Hackzall is another high quality performer.

Your call really but seeing your already onto Dewalt 20V and 12V MAX I assume they have their own left blade 6 1/2" saw and of course I know they do have various cip saw choices on both platforms. Seem to me that be more an easier choice and cost conscious decision on tool selection

 

[alexwang32]

Thank you both for your replies, I'll take in what you say.

There seems to be more Miliwaukee fans here than other brands... too bad I'm already locked in to DeWALT on most essential tools.

From reading your replies I understand now why Miliwaukee is more popular: their large selection of M12 tools appeal to users for their compactness and lower cost compare to full size 18v ones.

Ok, I think I'll consider getting the M12 FUEL Drill, since my dewalt 12v batteries have had some years, probably not bearing much capacity. I did a quick google and found some great prices at homedepot.ca, though I might wait for a free battery event which happened a while ago.

After some searching (why don't manufactures list this on their site?) I found out that the M12 Surge weighs 2 lbs, my Rigid pulsedrive weighs 3lbs.

I'll have to decide for myself if I really need the surge, one main application will be screwing metal roofing, but according to my experience impact drivers tend to over tighten the screw ruining the neoprene washers if not careful. Dunno how gentle the surge is at mode 1.

Ok, I'll look into getting a recip, since I can't guarantee I won't make mistakes. Maybe a hackzall will do.

DeWALT has a brushed 6 1/2" saw, not good enough for me as when the brushes wear the performance lowers significantly, by the time it happens warranty if probably up, even if it weren't it would be a hassle taking it to them. I might have to jump on board M18 since they seem to be the only offering a brushless left hand saw I know.

 

[DFB]

.

I'll have to decide for myself if I really need the surge, one main application will be screwing metal roofing, but according to my experience impact drivers tend to over tighten the screw ruining the neoprene washers if not careful. Dunno how gentle the surge is at mode 1.

Both the M12 and M18 Milwaukee impact drivers have a special sheet metal/self tapping screw driving mode.

Starts fast and when a min torque is sensed slows down

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Drivers/2553-22

 

[mobiledynamics]

I currently own a m12 charger, 1 x 2ah & 1 x 4ah battery. Only got a m12 3/8 stapler.

Is your decision based o the fact you got 1 M12 charger and 2 batteries. Based in your scope, I would rather errr more on the M18 platform. Don't get a charger and batteries steer your tool decision...

 

[theoldwizard1]

The miliwaukee m12 circular saw being brushless looks nice, but I'm still concerned over its cutting ability due to its lower voltage.

That M12 saw will really impress you ! I like it for its lightweigt. Make sure it has a good carbide tooth blade and it will make a lot of cuts on that 4ah battery, but keep the 2ah charged ! It will cut any 2by material, just don't push it too hard. You can stall it, if you bind it in plywood.

IMHO, stick with a 3/8" drill. That will remind your you only have 12V !

One question, is a recip or sawzall necessary for a new construction? What features should I be looking for?

Milwaukee does not have a "traditional" size reciprocating saw in the M12 line, but the little Hackzall, with the correct blade, does and impressive job !

If you stick with M12, you will be buying a 6ah battery.

Foe my DIY projects, the M12 line is fine ! Of course, I have a full line up of corded and pneumatic tools to back me up.

 

[alexwang32]

Is your decision based o the fact you got 1 M12 charger and 2 batteries. Based in your scope, I would rather errr more on the M18 platform. Don't get a charger and batteries steer your tool decision...

I do want to use the resources I have currently as much as possible, but with that being said I will keep an open mind, if I spot a good deal on M18 I will grab it. What's keeping me from doing that is not entirely cost, but having too many chargers...

 

[M635_Guy]

one main application will be screwing metal roofing, but according to my experience impact drivers tend to over tighten the screw ruining the neoprene washers

I have the Surge and love it, and my understanding is that's exactly the kind of application it was designed for.

 

[alexwang32]

That M12 saw will really impress you ! I like it for its lightweigt. Make sure it has a good carbide tooth blade and it will make a lot of cuts on that 4ah battery, but keep the 2ah charged ! It will cut any 2by material, just don't push it too hard. You can stall it, if you bind it in plywood.

IMHO, stick with a 3/8" drill. That will remind your you only have 12V !


Milwaukee does not have a "traditional" size reciprocating saw in the M12 line, but the little Hackzall, with the correct blade, does and impressive job !

If you stick with M12, you will be buying a 6ah battery.

Foe my DIY projects, the M12 line is fine ! Of course, I have a full line up of corded and pneumatic tools to back me up.

So now I'm getting two different opinions on the M12 Saw, the guy up says it's not powerful enough while you're saying it's adequate... I think it comes down to how fast a person wants a saw to cut, with my DCS570 I cut at a slower speed when dealing with wet lumber, unlike Flex Volt owners who charge through them with ease. With the information you've given me I might still consider it. I do follow the rule of swapping batteries often for long life, so now that you say a 4ah can make plenty of cuts, 2 would be even better (or the 6ah)

Do you find its smaller blade (5 3/8" if I remember correctly) easy to use? I'm guessing it beats Dewalt's 4 1/2" atomic in terms of size.

Are the 3/8" drills by miliwaukee brushless? the ones I see are brushed.

Will look at the Hackzall definitely.

 

[mobiledynamics]

The chargers that come with the M18 charge both M18 and M12 packs..

However, power for a circular saw, power for let's say a miter saw, sinking nails into LVLS from a framing gun, etc, I think the M18 platform is more up you're alley.....

 

[thin_concrete]

I’m kind of in a similar situation, as I’m looking for a cordless left hand saw, and am seriously considering the Milwaukee 2730. I have a corded DeWalt, but I would like more flexibility to not worry about outlets. That said, I’m just a hobbyist woodworker.

I also have the M18 Fuel Surge and it’s been a very handy tool. I have several DeWalt 20V tools, including a drill and impact driver that have served me well over several years (15+). I started exploring Milwaukee because my DeWalt batteries are starting to get a bit long in the tooth.

I don’t think you can go wrong with either brand. To me, it’s a Ford/Chevy conversation.

 

[alexwang32]

Yes do get a cordless saw, not just for portability but for noise too. I had the DWE575 Dewalt corded, while it's powerful my cordless 20v max is noticeably quieter. While I haven't tried the Miliwaukee yet I would assume it to be relatively quiet as well.

Maybe I'll think of getting a surge for the self tapping screw mode it possesses.

 

[barev]

I've done a LOT of work with my M12 Fuel circular saw, probably more than it was designed for since it's my only circular saw at the moment. The ONLY drawback is depth of cut especially at 45 degrees. If you do rip cuts in sheet goods or cross cuts with 2x dimensional lumber you'll be fine. Throw out the stock blade and get a Diablo 5-1/2" framing blade or you'll be disappointed with the tool. I was very close to returning it at first until I tried it with a Diablo blade. Diablo also makes a 5-1/2" fine tooth blade which also works great.


The M12 saw is the best saw for basic framing in my opinion since it's small and light. I really want a nice M18 7-1/4" saw but haven't been able to justify it yet since the M12 does 99% of what I need.

 

[PelicanPines]

Multi tool... one of them there oscillating tools...