Milwaukee M18 "fuel" grinder review

[drc42]

Been looking to pick up one of these for a while and finally pulled the trigger a couple weeks ago. The question I wanted to answer is if it is it a reasonable replacement for a corded grinder or is it just a so-so grinder that has the convenience of cordless operation?

I did a couple somewhat scientific tests to find out and shot a video for my youtube channel..

Now.... the downside is I didn't take into account the battery performance, bit of a spoiler alert for the video but the initial tests I did with the old standard M18 batteries that cam with my drill/driver kit. After being a little dissapointed with the performance I went back and re-did some testing with a newer "M18 XC" battery and found it makes a huge difference.

Anyway, if you are curious how the cordless grinder compares to a simple corded grinder check out the video.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-KtBDu3KVA4" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

If you find the video useful please subscribe to my YouTube channel:

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I didn't watch the whole video. But I do have a couple of these and I think they kick ***. I still pull out my corded Metabo if I've got really heavy stuff to grind. But 90% of the time I use the cordless Milwaukee. It's not as strong but the convenience over weighs that. I highly recommend these for almost everybody unless you're doing heavy production. And working inside my shop or the backyard I always have enough batteries charged that it's not a problem. They surely don't last forever in the grinder but I'm more than happy with its performance

 

[ocloc24]

It's one of my favorite tools that I really take for granted. It's what got me buying the 9.0 batteries originally, now I have 8 of them. I can run it for 45 min of nonstop heavy work on one 9.0. And the power difference is substantial. Def worth buying one or two just for the grinder. The only time I really ever use corded anymore is if I need a 6" grinder.

 

[jonesg]

I didn't watch the whole video. But I do have a couple of these and I think they kick ***. I still pull out my corded Metabo if I've got really heavy stuff to grind. But 90% of the time I use the cordless Milwaukee. It's not as strong but the convenience over weighs that. I highly recommend these for almost everybody unless you're doing heavy production. And working inside my shop or the backyard I always have enough batteries charged that it's not a problem. They surely don't last forever in the grinder but I'm more than happy with its performance

Precisely, I bought the m18 grinder for convenience, not power. I found trying to use the little batteries futile. Ok in the little impact but not in a continuous load tool.

 

[cgrutt]

Thanks for that... just what I needed another grinder
Actually been adding alot to the M18 collection lately. This had been on my list. Appreciate the review. Need to get some of those 9A batteries too...

 

[drc42]

I was surprised at how much difference there was between the original batteries that came with my drill/driver set and the newer XC 5.0 battery. Don't know if it is the age or if those XC batteries really do put out that much more amperage (I suspect a little of both). That got me thinking about doing a battery comparison test between these and just to see if they are any good I ordered a couple of cheap non-Milwaukee knockoff M18 batteries. I have an idea for a test rig where I can measure the torque I get out of each.

Hope to have that rig built and the video posted on my youtube channel in a couple weeks, should be interesting. Subscribe to my youtube channel if you want to be automatically notified when I post it... will try to remember to post here as well.

 

[jonesg]

I was surprised at how much difference there was between the original batteries that came with my drill/driver set and the newer XC 5.0 battery. Don't know if it is the age or if those XC batteries really do put out that much more amperage (I suspect a little of both). That got me thinking about doing a battery comparison test between these and just to see if they are any good I ordered a couple of cheap non-Milwaukee knockoff M18 batteries. I have an idea for a test rig where I can measure the torque I get out of each.

Hope to have that rig built and the video posted on my youtube channel in a couple weeks, should be interesting. Subscribe to my youtube channel if you want to be automatically notified when I post it... will try to remember to post here as well.

Problem is 16 minute vids with 4 minutes information, jumbled up and disorganized.

Ave beat you to the battery comparisons, but your practical application could reveal something too I suppose,..and as long as your having fun.why not.

 

[drc42]

Problem is 16 minute vids with 4 minutes information, jumbled up and disorganized.

Ave beat you to the battery comparisons, but your practical application could reveal something too I suppose,..and as long as your having fun.why not.

Yeah, wasn't the most organized on this one.... thanks for the input.

I have seen that video from AVE. I plan on going at it a little differently and looking at torque output (i.e. can they supply the needed amps under load) . Planning on comparing the genuine Milwaukee "XC" vs the non "XC" batteries as well as comparing them to the cheap knockoffs.

And yeah, I am having fun with it