The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[PC PaiN]

I got my 3/8 fuel impact in today. Great gun and finally happy to have some xc batteries. The shop vac really eats the compact batteries

 

[kctyphoon]

i want a new milwaukee chainsaw.. its way overdue..

 

[jd_1138]

Spotted a Milwaukee tool truck today.

 

[rice rocket]

i want a new milwaukee chainsaw.. its way overdue..

That's such a fine line to walk.

They sell themselves as a "professional" tool company, but no one in their right mind would use an electric chainsaw professionally. Who knows why they came out with one in the 80s/90s in the first place, it was bound to fail. Even if they make the baddest electric chainsaw on the market, they'd still only be able to get a laughable amount of power out of it.

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

That's such a fine line to walk.

They sell themselves as a "professional" tool company, but no one in their right mind would use an electric chainsaw professionally. Who knows why they came out with one in the 80s/90s in the first place, it was bound to fail. Even if they make the baddest electric chainsaw on the market, they'd still only be able to get a laughable amount of power out of it.

That's what every said about an impact now they are over taking the air tools

 

[Mohawk Dave]

That's such a fine line to walk.

They sell themselves as a "professional" tool company, but no one in their right mind would use an electric chainsaw professionally. Who knows why they came out with one in the 80s/90s in the first place, it was bound to fail. Even if they make the baddest electric chainsaw on the market, they'd still only be able to get a laughable amount of power out of it.

There is a market for them, albeit small. I have an awesome 1961? Milwaukee electric 120v that supplements my gas Stihls. I use the 120v indoors when cutting down big timbers for finish work. Think indoor style of log cabins etc. Lots of woodworkers don't want to fire up a 2 stroke and gas out their shop.

If Milwaukee made a decent M18 I'd get it for that and also small limbing around the property. Especially trimming palm frawns.

 

[The Toolest Guy]

That's such a fine line to walk.

They sell themselves as a "professional" tool company, but no one in their right mind would use an electric chainsaw professionally. Who knows why they came out with one in the 80s/90s in the first place, it was bound to fail. Even if they make the baddest electric chainsaw on the market, they'd still only be able to get a laughable amount of power out of it.

Hospitals and other noise sensitive areas are places where Cordless and Electric chainsaws are definitely needed.
I have a friend who specializes in bush pruning and hedge trimming. I'm not sure if there is a correct name for it. But he does a lot of sculpting with bushes/trees. He uses Stihl's battery powered chainsaws and hedge trimmers almost exclusively. He even convinced me to buy the Stihl MS160T. Which I love and has been very handy while out in the bush. The MS160T stays with my mobile tool box for when ever I go 4wding/camping or on road trips.

 

[kctyphoon]

That's such a fine line to walk.

They sell themselves as a "professional" tool company, but no one in their right mind would use an electric chainsaw professionally. Who knows why they came out with one in the 80s/90s in the first place, it was bound to fail. Even if they make the baddest electric chainsaw on the market, they'd still only be able to get a laughable amount of power out of it.

funny you say that - cause i actually do use their old electric chainsaw professionally, for like 11 or 12 years now(maybe even longer). its the only electric saw Verizon would buy when they were made, and its still considered the best model made. there are 3 others still in use just in my group of lineman. even compared to the newer professional electric models, like the Husqvarna 316e and the makita UC4030a, both of which i also own and use at work, the old milwukee is leaps and bounds better than them.. after a decade of cutting up telephone poles, my old milwaukee has never needed anything replaced other than the plug and switch because some idiot i work with pulled the plug out of the saw. saftety regualtions prohibit the use of gas saws in our bucket trucks, so electric saws are a must. you would be suprised how well they work.

 

[Ign]

Echo's considered professional and their 16" 58V is as powerful as any gas, IF you believe the reviews online. Yes, 16" is small by pro standards but honestly my 18" Stihl has done everything I've ever needed on my property cutting ~5 cords every year for 10 years.

Milwaukee's professional moniker is not THAT literal, it just means they're a bit above homeowner grade, like a GMC 2500HD is not really "heavy duty" in the truck world. It's still a LIGHT DUTY truck in the overall truck market relative to MDT's, semi's/OTR, etc

Likewise TRUE professional tools (which we might call industrial instead) are rarely discussed on the board, ie Dynabrade, TC Service, Dotco. All air tools I realize and not a great example relative to chain saws

 

[MrBreeze]

Finally got around to a picture. This is most of my stuff. The batteries and chargers are still hooked up in the Vidmar drawer.

While I may have an affinity for Milwaukee, you fit the definition of "addiction"! Kudos!!

 

[Stuey]

Yeah, but from what I can tell from the ****** Twidiot pics, it's quite a bit taller.....which leads me back to let's revive M28 if the whole idea of M18 was to get away from monstrous battery packs, but you're right back there IF you want to run the 9.0 which they call "high demand."

The did re-work the womens' heated jacket so that WILL please the wife.

Wow.

It's a pain in the *** to send out images via Twitter, but I did it b/c I thought readers would appreciate seeing some stuff as soon as they were revealed.

Take pic, add description, paste in the tag Milwaukee requested, which also makes it easier for non-Twitter users to find everything via links I posted on ToolGuyd, and then wait while my phone heats up my pocket due to crappy WiFi and cellular signals.

What kind of quality are you expected to see on Twitter?

 

[Stuey]

Lots of new stuff coming out, and while "how many iterations of Fuel drills and drivers do you need?" is one take on it, I would go so far to say the new models are substantial upgrades, and they'll be comparable priced. I don't think they're quite as "completely redesigned" as I was told, but there are big differences between Gen1 and Gen2 models.

 

[Kracin]

Lots of new stuff coming out, and while "how many iterations of Fuel drills and drivers do you need?" is one take on it, I would go so far to say the new models are substantial upgrades, and they'll be comparable priced. I don't think they're quite as "completely redesigned" as I was told, but there are big differences between Gen1 and Gen2 models.

which is why im waiting for the gen2 fuel grinder and compact 1/2 impact

 

[chrisexv6]

Lots of new stuff coming out, and while "how many iterations of Fuel drills and drivers do you need?" is one take on it, I would go so far to say the new models are substantial upgrades, and they'll be comparable priced. I don't think they're quite as "completely redesigned" as I was told, but there are big differences between Gen1 and Gen2 models.

Can you speak to those changes? Aside from size-wise.

Or did they not give out specs yet?

 

[Stuey]

which is why im waiting for the gen2 fuel grinder and compact 1/2 impact

It wasn't so much a Gen2 as it was another model. Maybe it is a replacement?

Paddle switch (which I prefer) + fast blade-stopping brake.

Can you speak to those changes? Aside from size-wise.

Or did they not give out specs yet?

Yes. Working on the ToolGuyd post now for Monday schedule.

Drills - more power, more compact, redistribution of components.

Impacts - more power, a special 4th speed mode, more compact, redistribution of components, modified ergonomics.

I spent a lot of time chatting with the PMs about the differences and using the new drills and drivers. By "using" I mean drilling a few holes and driving a few fasteners. But I think that there's definitely a noticeable difference in feel. Some might like it, some might not, but I do.

 

[Ign]

Wow.

It's a pain in the *** to send out images via Twitter, but I did it b/c I thought readers would appreciate seeing some stuff as soon as they were revealed.

Take pic, add description, paste in the tag Milwaukee requested, which also makes it easier for non-Twitter users to find everything via links I posted on ToolGuyd, and then wait while my phone heats up my pocket due to crappy WiFi and cellular signals.

What kind of quality are you expected to see on Twitter?

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

Who says that was aimed at you? Others posted pics of it at #NPS515

It is true I don't like Twitter. Why do you think that in any way correlates to Toolguyd????

I also don't like onions. Does that mean I think Toolguyd *****? Stu, maybe they wouldn't let you bring your meds on the plane but pop 'em now and relax!

 

[Ign]

Is the paddle switch on the grinder the same as the other Fuels, ie hinged at the rear, collapses at the front and you flip the safety forward?

If so, put in some significant time behind it in a metalworking environment before you decide it's better than the slide switch. I don't like the new paddles, but loved the old. And remember, just 'cause I don't like the new paddle switches does not mean I'm personally attacking Toolguyd!

"Iterations of a drill" was also prompted by my confusion of Milwaukee (seemingly) obsessively re-designing some products like drills and Sawzalls when others are neglected or new products never come to fruition. Yes, I realize these 2 items are their biggest sellers but most consumers couldn't tell you a 2601 from a 2606 to 2603 to a 2604 to a 2704, etc. and now the compact "non-Fuel" brushless is 2701.

 

[rice rocket]

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2704-20

1200 in-lbs, this is getting ridiculous! It's listed as peak and not constant though, so maybe only achievable when the moons align?

Too bad we have no testing standards like the EU. Though I guess we can go to milwaukeetool.eu if we want the real specs when they release it overseas. Just like you can go to DeWalt's EU site if you want the specs and don't want to put up with their UWO ********.

 

[Ign]

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2704-20

1200 in-lbs, this is getting ridiculous! It's listed as peak and not constant though, so maybe only achievable when the moons align?

Too bad we have no testing standards like the EU. Though I guess we can go to milwaukeetool.eu if we want the real specs.

Ah, so it's about a ******* match with the big-boy Makita. Ok, can't blame Milwaukee I guess, if nothing else they want to be perceived as having the most powerful offering, just like modern diesel horsepower wars.

 

[rice rocket]

Ah, so it's about a ******* match with the big-boy Makita. Ok, can't blame Milwaukee I guess, if nothing else they want to be perceived as having the most powerful offering, just like modern diesel horsepower wars.

Yeah, I question the claim because Makita provides an abnormally long secondary grip handle to make the drill usable. The one Milwaukee is including is the same as it's ever been, which leads me to believe there's more number fudging than motor upgrades here.

 

[Ign]

Yeah, I question the claim because Makita provides an abnormally long secondary grip handle to make the drill usable. The one Milwaukee is including is the same as it's ever been, which leads me to believe there's more number fudging than motor upgrades here.

Nah, next year they'll introduce the "extend-o-handle" just like the new pipe wrenches. Bam, 1 of 80 new products for next year's New Product Symposium checked off!

 

[rice rocket]

Here's the new impacts.

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2754-22
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2755-20

Maybe a tiny bit slimmer head?

Rated torque is up 10 ft-lbs.

 

[Stuey]

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

Who says that was aimed at you? Others posted pics of it at #NPS515

It is true I don't like Twitter. Why do you think that in any way correlates to Toolguyd????

I also don't like onions. Does that mean I think Toolguyd *****? Stu, maybe they wouldn't let you bring your meds on the plane but pop 'em now and relax!

It was the Twidiot part. My pics were crappy (bad lighting, crappy Motorola phone camera), but the Twidiot part bugged me.

I'm over it, didn't mean to sound too upset.

Is the paddle switch on the grinder the same as the other Fuels, ie hinged at the rear, collapses at the front and you flip the safety forward?

If so, put in some significant time behind it in a metalworking environment before you decide it's better than the slide switch. I don't like the new paddles, but loved the old. And remember, just 'cause I don't like the new paddle switches does not mean I'm personally attacking Toolguyd!

"Iterations of a drill" was also prompted by my confusion of Milwaukee (seemingly) obsessively re-designing some products like drills and Sawzalls when others are neglected or new products never come to fruition. Yes, I realize these 2 items are their biggest sellers but most consumers couldn't tell you a 2601 from a 2606 to 2603 to a 2604 to a 2704, etc. and now the compact "non-Fuel" brushless is 2701.

I believe so. I don't remember what old style is like, but paddle is as you described it.

I prefer paddles from a safety standpoint, and agree that some flat out sick. I liked this one, but only squeezed it twice.

I totally understand where you're coming from about the iterations.

And if you look at both tools, the differences might seem slight.

Yeah, I question the claim because Makita provides an abnormally long secondary grip handle to make the drill usable. The one Milwaukee is including is the same as it's ever been, which leads me to believe there's more number fudging than motor upgrades here.

I asked about this, and mentioned I calculated how long the Makita handle should be.

They basically implied that Makita's, which they simply called "this competing model", has a much longer handle than it needs, so that they could use it as a marketing point. As in " wow, look how long this handle needs to be".

They also said that aux handle is based on reactive torque user might experience, not necessity operating torque.

I hope I can so some side by side testing.

One of their demos was utter BS. They set the drills on high speed, because "workers won't waste time to shift between low and high speeds back and forth."

 

[Stuey]

Oh, and here's a quick teaser of some new stuff:

http://toolguyd.com/random-milwaukee-new-tools-show-2015/

Will work through tonight and some over weekend to get more up on Monday.

 

[kctyphoon]

i am so not buying any more power tools, UNLESS they come out with something usefull that they dont already have.. as far as the impacts and drill specs go - its basically a given they were gonna be handing out the biggest specs with their cordless stuff.. the newest kid on the block was the Makita who was competeing against the oldest - the Milwaukee.. so you know they had no choice in the matter.. besides, im sure most of it is just re-tuning the programming in existing electronics.

 

[kctyphoon]

Echo's considered professional and their 16" 58V is as powerful as any gas, IF you believe the reviews online. Yes, 16" is small by pro standards but honestly my 18" Stihl has done everything I've ever needed on my property cutting ~5 cords every year for 10 years.

Milwaukee's professional moniker is not THAT literal, it just means they're a bit above homeowner grade, like a GMC 2500HD is not really "heavy duty" in the truck world. It's still a LIGHT DUTY truck in the overall truck market relative to MDT's, semi's/OTR, etc

Likewise TRUE professional tools (which we might call industrial instead) are rarely discussed on the board, ie Dynabrade, TC Service, Dotco. All air tools I realize and not a great example relative to chain saws

i kinda agree, and disagree with this.. i mean theres only so many ways to make a cordless drill better, esp when the current models exceed what anyone dreamed of just 10 years ago.. BUT - you wont find black and decker selling bandsaws or demo drills... you can see one of those dream car factory shows giving a tour where dewalt impacts are use in the Tesla Factory line. really - what WONT these things do, that you need them to, in any setting?

 

[Stuey]

i am so not buying any more power tools, UNLESS they come out with something usefull that they dont already have.. as far as the impacts and drill specs go - its basically a given they were gonna be handing out the biggest specs with their cordless stuff.. the newest kid on the block was the Makita who was competeing against the oldest - the Milwaukee.. so you know they had no choice in the matter.. besides, im sure most of it is just re-tuning the programming in existing electronics.

Nope, it's not just re-tuning. Beefier gear shaft, heatsink on the electronics (drill), more powerful motor, rejiggered ergonomics, shorter overall length.

Impacts have similar enhancements.

No, not evolutionary differences, but definitely revolutionary.

It'll require some independent testing once the tools are available, as I can't base conclusions on a couple of drilled holes and a couple of driven fasteners, but I liked what I saw thus far.

 

[kctyphoon]

Nope, it's not just re-tuning. Beefier gear shaft, heatsink on the electronics (drill), more powerful motor, rejiggered ergonomics, shorter overall length.

Impacts have similar enhancements.

No, not evolutionary differences, but definitely revolutionary.

It'll require some independent testing once the tools are available, as I can't base conclusions on a couple of drilled holes and a couple of driven fasteners, but I liked what I saw thus far.

yea i kinda gathered them being a bit beefier, but with everything being the way it is today - what i meant was i dont think it would be much of an effort for Milwaukee to bump up torque specs 10-20% where needed on new stuff AFTER Makita announced its new hammer drill and driver.. actually i think its Ridgid whos winning the torque war on impact drivers now.

i have the high torque model fuel 7/16 drive impact driver, which is "only" rated at like 500 ftlbs (give or take), meanwhile the 1/2" square drive is rated like 250 ftlbs more.. im betting its mostly just programming since the tools themselves are basically identical.. that being said, if i newer model WAS being designed to spec out at 700ftlbs, im betting getting it to hit at 800 instead is just a matter of tuning.. mind you, im just thowing numbers out for an example.. i have no info on anything new.

 

[Stuey]

yea i kinda gathered them being a bit beefier, but with everything being the way it is today - what i meant was i dont think it would be much of an effort for Milwaukee to bump up torque specs 10-20% where needed on new stuff AFTER Makita announced its new hammer drill and driver.. actually i think its Ridgid whos winning the torque war on impact drivers now.

i have the high torque model fuel 7/16 drive impact driver, which is "only" rated at like 500 ftlbs (give or take), meanwhile the 1/2" square drive is rated like 250 ftlbs more.. im betting its mostly just programming since the tools themselves are basically identical.. that being said, if i newer model WAS being designed to spec out at 700ftlbs, im betting getting it to hit at 800 instead is just a matter of tuning.. mind you, im just thowing numbers out for an example.. i have no info on anything new.

They wouldn't bump up the specs mid-product cycle, even if it were a matter of tweaking the programming. In reality, bumping up max specs is not such a simple matter.

Oh, and the new impacts - they have a totally different impact mechanism. In the attached image, old style on the left, new style on the right. It's said to be more durable and longer lasting.

 

[Ign]

I ordered the M18 fan today. $79 w free ship thru CPOoutlets w DAD2015

 

[Stuey]

Here's my take on the new M18 Fuel drills: http://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-brushless-drills-2703-2704/

I'm still working on the impact driver post. And the battery post, and a bunch others.

 

[txusa03]

Here's the new impacts.

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2754-22
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2755-20

Maybe a tiny bit slimmer head?

Rated torque is up 10 ft-lbs.

Any idea when they will be available at big box store?

 

[Stuey]

Any idea when they will be available at big box store?

August.

 

[Ign]

So the 2655B was actually a ball detent, right? Thus the B I figured.

The new 2755B is a friction ring, which I'd prefer anyway
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2755b-20

The "old" 2655B:
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2655b-20

 

[Stuey]

So the 2655B was actually a ball detent, right? Thus the B I figured.

The new 2755B is a friction ring, which I'd prefer anyway
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2755b-20

The "old" 2655B:
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2655b-20

Yup!

To my knowledge,

2654 and 2754 have friction ring
2655 and 2755 have pin detent
2655B has ball detent
2755B has friction ring

Might be an error, but that's what I saw on my end too.

This is a horrible photo, but shows 3/4 of the different impacts.The pin detent model was MIA.

 

[jd_1138]

Finally got around to a picture. This is most of my stuff. The batteries and chargers are still hooked up in the Vidmar drawer.

Wow, you obviously are a contractor and supply your workers with tools?

 

[nw3dogs]

So I just ordered the 2712-20 SDS drill, along with the shop vac to add to my collection. Don't think I need the 1 1/8 sds. Already have the Fuel 7 1/4 circular saw, grinder and 1/4 impact driver. Several other non fuel as well.
So whats everyone's thoughts in the 2712?
Thanks,
Tim

 

[Stuey]

Here's my preview and inside look at the new M18 Fuel impacts:

http://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-impact-driver-compact-wrenches-gen2/

 

[slodat]

I just bought the fuel 1/4 impact and hammer drill set. The new models look good!

 

[kctyphoon]

So I just ordered the 2712-20 SDS drill, along with the shop vac to add to my collection. Don't think I need the 1 1/8 sds. Already have the Fuel 7 1/4 circular saw, grinder and 1/4 impact driver. Several other non fuel as well.
So whats everyone's thoughts in the 2712?
Thanks,
Tim

i have the shop vac, its suprisingly good for its size, but not for long uses.. i dont have any of the SDS drills, but they are recomended that holes that they are being used to drill are 1/2 the advertised sized PLUS 1/8" smaller i believe. i dont have any real world experience to say if that accurate or not though.