The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Anyone notice all the new Milwaukee levels?

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

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

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?

 

[whitetailhntr]

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?

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


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[bry@n]

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.

No feelings on buying off of eBay?

 

[DFB]

ACME TOOL has 17% off sitewide New Year sale today and tomorrow

http://www.acmetools.com/?cm_mmc=Sp...0&spJobID=960058541&spReportId=OTYwMDU4NTQxS0

 

[diskreet]

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.

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.

 

[ABSTIFFGS]

ACME TOOL has 17% off sitewide New Year sale today and tomorrow

http://www.acmetools.com/?cm_mmc=Sp...0&spJobID=960058541&spReportId=OTYwMDU4NTQxS0

Darn it! That brings the FUEL sawzall 9.0 starter set to $206.67. Do I really need it!? Decisions decisions

 

[danski0224]

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?

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.

 

[Ign]

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?

Take a drink every time he says "disrupt."

 

[enyce9]

Someone talk me out of buying the new m18 blower 2728-20 from acme......

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[cajunfirehawk]

Darn it! That brings the FUEL sawzall 9.0 starter set to $206.67. Do I really need it!? Decisions decisions

I just picked up another one of these, it will be my second, take the battery and charger and sell off the extra sawzall bry@n I will sell it to you if u have an interest?

 

[starquestMM]

Someone talk me out of buying the new m18 blower 2728-20 from acme......

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You defiantly shouldn't buy the 2728-20 from acme. Stepping up to a 2728-21HD will get you free shipping

 

[cajunfirehawk]

You defiantly shouldn't buy the 2728-20 from acme. Stepping up to a 2728-21HD will get you free shipping

Acme has free ground shipping...

 

[ToddW]

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?

 

[Ign]

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?

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.

 

[enyce9]

You defiantly shouldn't buy the 2728-20 from acme. Stepping up to a 2728-21HD will get you free shipping [emoji481]

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

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[BQuicksilver]

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 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.

 

[fordgasm]

Darn it! That brings the FUEL sawzall 9.0 starter set to $206.67. Do I really need it!? Decisions decisions

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.

 

[jeffro30]

ACME TOOL has 17% off sitewide New Year sale today and tomorrow

http://www.acmetools.com/?cm_mmc=Sp...0&spJobID=960058541&spReportId=OTYwMDU4NTQxS0

Thanks for posting that! I got the hedge trimmer kit with 9.0 battery.
Picked up the Fuel 7 1/4 saw with 9.0 and rapid charger the other day at HD.

I'm starting to get addicted...

 

[DFB]

Thanks for posting that! I got the hedge trimmer kit with 9.0 battery.
Picked up the Fuel 7 1/4 saw with 9.0 and rapid charger the other day at HD.

I'm starting to get addicted...

 

[kctyphoon]

If my string trimmer ever died, I'd consider an electric.. im not giving up the vac feature on my blower yet though..

 

[DerekV]

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.

 

[one9gt]

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.

Details?


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[DerekV]

Details?


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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.

 

[ABSTIFFGS]

I just picked up another one of these, it will be my second, take the battery and charger and sell off the extra sawzall bry@n I will sell it to you if u have an interest?

Ok I did not get the sawzall Kit, however I purchased the leaf blower to go along with the string trimmer kit I ordered a month ago.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

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.

The big Milwaukee LED has a plug like that on it..

 

[kctyphoon]

The big Milwaukee LED has a plug like that on it..

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.

 

[DerekV]

The big Milwaukee LED has a plug like that on it..

Yup, sure does

 

[DerekV]

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

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

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.

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.

 

[TK-421]

No feelings on buying off of eBay?

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.

 

[kctyphoon]

Do it...what's stopping you? You've been talking about it for awhile now....

I'm lazy....

 

[chrisnazzy]

Decided to try out a set of Cobalt drill bits. Hoping they make me wonder why I ever used anything else?

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[kctyphoon]

$20 smartphone borescope camera, 16' long
Inspection Camera, Snake Camera, Sokos Micro USB Borescope Waterproof Endoscope for Laptops and USB OTG Compatible Android Smartphones (5M | 16.4ft) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EQ872MU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mohawk Dave]

$20 smartphone borescope camera, 16' long
Inspection Camera, Snake Camera, Sokos Micro USB Borescope Waterproof Endoscope for Laptops and USB OTG Compatible Android Smartphones (5M | 16.4ft) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EQ872MU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Just read a bunch of the reviews and videos of these. Seem way cool. I'm going to get the 1m version for 18$. Tax write off for me too.

 

[Ign]

Decided to try out a set of Cobalt drill bits. Hoping they make me wonder why I ever used anything else?

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Not likely. Still just drill bits.

 

[DFB]

$20 smartphone borescope camera, 16' long
Inspection Camera, Snake Camera, Sokos Micro USB Borescope Waterproof Endoscope for Laptops and USB OTG Compatible Android Smartphones (5M | 16.4ft) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EQ872MU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Great disclaimer


We Promise NO VIRUS INCLUDED!!!

 

[DFB]

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.

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.

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.

 

[DerekV]

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.

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!

 

[Frontierajl]

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.


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[DerekV]

I'm lazy....

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

 

[kctyphoon]

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!

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..