The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[techieman33]

Here’s the Ryobi version, that does indeed output 120v AC. It’s only good for 150w though. The Dewalt mentioned does indeed require multiple batteries to power it. The difference is it’s rated for 1800w. It’s also much bigger. Different tools for different needs. Both have their uses.

As far as running a modem and WiFi router. Sure you could make your own box and convert the 18v DC to 12v DC. It would indeed be more effecient. Probably be a little cheaper too. But it’s only going to work for devices that will then take that 12v or whatever you end up converting it to and uses the right connectors. And if that’s your entire goal then go for it.

The inverter on the other hand will run anything you decide to plug into it as long as it’s within it’s power rating. Just plug it in and go. No hassle at all. Your going to take a 15%-25% loss in efficiency at the inverter. But the versatility is worth the trade off IMO.

And yes one of these little inverters would have no problem running a modem and router. How long it runs is going to depend on the battery and how much power the devices are pulling. On average a cable modem pulls around 8w. A wifi router could be between 6w and 20w. You would need to look at your power supplies to see what they’re rated for. And ideally plug them into something like a kill-a-watt to know for sure. Figure out how many watts your pulling then compare that to the rated watt hours of your battery pack minus 20%ish for inverter loss. An M18 6.0 is rated at 108 watt hours. So probably good for 3-5 hours on an average setup.

 

[Tduby]

If it’s like the Ryobi it’ll be rated for 150 watts constant. That’s plenty of power to run lots of different small devices while camping or during a power outage. Charge a laptop, run a tv, etc. I’ve even heard of people using them for their cpap machines. While it won’t do everything it’ll be a nice addition to the collection.

I would love it for my CPAP at our camp we loose power for an hour or so nothing major but I don’t sleep well if I’m not using it.

 

[javyLSU]

Anything that plugs in and runs a battery powered device or charges it does not run at 120v it steps it down to something much lower, I would almost guarentee this thing doesnt output 120v on one M18. The Dewalt flexvolt uses 4 batteries to do that well and maybe can run on 2?







It can maybe run one of those for a short while, if your expecting it to do a modem, router, and laptop at the same time, I bet those are unreasonable expectations.

I love how against this thing you are - I might buy two just to annoy you... [emoji38]

Of course I’m not going to “run a laptop” off of it, my laptops have batteries, and I’m not trying to use this little inverter in place of my whole home backup generator. It’s not like I want to run a heat gun, a toaster, and a microwave off this thing... My router and modem combined pull 30 watts, and that’s with the router on the high power setting. It’s will be more than fine to run more these devices (for which I already have a backup UPS) for more than “a short while.” There are many more camping-like applications I can think of when AC power is not accessible (small TV, charging two-way radio/GPS batteries, etc).

 

[Odd-job]

The Milwaukee addiction thread! [emoji4]

Slightly disappointed that Milwaukee didn’t go the power bank route here with the inverter/transformer to run higher powered stuff with multiple m18 batteries. I guess the Dewalt one really didn’t take off either so can see the commercial rationale for not doing so. Anything to avoid firing up my generator...

Edit: will still probably buy this.

 

[Rusty67]

Re: The Milwaukee addiction thread! [emoji4]

Slightly disappointed that Milwaukee didn’t go the power bank route here with the inverter/transformer to run higher powered stuff with multiple m18 batteries. I guess the Dewalt one really didn’t take off either so can see the commercial rationale for not doing so. Anything to avoid firing up my generator...

Edit: will still probably buy this.

I think it would be too much of an overlap with the new MX line. They have a "generator" that runs off the big MX batteries, making a multi-battery M18 power supply might be competing with themselves. But I see your point, it would be nice.

 

[techieman33]

Re: The Milwaukee addiction thread! [emoji4]

Slightly disappointed that Milwaukee didn’t go the power bank route here with the inverter/transformer to run higher powered stuff with multiple m18 batteries. I guess the Dewalt one really didn’t take off either so can see the commercial rationale for not doing so. Anything to avoid firing up my generator...

Edit: will still probably buy this.

We don’t know that it isn’t coming. They teased the M12 fuel oscillating tool, then announced the M18 big version with it at the official announcement.

 

[Odd-job]

I think it would be too much of an overlap with the new MX line. They have a "generator" that runs off the big MX batteries, making a multi-battery M18 power supply might be competing with themselves. But I see your point, it would be nice.

Good point. I actually completely forgot about the MX Line. Not sure anyone here has bought any of the MX lineup? Guessing Milwaukee will not consider a M18 power bank unless MX goes the way of M28, ie a commercial failure.

We don’t know that it isn’t coming. They teased the M12 fuel oscillating tool, then announced the M18 big version with it at the official announcement.

Agreed there's always hope. Waiting for the lawn mower too Milwaukee...

 

[jshillin]

Home Depot, I bought it tool-only.

I went to Depot on Friday and they didn't have any of them or have any idea what I was talking about. Maybe they just haven't hit my local store yet.

 

[takai]

I do this a lot and keep thinking the same thing to myself. A little M12 that I can keep a pilot bit in.

I keep my old brushed kit m12 drill with a pilot/centre drill in it at all times. So useful.

 

[darkzero]

I went to Depot on Friday and they didn't have any of them or have any idea what I was talking about. Maybe they just haven't hit my local store yet.

Probably. I almost never ask HD employees cause 95% of the time they are clueless.

I just checked my local stores online & they show not available but the HD in the next town over shows 3 in stock. I've encountered this a number of times before where only certain HDs around me carry certain products & it's not just out of stock at the other locations.

 

[javyLSU]

I went to Depot on Friday and they didn't have any of them or have any idea what I was talking about. Maybe they just haven't hit my local store yet.

I should have mentioned that I bought it online from Home Depot...

 

[jshillin]

Probably. I almost never ask HD employees cause 95% of the time they are clueless.

I just checked my local stores online & they show not available but the HD in the next town over shows 3 in stock. I've encountered this a number of times before where only certain HDs around me carry certain products & it's not just out of stock at the other locations.

I should have mentioned that I bought it online from Home Depot...

Thanks guys... I do see it on-line and I see the kit in stock at a Depot about an hour away, but I don't want this kit this time, just the bare tool. I'll check again later this week.

 

[dacan23]

The Dewalt powerstation came out 3yrs ago, I am mostly disappointed we have nothing like that yet. Wheres the damn lawn mower. Instead of coming out with so frequent new versions, 50 lights and 5 vacuums, I dont understand why there are so many things we have to wait so long for. Compressor, framing nailer, fuel multi tools are a few of many examples that took to long to market. Yet we're getting all new M18 impacts this year.

I lose power a lot more often than most, a power station I would be very interested

I love how against this thing you are - I might buy two just to annoy you... [emoji38]

Of course I’m not going to “run a laptop” off of it, my laptops have batteries, and I’m not trying to use this little inverter in place of my whole home backup generator. It’s not like I want to run a heat gun, a toaster, and a microwave off this thing... My router and modem combined pull 30 watts, and that’s with the router on the high power setting. It’s will be more than fine to run more these devices (for which I already have a backup UPS) for more than “a short while.” There are many more camping-like applications I can think of when AC power is not accessible (small TV, charging two-way radio/GPS batteries, etc).

 

[Rusty67]

The Dewalt powerstation came out 3yrs ago, I am mostly disappointed we have nothing like that yet. Wheres the damn lawn mower. Instead of coming out with so frequent new versions, 50 lights and 5 vacuums, I dont understand why there are so many things we have to wait so long for. Compressor, framing nailer, fuel multi tools are a few of many examples that took to long to market. Yet we're getting all new M18 impacts this year.

I lose power a lot more often than most, a power station I would be very interested

They did mention in the pipeline video (I think the second one) that they know we want a lawn mower so hopefully it is coming in the next year or so. For those that want one at least. My gas mower does just fine for me.

 

[techieman33]

The Dewalt powerstation came out 3yrs ago, I am mostly disappointed we have nothing like that yet. Wheres the damn lawn mower. Instead of coming out with so frequent new versions, 50 lights and 5 vacuums, I dont understand why there are so many things we have to wait so long for. Compressor, framing nailer, fuel multi tools are a few of many examples that took to long to market. Yet we're getting all new M18 impacts this year.

I lose power a lot more often than most, a power station I would be very interested

It’s all about the money. Things that are cheap to develop, have high profit margins, or are going to sell tons of units will get more R&D budget than niche items. I know lots of people say they want a mower, but how many will actually buy them? I’m guessing that number is tiny compared to the people that will be running out to buy new impacts to replace the ones they already have just to gain that extra clearance.

 

[jshillin]

I should have mentioned that I bought it online from Home Depot...

Ordered the bare tool from cpooutlet today.

 

[Odd-job]

Curious how the M12 hatchet compares to the M18 Fuel Hackzall with a good pruning blade for pruning and hacking through 1 inch plus brush and branches? M18 Hackzall probably more versatile for doing other Sawzall type things one handed. Clearly the M12 hatchet would be better against zombies.

 

[DerekV]

It’s all about the money. Things that are cheap to develop, have high profit margins, or are going to sell tons of units will get more R&D budget than niche items. I know lots of people say they want a mower, but how many will actually buy them? I’m guessing that number is tiny compared to the people that will be running out to buy new impacts to replace the ones they already have just to gain that extra clearance.

Bingo.

People begging for a lawnmower need to come to grips with the fact that they’ll never make one that’s M18 powered. That’s because they’re too stubborn to use more than a single battery pack at once, and a mower needs at least 36v nominal/40v max. Swinging a 20+” metal blade for an hour requires lots of sustained watts, which translates into tons of current on 18v. A sequentially discharged M18 mower would just annihilate batteries in terms of runtime and lifetime. Not gonna happen. That said, the mower will be MX Fuel. There’s patent info out on an MX Fuel mower. What we know about MX Fuel is that it is obnoxiously overpriced. They know the vast majority of people aren’t gonna buy a $1k bare tool push mower. Maybe $999 on “sale” with a battery/charger [emoji23] If they’re gonna command their fantasy prices the thing needs to be a zero turn or something ridiculous like that. Nothing for the 1/4 acre suburbanites.

The mower most of you are yearning for is sadly more unrealistic than Milwaukee’s pricing team. Align your expectations accordingly.

 

[DerekV]

Curious how the M12 hatchet compares to the M18 Fuel Hackzall with a good pruning blade for pruning and hacking through 1 inch plus brush and branches? M18 Hackzall probably more versatile for doing other Sawzall type things one handed. Clearly the M12 hatchet would be better against zombies.

I’d imagine it’s smoother and faster at the expense of versatility and required maintenance.

 

[dacan23]

I was surprised to the review a few pages back saying it struggled on the 6" limb as I have cut down 6" trees with the M18 hackzall. The M12 hatchet is mainly for people that won't own a full size chainsaw, which is also maybe the "homeowner" crowd that doesn't own the M18 fuel hackzall. Only addicts on this board will own all 3 lol

I’d imagine it’s smoother and faster at the expense of versatility and required maintenance.

 

[dacan23]

No way I would get a MX lawn mower... unless I first buy the coring drill kit hahahaha.

Maybe the MX lawn mower is going to be a bada$$ aimed at professional landscapers.

I really need the lawn mower, relocating and will now have a small flat yard. My tractor died and sold it, had to restore my push mower and dont want to take it with us and realllllly dont want to buy a new gas mower.

Well maybe I would buy the MX mower if they immediately also released a MX snow blower, as I sold my big snow blower this week.

Bingo.

People begging for a lawnmower need to come to grips with the fact that they’ll never make one that’s M18 powered. That’s because they’re too stubborn to use more than a single battery pack at once, and a mower needs at least 36v nominal/40v max. Swinging a 20+” metal blade for an hour requires lots of sustained watts, which translates into tons of current on 18v. A sequentially discharged M18 mower would just annihilate batteries in terms of runtime and lifetime. Not gonna happen. That said, the mower will be MX Fuel. There’s patent info out on an MX Fuel mower. What we know about MX Fuel is that it is obnoxiously overpriced. They know the vast majority of people aren’t gonna buy a $1k bare tool push mower. Maybe $999 on “sale” with a battery/charger [emoji23] If they’re gonna command their fantasy prices the thing needs to be a zero turn or something ridiculous like that. Nothing for the 1/4 acre suburbanites.

The mower most of you are yearning for is sadly more unrealistic than Milwaukee’s pricing team. Align your expectations accordingly.

 

[Odd-job]

I was surprised to the review a few pages back saying it struggled on the 6" limb as I have cut down 6" trees with the M18 hackzall. The M12 hatchet is mainly for people that won't own a full size chainsaw, which is also maybe the "homeowner" crowd that doesn't own the M18 fuel hackzall. Only addicts on this board will own all 3 lol

Trying to limit myself to 2 out of 3 here. Hard to distinguish want vs needs here with Milwaukee tools. Especially new ones.

Have the chainsaw and full size sawzall already. Thinking one of these one hander tools would be nice. Now that I think about it I used to use my m12 circular saw to cut branches one handed. The only thing is the guard gets in the way. If I remove the guard I bet it would be safer than that m12 hatchet thing.

 

[MikeF2316]

Bingo.

People begging for a lawnmower need to come to grips with the fact that they’ll never make one that’s M18 powered. That’s because they’re too stubborn to use more than a single battery pack at once, and a mower needs at least 36v nominal/40v max. Swinging a 20+” metal blade for an hour requires lots of sustained watts, which translates into tons of current on 18v. A sequentially discharged M18 mower would just annihilate batteries in terms of runtime and lifetime. Not gonna happen. That said, the mower will be MX Fuel. There’s patent info out on an MX Fuel mower. What we know about MX Fuel is that it is obnoxiously overpriced. They know the vast majority of people aren’t gonna buy a $1k bare tool push mower. Maybe $999 on “sale” with a battery/charger [emoji23] If they’re gonna command their fantasy prices the thing needs to be a zero turn or something ridiculous like that. Nothing for the 1/4 acre suburbanites.

The mower most of you are yearning for is sadly more unrealistic than Milwaukee’s pricing team. Align your expectations accordingly.

Even though I'm one of those hoping for a dual battery M18 mower, I'm afraid that all in this post is correct. No way I'm going to pay MX prices for a mower.

 

[RoyBell]

I guess that's easier to make than a laser

I got an email with all the new lasers they are coming out with. M12 and usb rechargeable.

If it’s like the Ryobi it’ll be rated for 150 watts constant. That’s plenty of power to run lots of different small devices while camping or during a power outage. Charge a laptop, run a tv, etc. I’ve even heard of people using them for their cpap machines. While it won’t do everything it’ll be a nice addition to the collection.

Sure but how many of us dont already have some M18/12 thing that has USB on it, which could even charge things like a laptop that are USB-C it may not keep up with the draw while the device is in use.



I actually bet it doesnt work at 120v, only 18v, things like a laptop power supply or the shown walkie talkie power supply only need about 18v because all they are doing is charging a battery.

How could it not work at 120v that’s obviously a 120v transformer plugged into it. And the same thing already exists in the Ryobi line. Just have to repackage it in red, and maybe up the power rating a little since Milwaukee has bigger and better batteries.

Why wouldn't it work at 120 volts? It's an inverter designed to output 5 volts via usb (or whatever usb is) and 120 volts via the inverter.

If I am doing my math right (I am probably not since I **** at math), 150 watts= 1.25 amps. That's approx 10 DC amps @ 18 volts.

Based on a 9amp hour battery, you should almost be able to run that 150 watts for almost a full hour. You will lose some from heat and transformer, but I have no idea how much, maybe 5%?

If you run something that's only 10 watts, you should, in theory, get 15 hours of run time off a 9 amp hour battery (9/.6)

 

[javyLSU]

Curious how the M12 hatchet compares to the M18 Fuel Hackzall with a good pruning blade for pruning and hacking through 1 inch plus brush and branches? M18 Hackzall probably more versatile for doing other Sawzall type things one handed. Clearly the M12 hatchet would be better against zombies.

I was surprised to the review a few pages back saying it struggled on the 6" limb as I have cut down 6" trees with the M18 hackzall. The M12 hatchet is mainly for people that won't own a full size chainsaw, which is also maybe the "homeowner" crowd that doesn't own the M18 fuel hackzall. Only addicts on this board will own all 3 lol

You just made me realize... My name is Javier, and I am a Milwaukee addict.

I (ashamedly) have all three. I will say that I routinely use all three for different purposes. The M18 hackzall was my first recip saw, and it's been awesome for the small stuff like cutting small branches off of a tree trunk I'm getting ready to buck - it's my "first grab" tool whenever I need to do a small rough cutting task around the property or in the garage. The M12 hatchet is my next step up - whatever takes longer than I'd like to cut with the hackzall or is more than 3" in diameter gets the M12 hatchet. The M18 chainsaw IMO needs no explanation - strictly for the big stuff.

Do I need them all? Of course not, but my back has sure been a lot happier with not having to use the pole saw or big chain saw nearly as much. I've got over an acre with at least two hundred trees, so these are tools that I use frequently.

 

[Odd-job]

You just made me realize... My name is Javier, and I am a Milwaukee addict.

I (ashamedly) have all three. I will say that I routinely use all three for different purposes. The M18 hackzall was my first recip saw, and it's been awesome for the small stuff like cutting small branches off of a tree trunk I'm getting ready to buck - it's my "first grab" tool whenever I need to do a small rough cutting task around the property or in the garage. The M12 hatchet is my next step up - whatever takes longer than I'd like to cut with the hackzall or is more than 3" in diameter gets the M12 hatchet. The M18 chainsaw IMO needs no explanation - strictly for the big stuff.

Do I need them all? Of course not, but my back has sure been a lot happier with not having to use the pole saw or big chain saw nearly as much. I've got over an acre with at least two hundred trees, so these are tools that I use frequently.

Welcome Javier. Unfortunately you will get no help from this group as we don't think you have a problem. Addiction is only an issue if it is for "bad" stuff right?!? With 200 trees we pray that the Milwaukee gods will make you a quad MX powered wood chipper so that you can buy it when it first comes out and tell us how awesome it is.

Zombie slaying aside, I find it interesting that you mention 3 inches as the threshold where you go for the m12 hatchet. Was thinking its sweet spot was more in the 1-3 inches. Is that because m18 hackzall is almost quick and smooth enough (I think you need the Fuel version FYI)?

Here's my current thinking:

< 1 inch = hedge trimmer
1-5 inches = hackzall or hatchet
3-12+ inches = chainsaw

 

[javyLSU]

Welcome Javier. Unfortunately you will get no help from this group as we don't think you have a problem. Addiction is only an issue if it is for "bad" stuff right?!? With 200 trees we pray that the Milwaukee gods will make you a quad MX powered wood chipper so that you can buy it when it first comes out and tell us how awesome it is.

Zombie slaying aside, I find it interesting that you mention 3 inches as the threshold where you go for the m12 hatchet. Was thinking its sweet spot was more in the 1-3 inches. Is that because m18 hackzall is almost quick and smooth enough (I think you need the Fuel version FYI)?

Here's my current thinking:

< 1 inch = hedge trimmer
1-5 inches = hackzall or hatchet
3-12+ inches = chainsaw

The M18 Hackzall I have is the fuel version, which is why I use it first for anything up to three inches (assuming there's not a ton of repetitions anticipated) because it's just lighter. If there's a bunch of 1-3" cuts to make, then I grab the Hatchet - but for one offs, the "handiness" of the M18 Fuel Hackzall (no oil, lighter weight) is what makes it a first-grab tool.

 

[Odd-job]

The M18 Hackzall I have is the fuel version, which is why I use it first for anything up to three inches (assuming there's not a ton of repetitions anticipated) because it's just lighter. If there's a bunch of 1-3" cuts to make, then I grab the Hatchet - but for one offs, the "handiness" of the M18 Fuel Hackzall (no oil, lighter weight) is what makes it a first-grab tool.

Good input. Thanks. Sounds like the Fuel Hackzall might be the way to go for my uses which involves cutting up random branches around the yard to stuff into the green bin on a weekly basis.

or maybe it would be easier to just buy both and have no doubt if I have the right tool for the job...

 

[javyLSU]

I would definitely put the M12 Hatchet in the "nice to have, but not necessary" category - if I had to pick one it would be the M18 Fuel Hackzall without question.

 

[soloz2]

I'm quite interested in the M12 hatchet, or Stihl GTA26 to use for light duty pruning and cutting up branches for firewood. I have a M18 hackzall I use with a pruning blade now, but it does have quite a bit of vibration that you don't really get with a chainsaw. I already have a Stihl polesaw and two chainsaws, but would be nice to have something small.

 

[DerekV]

No way I would get a MX lawn mower... unless I first buy the coring drill kit hahahaha.

Hahah

Maybe the MX lawn mower is going to be a bada$$ aimed at professional landscapers.

That’s exactly what I’m thinking, it’s the only thing that works with their playbook. That’s why I’m thinking a zero turn or a small ride on.

I really need the lawn mower, relocating and will now have a small flat yard. My tractor died and sold it, had to restore my push mower and dont want to take it with us and realllllly dont want to buy a new gas mower.

I’d look into getting some 10 AWG M18 pack adapters and a “40v” Ryobi mower. Easy modification to adapt a series or two of M18 packs. I’ve used mine (not self propelled model) a half dozen times already and it’s performed excellently every time. I’ve been intentionally trying to get the connections to pop loose and everything is staying put, and that’s with four 5.0s. Very happy with the mod so far.

Well maybe I would buy the MX mower if they immediately also released a MX snow blower, as I sold my big snow blower this week.

Haha, an MX snow blower would be sick. I can see that being a gateway tool into the MX line.

I hope Milwaukee makes an “empty” MX battery case that can house four M18 packs inside of it for 72v. Not holding my breath, but that would be amazing.

 

[DerekV]

Even though I'm one of those hoping for a dual battery M18 mower, I'm afraid that all in this post is correct. No way I'm going to pay MX prices for a mower.

Exactly

I’d look into other brands that operate at a voltage that’s a multiple of 18v/20v max. Pick up a few 10 AWG M18 pack adapters and see if it works. The Ryobi 40v line definitely works on two M18 packs in series. Harbor Freight has some inexpensive but decent looking 80v max mowers, those might work on four M18s in series.

 

[jeffmoss26]

it was time for an upgrade...

 

[dacan23]

Bet you will be dremeling some dividers soon to make 4 sections in some cups.

it was time for an upgrade...

 

[jeffmoss26]

or I can order 3D printed dividers from the same guy that made the deep bins

 

[Tduby]

Re: The Milwaukee addiction thread! [emoji4]

I think it would be too much of an overlap with the new MX line. They have a "generator" that runs off the big MX batteries, making a multi-battery M18 power supply might be competing with themselves. But I see your point, it would be nice.

I’m having a very hard time justifying the MX line maybe if they expand the MX more it will be tempting but so far the only thing I want is the power pack. And since they have dropped the ball on the mower again I’m really looking at EGO line up I need a mower soon their multi head has a power broom which is very handy and I’m tempted by the small snow blower. And a 3000W generator to boot

 

[jshillin]

Re: The Milwaukee addiction thread! [emoji4]

I’m having a very hard time justifying the MX line maybe if they expand the MX more it will be tempting but so far the only thing I want is the power pack. And since they have dropped the ball on the mower again I’m really looking at EGO line up I need a mower soon their multi head has a power broom which is very handy and I’m tempted by the small snow blower. And a 3000W generator to boot

If you're looking at Ego, check out your local Home Depot, mine started marking down prices to clear them out.

 

[Ign]

I just want noise-cancelling ear protection like the Ryobi Tek4, using instead the little Milwaukee USB batteries.

TTI's basically already built it before, so it won't be hard to pull out the old Tek4 blueprints and freshen it up.

 

[chappys4life]

or I can order 3D printed dividers from the same guy that made the deep bins

Link? I need them

 

[ThatGuyAlex]

Are we no longer addicted?