The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[Odd-job]

You might be joking, but you shouldn't. A guy on a car forum I frequent has made one heck of a side-business in replacing capacitors on old PC motherboards. I think he gets a lot of business from businesses who rely on now-obsolete PC interfaces and need to keep their ancient PCs going. I imagine small engine repair will take off when bans start to hit.

Could definitely see that and was definitely being facetious being a Californian living in a often overly progressive state. I also find it interesting how different skillsets and experiences come and go as technology evolves. If one thing is for certain I look forward to not messing with ethanol clogged carburetors one day.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Just added the 2470-20 to my M12 tool set.
Yes will be used for PVC as intended, but main reason for purchasing is for pruning my apple trees.

 

[Rusty67]

Could definitely see that and was definitely being facetious being a Californian living in a often overly progressive state. I also find it interesting how different skillsets and experiences come and go as technology evolves. If one thing is for certain I look forward to not messing with ethanol clogged carburetors one day.

"progressive" implies that they are making things better but that isn't what it actually means. Unfortunately there are a pile of uninformed morons on both side of the fence making policies that are supposed to help, but they rarely do. I say hang them all and give a blind monkey with a pencil in it's hand the authority, we'd probably get better results...

As for the M12 fuel vs M18 non-fuel set, it just depends what you are using it for. I almost always reach for my M12 Surge by default these days. I've used the M12 fuel hammer drill with a 1 1/2 inch hole saw before. That was at the limit or maybe slightly past the limit of what the M12 fuel hammer drill could do.

 

[dacan23]

"progressive" implies that they are making things better but that isn't what it actually means. Unfortunately there are a pile of uninformed morons on both side of the fence making policies that are supposed to help, but they rarely do. I say hang them all and give a blind monkey with a pencil in it's hand the authority, we'd probably get better results...

As for the M12 fuel vs M18 non-fuel set, it just depends what you are using it for. I almost always reach for my M12 Surge by default these days. I've used the M12 fuel hammer drill with a 1 1/2 inch hole saw before. That was at the limit or maybe slightly past the limit of what the M12 fuel hammer drill could do.

Depends on definition of limit lol, I used the M12 Fuel hammer drill to install a lock in a door recentley, whats that a 2.5" hole saw? I mean it was slow going and my M18 Fuel would of done it in 1/4 the time but it was up the stairs through 2 doors and in the garage so I'm lazy. I have used the M12 to drill a 3/4 hole in solid aircraft grade aluminum.

 

[Rusty67]

I was drilling through some 2x and the drill got stuck multiple times/barely made it through. Were they solid core doors? I'm guessing hollow doors?

 

[javyLSU]

I've used my 2504 almost exclusively to do my drilling, 1/8" steel plate included. I actually forgot I had the 2804, because the 2504 has handled everything I've thrown at it.

 

[KamiCrit]

Finally found everything, took a family photo. Housed in a steel Uline bookcase.

 

[javyLSU]

2684 random orbital polisher arrived yesterday, put it to work this morning on some oxidized headlights. Dimensionally, it’s almost identical to my Mac, and with 5.0 AH batteries each one weighs just shy of 7 pounds. In use, the Milwaukee is MUCH quieter than the Mac, and vibration is also much less on the Milwaukee. I measured the sound level at 3000 RPM using a decibel meter placed about a foot away, and the M18 came in at 87.4dBA, and the Mac at 96.1 dBA - quite a difference,.

In the past I tried to go “small” using a Power Stack battery on the Mac, but the run time just wasn’t usable, it only lasted about 15 minutes if I recall correctly using the (currently) largest available 1.7 AH Power Stack battery. I’ve got a ton of M18 batteries, including a few HO 3.0s, and that’s what I’m going to try using first on this polisher. I’m curious to see how long I can go using the smaller 3.0 HO batteries before they die. Here’s a few comparison pics:

M18 @ 3000 RPM:


Mac @ 3000 RPM:

 

[Odd-job]

"progressive" implies that they are making things better but that isn't what it actually means. Unfortunately there are a pile of uninformed morons on both side of the fence making policies that are supposed to help, but they rarely do. I say hang them all and give a blind monkey with a pencil in it's hand the authority, we'd probably get better results...

As for the M12 fuel vs M18 non-fuel set, it just depends what you are using it for. I almost always reach for my M12 Surge by default these days. I've used the M12 fuel hammer drill with a 1 1/2 inch hole saw before. That was at the limit or maybe slightly past the limit of what the M12 fuel hammer drill could do.

Always can see it both ways. Bad in my mind - Proposition 65 everything gives you cancer, 10 round magazine limits, etc. Good - Clean air push and the green tech push which can also be debatable. Maybe CA indirectly helped us get our M18 lawn mowers sooner?!?

m12 surge is awesome. Can't believe I didn't buy that sooner. Have my young kids usually helping me and the surge is so quiet that I am not worried about making them deaf like their old man.

 

[Odd-job]

2684 random orbital polisher arrived yesterday, put it to work this morning on some oxidized headlights. Dimensionally, it’s almost identical to my Mac, and with 5.0 AH batteries each one weighs just shy of 7 pounds. In use, the Milwaukee is MUCH quieter than the Mac, and vibration is also much less on the Milwaukee. I measured the sound level at 3000 RPM using a decibel meter placed about a foot away, and the M18 came in at 87.4dBA, and the Mac at 96.1 dBA - quite a difference,.

In the past I tried to go “small” using a Power Stack battery on the Mac, but the run time just wasn’t usable, it only lasted about 15 minutes if I recall correctly using the (currently) largest available 1.7 AH Power Stack battery. I’ve got a ton of M18 batteries, including a few HO 3.0s, and that’s what I’m going to try using first on this polisher. I’m curious to see how long I can go using the smaller 3.0 HO batteries before they die. Here’s a few comparison pics:

M18 @ 3000 RPM:


Mac @ 3000 RPM:

Many thanks for the review. Curious if running this on high cooks the regular batteries like a 5.0. Do you really need the HO batteries?

 

[Odd-job]

Finally found everything, took a family photo. Housed in a steel Uline bookcase.

Nice collection. My Milwaukee tool collection (scourge to my wife) has turned into a bunch of scattered herds. I need to consolidate one of these days.

 

[javyLSU]

Many thanks for the review. Curious if running this on high cooks the regular batteries like a 5.0. Do you really need the HO batteries?

I used it this morning with the 5.0 battery and didn’t notice it struggling or the battery running hot, but that’s a good question. Next time I run it I’ll use an 8.0 HO to see if I can see or hear a difference.

 

[1320]

Got the M18 inflator. I like it so far, it's certainly larger and heavier than the M12, but also seems like it's a lot faster. The memory functions are nice.

 

[dacan23]

2684 random orbital polisher arrived yesterday, put it to work this morning on some oxidized headlights. Dimensionally, it’s almost identical to my Mac, and with 5.0 AH batteries each one weighs just shy of 7 pounds. In use, the Milwaukee is MUCH quieter than the Mac, and vibration is also much less on the Milwaukee. I measured the sound level at 3000 RPM using a decibel meter placed about a foot away, and the M18 came in at 87.4dBA, and the Mac at 96.1 dBA - quite a difference,.

In the past I tried to go “small” using a Power Stack battery on the Mac, but the run time just wasn’t usable, it only lasted about 15 minutes if I recall correctly using the (currently) largest available 1.7 AH Power Stack battery. I’ve got a ton of M18 batteries, including a few HO 3.0s, and that’s what I’m going to try using first on this polisher. I’m curious to see how long I can go using the smaller 3.0 HO batteries before they die. Here’s a few comparison pics:

Is there no side handle for the new polisher like the old one? Please don't give me an excuse to buy one lol, I already have the original M18 and M12 polisher.

 

[dacan23]

Got the M18 inflator. I like it so far, it's certainly larger and heavier than the M12, but also seems like it's a lot faster. The memory functions are nice.

Has anyone done a side by side real world fill race between it and the M12?

 

[mrvm]

Has anyone done a side by side real world fill race between it and the M12?

There’s a u-tube video on the M18 inflator with posted numbers inflating tires. Definitely faster than the M12 and has a longer duty cycle but imo too bulky to make a good trunk buddy

 

[javyLSU]

Is there no side handle for the new polisher like the old one? Please don't give me an excuse to buy one lol, I already have the original M18 and M12 polisher.

Not sure which "old" one you're talking about, this is the first DA/random orbital polisher that Milwaukee has come out with - the only other ones I'm aware of are all rotary polishers. To answer your question, it doesn't come with a side handle. I've never, ever used those side handles on any DA polisher I've owned. When I learned to detail 20 years ago, the first thing my instructor taught me was to remove the side handle from my Porter Cable 7424 and apply pressure on the head of the tool. I was actually glad to see Milwaukee not include a side handle, because I'll never use it.

 

[dacan23]

Not sure which "old" one you're talking about, this is the first DA/random orbital polisher that Milwaukee has come out with - the only other ones I'm aware of are all rotary polishers. To answer your question, it doesn't come with a side handle. I've never, ever used those side handles on any DA polisher I've owned. When I learned to detail 20 years ago, the first thing my instructor taught me was to remove the side handle from my Porter Cable 7424 and apply pressure on the head of the tool. I was actually glad to see Milwaukee not include a side handle, because I'll never use it.

Yeah it wasn't orbital, the 2738 polisher, mine came with the top and side handle.

 

[javyLSU]

Yeah it wasn't orbital, the 2738 polisher, mine came with the top and side handle.

That's what I thought you were referencing. That one isn't "old" quite yet, haha - it's just different! Still lots of detailers that swear by rotary polishers.

 

[dacan23]

That's what I thought you were referencing. That one isn't "old" quite yet, haha - it's just different! Still lots of detailers that swear by rotary polishers.

Yeah I have had it for a long time so seems old to me.

Question for you, any advice you can give me on removing some film protectant? On another car I just got, its prolly been on there since almost new 15 yrs ago. Was gonna google but was thinking you might have some first hand expert advice.

 

[javyLSU]

Yeah I have had it for a long time so seems old to me.

Question for you, any advice you can give me on removing some film protectant? On another car I just got, its prolly been on there since almost new 15 yrs ago. Was gonna google but was thinking you might have some first hand expert advice.

Hair dryer/heat gun will get that off no problem. Just don't put so much heat on it that it starts to melt...

 

[dacan23]

Hair dryer/heat gun will get that off no problem. Just don't put so much heat on it that it starts to melt...

Thanks, that was my initial thought, M18 heat gun to the rescue. Wish I didn't have to remove it but it's yellowing because it's so old and the car is in perfect shape and it hurts the look. Will work on the mirrors first to make sure I don't screw up the perfect hood.

 

[LeeG]

Does any have a good place for getting M18 batteries rebuilt? I have 3 of the 12ah ones that re just out of warranty and are not holding full charge.

 

[dacan23]

Does any have a good place for getting M18 batteries rebuilt? I have 3 of the 12ah ones that re just out of warranty and are not holding full charge.

Ouch sorry to hear that, I had two 12s die last year. You haven't bought any other 12s that you can use the receipt from? I seriously think there is a problem and they should extend the warranty on them like the original 9s. You can call them and do a big song & dance sob story and perhaps you can get them to goodwill the warranty replacement.

 

[MeUseDinoBone2Hammer]

I'm splitting hairs trying to decide between the 10" and 12", both FUEL, M18 miter saws. I don't really care too much that the 12" costs more. I think a 10" would do everything I want and the benefit of being lighter/smaller appeals to me... EXCEPT, according to Milwaukee's site, there's only a 2lbs difference! WTH? I'm worried that either the two weights are not really comparable (eg. for the 10" an intern just put the whole box, not tool only, on a scale while a more diligent employee actually weighed the bare 12" saw) OR they're basically exactly the same device with just a larger guard to accommodate the 12" blade. I expect exactly ZERO correct answers should I contact a customer service representative on the phone. And then the 7.25" miter is a full 20 lbs lighter?! What gives here?! Anyone have hands on carnal knowledge with these saws? Is the 12" really only 2 lbs more than the 10"? This makes no sense.

 

[MeUseDinoBone2Hammer]

Got the M18 inflator. I like it so far, it's certainly larger and heavier than the M12, but also seems like it's a lot faster. The memory functions are nice.

Can the inflator also be used for sports balls and pool toys or is it really a single purpose tool for the more heavy duty task of vehicle tires? Will it just explode a pool toy? Can be used 100% manually or does it always operate based on a set pressure and utilize its pressure sensors?

I spend an inordinate amount of time getting light headed blowing large floats for my kids by our lake and if I can acquire a new tool under the guise that "it's also for the kids, hun!", even if it's total overkill (this is GJ, after all), I'm always game.

 

[cgv69]

I'm splitting hairs trying to decide between the 10" and 12", both FUEL, M18 miter saws.

I went with the 10" because 1. I almost never run into a situation that the 10" can't handle and 2. I figured smaller blade should equal longer battery life (even if only slightly). I've had it for a few years now and have been very satisfied and love the cord free life.

 

[Odd-job]

I'm splitting hairs trying to decide between the 10" and 12", both FUEL, M18 miter saws. I don't really care too much that the 12" costs more. I think a 10" would do everything I want and the benefit of being lighter/smaller appeals to me... EXCEPT, according to Milwaukee's site, there's only a 2lbs difference! WTH? I'm worried that either the two weights are not really comparable (eg. for the 10" an intern just put the whole box, not tool only, on a scale while a more diligent employee actually weighed the bare 12" saw) OR they're basically exactly the same device with just a larger guard to accommodate the 12" blade. I expect exactly ZERO correct answers should I contact a customer service representative on the phone. And then the 7.25" miter is a full 20 lbs lighter?! What gives here?! Anyone have hands on carnal knowledge with these saws? Is the 12" really only 2 lbs more than the 10"? This makes no sense.

I bought my 10 inch back when the 7.25 and 12 didn't exist yet. Probably have run into one time in 4 years where I wish it had more capacity. Was trying to bevel cut a 8X8 for some probably stupid reason.

I hear the dust extraction is much better on the newer saws as the chute on the 10 inch was pretty far back and half the saw dust would end up in the bag. Not sure if they redesigned the 10 inch at all. I use mine outside 100% plus the dust bag nozzle on the back broke off when my old man dropped it so its not an issue anymore for me. If I was using it indoors I think the lack of efficient dust control (even hooked up to an extractor) would drive me nuts.

 

[mrvm]

For me the 10” covered 99% of what needed to be cut. The 12” is nice but takes up more space, heavier and blades might be more expensive.

 

[hkd76]

Can the inflator also be used for sports balls and pool toys or is it really a single purpose tool for the more heavy duty task of vehicle tires? Will it just explode a pool toy? Can be used 100% manually or does it always operate based on a set pressure and utilize its pressure sensors?

I spend an inordinate amount of time getting light headed blowing large floats for my kids by our lake and if I can acquire a new tool under the guise that "it's also for the kids, hun!", even if it's total overkill (this is GJ, after all), I'm always game.

The M18 inflator can be used to inflate pool toys and mattresses. It comes with the accessories conveniently stored in the back. You can run it manually too. I used it to air up the tires on my brother's car last week. They all needed air and one was completely flat. It filled all four very fast including the flat one. The car had set in his garage while he was out of the country for a year or so.

 

[dacan23]

The M18 inflator can be used to inflate pool toys and mattresses. It comes with the accessories conveniently stored in the back. You can run it manually too. I used it to air up the tires on my brother's car last week. They all needed air and one was completely flat. It filled all four very fast including the flat one. The car had set in his garage while he was out of the country for a year or so.

I tried to find the manual but its not online yet, wonder if it has the same 15-20 min run time limit recommendation as the M12. I use to use the old original blower for inflatables but now use the M18 compressor.

 

[dacan23]

Hmm, whens the cultivator coming out...

M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ Rubber Broom Attachment | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ split shaft Rubber Broom Attachment is compatible with the M18 FUEL™ Power Head with QUIK-LOK™. The optimized rubber paddle design allows for longer life

www.milwaukeetool.com

M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ Bristle Brush Attachment | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ split shaft Bristle Brush Attachment is compatible with the M18 FUEL™ Power Head with QUIK-LOK™. The optimized bristle design allows for longer life

www.milwaukeetool.com

M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ Brush Cutter Attachment | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ split shaft Brush Cutter Attachment is compatible with the M18 FUEL™ Power Head with QUIK-LOK™. Has an optimized guard design for the best material containment

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[Rusty67]

OK, powered brooms? I'm not sure I understand the use case for those.

The brush cutter attachment, can't you just replace the head on the existing whacker for that same functionality?

 

[dacan23]

OK, powered brooms? I'm not sure I understand the use case for those.

The brush cutter attachment, can't you just replace the head on the existing whacker for that same functionality?

Yeah and I have a conv kit I have never used for the wacker, but don't have brush anymore.

Look at the pics on the brooms and demonstrated uses, kinda funny. I was thinking of using it for sidewalk snow clearing, prolly the rubber version.

What would be the next attachment they should of made first instead of these?, everyone knows I want the cultivator.

 

[1320]

I tried to find the manual but its not online yet, wonder if it has the same 15-20 min run time limit recommendation as the M12. I use to use the old original blower for inflatables but now use the M18 compressor.

The M12 manual states "Allow tool to cool for 10 minutes after each 10 minutes of continuous use."

The M18 manual says "To avoid tool damage from overheating, allow tool to cool for 40 minutes after each 20 minutes of continuous use."

The books also say the M18 inflator is 1.41 CFM @ 0 PSI and 1.10 CFM @ 35 PSI with a maximum of 150 PSI. The M12 inflator is 0.88 CFM @ 0 PSI and 0.63 CFM @ 35 PSI with a maximum of 120 PSI.

 

[1320]

I got a clip on air chuck today for my M18 inflator.

 

[MeUseDinoBone2Hammer]

For me the 10” covered 99% of what needed to be cut. The 12” is nice but takes up more space, heavier and blades might be more expensive.

But according to Milwaukee's site, the 12" is only like 2 lbs heavier than the 10". That's what's driving me crazy. I almost don't believe the numbers. But, if that is true, I don't see how I could justify buying the 10" (money is not a concern for this purpose). If there was a 20 lbs difference, like with the 7.25" saw, it'd be a no-brainer for me, I'd go with the 10". Do you think the base/everything of the 12" is proportionally larger than the 10" or is it mostly just a bigger blade/guard? If it's not proportionally larger in all/most dimensions it seems to make too much sense to get the 12" even if one has no planned need for the extra depth of cut it affords.

 

[MeUseDinoBone2Hammer]

Hmm, whens the cultivator coming out...

M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ Rubber Broom Attachment | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ split shaft Rubber Broom Attachment is compatible with the M18 FUEL™ Power Head with QUIK-LOK™. The optimized rubber paddle design allows for longer life

www.milwaukeetool.com

M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ Bristle Brush Attachment | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ split shaft Bristle Brush Attachment is compatible with the M18 FUEL™ Power Head with QUIK-LOK™. The optimized bristle design allows for longer life

www.milwaukeetool.com

M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ Brush Cutter Attachment | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ split shaft Brush Cutter Attachment is compatible with the M18 FUEL™ Power Head with QUIK-LOK™. Has an optimized guard design for the best material containment

www.milwaukeetool.com

I have an attachment like that for my Stihl kombi, basically a drum with rubber flaps. It is freaking awesome! I use it to clear light snow from my patio, but where it really excels is clearing gravel/stones/mulch from my grass without hurting it. I've had it for about 9 months and I can just tell that I'm going to find more uses for it as time passes and circumstances arise.

 

[dacan23]

The M18 manual says "To avoid tool damage from overheating, allow tool to cool for 40 minutes after each 20 minutes of continuous use."

Cool for 40 after 20mins ouch. While tires not an issue, could be for blowing up a ton of pool toys & air mattresses

 

[1320]

Cool for 40 after 20mins ouch. While tires not an issue, could be for blowing up a ton of pool toys & air mattresses

It has a fan, too, unlike the M12.

I need to air up 4 trailer tires tomorrow, at least one is almost completely flat - I'll use the M18 inflator and report back.