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The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

Odd-job

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The M18 hatchet has come out...

Only have to wait a couple of years for it to go on sale given it just came out :(

not a fan of the M18 Packout Vac

At one point I was contemplating getting one, but realized the narrow hose and incremental CFM wasn't that much of an advantage over my faithful M18 gen 1 brushed box vac. If they can make one that's surge quiet or if my old M18 dies I might be able to justify it. For now if I want maximum suction I bought the power supply to run my full size flex and craftsman vacs which have at least ~20% more suction than the m36 vac if you believe the specs. Speaking of which I get about 20 min of run time out 4X6.0's.
 
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mobiledynamics

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Odd Job

Don't laugh as I was waiting for a -lunchbox- cooler from Red for years....
When the M18 backpack one came out, I bought that too. Ha, I learned real quick, even with the hose, it was not something I could use for car interiors (which in my mind was like a cordless quick cheerio sort of cleanup)

I've got a festool shop vac and all, but the Miele remains *king* for auto interiors I suppose. I do use the -mini powered carpet- head on the carpets and trunk floors and I also have a micro nozzle kit for it as well --- Detailing Nerd here though
 

Odd-job

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Odd Job

Don't laugh as I was waiting for a -lunchbox- cooler from Red for years....
When the M18 backpack one came out, I bought that too. Ha, I learned real quick, even with the hose, it was not something I could use for car interiors (which in my mind was like a cordless quick cheerio sort of cleanup)

I've got a festool shop vac and all, but the Miele remains *king* for auto interiors I suppose. I do use the -mini powered carpet- head on the carpets and trunk floors and I also have a micro nozzle kit for it as well --- Detailing Nerd here though

Let's not talk about the Teapot vacuum...

The European's really know how to design vacuums that works in car interiors... more flexible hoses, narrower attachments, etc. Alas in reality I just gave up detailing and just blow the cars out with a blower these days.
 

mobiledynamics

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Ha . Many of times, I've been thinking about blowing ....it's faster. But that just means **** flying elsewhere and setelling. Before I set myself up....and hence I prefer to suk....
 

mikeinri

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I'm on the precipice of delving into M12 (I keep telling myself to stay away from the light, and stick with ONE platform, M18)...

But, I really want a Hackzall for trimming branches. Held the various offerings (M12 and M18, Fuel and brushed) at HD, amd "think" that the best option is the M12 Fuel. I wouldn't buy non-Fuel, and the M18 seems too big to handle with one hand, after which, what's the point (and why not go to a Sawzall)?

Am I nuts???

Mike
 

Mike S.

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Charlotte, NC
I broke down and bought a 2960 3/8" impact wrench to fill the gap that I had between the 2754 and the 2767. I probably should have bought it in the first place and just skipped the high torque. That thing is just too damn big a heavy for the stuff that I work on.
 

DerekV

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Central TX
I'm on the precipice of delving into M12 (I keep telling myself to stay away from the light, and stick with ONE platform, M18)...

But, I really want a Hackzall for trimming branches. Held the various offerings (M12 and M18, Fuel and brushed) at HD, amd "think" that the best option is the M12 Fuel. I wouldn't buy non-Fuel, and the M18 seems too big to handle with one hand, after which, what's the point (and why not go to a Sawzall)?

Am I nuts???

Mike
Yes. You can absolutely use the M18 Fuel one handed. It’s an excellent tool.
 

assassin10000

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I broke down and bought a 2960 3/8" impact wrench to fill the gap that I had between the 2754 and the 2767. I probably should have bought it in the first place and just skipped the high torque. That thing is just too damn big a heavy for the stuff that I work on.

I wish I had skipped the M12 Stubby 1/2" and went right to the 2962.

My modded 3/8" impact driver handles pretty much everything else. (I mean, it even pulls passenger car/small truck lug nuts).


Although if I was gonna have JUST one, the stubby would be it. But this is GJ.
 

mikeinri

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Yes. You can absolutely use the M18 Fuel one handed. It’s an excellent tool.

Thanks. My primary use will be for replacing manual loppers for tasks like chopping down tree tops (like this stack of 2-inch diameter branches, stacked at least 5 feet high).

20220430_120049~2.jpg

HD has a M12 Fuel Hackzall kit for $179, comes with a bag, M12 charger and XC4.0 M12 battery, PLUS a CP2.5 M12 battery for free.

They also have the $199 M18 starter kit, 2 XC5.0 M18 batteries with M18/M12 charger, and you get a free tool, which can be a M18 Fuel Hackzall.

(...THE M18 DEAL APPEARS TO BE "SOLD OUT" AT THIS TIME, at least at most stores around here. They list as two line items, but insist you choose the same shipment option, and in-store pickup is the only viable option for the starter kit. Not sure if this is "hackable"...)

Thoughts?

Mike
 
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Odd-job

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That's a bigger job than what what I would tackle with my m18 hackzall. If I did that on a regular basis I would get the hatchet pruning saw as the hackzall gets annoying for branches less than 1/2 inch. At a certain point it sometimes just shakes the branch and I start wondering if I should grab the hedge trimmer.

If you do get the hackzall m18 fuel all the way. The stroke and the ergonomics are nice. It is true that my fuel size sawzall is rarely used these days.
 

p00p

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anyone have the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12 V 3/8 in. Brushless Cordless 4-in-1 Installation Driver Kit? Anything good or bad to note about it/

Wonder if Mil will come out with a M18 version?
 

mikeinri

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If I did that on a regular basis I would get the hatchet pruning saw as the hackzall gets annoying for branches less than 1/2 inch.

Thinking about this some more, I don't know if the Hatchet is the right tool for the job, either. The chain on my full-sized chainsaw derails when working near twigs (this is a known/common problem with all chainsaws, not just this make/model, which is a Husqvarna 350 with an 18-inch bar)...

download.jpeg

Mike
 

mikeinri

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Longer-term (within the next 4-6 months), I need to dig up some tree stumps. I have a small backhoe, but the roots (especially oaks) really need to be cut (while in the ground, with dirt and rocks in the mix).

These are mature trees, stumps are 18 or more inches in diameter (roots would obviously be smaller, probably in the 6-10 inch range).

I'm thinking that a Hackzall isn't big enough for that job, and I'll need a Sawzall. Definitely not a job for a Hatchet / chainsaw with the dirt and rocks involved.

Thoughts?

Mike
 

bcradio

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New Mexico
Longer-term (within the next 4-6 months), I need to dig up some tree stumps. I have a small backhoe, but the roots (especially oaks) really need to be cut (while in the ground, with dirt and rocks in the mix).

These are mature trees, stumps are 18 or more inches in diameter (roots would obviously be smaller, probably in the 6-10 inch range).

I'm thinking that a Hackzall isn't big enough for that job, and I'll need a Sawzall. Definitely not a job for a Hatchet / chainsaw with the dirt and rocks involved.

Thoughts?

Mike
I would use a sawzall and manual loppers to tackle the roots. That is what has worked best for me
 

dalepres

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Park Hill, OK
I'm wondering if I made the wrong choice by choosing Milwaukee as my battery tool brand as a homeowner for DIY. I had a handful of DeWalt 18v tools and needed to upgrade so I chose Milwaukee.

Milwaukee seems slow in releasing tools, only recently, for instance, releasing a plunge saw. I am looking for a battery router and I find a lot of bad reviews on the plunge base for the Milwaukee. In general, I've seen a lot of quality complaints in other Milwaukee tools I am considering buying as well but I will admit that I have had no quality issues at all in the near-dozen M18 tools I have.

I chose Milwaukee because I didn't want a big-box, consumer, brand like Craftsman or DeWalt but the more I read about DeWalt lately, it seems their reputation is really pretty strong. And DeWalt is more available locally; we have Lowe's but no Home Depot or other Milwaukee retailer nearby.

I currently own a variety of drills, drivers, circular saw, reciprocating saws, vacuums, etc. on the M18 platform. Tools on my short list to buy include a battery router, plunge/track saw, sanders, table saw and miter saw. It's enough that I could still change brands for all of those new purchases and have enough to justify two battery standards or I can stay committed to Milwaukee.

I know it's a personal decision and random Internet forum posters can't really make the decision for me but I'd love to hear what other Milwaukee fans think about Milwaukee's time to market for new tools compared to other brands and about Milwaukee's quality compared to others. I'm pretty sure I'm just going to stay with the Milwaukee and hope I don't get the lemons that some others get.
 

Shaners256

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I cut up tons of branches/brush with the M12 Hatchet and have never had the chain derail for what it's worth. I know what you mean with larger chainsaws derailing on small branches/brush though.
 

1320

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I will echo that the Hatchet does well with smaller branches, after getting one, I do not use my Hackzall anymore for pruning tasks. The Hackzall still gets used on roots, though.
 
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Odd-job

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Longer-term (within the next 4-6 months), I need to dig up some tree stumps. I have a small backhoe, but the roots (especially oaks) really need to be cut (while in the ground, with dirt and rocks in the mix).

These are mature trees, stumps are 18 or more inches in diameter (roots would obviously be smaller, probably in the 6-10 inch range).

I'm thinking that a Hackzall isn't big enough for that job, and I'll need a Sawzall. Definitely not a job for a Hatchet / chainsaw with the dirt and rocks involved.

Thoughts?

Mike
Of the two, I would skip the full size sawzall and go with the hackzall. Hard to imagine, but the fuel hackzall really holds its own against the fuel sawzall. Plus it has the versatility of one or two handed use. Haven't tried the super sawzall that being said.
 

Odd-job

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I'm wondering if I made the wrong choice by choosing Milwaukee as my battery tool brand as a homeowner for DIY. I had a handful of DeWalt 18v tools and needed to upgrade so I chose Milwaukee.

Milwaukee seems slow in releasing tools, only recently, for instance, releasing a plunge saw. I am looking for a battery router and I find a lot of bad reviews on the plunge base for the Milwaukee. In general, I've seen a lot of quality complaints in other Milwaukee tools I am considering buying as well but I will admit that I have had no quality issues at all in the near-dozen M18 tools I have.

I chose Milwaukee because I didn't want a big-box, consumer, brand like Craftsman or DeWalt but the more I read about DeWalt lately, it seems their reputation is really pretty strong. And DeWalt is more available locally; we have Lowe's but no Home Depot or other Milwaukee retailer nearby.

I currently own a variety of drills, drivers, circular saw, reciprocating saws, vacuums, etc. on the M18 platform. Tools on my short list to buy include a battery router, plunge/track saw, sanders, table saw and miter saw. It's enough that I could still change brands for all of those new purchases and have enough to justify two battery standards or I can stay committed to Milwaukee.

I know it's a personal decision and random Internet forum posters can't really make the decision for me but I'd love to hear what other Milwaukee fans think about Milwaukee's time to market for new tools compared to other brands and about Milwaukee's quality compared to others. I'm pretty sure I'm just going to stay with the Milwaukee and hope I don't get the lemons that some others get.
By some measure they are quicker to market than the other manufacturers and have the widest range to date particularly for the mechanics and plumbers. Sounds like you are looking to add more carpentry oriented tools which to be honest as a Milwaukee addict I would rate as about average for the line. I have the 10 inch M18 miter saw and sometimes wish I just had went with the Dewalt corded 12 inch slider for the additional power and better dust collection. Miter saws and table saws I don't see much benefit to going cordless especially now that I have the m18 power supply. They just aren't that portable in the first place IMHO.
 

Odd-job

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I cut up tons of branches/brush with the M12 Hatchet and have never had the chain derail for what it's worth. I know what you mean with larger chainsaws derailing on small branches/brush though.

I will echo that the Hatchet does well with smaller branches, after getting one, I do not use my Hackzall anymore for pruning tasks. The Hackzall still gets used on roots, though.

You guys are slowly winning me over. I was so close to getting the M12 hatchet when it finally went on sale and then the M18 came out...

I think I might have spare parts OCD though. Kind of drives me nuts that they couldn't make the hatchet 10 inch so that it could use the same chain as my pole saw so would in theory need to stock spare 8 inch chains as well.

For the real addicts once the top handle chainsaws come out there will be 6 inch (M12 hatchet), 8 inch (m18 hatchet), 10 inch (pole saw), 12 inch (top handle), 14 inch (top handle) and 16 inch (chainsaw). So 6 different chains... at least I think they are all 3/8 narrow profile chains so the same sharpening equipment could be used.
 

tarmy

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Of the two, I would skip the full size sawzall and go with the hackzall. Hard to imagine, but the fuel hackzall really holds its own against the fuel sawzall. Plus it has the versatility of one or two handed use. Haven't tried the super sawzall that being said.
I second this…I am constantly using the hackzall and hardly every use the full sized sawzall at all.
 

danski0224

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Near Naperville, IL
Longer-term (within the next 4-6 months), I need to dig up some tree stumps. I have a small backhoe, but the roots (especially oaks) really need to be cut (while in the ground, with dirt and rocks in the mix).

These are mature trees, stumps are 18 or more inches in diameter (roots would obviously be smaller, probably in the 6-10 inch range).

I'm thinking that a Hackzall isn't big enough for that job, and I'll need a Sawzall. Definitely not a job for a Hatchet / chainsaw with the dirt and rocks involved.

Thoughts?

Mike
I like the Hackzall too, use it a lot. Gets into tighter spots than the Sawzall.

But, given your "6-10 inch roots" description, I doubt that the Hackzall is up to the task.

I wouldn't want to cut 4x4 lumber with the Hackzall beyond a cut or two.

Pruning stuff that could be done with a hand saw, sure.

Depending on how many "some tree stumps" is, I'd look at the regular Sawzall at a minimum. The Super Sawzall is a beast.

A corded tool might be a better choice if you have power or a small generator. Certainly cheaper if you have to buy a battery Sawzall.

The M18 Sawzall works fine, but you'll need more than one battery.
 

mikeinri

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We're talking 10-20 trees, but they don't have to come out on the same day.

Two totally different jobs (large dirty roots vs. small springy branches), maybe one tool isn't the best answer.

I do own a cheap, corded HF Sawzall clone, and plenty of extension cords. (OK, cheap and HF are redundant.)

Mike
 

dalepres

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Getting worked up over negative reviews is a waste of time especially in the face of your own positive experience.

By some measure they are quicker to market than the other manufacturers and have the widest range to date particularly for the mechanics and plumbers. Sounds like you are looking to add more carpentry oriented tools which to be honest as a Milwaukee addict I would rate as about average for the line. I have the 10 inch M18 miter saw and sometimes wish I just had went with the Dewalt corded 12 inch slider for the additional power and better dust collection. Miter saws and table saws I don't see much benefit to going cordless especially now that I have the m18 power supply. They just aren't that portable in the first place IMHO.
I assume that everyone that has a bad experience leaves a 1 or 2 star review but most people who have a good experience don't review. I noticed on Home Depot that the router with plunge base had like 90+ per cent 4 and 5 star reviews but my concern was the repeated reviews for the same failure.

Odd-job, you're right that Milwaukee seems to be focused more on the trades and less on woodworking, cabinet making kinds of tools but the last gap for me, for now, seems filled with the plunge saw. I am still a bit worried about getting a first-generation anything from anyone but there's no rush for a plunge saw so I can give it a few months.

But for all the general tools, saws, drills, drivers, impact drivers, and more, they really do have a broad assortment and I have multiple tools, high-end and low-end, in most of those. When I started down the Milwaukee path, I made a conscious choice that I wanted the best quality brand overall and that I would pay the price. I just need to keep that decision in mind. I can change it, if I choose, but unless or until I do, I think I'm going to stick with the Milwaukee.

Ok. Thanks for the thoughts.
 

subroc

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Dover, NH
I assume that everyone that has a bad experience leaves a 1 or 2 star review but most people who have a good experience don't review. I noticed on Home Depot that the router with plunge base had like 90+ per cent 4 and 5 star reviews but my concern was the repeated reviews for the same failure.

Odd-job, you're right that Milwaukee seems to be focused more on the trades and less on woodworking, cabinet making kinds of tools but the last gap for me, for now, seems filled with the plunge saw. I am still a bit worried about getting a first-generation anything from anyone but there's no rush for a plunge saw so I can give it a few months.

But for all the general tools, saws, drills, drivers, impact drivers, and more, they really do have a broad assortment and I have multiple tools, high-end and low-end, in most of those. When I started down the Milwaukee path, I made a conscious choice that I wanted the best quality brand overall and that I would pay the price. I just need to keep that decision in mind. I can change it, if I choose, but unless or until I do, I think I'm going to stick with the Milwaukee.

Ok. Thanks for the thoughts.
When you say plunge saw, do you mean track saw?

I have mostly Dewalt tools. When you pivoted to Milwaukee after your 18v pod style, I just bought the 20v stuff and later some adapters to use my old 18v tools with the newer LI batteries. But, that meant the reality of the situation is i have 2 platforms with a couple amazon/eBay batteries for the 18v pod style stuff and the 20v max stuff. I added a 60v circular saw. Another platform or battery. That is 3. I do have a handful of M12 tools most notably a couple ratchets, a couple lights, a stapler that I just picked up, etc. I was extremely reluctant to add anything that wasn't a Dewalt tool. Then I added the ratchet. Great form factor, good price, just what I was looking for. So, another platform. That's 4. As reluctant as I was in the begining with how I viewed adding a platform I don't think much about it now. Between these couple there is nothing I would want that isn't available from them. If you need to add a platform to get the right tool it isn't an end of the world decision.

Good luck
 

Odd-job

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Does anyone have experience with this? If they had this in M18, or even dual M18, I'd order it today.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Woodworking/Panel-Saws/6480-20

28772_6480-20.jpg
I hear its the best way to go if you are cutting lots of sheet goods and moreover have room for it. Am seeing one of these go for $400 on FB Marketplace locally ironically. But alas it takes up too much real estate.

Curious why you really want an M18 version? It's not like you are gunslinging this thing on a holster.
 

Odd-job

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We're talking 10-20 trees, but they don't have to come out on the same day.

Two totally different jobs (large dirty roots vs. small springy branches), maybe one tool isn't the best answer.

I do own a cheap, corded HF Sawzall clone, and plenty of extension cords. (OK, cheap and HF are redundant.)

Mike
Even one a day that sounds like a lot of work. I'm thinking a big excavator.
 

mikeinri

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I assume that everyone that has a bad experience leaves a 1 or 2 star review but most people who have a good experience don't review.

I've never left any review, good or bad, and I've bought LOTS of stuff (and/or have had terrible service experience) over the years, so I wouldn't make that assumption. I tend to look at the negative comments for trends, as mentioned.


When I started down the Milwaukee path, I made a conscious choice that I wanted the best quality brand overall and that I would pay the price. I just need to keep that decision in mind. I can change it, if I choose, but unless or until I do, I think I'm going to stick with the Milwaukee.

Ditto. I sometimes look at the yellow and green offerings and wish the red ones cost (a lot) less, but I hate buying junk.


Look at the stroke length.

The cheap reciprocating saws are only 3/4" and the better ones are 1-1/4".

Makes a huge difference.

And a pruning blade... well, more than one.

Thanks, I hadn't thought about the stroke length. I bought this HF sawzall many years before getting into M18, used it once or twice, and it's sat ever since.


Even one a day that sounds like a lot of work. I'm thinking a big excavator.

Yes, it's a lot of work. But, it's in my backyard (not a customer's), so my timeline is somewhat flexible (I do want the bulk of it done before spring).

I looked into renting an excavator, way too much money down the drain, almost better to hire the job out. Plus, with a rental, you HAVE to do the job all at once, and once it's returned, you can't do other jobs.

I bought a small used Terramite, needs some work (was cheap), so I'll be able to fix it, do the job, and sell for a profit. Or, keep it and get other jobs done before selling (I have a growing list of ideas).

Mike
 

assassin10000

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Does anyone have experience with this? If they had this in M18, or even dual M18, I'd order it today.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Woodworking/Panel-Saws/6480-20

28772_6480-20.jpg
Was poking around Milwaukees website, would this maybe work as a portable solution?

 

dalepres

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When you say plunge saw, do you mean track saw?
<SNIP>
If you need to add a platform to get the right tool it isn't an end of the world decision.

Milwaukee's description uses both adjectives, plunge and track, to describe the saw. I think one is as clear as the other in that they both describe the same saw.

You're probably right, subroc, about the battery platforms. When I'm working, I have multiple batteries in use and, very often, multiple chargers set out. Maybe it doesn't matter if they're different colors; just match the battery color to the tool color. But, like the title of this thread implies, I've become a Milwaukee addict. I guess I can have multiple addictions.

I hear its the best way to go if you are cutting lots of sheet goods and moreover have room for it. Am seeing one of these go for $400 on FB Marketplace locally ironically. But alas it takes up too much real estate.

Curious why you really want an M18 version? It's not like you are gunslinging this thing on a holster.
I know it sounds silly but I'd like it to be portable, or at least as portable as it can be. One of those M18 power station things might give me what I want, or nearly so. I don't do Facebook; maybe, for prices like that, I should. You don't mention where "local" is but I'd ****** that up in a heartbeat.

Was poking around Milwaukees website, would this maybe work as a portable solution?


Yes, I agree; the "Plunge Track Saw" would be a great tool for breaking down sheet goods and it is on my list. It just takes a lot more space to use than the panel saw and the panel saw just seems safer to me, especially in my old age.

I do have a Bora circular saw track adapter and the Bora track. It does a pretty good job, too; far better than I can do without it.
 

littlelebowski

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I prefer to store the saw assembled. Before that, according to the rules, I disassemble it, clean it. And as said here I apply a protective oil to spray the chain and bar. And I clean the air filter all the time using this technology
Shill your site somewhere else.
 

mikeinri

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I'm looking at the 6-pack Milwaukee charger, seems nice and compact, and portable, but is sequential only, and I don't have M12 batteries.

Have any of you guys come up with (or found through your own searches) a good solution to make a DIY portable carrier for the M18 chargers?

I've seen lots of ideas for battery storage racks, and charging stations, but they're all built-in (to be used at one location in a shop).

Worst-case, I can use that, but I'd prefer some flexibility. I may design my own, but don't like to reinvent the wheel if there are already good solutions out there (even if just to spark ideas to make it even better).

Mike
 

Odd-job

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Yes, it's a lot of work

Good for you not being scared of the work. Also not mentioned before, a .498 air hammer with a chisel tip is surprising effective against tree roots. I tried the hammering action on my puny M18 SDS plus drill, let's just say that's for precision demo work.

You don't mention where "local" is but I'd ****** that up in a heartbeat.
SF Bay area unfortunately. Panel saw definitely has M18 power supply written all over it.

The more I use the power supply the more I think it is geared to running corded saws and tools in quick bursts. With a craftsman shop vac running for 12-15 min I am noticing I get some major voltage sag with 4 X 6.0 HO batteries which are supposed to have the higher output cells relative to 8.0 HOs and XC batteries. I get the low power warning beep. Turn it off for 5 min and turn it back on and its at 50% capacity. Batteries are warm, but not as hot as when I cook a 5.0 on the chainsaw or grinder. Maybe Milwaukee should gone with 6 batteries.
 

Odd-job

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I'm looking at the 6-pack Milwaukee charger, seems nice and compact, and portable, but is sequential only, and I don't have M12 batteries.

Have any of you guys come up with (or found through your own searches) a good solution to make a DIY portable carrier for the M18 chargers?

I've seen lots of ideas for battery storage racks, and charging stations, but they're all built-in (to be used at one location in a shop).

Worst-case, I can use that, but I'd prefer some flexibility. I may design my own, but don't like to reinvent the wheel if there are already good solutions out there (even if just to spark ideas to make it even better).

Mike
I'm not sure I get the 6 pack charger for my use pattern. Sequential charging and no m12 chargers make it not for me. Plus you really need a regular non rapid charge m18 charger for the batteries that the rapid charger refuses to recognize.

Something like this would pretty slick though if I were looking for a portable solution.

 
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