Cordless Tools Reviews

I purchased this combo set about 5 weeks ago. I am remodeling my garage/shop and I have used every piece of this combo set - and it works fantastic. The hammer/drill eats through masonry like it is wood. In record time. I have used the circ saw to cut full sheets of 1/4 ply-wood and 1/4 inch peg board. It is accurate and fast (although the charge drops significantly when using this tool). The batteries charge quickly and hold a charge for a while. The light had been great and is very bright. And, of course the recip saw is Milwaukee's trade mark. It is the best tool made by Milwaukee (which are all great in my opinion). I would highly recommend this product and best of all is is compatible with the new 24v lithium ion batteries just released a few months ago by Milwaukee.

Although this tool is some what limited in use it performs excellent for the purpose it was designed for. I have used this tool to drill and tap many holes in machine bases and bolster plates that were too large or could not be moved to a drill press. With a good lay out job and heavy center punch you can accurately place the Mag Drill on center each time. The base of the tool is also a de-magnetizer for easy removal of chips and clean up.

This was exactly what I needed to restore a great and useful tool that was just too good to throw away.The price came down to what I thought was reasonable ,perfect for me.I like being able to get what I need in the tool line without running all over. We live in the mountains and nothing is handy. It is 30 miles to even a Wal-mart.

The new flat bottom type batteries that power these tools, make this a very handy light, I can set it down, (hands free) aim it with the swivel, and it'll shine anywhere I need it to. A nice change from the stick type battery, from my old cordless drill, light combo.

I bought this little sander when I first began contracting more than 12 years ago. The thing is still going strong. Sheet changes are a snap with the front and rear levers. The sander fits comfortably in your hand for long sessions on drywall and furniture. You name the job and its likely that this little sander can tackle it. It's taken years of abuse and neglect. Like they used to say about Timex watches, this Milwaukee sander "takes a lickin' and keeps on ticken'." Unlike the unfortunate reviewer below, I have never had a problem with any of my Milwaukee tools. In fact, I've never had a problem with any contractor-quality tool I've ever purchased (Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita, etc.) Like many purchases, personal preference seems to ranks high in tool selection. I just happen to be partial to Milwaukee and this 1/4 sheet sander is one of the reasons why. Overall grade? A+.

This saw is a great product. There are only two drawbacks but they are minimal. One, the maximum cutting depth is 3 1/2 inches compared to the other models at 4 3/4, however the cutting width is 4 1/2 inches so if your good you can cut things as big around as 5 or 6 inches if you roatate the stock. Second, this tool is not equipped with a variable speed trigger. It is two speeds, controlled by a seperate switch. Overall though it is an excellent heavy duty saw. Easy to use and fairly light weight under 20 lbs. to lift and cut, with easy to use front handle for great control. I used it to cut 2/0 service cable at about shoulder level worked really great!!

Milwaukee definitely holds the market on this specialty tool. The Deep Cut bandsaw makes it the ideal way to cut pipe, and the weight (as it has a casted shell) does the work for you! There is no comparing the quality and the legnth of life this tool can give you.

I recommend Milwaukee blades, as well. I have tried the PC blades, and those made by Morse and Starrett and have found none to even come close to matching the quality of the Milwaukee.

This is a tool that is built to last, and when it does need servicing, it always comes back to me like new.

I am a residential remodeling contractor, and as such have the need to cut all sorts of materials. In the past, I have relied on the ever present Sawzall (another great tool) for most utility cutting needs. Unfortunately, the one thing that the Sawzall cuts only marginally is metal. While it is possible, the Sawzall leaves a rough, ragged cut, and unless carefully controlled, never a nice straight line. None of this is meant to trash the Sawzall - I couldn't get along without it. However, the Portable Bandsaw adds a dimension to cutting that I never had before.

I have found the Milwaukee Portable Bandsaw to be a highly effective tool that not only cuts much faster than either a Sawzall or a hotsaw, but leaves a much cleaner cut. In use, there is almost no vibration, great ease of control, and with a deep capacity, there is little I can find that this saw can't handle. It also makes for a much safer situation in those instances where I would normally use an abrasive hotsaw - the bandsaw cuts without any sparks, the hotsaw shoots a rooster tail of sparks that will ignite any nearby flammable material. Since most of my work takes place outside a carefully controlled shop environment, no sparks equals greater safety.

The blase is inexpensive and easy to replace. Go get it!

I use this saw at my sign company to cut anything. I routinely cut .040 aluminum with no problem. I have also cut rebar with it and still no problem.

The only negative point is it likes to use batteries. I have two on hand because one is always in the charger. I have also cut fence posts with no problem too. Milwaukee makes great tools.
JD

I just finished gutting a garage for a renovation and wanted to put this tool to the test...it passed with flying colors. Ripping through studs and rafters, NO problem. Sawing through an 1 1/4" solid wood exterior wall for a door opening, NO problem. Sawing through a double 2 x 12 header beam, NO problem. Cuts right through heavy duty mild steel 1/8" easily. The adjustable handle is great when up on a scaffolding or working down near the floor...and the reversible 18 volt battery is another great feature. Lightweight, but has all the power of a corded tool in my opinion. The orbital action is another nice feature...and it does speed up rough rip cuts when neatness doesn't count.

This is the 1st time I've used a quick blade holder on a sawzall, and it is one of the best features going. I also recommend the blade kit...very nice to have. Changing blades has always been one of the worst and slowest parts of using a sawzall...now it's not even an issue.

FWIW, I also have an 18 Volt 1/2" Lok-Tor Driver/Drill Kit so I just use my battery charger and 2 batteries for both tools. You will definitely need 2 batteries with this tool. After about 8-9' of continuous cutting through a solid wood 1 1/4" thick wall and 7-8 studs, the battery needed to be swapped out, but had to cool down for a few minutes before accepting a charge. I'm not sure it's even an issue, and the charger gave me the heads up signal that the battery was too hot, so I set it aside for a couple minutes, then charged it right up no problem. Regardless, you will get a lot of cut time on one battery, and a lot of power too. I can't imagine a situation where you would be slowed down as long as you have two batteries.

These tools are tough as nails too. One night after a long night of overhead work I was tired and fed up, so I threw my new 18" drill from 10' up on a ladder down to my concrete shop floor to see what it was really made of, and it took the hit with nothing but a scuff to the body. I've owned alot of Milwaukee tools over the years, and still do. This and my new 1/2" drill are by far the best. Well worth it and a great deal. Both feel great, good balance, and work great, period.

I've read a lot of reviews on this site when buying tools,and many have been very helpful, so I've decided to return the favor to hopefully help someone out. I'm a coppersmith who started out as a roofing contractor, and have been working in the renovation and building trades for 26 years. and have been been in business since 1986. My website is copperwork.com