Dewalt 18v grinder

[ChiScouter]

Is anyone using them? I was just offered one for $125 with 2 batts and a charger in like new condition. I wouldn't be using it for grinding, but would use it with cutting discs to cut axle ujoints in the boneyard. I already have 12vpanasonic screw guns, 28v milwaukee impact and bandsaw, and a 24v dewalt combo kit . I really, really don't like having all these different battery types, but as far as I know this is the only tool that spins fast enough to use abrasive cutting discs effectively.


If you have one, are you happy with it? How long do the batts last?

[trkklr77]

huhuhuhh cordless portaban fafapfapfpapfpapfpafpapfppapffpa spurt done sleep time

[ChiScouter]

I am really underwhelmed by the 28V milwaukee stuff. The portaband is just about the same physical size as a corded Milwaukee and I think may even use the same castings. It feels like an antique and is really awkward to use after using my corded and much more compact dewalt portaband. Batt life on the portaband is real good. The impact is awesome for lugnuts, but for standard rusted midwest bolts it is quite ineffective and burns up the battery quick for bolts over 3/8 dia. The batteries loose their charge quick after sitting for a week or 2.

I hate the idea of buying into yet another battery type, but have trouble passing up a deal. Someone please tell me the 18v grinder is a POS and eats up the batteries up quick so I can forget about it:(

[Kartracer55]

Well I think it oughta be ok for cutting disks. A freind of mine has one that he got in one of those big combo deals and I have used it. Its got decent power, I have never bogged it down for grinding. Its great for a small job, it will handle some light touch up grinding but It wont get you through a day of welding. Its nice because You dont have to drag out an extension cord if you just need to touch something up. I was using it to clean some box tubing for welding and it lasted quite a while but I think If I were to really lean into it I could kill the battery pretty quick. I am a big fan of Dewalt Tools. Try and talk him down to 100, although a new replacement battery is like 80$ alone IIRC, so its a decent deal

Jim

[401ton]

Is anyone using them? I was just offered one for $125 with 2 batts and a charger in like new condition. I wouldn't be using it for grinding, but would use it with cutting discs to cut axle ujoints in the boneyard. I already have 12vpanasonic screw guns, 28v milwaukee impact and bandsaw, and a 24v dewalt combo kit . I really, really don't like having all these different battery types, but as far as I know this is the only tool that spins fast enough to use abrasive cutting discs effectively.


If you have one, are you happy with it? How long do the batts last?


I have one. It does go through batteries pretty fast. Also, it is heavy and a little awkward because of the batt hangin' off the end. I do like it for occasional grinding and getting rid of the cord, just not as cool as I thought it would be. I paid about $75 for mine without batteries, so I think if your getting new batts its a decent price.

[ptrautne]

Is anyone using them? I was just offered one for $125 with 2 batts and a charger in like new condition. I wouldn't be using it for grinding, but would use it with cutting discs to cut axle ujoints in the boneyard. I already have 12vpanasonic screw guns, 28v milwaukee impact and bandsaw, and a 24v dewalt combo kit . I really, really don't like having all these different battery types, but as far as I know this is the only tool that spins fast enough to use abrasive cutting discs effectively.


If you have one, are you happy with it? How long do the batts last?

I have a few and they work well if it is not a long job. If you are using a cutting wheel you will have around 1-3 minutes and grinding around 3-5 minutes. The tool can only run around 14 minutes at no-load.

3/4" threaded rod ~25 cuts per battery
3/8" Rebar ~9 cuts per battery
22 guage sheet metal ~30 ft of cutting

All this data is with a 2.4 amp/hour battery

[D60]

I am really underwhelmed by the 28V milwaukee stuff. The portaband is just about the same physical size as a corded Milwaukee and I think may even use the same castings. It feels like an antique and is really awkward to use after using my corded and much more compact dewalt portaband. Batt life on the portaband is real good. The impact is awesome for lugnuts, but for standard rusted midwest bolts it is quite ineffective and burns up the battery quick for bolts over 3/8 dia. The batteries loose their charge quick after sitting for a week or 2.

At the risk of hi-jacking, most of my 28V experience is w the drill and the recip saw, both of which have incredible battery life IMO. I have the impact but have only used it a small amount.

And I was surprised to find one of the batts completely dead after sitting for a couple weeks, I thought li-ion was supposed to hold a charge for months. Apparently not.

Also, FWIW, Milwaukee claims they have not yet produced a cordless grinder because they don't feel it would hold up for a "normal" job.

[rocksteadyrobk]

I have one and I like it.. It works well for what it is. I have all dewalt stuff, so i have like 8 batterys. I keep a charger in my tow rig just in case. I used it this past weekend to cut out a welded in U-joint. I think the speed works well with cutting discs.