Earlier today someone asked me about what I knew about any new Milwaukee M28 cordless tools coming out.
What new M28 tools?
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Milwaukee had made it very clear that their focus is on M12 and M18 cordless power tool platforms. That’s also part of the whole point of their 9.0Ah battery pack. The upcoming M18 9.0Ah battery pack, and tools designed around its greater power delivery potential, is their answer to demanding applications.
Okay, so there is a new rotary hammer, model 0757-22. Well, it was new.
Last year, in mid-May 2015, Nathan wrote in:
I was browsing new tools at Home Depot’s website and stumbled across an M28 FUEL SDS hammer drill. Looks like they may be making the next steps to incorporate FUEL tools in their M28 lineup!
The link is still up, take a quick peek:
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
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What do you see? Zero reviews, a testament, I believe, to the waning popularity of the Milwaukee M28 lineup in the USA. A lot of users bought into the M28 lineup, and competitors’ higher voltage lineups, for the greater power. But with today’s 18V brushless Li-ion power tools offering plenty of power and even corded-rivaling performance, there’s less a need for higher voltage tools.
Do you disagree? M28 and 36V tool users, please chime in!
The 0757-22 M28 rotary hammer isn’t even widely available in the USA. Not all Milwaukee dealers carry it, at least from what I’ve seen, even after being available for a year now.
I’m sure some M28 users bought it and are quite happy with its performance. Maybe it even performs better than the M18 Fuel rotary hammers.
You know, Milwaukee didn’t even announce this tool when it first came out. Or since then. It’s not like they wanted to sweep it under the rug, but they weren’t shouting about it from rooftops either.
Oh, and sorry Nathan, I meant to get back to you. I asked questions about the rotary hammer and the M28 lineup at Milwaukee’s 2015 media event, and I think I forgot to get back to you directly. I’m sure I mentioned it somewhere that Milwaukee declared their focus on M12 and M18 lineups, but I still owed you a response. Sorry.
Back to the point. Last year, Milwaukee said something along the lines of there not being any new M28 tools on the roadmap, but that they would also continue to support the line.
They didn’t even show off the new M28 Fuel brushless rotary hammer at last year’s media event.
When asked about the new M28 rotary hammer specifically, they said something about the M28 lineup still having a strong following overseas.
At the time, I drew the conclusion that they released the new M28 Fuel brushless rotary hammer here in the USA only because they had already developed it for a foreign market. I think I recall it being Australia where M28 tools were still in strong demand, keeping the line alive.
So… yeah…
There won’t be any M28 brushless tables saws, miter saws, or other high demand tools.
M18, on the other hand…
We know that Milwaukee will be introducing their new M18 Fuel cordless miter saw at the upcoming media event.
If you ask me, an M18 table saw is possibly also in the works, one that’s designed to work with their 9.0Ah batteries.
In a conversation with Milwaukee, after briefly demoing their new M18 Fuel brushless cordless nailers, they said something that stuck in my mind, and hard.
Milwaukee had said that they will be hitting the carpentry and remodeling trades hard in the next few years.
So, what’s on the typical carpentry or remodeling pro’s cordless power tool wishlist?
I think that a cordless table saw is definitely on the list. I know that I for one am hopefully for a full-sized HEPA vac, but developing such a high-drain continuous-use tool is going to be ripe with challenges, if not impassable hurdles.
To sum things up, M28 is still alive, but there’s nothing new, and I would be incredibly surprised if there are any new releases anytime soon. M18 is Milwaukee’s focus right now, along with M12, and that’s where the innovations will come from.
This all makes me curious to know – are you happy, disappointed, or completely neutral, that Milwaukee has chosen not to actively expand the M28 cordless power tool lineup?
Adam
I’m all for focusing on the 18v line. there doesn’t seem like there is anything preventing them from using 2 batteries, like makita for extra power, which id almost prefer. Plenty happy with 12v for the price and power, and i think 18v is overkill most times, so have no love lost on the 28v line.
Sorry to all those who now have to look into other lines.
Stuart
2 batteries ups the cost, complexity, size, and weight of a tool.
And you have to use 2 matched batteries for optimal performance. It’s a good idea, but not without compromises.
With the upcoming 9.0Ah battery pack, certain tools will benefit from the ~50% more power capacity. With a third set of internal battery cells, it could in theory provide up to 50% more current than 3.0/4.0/5.0/6.0 XC battery packs with 2 sets of 5 cells.
9.0Ah = 1.5X power of 6.0Ah battery pack.
With that, and the greater efficiency and performance of brushless motors in mind, it makes less sense for a brand to actively develop a higher voltage power tool line.
I think that, eventually, more brands might move in the 2x 18V-sized battery pack direction. Consider Makita’s X2 vacuum, https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/makita-18v-x2-cordless-vacuums/%3C/a%3E . It would be nice to see similar products from other brands. Such tools could be powered by corded AC power for long sessions, cordless for quick cleanup tasks or when you’re done and disconnected for the day but saw one or two spots of uncollected dust or debris.
Jason
I heard that the Makita X2 circular saw was a poor seller. Having to deal with 2 chargers and extra batteries adds a cost some people are not willing to pay.
Dominic van Lievenoogen
Mostly it not Being brushless. And wheb the xircukar saw was released makita didnt have the dual port fast chzrger yet.
The X2 tools in general well well 🙂 Makita users mostly have a shitload of chargers and battzries laying around.
Jack Braddell
The 28 volt sounded nice but battery cost made it not worth the money.
Jason
This was a big rumor started by another tool site. He spoke like he had first hand knowledge from Milwaukee which wouldn’t be cool with him leaking that kinda info before a big event if it was true. The M28 Fuel SDS is marginally more powerful than the M18 it’s just offered for people that have some M28 tools I believe. The same report also mentioned a ton of tools dropping at once Milwaukee doesn’t even have the resources to do that many at one time unless they were just adapted from M18 tools for M28 use. I don’t see Milwaukee doing that easy way out though.
Doresoom
Haha, I sent that email just prior to NPS 2015, and I think they made it quite clear at that media event that M18 was their chosen platform for high demand applications.
Since Milwaukee will be branching out into carpentry in the future, I’d love to see a cordless biscuit joiner from them.
Nathan
Not too surprised. Thing is – those tools were always upper capacity/need devices.
I’d love to see red or yellow or ______ move to a 36 (or dewalts already made 40V) pack setup on these high cap tools.
For dewalt it would make perfect sense, and I think it does for the others as well. I know Makita made that move to the X2 idea – and I’m OK with that too for some devices.
Something like this rotary hammer I think one big pack makes much more sense.
fred
The only cordless tool I ever bought from Dewalt was their 36V saw – which we found particularly well suited to our needs on roof work.
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DC300K-36-Volt-Cordless-Circular/dp/B000F1KPFO?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Ryan
I want to see them release an m18 competitor for the festool domino. They could design something just different enough not to infringe on their patent I’m sure.
fred
Bosch taking on Sawstop with their REAXX saw may make some sense – since jobsite table saws are big sellers. I’m not so sure about a Domino machine. While I grabbed one up – once Festool introduced its XL machine – I wonder how big the market really is. My sense is that biscuit jointer machine sales peaked some years ago when the hype subsided and folks realized that they were useful – but perhaps not must have tools – better suited for glue-up alignment tasks than heavy-duty joinery that had been the province of mortise and tenon joints or doweling. So would Milwaukee want to do the R&D and then take on litigation with Festool if they though the market would be slow to develop or possibly limited ? I’m also not sure that an 18V cordless tool would be up to hogging out the mortises that my Domino XL can cut. I may be wrong – but I think we’ll have to wait on Festool’s patent expiration before we see a competitor – then maybe like the oscillating tool (after Fein’s patents expired) – new versions may abound.
Blythe M
Off topic for this post, but how long until the domino patent expires? I would love to get a machine like this but can’t justify the cost currently
fred
I have a classmate who is a patent attorney – he might be able to estimate this.
I’m guessing that the Domino machines are covered by more than 1 patent – filed in many countries. As I understand US Patents they no longer have an expiration dated based on just the filing date or the grant date of the patent. There is now some sort of calculation that is made using a tool:
http://www.uspto.gov/patent/laws-and-regulations/patent-term-calculator#heading-2
I also betting that Festool – as a savvy patent-filer – put in multiple claims on multiple patents so as to maximize the longevity of their exclusivity.
JeremyJ
Hepa vac (2 batt) and track saw please, to go along with the miter saw. Sanders also, to go along with the hepa vac.
Makita, Dewalt, Festool and even Grizzly have track saws/variations. Only Festool makes a battery powered track saw. They would be first to market within the major north american brands.
Travis
DeWalt had a battery powered track saw at one point (36 volt). It can still be purchased from a couple online venders that have stock left. Very pricy though and batteries are no longer fresh.
Mike
IIRC the tracksaw was 24v and the 36v model was left-blade cordless sidewinder with the distinction of being the only cordless 7.25″ model around, more or less.
fred
BTW – Fine Woodworking magazine just did a comparison of corded track saws. They rated the Festool TS75 and a Mafell model best tools – with Makita being given the spot as best value.
Mike
Actually Mafell offers at least one model(maybe several actually) of battery powered tracksaw, been available for some time now.
Possibly even more obscure: Hilti tracksaws. Hilti sold tracksaws for a while, with a battery powered option-I think. IIRC, it was a non-plunge saw, and in any case I’m pretty sure they are no longer available. I’m not the biggest Hilti expert since my mortgage application was denied when I attempted to purchase a Hilti rotary hammer.
And of course the Bosch 12v circular saw is fully compatible with their track system. That’s what they say in Europe at least. Shame really cuz Bosch’s full powered tracksaw is probably the best system around with Mafell being the obvious exception.
Should note that the new-ish Makita brushless circular saw can be used with their track system.
Not that it helps any, but I’m sure in Germany/EU there are several tracksaw brands to choose from, in a broad range of price points too. I heard that even Metabo has a model in the works.
Brad Stone
While I’m interested to see what Kobalt will do with their 36v brushkess range coming out later, I’m more than happy with my 12v Mwaukee.
I think that as technology progresses, the capabilities of what we knew of a 12v or 18v tool improves, so, it’s notreally about whether it’s necessary, it’s about whether people will buy it…
Toolpig
I do not wish for another platform. I do wish they would adopt the x2 idea. They could call it dual fuel. At some point they will need to up the voltage. The amperage draw on lower voltage platforms will exceed the max output of 18v batteries. DeWalt will turn everything upside down with the 120v cordless. 18 just won’t hang on those higher demand machines like tablesaws.
fred
BTW there is a bit of hype going on about some new tool that Dewalt plans to announce on June 21. I’m not sure about the timing (close to the summer solstice ha ha) but they have release a video clip that shows a batch of hardhats ooh-ing and ah-ing
glenn
M28 is not big here in Australia. In fact I have never seen one on site nor does the tool shop I was in yesterday even carry them.
Richard G.
I had to sell my complete set of M28 tools about three years ago just because of a limiting number of tools compare to yellow, teal and m18. Talked to Milwaukee rep about power between 18v and 28v, was assured that 18v would dwliver even better results. Switched to M18 Fuel and don’t regret a bit.
Steven
Started my apprenticeship with a journeyman who used 28v cordless….. Uselessly cumbersome and unnecessarily heavy. If you “think” you need more than 18v ish of portable convenience, no amount a voltage will satisfy your lust than a 120v 15-30amp of cord.
Tools are increasingly more efficient in smaller sizes, look at sports cars with sub 3litre displacement cranking out 500+hp….. This is the future…
Sam Spade
Lol, just got back to this thread. The 28 line in not in any way that much noticeably larger than the 18volt line. A year has gone by and if anything the 18volt tools increased in general size so now they match 28volts. The 9.0 batteries are huge!!! I have both lines. It is purely marketing to compete for the 18volt market as seen in this part of the world.
rjbpjd
When is Milwaukee going to come out with 18v air compressor? Also would be great if they make 18v two speed circ saw..
Austinw
Cordless air compressor would be illogical. Why would you take away a cord then tether yourself to a hose. It doesn’t make sense. They have cordless nailers for a reason.
Adam
LOL. Funny how Ridgid came out with one. There are other uses for an air compressor than just nailing.
Sam Spade
yep there are many
Tim
I’d love to see it.
I think a 28v brushless tool with a 9.0ah battery could be a power monster.
TIA
I bet that idiot Daniel from RTR feels like an idiot right now! actually probably not, he is so full of himself. Thanks for setting the record straight Stuart, it’s clueless rumor spreading idiots like Daniel who make a bad name for blogging.
Sam Spade
Well I have compared both M28 &18 volt lines side by side and as one would expect the 28 volt line easily out performs even with the lower AH batteries. As a carpenter the circular saw and drills are what I am concerned with. I own tools from both lines. The problem is getting the better batteries for the 28 volt line, since they are sold only overseas. I get them but it is not directly route.
In the US, the perceived market is the 18 volt lines. Unlike the bigger voltage lines, the M28 is not substantially bigger and heavier than the M18 line, so imo Milwaukee is missing a marketing vector in promoting the M28 volt line as a superheavy duty line as it is seen overseas.
We just have to roll with what they give us. Just wish they would not be so restrictive supplying newer M28 batteries in the US.
Alison Welch
Agree com. I am a farmer. Most of the 18v tools just do not have the capacity when attempting big jobs in the middle of a 100 acre paddock. I don’t wanna have to cart the generator and cords all this way, so the 28 volt was a definite must.
Mark
The M28s are good tools if they would only supply a good battery for them . Without a decent battery they are useless . Sure wish I hadn’t wasted my money on them . The batteries are too expensive to be worth replacing as often as needed to keep the tools in use . very disappointed in these tools
Tom kittredge
I’m a plumber ( 25 yrs)and when I was in the field I was using 28 v Milwaukee tools since they came out.
I recently moved and got a job at a hospital as a plumber where I ordered the 18v kit. After a couple years of use I can say the 28v is way better. Longer life and way more torque. I’ve ran 4” hole saws through a metal roof, auger bits, forester bits etc. with the 28v . I wouldn’t even think about it with the 18v. My 28v were in continuous use every day and they were not used lightly. I still have my old kit I use at home almost daily and there probably 8-10 years old.
There is a good chance I’m going to switch brands because they no longer offer 28s and I’m not happy with the performance of the 18s. Seems like a lot of the other companies are up 20 plus volts with their lineup . Seems like Milwaukee is going backward.
I was a hard core Milwaukee fan I told everyone they were the best. I really can’t say that anymore.