Had the previous model for a couple years, in the job I've had the last 5 months I use it, or 1 of the other guy's m18 die grinder, almost everyday, sometimes for a lot of the day, sometimes plunge cutting holes, usually widening holes in thick steel to fit bolts or to remove excess material; good for weld prep in hard to reach locations. Also good for cutting bearings off shafts and that sort of thing. Very handy tool, it can handle a lot of force apparently without damage. The brake, 1 spanner chuck and variable speed are all BIG+ but probably not enough to justify upgrading. I definitely would not run a twistknot wire cup @ 20,000RPM, I've never seen those rated more than 12,500 and they spit wire deep into skin and clothing at that speed. I really recommend wearing glasses, gloves and long sleeves when using carbide burrs in these; the burr usually shaves the metal off in tiny splinters rather than sparks, those splinters are very sharp and will stick into your skin so that you will need tweezers to remove them - its time consuming and painful. Same for your eyes, don't risk it, its worse than an angle grinder.
Milwaukee Tools is now offering a new M18 Gen 2 Variable Speed (5 speeds) with 2 second Brake at $299.00 at Home Depot and others. This tool gives much more options on different materials. I bought one and I'M IMPRESSED!
I just had an M12 version 💀on me which Home Depot gave me a refund even after owning it for several months. Had to use my wired Dremel to complete the job. I may get this one. The only thing is if you need to get into tight spaces, this one is kinda big.
I love the spindle lock, but I’d rather go for the DeWalt. Idk why but this looks too small for me for an 18v tool. I imagine my hands with gloves on would be too big for the front handle…? Or do you have rather big hands?
