Milwaukee 2522-20 M12 FUEL Cut Off Tool Bandfile Conversion 

This is indeed a super handy tool to have around.

Same here, I could have used 1 two weeks ago. I think I might make 1 of these. (Edit) on second thought, maybe NOT. The cost is not economical, 120 for the Milwaukee, 25 for the China Freight, and 50 for the kit. I have found Cordless Dyma files for around 80, or Corded for 60

I never knew these existed until I used one at work last year and I found myself going to look for it on a daily basis

@@Guns_N_Gears Ryobi has one at a reasonable price...

I took a second look and I actually got lucky the direction of the sandpaper was the direction I am running the tool. I like it chucking the dirt away from me rather than on me. Thanks for the advice. I'll try and work that tip into a future video when we are using the bandfile.

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video. I'm hoping to do more videos along this line in the future.

@@TalkingHandsTools i hope milwaukee pay you something when they bring it out.....lol

To be fair I didn't make the adapter I just found a nice one someone else made on Ebay and made a video on it. I like the idea of supporting a guy trying to make a little extra money in his shop. I too would like to be able to make stuff like this one day.

It's never too late my friend....

Should have made a video

The Milwaukee conversion is a go to tool in my shop, how has the Makita held up for you? Any pros and cons now that you've had some time with it?

@@TalkingHandsTools works like the day I got it, seems solid no complaints. I use it plenty but not enough that I could give a real review and beside this one and the pneumatic ingersoll one at work I don't have much to compare to, I'm just a makita fanboy. Pros, all my garden tools are sharp and it takes 5 seconds Cons, I'll be making my own belts because makita's are limited in grit and expensive

Glad it was helpful!

Ryobi makes a dedicated tool for this. Look into The Ryobi PSD101 , $79 ... Some reviews on RU-vid you can check out.

@@Nucking-Futz You're a bit late. I contacted the maker on Ebay and ordered a kit for my Ridgid. I'll be making a RU-vid video on the conversion sometime this week.

@MRBenchwork sounds interesting share a link to your video once you get it finished. I think a few other guys were looking into options for the Ridgid hopefully it'll help them out.

It does work very nice. There are other ways of having a bandfile on the market each with their own pros and cons. This is as you say a very convenient size and package being cordless.

Mine has held up really well.

It would be great to get into hard to reach areas. It is only 3/8 wide, so it might be easy to dig into the work piece. I've also not tried a lot of side loading on it. I think you would need a fairly light touch to avoid pushing the belt off the tool. I'd give it a go if I was comfortable with spending the money, knowing it may not work. If I already had one, I'd definitely try it. There would be nothing to lose at that point.

I gotta be honest I never ran the pneumatic I bought it to do this conversion. We could probably test it sometime. If I had to guess the pneumatic would have about the same torque. In this case the sand paper will be the weak link. I don't think it will take too much abuse from working the tool hard.

Patent? you don't understand how patents work. In a nutshell, VERY VERY expensive. Also, VERY IMPOSSIBLE, to write a "broad worded" patent. In the end, somebody changes the thickness of the coupling, adds a washer behing it, uses a different tools belt sanding.... game over. (I'm an engineer, with many creative machinery designs, not 1 patent, friends with MANY engineers with amazing automations, not 1 patent.... not worth it, many times those that try to copy, theirs don't work well becaue they don't understand the fine poitns. (not saying that is true here... this is pretty simple) I am IMPRESSED however with the simplicity of their conversion, they probably can make a lot of money by doing this all over the board with different types of tools and attachments. (Probably not enough business for "most" people to want to figure it out and compete, or for big companies to mess with.) Miwlaukee will come out with one eventually, and then that will be the end to this, unless it is a lot cheaper to do this. If I was these guys, I would sell the Harbor freight tool, AND the parts all in 1 kit, AND offer the belts as well. When Milwaukee comes out with theirs, well, that is why guys like the "father and son" should be doing this all over the power tool line.... and they will make a GOOD LIVING, because their engineering and creativity knows no end. Patents..... they have their place for sure.... but in todays world, almost can't afford to get one.

The Harbor Freight SKUs are either 60627 or 97055.

yes either work well and are both affordable. I've used this quite a bit now and it has been flawless.

I've not done that kind of work with it but I've prepped a decent amount of metal for welding with it. I think the tool is proportionally strong to hold up with the strength of the sand paper itself. This isn't a removing bulk material type tool it's more of a finishing tool from the roughing stages. The paper would never hold up if you tried to lay on this thing.

If you do an eBay search for. "Milwaukee 2522-20 Conversion" you should find it.

I do not have an answer for you. there is a distinctive 4 hole pattern for the guard on the Milwaukee. That is the main part for mounting the band file. The other part would be the threads per inch on the tool arbor itself. If your guard mounts similar to what you see in the video it might be worth a go. I'd think it fairly likely the two arbors would be simlar. Since the two tools share a manufacturer.

No you can use any 13" x 3/8" belt on it.

If you check down the comments, you'll see a post by Brett Klassen, who makes them with his dad. He has links.

I think this tool is really handy for De-burring work pieces while you can do that with a die grinder it's super easy to get a fast and very even finish with the band file. There's also a unique finish you can achieve fairly unique that you can really only get with a band file if your into it it's one of the only ways to get it. I got a similar finish with the 6" Inline grinder that we recently restored here on the channel.

@@TalkingHandsTools thanks!

Ryobi makes a dedicated tool for this. Look into The Ryobi PSD101, $79 ... Some reviews on RU-vid you can check out.

Yes, if you search for "Milwaukee Belt Sander Conversion" you should get close.

Sweet, did you get the 3/8 or 1/2 sander?

@@TalkingHandsTools i got a 3/4 X 20 1/2 sander, I’m thinking to get a 3/8 X 13” for the smaller projects, it’s easy to swap attachments

Let me know how it works out. Sounds like a fun project.

Where did you buy the sander? What is the name of the sander? Thank you!

@@akaredcrossbow I got it from Amazon Canada , here’s the name hopefully you can get something similar Canadian Tool and Supply 20mm (3/4-Inch) Air Belt Sander (BAS-20)

No you need the little machined adapter for the band file housing to clamp on.

Which component? I believe the Ryobi is 1/2 x 18, not 3/8 x 13 as this adapted version is.

A lot of times with Milwaukee tools a search for the tools part number helps out alot. If you search for "Milwaukee 2522-20 Conversion Kit" it should get you close. Hope that helps out.

They are now back in stock. www.ebay.com/itm/Belt-Sander-Conversion-Parts-3-8-Milwaukee-M12-Cut-Off-Saw-2522-20-2522-21/274409456284?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dc505b53fb5f3414db244414e8b66c488%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D274409456284%26itm%3D274409456284%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26brand%3DMilwaukee&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A1b85a8ca-0449-11eb-b260-22f916ae72f1%7Cparentrq%3Ae6c8e8721740ac3db17220e9ffea6a76%7Ciid%3A1

If you search Ebay for "Milwaukee Belt Sander conversion" you should find it.

there's a seller on Ebay that has them. They left a comment in the comments above with the links to their store.

If you search eBay for "Milwaukee Belt Sander Conversion" you should be good to go.

I saw, more on that to come....

Or you could buy the recently release Milwuakee bandfile. I think it's great there are so many options available. I personally didn't want to buy a tool with a different battery line and deal with having multiple different chargers. Other guys may feel different and it may work for them in their shop and that is okay. So far both this conversion and the new release Milwaukee Bandfile have worked great for my applications.

Where can you find all that for that price? Thank you!

Ya but then you now have a Ryobi tool lying around...

@@ThisTalllol! thank you for the laugh

Here's the link: www.ebay.com/itm/Belt-Sander-Conversion-Parts-3-8-Milwaukee-M12-Cut-Off-Saw-2522-20-2522-21/274409456284?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dc505b53fb5f3414db244414e8b66c488%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D274409456284%26itm%3D274409456284%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26brand%3DMilwaukee&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A1b85a8ca-0449-11eb-b260-22f916ae72f1%7Cparentrq%3Ae6c8e8721740ac3db17220e9ffea6a76%7Ciid%3A1

Search Ebay for Milwaukee Belt Sander they should come right up for you.

If you do an eBay search for. "Milwaukee 2522-20 Conversion" you should find it.

They are now back in stock. www.ebay.com/itm/Belt-Sander-Conversion-Parts-3-8-Milwaukee-M12-Cut-Off-Saw-2522-20-2522-21/274409456284?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dc505b53fb5f3414db244414e8b66c488%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D274409456284%26itm%3D274409456284%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26brand%3DMilwaukee&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A1b85a8ca-0449-11eb-b260-22f916ae72f1%7Cparentrq%3Ae6c8e8721740ac3db17220e9ffea6a76%7Ciid%3A1

i just found the adapter on eBay $49.50

I think it's a great deal for custom machined parts. I think it's great guys can make stuff in their home shop and have a decent outlet to sell their custom parts.

@@TalkingHandsTools i agree ordered it last night

@@stanleymcman9422 Look into The Ryobi PSD101 , $79 ... Some reviews on RU-vid you can check out.

Thats fair enough, the adapter isn't too hard to take on and off but if your switching back and forth it would be a pain. For my use the band file is more useful than the cutoff tool. For the seldom use of the cut off tool changing everything over isn't too much hassle. If you already have Ryobi stuff I'd say it's obvious to go that route. I'm trying to limit the number of batteries in my shop so this was a good alternative. How do you like the Ryobi so far?

If you search for "Milwaukee belt sander conversion" you should find the two versions they sell. I've used this extensively and it has held up great.

I do not see any listed at this time. They are made by a guy in his home shop so he may not have enough stock made to sell. I'd say check back on the search every so often. I don't know him so I cannot speak on any schedule. I just thought it was a great adaptation and wanted to support a guy in his home shop.

They were out of stock, now are currently in stock.

You are correct they have made the 120V version since the late 80s. It's got a larger belt than this M12 version also.

If you search eBay for Milwaukee belt sander you should find it. It's worked out great for me so far. If you get one let me know how you like it.

@@TalkingHandsTools Thanks, I will definitely get me one, I all ready have the Milwaukee cut-off tool!

@Gary Tuttle It's a natural to get then!

Glad to hear it, how do you like it? Do you have any pros and cons to share with anyone in the comments?

When using it as a cut off tool, they do wear down quicker than a cut off wheel, there's much less material there to start with. The advantage to a 3" cut off wheel is the locations you can get into. If you use a grinder with a cut off wheel for most of your cutting and a 3" cut off tool for the harder to reach locations you can save on your materials (presuming you have long cuts).

They did indeed, we did two videos on it, check them out and let me know what you think.

Mine came in yesterday

That's awesome how do you like it?

Love it 5 ⭐️

I'm impressed myself.

It wouldn't have the power for a wheel that size, 3" wheels never do last long the idea of them though is to get into smaller areas. This tool does that well and with this adapter it works quite well as a Band File.

Also for redirecting sparks away from your face when you can't stand anywhere else and can't flip the tool around.

The redirecting sparks away from your face has become quite nice.

Search on Ebay for "Belt Sander Conversion Parts For Milwaukee M12" the people making it have also commented below. This is a great tool and I pick it up quite often.

I can't answer that with any authority but I'll put in two pennies. I think a lot of the tool manufacturers rely on marketing departments to predict the number of sales vs the projected expenses in manufacturing to determine if there would be a reasonable profit in the manufacturing of a particular tool. I'm guessing either the marketing department woefully underestimated the need out there for a band file in the shop and decided not to make one. Hopefully they will see the enthusiasm online for conversions like this and maybe get enough emails requesting one that they will re-consider making one.

Your not wrong, however some people don't like having a bunch of different kinds of batteries around, and some people just enjoy making things cause it's fun. Either way there's tons of choices out there which I think is great so everyone can work with things that suit their own shop or personal needs best.

I'm hoping to get set up so I too won't have to order things. For now I'm happy kicking a few bucks to another guy having fun in his shop.

I've been tempted to order the 1/2" Model to play around with myself.

@@TalkingHandsTools I love the 1/2 model been using it for awhile

you probably could do that. I tried to order some parts from Harbor Freight once and never got them. I don't mind having the air motor around for the tool this way I have two ways I could run it. For me it was less hassle to do it this way but I think your correct you could likely order the parts and get exactly what you need if you want to.

A steel brush on a power tool of any kind can indeed produce results but they would not be the same. Between a band file a steel brush, each would have advantages ad disadvantages. Steel brushes tend to leave a residue behind. If painting or welding is in the scope of your work after surface cleaning that may or may not become detrimental for you. In this case the sand paper on the band file cleans the metal much better. If removing paint or really bad rust is in your project you may want to consider a wire wheel (run within rated rpm) in this case the band file would likely clog up. Flat surfaces are another example where a conventional Sander or wire wheel would be better than a band file. Band files excel on edges and uneven surfaces as well as hard to get to spots. Where wire wheels and edges don't get along at all. At the end of the day if what your using works for you in your shop, do it. There are however many different types of products due to a vast requirement for applications in a wide variety of contexts across industry. Everyone also has their own style as well as process they are following along not to mention unique site specific safety protocols. Sometimes it is specified not to use one tool or another. Or in the case of a wire wheel may require different PPE and written procedures on certain jobs adding to expenses. At that time other means of achieving the job become much more viable. I'd say if given the opportunity to use new tools like a band file give it a go and see if there is something to it. Sometimes things aren't worth it for your applications but at least you'll have some experience with the tool and chances are you'll see some strong merits to it over another method. That doesn't mean it's the only way to do it but if your trying to clean edges on many feet of sheet metal perhaps a band file would save hours and hours of work which makes the price tag much more appealing.

If you search Ebay for "Milwaukee 2522-20 Conversion" you should see something. Normally the tools model number is key to searching for any accessories.

Ryobi makes a dedicated tool for this, Look into The Ryobi PSD101 cordless belt sander, $79 ... Some reviews on RU-vid you can check out.

Everyone has their own preferred way of finishing and removing metal. I've always liked options. There's things you can't do with an angle die grinder that you can with a band file and vice versa. I think if you were to only buy one tool between the two it would come down to what other uses benefit you in your shop. If the cutoff wheel or mini saw are a plus then the band file route is better. If the 3M disc, flap wheel, carbide burr, old school stone, 1/4" arbor family are more desirable than the angle grinder as you say would make more sense. Or you could get both and have the best of both worlds. It's all up to you after all it's your shop.

I can try to compare rpm with this and the stock air motor but having used it for a while it's very effective for me. What RPM would you normally be looking for? It's had plenty of torque and operates good for my use.

They are in the comments of this video, super nice guys and they make a nice adapter too!