What exactly do hole saws, band saws, and tool boxes have in common? Aside, from the fact that I needed a title for the article, they also happen to new product offerings from Milwaukee this Spring! Hitting the shelves of your favorite Milwaukee retailers are the new Shockwave Thin Wall Hole Saws, M18 FUEL Deep Cut Band Saw, and 26″ Work Box. To hit a few highlights, the new holes saws are expected to deliver 40% faster cutting and twice the lifespan. The latest Band Saw promises corded performance and the Work Box was drop tested to a point that I’m sure some wondered if it would ever break.
Shockwave Thin Wall Hole Saws
Milwaukee’s newest Shockwave family members boast design and performance that result in 40% faster burr-free cutting and twice the lifespan of traditional bi-metal hole saws. The Thin Wall Hole Saws are manufactured and rated to withstand the demands put on them by impact drivers as they are becoming the tool of choice for many professionals. The Hole Saws feature a 1/4″ quick change hex shank, diameters that range from 3/4″ to 1-1/2″, and are optimized to cut up to 1/8″ thin gauge metal.
Available Models
- 49-22-4800 3PC Shockwave Thin Wall Hole Saw Kit
- 49-56-9805 3/4” Shockwave Thin Wall Hole Saw
- 49-56-9810 7/8” Shockwave Thin Wall Hole Saw
- 49-56-9815 1” Shockwave Thin Wall Hole Saw
- 49-56-9820 1-1/8” Shockwave Thin Wall Hole Saw
- 49-56-9825 1-1/4” Shockwave Thin Wall Hole Saw
- 49-56-9830 1-3/8” Shockwave Thin Wall Hole Saw
- 49-56-9835 1-1/2″ Shockwave Thin Wall Hole Saw
M18 Fuel Deep Cut Band Saw
Once again, Milwaukee has developed cordless model for the M18 FUEL lineup that has performance specs to match corded models. Combined with the 4.0 aH RedLithium 18 V battery, we are told that users can expect corded performance between a half and full day’s work on a single charge.
When it comes to durability, the newest Milwaukee Band Saw features Job Site Armor Technology to protect it from drops and debris with composite materials and crush zone barriers that help absorb impacts. Internally, the direct drive system is an all metal design that requires less maintenance than chain drive band saws. Impact from blade lock ups that cause damage in other saws are dealt with using a clutch to protect the gears. The direct drive is also completely sealed to protect the unit from water and debris build up.
The full kit will include the M18 FUEL Deep Cut Band Saw, 2 RedLithium 4.0 XC battery packs, M18/M12 Charger, blade, and carrying case. They are slated to be available in June.
Specifications
- Model: 2729-22 (kit), 2729-21 (one battery), 2729-20 (tool only)
- Cutting Capacity: 5″ x 5″
- Speed: 0 – 380 Surface Feet Per Minute (SFPM)
- Weight: 15 pounds
26″ Work Box
A tool box is a tool box, right? I wonder how many eyes have rolled in local hardware stores when that question has been asked. Sure, any box can hold tools, but we know there are major differences in quality and durability. Milwaukee drop tested this 26″ Work Box with a 50 pound load. How many drops did it survive? 10? 50? 100? Try over 1000! The corners are reinforced, latches are recessed and positioned intentionally, hinges deflect debris, and the entire box is a polymer design all in the name of impact resistance.
The function isn’t lost on durability though. There is a removable tray for organizing smaller items and there is plenty of space underneath for larger items. Corner pockets in the base allow for further organizing (I not-so-fondly remember digging through the bottom of Dad’s tool box looking for that one screwdriver…) and mounting bosses in the lid to hang items with a simple screw. The top handle even folds into cut groove creating a clamp for grasping smaller diameter materials for cutting. Look for the 26″ Work Box to be in stores in June. For more information, visit Milwaukee’s website.
