No-Compromise Cordless Grinder
With a 5Ah battery and a whole host of features that facilitate practicality, comfort, and durability, the Milwaukee 2780 is a great choice for anyone needing a grinder when they're on the go.
Even with the consistent improvements in powertool battery technology, I was skeptical that a battery-powered grinder would have enough run time to be useful. I’m pleased to report that I was just plain wrong. I’ve been using the Milwaukee 18v Fuel Grinder for almost a year now, and it works better than my corded grinder. This was my go-to tool for cutting a patio’s worth of bluestone flagstones. The grinder cut the bluestone like butter, and not having to manage a cord made the process faster and easier. The tool is equally adept at cutting threaded rod, steel tubing, and Unistrut. The 5 amp hour battery packs provide a good balance of run time and reasonable weight. Admittedly, the process of cutting and laying natural-cleft flags is slow and tedious, but I was able to work for hours before the battery required a recharge.
In addition to its surprising run time, the grinder has modern features that make it easy to like, including a quick-release arbor bolt, padded auxiliary handle, and washable air-intake filter. The housing is comfortable and the large paddle switch makes it easy to grip, and it’s not as shrill as some grinders I’ve used. With this tool, there are only pluses. I wouldn’t change a single thing—except I’d get one sooner.
Milwaukee 2780
Wheel size: 41⁄2 in. and 5 in.
Weight: 5.8 lb. Price: $340 (kit)
P.M.
Photo: courtesy of Milwaukee
From Fine Homebuilding #285
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