When the news about the new Milwaukee M12 Variable Speed Polisher – Sander, I took a quick look at the picture and realized that many people might wonder, “Why not just use a drill with the polishing and sanding heads?” One look at the specs, specifically the RPM’s that the M12 runs will tell you just how much different it is from a drill.
With that realization, you have to take your expectations of how you think about power tools and be completely open minded. I have an M18 Fuel Impact Driver that I can run for what seems like all day without stopping to recharge it. With the M12 Variable Speed Polisher – Sander, you can expect to get a full pass on the exterior trim. This may not seem like much to those of us using Milwaukee’s drill/drivers, but that kind of run time wasn’t possible in a cordless polisher before now according to Milwaukee.
“As the most compact cordless polisher on the market, the M12 Polisher/Sander is the perfect complement to a full size polisher for a faster finish,” says Andrew Plowman, Group Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool. “In our field research with this tool, we found that automotive detailers were saving up to 20% of their detail time by going over small/thin/curved surfaces with the M12™ Polisher before coming back through to cover larger surfaces with a traditional full size polisher. By simply adding this step with the new Milwaukee product, the user could service another car every few days, ultimately getting a full return on their investment in less than three weeks.”
Milwaukee also tells us that the performance of the M12 Variable Speed Polisher – Sander is up with the pneumatic tools normally used. Obviously, the convenience of not being attached to a hose and compressor is attractive. The variable speed trigger and compact size allow the user to have excellent control in those smaller areas that they are working on a vehicle’s exterior. Accessories can be change with no need for a tool to make the switch.
Milwaukee M12 Variable Speed Polisher – Sander Specs
- Model Number: Milwaukee M12 Polisher/Sander 2438-20 (bare tool), 2438-22 (kit with 1 battery), 2438-22X (kit with 2 batteries)
- Polishing Mode Speed: 0 – 2800 RPM
- Sanding Mode Speed: 0 – 8300 RPM
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Length: 5-1/8 inches
- MSRP: $149 (bare tool), $199 (1 battery kit), $229 (2 battery kit)
- Warranty: 5 year limited
Each of the of options (2438-20/22/22X) also includes an accessory pack with a 3″ polishing backing pad, 2″ sanding backing pad, wool pad, yellow foam pad, and white foam pad. The M12 Variable Speed Polisher – Sander is due out in August. For more information, visit Milwaukee’s website.
I’m gonna try using it like my small angle dye grinder
Thanks for pointing out the RPM, I’ve read a few places where people said the same thing “Why not just use a drill”. My reply “because, there is no drill on the market that goes 8,900 RPM”s”.Read more…