Milwaukee Sets a New Standard for Dust Extractor Versatility
A few years back, Milwaukee unveiled a new line of M18 Fuel modular wet/dry vacuums, and they were met with tremendous fanfare. Now they’ve shifted their focus to the much narrower classification of dust extractors. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dust Extractor is a big step forward in terms of power, utility, and overall versatility. I’ve had a chance to use it and I’ll share what I’ve learned so you can decide if it’s the right model for you.
Pros
- High CFM level
- Dual power options
- Excellent hose management
- VacLink compatible
- Adjustable power level
- Long runtime
- Compatible with all Packout boxes
Cons
- No onboard vacuum adapter storage
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dust Extractor Performance
- Max Air Flow: 125 CFM (battery), 175 CFM (plugged in)
- Tank Capacity: 9 gal.
- Suction Power: 76 IOW (DC power), 86 IOW (AC power)
- Runtime: Up to 78 minutes
- Noise Level: 90 dB
Suction Power
As you would expect, the Milwaukee 0888 dust extractor is powered by a brushless motor and churns out up to 125 CFM under battery power or 175 CFM when plugged in to an AC power source. This is very respectable for a dust extractor, especially when you compare it to Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 12-gallon wet/dry vac which produces 114 CFM, or the corded 8960 dust extractor that clocks 148 CFM.
In terms of suction power, Milwaukee tells us that this power translates into 76 IOW under battery power, and 86 IOW under AC power.
Milwaukee gives you four power levels that allow you to prioritize between peak suction power and longer runtime, depending on your needs. You can expect up to 41 minutes of continuous runtime on the highest power mode, and up to 78 minutes on the lowest setting while using two Forge HD12.0Ah batteries.
Filter Cleaning
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 0888 features an automatic filter cleaning mechanism that cycles every 15 seconds to maintain optimal airflow. You can also manually clean the filter by placing your palm over the hose end for 30 seconds while the vac is running.
If concrete is your game, the 0888 is paired with two HEPA filters, finalizing what you need for OSHA Table 1 compliance. On battery power, you’ll be able to use grinders up to 5 inches. When you’re using AC power, you can go up to 7 inches.
Wet and Dry Applications
While the primary application for the 0888 is collecting dust and other dry materials, it’s also great for picking up wet materials. All you need to do is clear the tank of any dry debris and remove the fleece collection bag before collecting wet debris.
When you’re finished, Milwaukee recommends running the dust extractor for about 5 minutes to dry out the tank.
It’s worth noting that Milwaukee tests this dust extractor to the equivalent of an IP54 rating using their own testing methods; however, it’s not officially certified by any rating agencies.
VacLink Connectivity
I’m glad to see that Milwaukee equipped the 0888 with their wireless VacLink technology. This system allows you to remotely activate the dust extractor using the Bluetooth remote. You can pair the VacLink system with tools like Milwaukee’s latest 7 1/4-inch circular saw (2835) and 5-inch Random Orbit Sander (2837) to make cleanup a little easier.
The pairing process is simple and saves you time while you’re on the job. What’s even better is that the remote stows away safely underneath the batteries!
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dust Extractor Design Notes
- Model: Milwaukee 0888
- Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery (x2) or 120V AC
- Weight: 40 lbs
Packout Compatibility
This dust extractor’s standout design element is its compatibility with Milwaukee’s Packout system. This essentially transforms your dust extractor into a mobile cart so you can keep your bits, fasteners, and tools close by as you work.
Hybrid Power Options
As I mentioned earlier, another standout feature of the 0888 is that it can either run on battery power or corded AC power. This is a huge advantage when you don’t have a reliable power source or simply want to enjoy cordless freedom.
There’s no tail for the AC connection, so you’ll need to have an extension cord on hand, no matter how close you are to an outlet.
Hose and Accessory Management
Milwaukee stuck with a simple hose management system. The 0888 comes with four removable hose hooks that you affix directly to the vacuum.
Unfortunately, there isn’t anywhere to store the vacuum adapters on the vacuum, so be sure to keep them in a safe place between jobs. Since the top is Packout compatible, it’s easy to toss them in the small toolbox along with whichever Air Tip accessories you find useful.
Additional Features
- OneKey connectivity
- Compatible with all Milwaukee M18 batteries
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dust Extractor Price
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 0888 retails for $799 as a bare tool and $1,399 as a kit. Both models come with a set of HEPA filters, fleece dust bags, a VacLink remote, a 10-foot hose, and a pair of vacuum adapters. The kit includes two M18 Forge 12.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger.
Milwaukee backs this dust extractor with a 3-year tool and battery warranty.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 0888 dust extractor offers a smart blend of portability, power, and compatibility. With its hybrid power options, automatic filter cleaning, and compatibility with the Packout system, it’s clearly designed with the needs of Pros and efficiency in mind. While accessory storage could be improved, the strong suction, long runtime, and VacLink control make it a top-tier dust management solution.
While there are a lot of positives about this dust extractor, it is a bit expensive compared to a simple wet/dry vacuum. So keep in mind your specific jobsite needs as you’re choosing between this and Milwaukee’s other wet/dry vac options. That said, the 0888 offers higher performance than your standard vac, and it’s a massive improvement over Milwaukee’s previous model. With that in mind, if you’re working in an environment where dust management is crucial, this is a great option!
