A new year, a new Milwaukee Pipeline event. This years event showcased many new tools including 4 new Milwaukee M12 and M18 random orbital sander models including the new M12 Fuel 3″ random orbital detail sander. Let’s check them out below.
Article originally published on July 19, 2024 unless otherwise stated.
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Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3″ Random Orbital Detail Sander 2535-20
Milwaukee adds a new cordless sander to their M12 lineup. I like 12 volt cordless tools because they are compact and light and pack a punch for their size. A new sander adds to the variety of their lineup and this model features a 3 inch round sanding pad with random orbital motion of 3/32″. Obviously the sanders small size is an advantage as it makes it well suited as a detail sander to get where larger sanders can’t. Its small size also means it doesn’t weight much coming in at 2 lbs makes it easier to wield.
It has 4 speed settings from 4,000-10,000 OPM with selector pad on top and a variable speed trigger. An integrated 270 degree LED light bar on the front to aid in low light with light button just above the light. At the rear is where you’ll find built in dust collection with an included dust bag.
The dust bag can be removed so you can pair with a vac hose for proper dust extractors.
It will be available in August 2024 for $179 as a baretool.
- • Specifications
- • Motor: Brushless
- • Pad Size: 3”
- • Motion: Random Orbital
- • Max OPM: 10,000
- • Orbit Diameter: 3/32”
- • Active Dust Collection: Yes
- • Vibration: Less Than 2 m/s²
- • Weight: 2 Lbs
- • Height: 5.5”
- • LED: Yes
- • Variable Speed Trigger: Yes
- Includes: 2535-20 3″ Random Orbital Detail Sander, Dust Bag, (1) Pad Saver, (9)
POWERGRID™ Mesh Sanding Discs, (1) Sponge Interface Pad, Universal Hose Adapter and Tool
Holster. Battery and Charger Not Included.
Milwaukee 3″ Mesh Sanding Discs w/ POWERGRID Tear Resistant Mesh
Along with the new Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3″ random orbital detail sander are new 3 inch sanding discs. These new sanding discs from Milwaukee feature POWERGRID tear resistant mesh which they claim can deliver up to 12 times longer life than standard sandpaper. The open weave design minimizes clogging and reduces material buildup. The reusable mesh sanding discs are easy to clean and reuse. Simply shake, vacuum, blow, or rinse them. They feature high quality hook and loop backing for secure usage and swapping. Also come in 80 grit all the way up to 400 grit for use with wood, metal, and plastics.
They will also be available in August 2024 and prices vary.
- 3” Pad Saver (48-80-6401)- $5.97
- 3” Sponge Interface Pad (48-80-6402)- $5.97
- 3” Assorted 80,120,180 Grit Mesh Sanding Discs with POWERGRID™ 12 Pack and Pad Saver (48-80-6405)- $12.97
- 3” Assorted 80,120,180 Grit Mesh Sanding Discs with POWERGRID™ 36 Pack and 3 Pad Savers (48-80-6406)- $37.97
Milwaukee M12 Fuel 6″ Random Orbital Sander in 3/32″ & 3/16″ Models
2 more cordless sanders join the M12 bunch with the M12 Fuel Random orbital sander in 3/32″ and 3/16″ flavors. Milwaukee produced these sanders with automotive work in mind. Specifically for paint prep, the 3/16″ model features a more aggressive throw more suited for material removal of body filler. The 3/32″ model is better suited for clear coat removal and for finalizing sanding for a paint ready finish. Both have a variable speed range of 3,200-12,000 RPM.
Both are expected to launch January 2025 and will be priced at $299, while extra backing pads will be priced at $29.99.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel 6″ Random Orbital Sander 3/32″
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel 6″ Random Orbital Sander 3/16″
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 5″ Random Orbital Sander
Last but not least is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 5″ random orbital sander. This is your general purpose cordless sander that runs on popular M18 batteries. Featuring a brushless motor for strong and efficient performance making it great for professional carpenters, remodelers, woodworkers, and general contractors. It has the power for heavy material removal while claiming the lowest cordless vibration at 12K OPM. Also has variable speeds from 4k-12k OPM. It has a random orbit 3/32″ diameter for a stain grade finish. It’s also equipped with VACLINK Bluetooth tech for instant dust control when paired with the Packout 9 gallon dual battery dust extractor.
We can expect it to launch in November 2024 for $199.
Edit 10/16/24 New Info
We learn that the variable speeds is actually 5 selectable speeds.
There’s a mode button on top to select between the 5 speeds instead of a variable speed dial.
There you can see the VACLINK button so it can coordinate with a VACLINK equipped vacuum. VACLINK is a bluetooth wireless connection between the tool and vacuum so that the vacuum can start up when the power tool is activated, just like how some corded vacs can. But both the tool and vacuum need to have the VACLINK ability for them to communicate wirelessly. Pretty cool stuff.
We also learn that they updated the variable speeds now from 6,000-12,000 OPM. Whereas originally was low as 4k but now the low end is 6k.
- Motor: Brushless
- Pad Size: 5”
- Motion: Random Orbital
- Orbit Diameter: 3/32”
- Active Dust Collection: Yes
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Height: 5.5 in
- Kit Includes: 5″ Random Orbital Sander (2837-20), Edge Guard, Universal Hose Adapter, and (2) 80 Grit Abrasive.
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