Cheap 3" mini grinders

[hotponyshoes]

So when our batteries start to wither, could we upgrade with 4.2 volt 18650 cells?

Anything is possible...
But last time I looked into replacing all the cells in a worn out battery it was not much cheaper than just buying a new battery.
That was priced on buying branded cells from a reputable source against buying a genuine battery from the cheapest online retailer.

I could half the cell cost by taking a risk on unbranded cells from a marketplace but then you may as well compare that price to a knockoff battery so it's still not a great saving.

Although I use the batteries for work so my time stripping & rebuding has a value, might be saving a few quid if doing it for fun

 

[Screwdriver]

So when our batteries start to wither, could we upgrade with 4.2 volt 18650 cells?

Yes. The only complication in recelling a tired battery pack is tabbed or untabbed batteries. Sometimes the untabbed battery (with a big knob like a regular user replaceable cell) is too long to fit where a flat tabbed or untabbed-no-knob cell has been spot welded.

I am quite happy to solder mine in place. Just score the battery, clean it, flux it and don't let it get too hot! I should really build a simple spot welder but just have too many fiddly things to to before I can get a round tuit.

As for buying cheap unbranded 18650's, as @hotponyshoes suggests it is a minefield. I get my secondhand cheapo cells from various sources, typically from "dead" battery packs, stuffed full of quality cells where typically only one cell has gone bad. Ask your local vape shop. I got a massive bag full after promising to dispose of them responsibly (!).

 

[Jaeger_S2k]

Yeah, it's a minefield. I rebuilt Bahco electric shears.
After much research found a reputable supplier in China.
Cost around £280, around half the best price for a fully populated battery pack.
Borrowed my friend little spot welder, worked well. These were an uncommon size, 4/3A 3700 mAh.
This supplier, I'd happily use again, quality cells and great care and comms.

 

[MattF]

Apparently bosch have plans to release a 12v 'procore' battery which will give this little thing even more umph.
But I was told that at least a year ago and haven't seen any signs of it being released yet.

There was a mention of that in their latest livestream on Youtube, I believe. Sounds like it's not going to happen. Something to do with the size of the cells.

 

[hotponyshoes]

There was a mention of that in their latest livestream on Youtube, I believe. Sounds like it's not going to happen. Something to do with the size of the cells.

Shame.
Apparently all of the 12v brushless motors can use more power than the current 12v batteries can deliver. About half of the 12v brushless range are also already equipped with controllers that would improve the tool if more battery power was available.
That's what got me thinking about running one from a belt pack...

 

[Screwdriver]

Must admit, I just slapped a 6Ah battery pack on it soon as I started using it.

£60 from Amazon or £1.99 on Aliexpress (fit your own cells).

 

[MattF]

Shame.
Apparently all of the 12v brushless motors can use more power than the current 12v batteries can deliver. About half of the 12v brushless range are also already equipped with controllers that would improve the tool if more battery power was available.
That's what got me thinking about running one from a belt pack...

They were mentioning they'd have to make them like the 6Ah batteries, with the cells in a pack at the bottom of the tool, but that obviously buggers up their slimline, compact design. They may make some like that though. They have designed a new 12V/18V charger apparently though, in order to charge the 12V batteries more quickly. Think they said it was a 3A charger.

Bear in mind I was nodding off whilst watching it though, so take what I say with a pinch of salt.

 

[Keithmac]

I can highly recommend the Milwaulkee M12 version of this tool, used mine a lot and it's never given any trouble.

The cheap Silverline disks fit fine so no need for expensive cutting disks.

It also comes with a a guard and wood cutting attachment to turn it into a mini circular saw (have used that as well and works fine for thin plywood sheets etc, saves getting the corded saw out).

I bought 2 actually and turned one into a powerfile, that is now in circular saw mode again..

 

[brewdexta]

I can highly recommend the Milwaulkee M12 version of this tool, used mine a lot and it's never given any trouble.

I ordered one yesterday

I have to trim some Yorkshire boarding on the barn, about 10m. It's low down and I've torn a ligament in my knee, so thought this with a multi-material blade and the fence would help make it a bit easier. It has to be done before 8am tomorrow as I have 9 cube of concrete arriving.

Plan B is a 4.5" angle grinder with multi-material blade, or a circular saw or a multitool with plunge blade, or a combination thereof. The fence will be handy as behind the Yorkshire boarding, on this section of the barn, I have twin wall insulated panels that I don't want to damage.

I've got a couple of builders helping with the concrete, but we are all codgers and bending down with our combined set of injuries, aches and pains is quite comical, would probably make a great Fast Show sketch.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

I ordered one yesterday

I may have to order one too I think...the missus is away till Tuesday, it's been open season on tools as I can simply hide them down the garage and claim I bought them years ago