Milwaukee 2738-20 M18 Fuel 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 7 in. Polisher

This tool is excellent for the job I have which is cleaning and deburring logs before painting. The variable speed dial and variable speed trigger make it excellent for zeroing in on the precise effort needed to do the job. The cordless operation makes it easy to handle in difficult positions. Excellent tool for use with an Osborne brush and other attachments.

Cordless polishers are better

M18 FUEL™ 7” Variable Speed Polisher Kit is an improvement over corded polishers. The kit is tool only, no batteries, charger or bonnets. It does comes with a 7-inch backing pad for bonnets, two different style handles, an extra dust screen, pad centering tool and allen wrench for attaching the D handle.. The backing pad can accept both hook & loop pads and tie in the back bonnets. The D handle can be set for either left or right hand use and has four handle positions to angle it that are locked in with the attachment bolts. The other handle is a straight screw on standard type. I used my M18 5Ah battery pack from another tool and it was enough to finish the job. The advantage with this tool obviously is it eliminates the cord that can make work more difficult. You ... MoreM18 FUEL™ 7” Variable Speed Polisher Kit is an improvement over corded polishers. The kit is tool only, no batteries, charger or bonnets. It does comes with a 7-inch backing pad for bonnets, two different style handles, an extra dust screen, pad centering tool and allen wrench for attaching the D handle.. The backing pad can accept both hook & loop pads and tie in the back bonnets. The D handle can be set for either left or right hand use and has four handle positions to angle it that are locked in with the attachment bolts. The other handle is a straight screw on standard type. I used my M18 5Ah battery pack from another tool and it was enough to finish the job. The advantage with this tool obviously is it eliminates the cord that can make work more difficult. You are always adjusting the cord over your shoulder and trying to keep it off the car. Dragging the cord around as you are stretching to do the car roof can be tiring and it picks up dirt and dust from the floor which can end up scratching the finish, if not careful. The polisher's weight is more on the pad end from the motor and gears that keeps it over the spot you are buffing. All that is needed is a light touch in many instances with a good bonnet and the work is done in selecting the correct speed. You do have to be aware of the battery pack not let it touch the paint finish as you work. I found myself resting my hand under it at times as I moved the polisher around to be safe. The tool's speed is variable and can be slowed down to apply compound or sped up for finishing. The tool comes with a paddle switch and a lock so you don't need to keep your fingers on it and releases with a slight tap on the trigger.. This is a good idea as it can get tiring keeping your hand on the trigger. For some reason because of how its balanced, it does seem easier to use so you can keep going and that makes it go faster. A extra feature is a filter screen for the air exhaust on the side of the unit. This keeps dust and pad fibers out, can be cleaned easily and will extend the motor's life. Milwaukee has made the polisher cordless with plenty of power and added convenience. Some will want an orbital polisher, but for speed with experience this does the job. The cord polisher is now being replaced with the advent of more powerful batteries, it's just a makes sense.

Excellent.

I'm a professional auto detailer. I use a variety of tools to get my job done so in my couple weeks of having this polisher I haven't yet done a full car with it so I can't attest to the battery life, as others have said that it has a good appetite. I use it with the 12ah battery. Get the big batteries. I was comparing this with the Dewalt rotary cordless buffer by buffing a panel for approximately 15 minutes with each buffer. This buffer has MUCH better speed stability than the dewalt, especially at low speeds. I tried setting a speed on both polishers and then suddenly loading them. This buffer doesn't care about load, it just keeps plowing the same speed as no load, a real work horse. The dewalt, at the very lowest speeds doesn't compensate power for load at all. ... MoreI'm a professional auto detailer. I use a variety of tools to get my job done so in my couple weeks of having this polisher I haven't yet done a full car with it so I can't attest to the battery life, as others have said that it has a good appetite. I use it with the 12ah battery. Get the big batteries. I was comparing this with the Dewalt rotary cordless buffer by buffing a panel for approximately 15 minutes with each buffer. This buffer has MUCH better speed stability than the dewalt, especially at low speeds. I tried setting a speed on both polishers and then suddenly loading them. This buffer doesn't care about load, it just keeps plowing the same speed as no load, a real work horse. The dewalt, at the very lowest speeds doesn't compensate power for load at all. At higher speeds it compensates, but with a noticeable lag in time. So I found that at low speeds, when you are using the lowest setting on the speed dial and also partially depressing the trigger, you constantly have to fight to keep the same speed speed on the dewalt, annoying. The milwaukee, on the other hand, maintains its rpms like a champ, making it much easier to use. I will note though that the dewalt does win with how low the lowest rpms go, which is useful sometimes. But overall I found the milwaukee much easier and more pleasant to use.

Fantastic, if cordless is necessary

- Two batteries, charger- Two different handles, stick and "D"- Two dust screens- No plastic case nor carry bag- No padsI have a Wen corded, which is heavy as soon as you pick it up, and it just gets heavier -- but, it's very well balanced with only the motor as its main mass. This cordless Milwaukee feels just slightly off -- your support hand is over or beside the motor, but your trigger hand is just forward of the battery, the other weight point, which is also considerably lighter than the motor.Meaning, it's not perfect -- and it's not feather-light, either. You can slow the motor down with firm pressure, something I found on Milwaukee's 18v fuel angle grinder as well, but as with the angle grinder, your arms won't fall off nearly as fast as they ... More- Two batteries, charger- Two different handles, stick and "D"- Two dust screens- No plastic case nor carry bag- No padsI have a Wen corded, which is heavy as soon as you pick it up, and it just gets heavier -- but, it's very well balanced with only the motor as its main mass. This cordless Milwaukee feels just slightly off -- your support hand is over or beside the motor, but your trigger hand is just forward of the battery, the other weight point, which is also considerably lighter than the motor.Meaning, it's not perfect -- and it's not feather-light, either. You can slow the motor down with firm pressure, something I found on Milwaukee's 18v fuel angle grinder as well, but as with the angle grinder, your arms won't fall off nearly as fast as they will with any kind of heavy-duty corded.I don't believe the Wen was a whole lot of money, so if cordless and mostly light(er) is important, I'd get this, then if you need to put your weight into a section consistently, pick up something like the Wen.The lithiums charge so fast, if you work longer than Milwaukee expects and go through two batteries, your first battery should be charged up enough to at least finish the job by then. I suspect these are all worst-case scenarios, as you probably shouldn't lean into a polisher nor should you have to, but I tend to live worst case scenarios. Otherwise you should probably get advertised mileage.I've not played with other brands' 18/36v tools; I have used Milwaukee's 18v and 28v fuel SDS hammers -- the 10 extra volts makes the latter useful and perfect (even with an attached vacuum running off the same battery) -- but I can't see a 28v or even a 36v making a difference here, except for those infrequent times you want to lean in -- it might be dangerous overkill otherwise, so again, this will probably fit 99.9% of the needs of the fairly grimy planet.

Freedom & Power

After my previous corded polisher bit-the-dust, I began the hunt for a replacement. After an extensive search I decided to give this M18 polisher a chance. I admit I was a little skeptical regarding battery power: however, I was pleasantly surprised just how powerful this machine is especially when running a heavy compound. I found the 8.0 amp-hour battery not only provides the perfect balance but, provides enough power to polish a full size truck. We do maintenance on all of our truck and equipment. And that includes maintaining an image. The fact that this unit is cordless gives us the versatility needed to utilize it when bays are full not to mention there no cord dragging across the paint. I am very satisfied with this machine and believe it will bring us many ... MoreAfter my previous corded polisher bit-the-dust, I began the hunt for a replacement. After an extensive search I decided to give this M18 polisher a chance. I admit I was a little skeptical regarding battery power: however, I was pleasantly surprised just how powerful this machine is especially when running a heavy compound. I found the 8.0 amp-hour battery not only provides the perfect balance but, provides enough power to polish a full size truck. We do maintenance on all of our truck and equipment. And that includes maintaining an image. The fact that this unit is cordless gives us the versatility needed to utilize it when bays are full not to mention there no cord dragging across the paint. I am very satisfied with this machine and believe it will bring us many years of good service. Two thumbs up!

I bought this specifically for the boat. Every springtime it’s a full process of busting out the ...

I bought this specifically for the boat. Every springtime it’s a full process of busting out the Presta or Meguires cutting cream and buffing out the oxidation and then following up after with the Presta ultra polishing cream or Meguires High Gloss polish. It’s a lengthy PITA process with cord and plug. No more taping cord ends together, no worries about snagging the cord with the buffer. I’ll never have to hold the tool cord just right because it has a short in it.I’ve been very happy with it, HOWEVER....it will go through 5.0 batteries like candy. I went through 8 full charged batteries for 1 side alone. Don’t think your going to get by on just a battery or two. I’d recommend this tool only unless you have quite a few batteries and chargers on hand to keep ... MoreI bought this specifically for the boat. Every springtime it’s a full process of busting out the Presta or Meguires cutting cream and buffing out the oxidation and then following up after with the Presta ultra polishing cream or Meguires High Gloss polish. It’s a lengthy PITA process with cord and plug. No more taping cord ends together, no worries about snagging the cord with the buffer. I’ll never have to hold the tool cord just right because it has a short in it.I’ve been very happy with it, HOWEVER....it will go through 5.0 batteries like candy. I went through 8 full charged batteries for 1 side alone. Don’t think your going to get by on just a battery or two. I’d recommend this tool only unless you have quite a few batteries and chargers on hand to keep going.I like the variable speed, it handles well. Only concern is the trigger at times feels cheap/weak in engaging, like it catches an edge. I know Milwaukee has my back on this so I’m not too concerned.I kicked the idea of getting the M12 polisher as well, but my M12 drill works just fine for those tight spots.If you got a boat, and have batteries..excellent. You won’t be disappointed.Cheers

Nice?

First this polisher will not compound or glaze a single small compact car on a 8ohm battery handles machine glaze to wax just fine on a battery. Polisher works awesome love the fact I'm not dragging a chord across my vehicles or tripping over it. This polisher is quite a bit lighter and rarely easy to handle compared to its chorded predecessor comes with handle options. The big question is . Is it worth the money? prolly not! as a retired mechanic who has also spent years doing body work, detail work, as well as car restoration. This polisher from that stand Point is only viable with 2 or 3 batteries 8 ohm or larger which are ridiculous in price making this an 800 dollar investment to be viable from a business stand point I bought into it on black Friday I need at ... MoreFirst this polisher will not compound or glaze a single small compact car on a 8ohm battery handles machine glaze to wax just fine on a battery. Polisher works awesome love the fact I'm not dragging a chord across my vehicles or tripping over it. This polisher is quite a bit lighter and rarely easy to handle compared to its chorded predecessor comes with handle options. The big question is . Is it worth the money? prolly not! as a retired mechanic who has also spent years doing body work, detail work, as well as car restoration. This polisher from that stand Point is only viable with 2 or 3 batteries 8 ohm or larger which are ridiculous in price making this an 800 dollar investment to be viable from a business stand point I bought into it on black Friday I need at least 1 more battery its a very expensive luxury item for any body man or detail man cheaper to buy a generator and a corded buffer still have more uses for the generator . I still have a Milwaukee polisher my daddy bought new in 85 brushes have been replaced 4 times looks exactly like the brand new one. If you are buying this to do light waxes it's for you.

Nifty for light work, but not a 10A replacement

I use rotary buffers for cars and for polishing airstreams. I recently had an old corded unit fail so I gave this a try. This buffer would be great for a mobile detailer or a home car enthusiast, it is great to cut the cord, but it cannot replace a 10A or 12A corded unit if you need to do some heavy work. Claiming that it has 10A power is simply untrue. The max RPM of this tool is 2000 RPM, corded units max out at 3000-3500 RPM depending on which model. When polishing a heavily oxidized Airstream I went through 2 8-amp hour and 4 6-amp hour high output batteries to polish a 3’ x 2’ patch. With the before mentioned batteries It will only run at full power for about one or 2 minutes before the battery throttles the tool back. And the batteries listed only powered the ... MoreI use rotary buffers for cars and for polishing airstreams. I recently had an old corded unit fail so I gave this a try. This buffer would be great for a mobile detailer or a home car enthusiast, it is great to cut the cord, but it cannot replace a 10A or 12A corded unit if you need to do some heavy work. Claiming that it has 10A power is simply untrue. The max RPM of this tool is 2000 RPM, corded units max out at 3000-3500 RPM depending on which model. When polishing a heavily oxidized Airstream I went through 2 8-amp hour and 4 6-amp hour high output batteries to polish a 3’ x 2’ patch. With the before mentioned batteries It will only run at full power for about one or 2 minutes before the battery throttles the tool back. And the batteries listed only powered the tool for 6 to 8 minutes each. 4 18v battery chargers were no where near enough to keep up with the tool in heavy use. Using a traditional Makita 10A I could polish the same area in 1/2 or 1/3 the time of this tool. I have bags and bags of m18 and m12 tools and I wanted this to work, but since I often need buffers for heavy applications This just was not strong enough for me. If you want a sweet cordless buffer for light work, this would be great, but if you want a work hoarse, this tool just isn’t there yet.

The best cordless and vs. corded polisher

I bought this to polish the fiberglass on a boat. I was told my professional detailers who use "other" brands to stay away from cordless as it will not have enough power and runtime. I decided to trust the Milwaukee brand and after 3 full days of non-stop polishing am pleased to report that this tool not only met but exceeded expectations. The unit was able to power through the job end-to-end, never had performance issues, never overheated, and ran consistently and reliably the whole time. I didn't need to mess with cords and moving an extension cord wheel around such a large work area and have to worry about cords dragging on the ground, getting dirty, and getting tangled with my scaffolding. I used both the XC and HD batteries with equal success and got all the ... MoreI bought this to polish the fiberglass on a boat. I was told my professional detailers who use "other" brands to stay away from cordless as it will not have enough power and runtime. I decided to trust the Milwaukee brand and after 3 full days of non-stop polishing am pleased to report that this tool not only met but exceeded expectations. The unit was able to power through the job end-to-end, never had performance issues, never overheated, and ran consistently and reliably the whole time. I didn't need to mess with cords and moving an extension cord wheel around such a large work area and have to worry about cords dragging on the ground, getting dirty, and getting tangled with my scaffolding. I used both the XC and HD batteries with equal success and got all the power I needed and exceedingly long run time!

Very solid tool!

This tool is fantastic! I bought it to replace my Ryobi tool as I am transitioning to Milwaukee tools. The construction is way superior to any of my previous tool and the rapid stop feature is the best! I have little use for the WiFi option as I am a DIY enthusiast but I welcome the option. I also do a lot of home remodeling and carpentry projects. I use my tools every day. Just love the feeling and power of this tool