the other question i have is on the jobsite radio.  does it also charge the battery??  i have not found any thing that says for sure if it does or not.  thanx

gary

Hit the link for our answer.. .

Gary,
The batteries on the Milwaukee tools are a tad bit confusing, let me try to sum it up for you. Currently they (Milwaukee) offer 3 different 18v batteries. Depending on which tool you have determines which batteries you need. If you have the 18 volt NIMH batteries (also known as Power Plus) then you can use the V18 Lithium batteries. And the V18 tools are also reverse compatible with the 18 volt NIMH batteries. The M18 tool line only works with the M18 batteries (and visa versa). So to answer your question, no… the 0881-20 will not work with the M18 batteries since it is a V18 tool. Currently Milwaukee does not sell the M18 impact as a bare tool, if you can hold off you SHOULD (according to our rep) be able to get one as a bare tool next quarter (1st quarter ’09). Also the Radio/charger combo is a patent that is owned by DeWalt so the Milwaukee radios do not charge the batteries (Bosch licenses this patent on 1 of their radios). Additionally they do not currently offer a job site radio for the M18 batteries (the ETA on those radios is 2nd or 3rd quarter of ’09). The M18 line is very new and Milwaukee is rolling out bare tools, accessories and combo kits over a period of time to determine which direction they need to go.

Hope that helps.. .    ~Toolmodo

The case is complicated, involving several companies spread throughout North America. It’s important to note, that in February the U.S. Patent Office countered A123′s challenge of one patent meaning that A123 is in clear violation. Recently DeWALT was ordered to stop selling the 36v line. However I bet there are a few Distributors out there that will still sell them to you (assuming they are in stock). If the patent office also upholds the other patent, then Black & Decker will have little legal ammunition left to fight with, and the case should be wrapping up by spring of next year. We will keep you updated.

Black & Decker Sued Over Batteries

As reported by the Baltimore Sun on 09/20/06

Black & Decker Corp. faces a patent-infringement suit over the batteries used in its new 36-volt line of DeWalt-brand power tools.

In the lawsuit, the University of Texas and its board of regents claim the lithium ion technology that powers Black & Decker’s new cordless line of hammerdrills, circular saws and rotary hammers infringes on two patents held by the school.

The suit, filed Sept. 11 at the federal District Court in Dallas, asks the court to prevent Black & Decker from selling its 36-volt line with the batteries in question.

“Rechargeable lithium ion batteries are the world’s next generation of electrical power sources, representing billions of dollars in potential sales,” the plaintiffs said in the filing.

Lithium ion batteries power cell phones, cameras and laptops as well as hybrid electric cars.

The work behind the two patents at the center of the suit was largely done by John Goodenough, a University of Texas professor in the school’s mechanical engineering department. He did not return a call yesterday seeking comment.

According to the lawsuit, Goodenough and his staff began researching lithium metal phosphate battery technology in 1994 and received two patents, in 1999 and 2003.

The school licensed its version of the technology exclusively to Hydro-Quebec, a Canadian utilities company in Montreal that also is a plaintiff.

Black & Decker’s batteries were developed by Watertown, Mass.-based A123 Systems Inc., a Massachusetts Institute of Technology spinoff, and manufactured by China BAK Battery Inc. of Beijing. Both companies are named as co-defendants.

The suit contends that A123 “spiked” the school’s patented technology with other metals including niobium, magnesium and manganese, and called the technology its own. The University of Texas and Hydro-Quebec are asking for a jury trial and seek unspecified damages, as well as reimbursement of court fees.

“We believe this lawsuit is without merit and will defend our position vigorously,” said Keith Watson, spokesman for A123 Systems, in an e-mailed statement.

In April, A123 Systems filed a pre-emptive lawsuit against Hydro-Quebec, asking a judge to invalidate the two patents. A123 said in the filing that Hydro-Quebec had threatened to sue A123 if it began selling its batteries, and asked the court to “resolve the legal and factual questions raised by HQ and to afford relief from the uncertainty and controversy which HQ’s accusations have precipitated.”

No decision has been reached in that case.

Meanwhile, the DeWalt 36-volt line hit store shelves in June and is expected to gross $50 million in sales this year, Black & Decker Chief Financial Officer Michael D. Mangan said during a second-quarter conference call. He said the line had posted $20 million in sales during the second quarter, which ended June 30.

The filing of the lawsuits does not prevent Black & Decker from continuing to sell the 36-volt line, spokesman Roger A. Young said yesterday. “We do believe A123′s position is correct, and we believe we will prevail in the litigation,” Young said.

Several analysts reached yesterday said they were unaware of the suits. Bentley Offutt, who covers the stock for his Cockeysville-based investment research firm Offutt Securities Inc., said he isn’t overly concerned about the suit.

“Historically, Black & Decker has done a good job defending itself in patent disputes,” he said.

Black & Decker stock closed down 56 cents yesterday at $80.09 on the New York Stock Exchange.

First are 2 videos of the cutter… well cutting.

LESS THAN 4 SECONDS!!! The next video is a first time user, once he stops the ACR from shaking it rips through fast.. .

Next we have one of the jaw mechanism in action, in cutting mode the jaw spins 500 rpm. My phone captures video at probably 12 fps, so the video doesn’t do it justice. This is a very cool little tool and for anyone that cuts a lot of copper tubing (cough, nephew Stew, cough) this will save you a ton of time. I mean 500 RPM on the cutter head, no way you could use a standard tube cutter and cut even 1/10th of what you can cut with this. Check it out.. ..

So this will be my last post on the M12 stuff for a while. But I got this video while our rep was doing some training and I thought I’d share it. I think that Milwaukee is really positioning themselves nicely with the new M12 Lithium-Ion line. You can add the hackzall, tubing cutter and impact driver to your tool belt for about 6 lbs., thats not bad at all considering the functionality and time savings.

Milwaukee introduces their new TRUE 12v Lithium Sub-Compact Tools.

Milwaukee is coming out with a true 12v Sub-compact tool series. The series includes a Driver/Drill, Impact Driver, a handy little mini-Recip saw, Flashlight (Incandescent ugh, c’mon guys go LED), Inspection Camera, and probably the coolest new item the Copper Tubing Cutter. I got a hands on with all of these yesterday and I was pretty impressed. Assisted by a 4-pole frameless motor they have plenty of power, these are contractor grade tools. We put these to work and they do a good job. Now this new series uses the new M12 batteries and they are not compatible with the V12 series, this has something to do with the new motors. Not dealing with a can motor is a good enough reason to upgrade batteries to me so it is what it is. The Milwaukee M12 Batteries also feature a “fuel gauge”, since lithium batteries die so fast at the end of their cycle its good to know how much charge you have left before you strap on the stilts or climb the ladder. The best part is that most of these tools come with the red Milwaukee case, of course its plastic but the price point is low enough that I’m surprised they don’t give you a bag.

The lineup includes: (Compiled information from Milwaukee, put in one spot for our loyal blog readers.)

The M12 HACKZALL™ Reciprocating Saw, (Milwaukee 2420-22)

“Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces a new industry first – the M12 HACKZALL™ Reciprocating Saw, a compact, lightweight saw designed for powerful, versatile cutting in tight spaces for virtually all tradesman as they tackle plumbing, electrical, remodeling and HVAC applications. Featuring a 12V LITHIUM-ION battery, the HACKZALL™ cuts over 80 pieces of 1½” PVC on a single charge. The 2420 delivers a ½” stroke 3,000 times per minute for a smooth yet aggressive cut, and utilizes a keyless QUIK-LOK™ blade clamp to ensure quick and easy blade changes. The lightweight design offers less user fatigue as well as one-handed operation. Compact design makes it easier for users to access tight spaces or awkward angles. The HACKZALL™ features a variable speed trigger that provides increased user control and all-metal gear case and gears that live up to Milwaukee?s legendary durability. Additional features include a Built-in LED Light and Battery Fuel Gauge that displays the remaining run- time. Backed by Milwaukee’s 5-Year tool warranty and 2-Year battery warranty, the 2420-22 comes with two 12V LITHIUM-ION batteries, 30-Minute charger, 2 Hackzall™ blades and carrying case.”

M12 ¼” Hex Impact Driver, (Milwaukee 2450-22)

“Delivering a best-in-class 850-in/lbs. of torque in a compact, lightweight package and weighing less than two and a half pounds, the 2450-22 is powerful enough to drive fasteners up to 75 percent faster and offers up to 2X longer run-time. The quick bit-loading ¼” hex chuck enables bit insertion and release to be done with one hand. Weighing only 2.3 pounds, the compact size and weight allows access to tighter areas and reduces user fatigue. A 12V LITHIUM-ION battery and 0-3,000 IPM provide longer run time and more impacts per minute for optimum performance. Additional features include an battery fuel gauge that displays the remaining run time and a built-in LED light illuminates the work surface for added visibility.”

M12 Copper Tubing Cutter, (Milwaukee 2471-22)

“Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces the industry’s first M12 Copper Tubing Cutter, specifically designed for cutting copper with the speed and versatility that plumbers, mechanical contractors and remodelers require. With a 12V LITHIUM-ION battery and ultra efficient gearing, the 2471-22 performs over 200 cuts on a single charge. A close quarter rotating head cuts installed copper tubing with as little as 1 1/2″ of clearance. At 500 RPM, the patent pending cutting mechanism cuts copper tubing up to 10X faster than conventional cutters and automatically adjusts diameter to cut through 3/8″ – 1″ copper tubing (1/2″ – 1 1/8″ OD, Type K, L, and M). The inline design offers greater reach and reduced wrist strain in confined spaces. The metal cutting head is corrosion and rust resistant and is sealed for protection from water. Electronic overload protection and uni-body construction provide exceptional durability. Additional features include a battery fuel gauge, which displays the remaining run-time, and a built-in LED work light which illuminates the work surface. Backed by Milwaukee’s 5-Year tool warranty and 2-Year battery warranty, the 2471-22 comes with two 12V LITHIUM-ION batteries, one 30-Minute charger, and a carrying case. The 2471 is also available in a single battery kit; model 2471-21.”

M12 Work light, (Milwaukee 49-24-0145)

“Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces a new M12 Flashlight designed to provide hands-free light in a compact and lightweight package. Featuring a 90-degree rotating head, the M12 Flashlight allows light to be projected in any direction. The 49-24-0145 utilizes a 12V LITHIUM-ION battery to provide longer run time and features a Xenon incandescent bulb that maximizes brightness of the beam over a specific work area. An integrated magnet provides hands-free use and a lightweight, compact design provides superior durability and portability. The 49-24-0145 is backed by Milwaukee?s five-year tool warranty.”

M12 Digital Inspection Camera, (Milwaukee 2310-21)

“With advanced digital imaging technology and a 2.4″ high-resolution color LCD display, the Digital Inspection Camera provides a crystal clear picture of tough to reach places such as inside pipes, drains and equipment and behind walls. Optimal image quality and control is achieved via an exclusive Image Zoom (2x) feature and LED brightness control. Equipped with a durable, detachable, 3′ water-tight flexible cable and a small camera head, the Digital Inspection Camera fits through holes as small a 3/4″ and gets into, under and around tight spaces. An ergonomic handle, comfortable in any orientation, features up-front power and image controls for true one-handed operation. A power saving, auto shut-off feature preserves battery life.”

M12 Screwdriver, (Milwaukee 2401-22)

“The new Milwaukee Sub-Compact Driver has the power to drive the majority of common small fasteners, and the run-time of full day screw driving without recharging. The compact size allows the users to work in tight places for increased convenience.”

And coming soon a Grinder and Jig Saw.

And since you read all of this I’ll tell you a secret. Starting in October while supplies last, look for sweet rebates and limited edition combo packs with free impact drivers, batteries and more.