I have never liked a dirty job site, and I really don’t like building dirt into my work. I don’t care if it can be covered with flooring or sheetrock, I want it clean before I move on to the next step, so a broom, dustpan and brush are always part of my kit. I’ve tried two cordless vacs made for light household use, and they did precious little in the house let alone a wood shop or construction site. I was always checking to see if they were actually picking anything up, and usually felt that I was just rearranging the dirt.
When I saw the announcement of Milwaukee’s new M12™ Compact Vacuum (0850-20) I was immediately willing to try again, figuring it was a good bet that the company that uses NBHD* for a slogan would put out a vac that really worked. The M12™ Compact is a small, lightweight vac that comes with a crevice tool, long wand and utility nozzle. It also has the benefit of using the M12™ REDLITHIUM™ battery, the same as used in its extensive line of 12v tools and heated apparel. This appealed to me because it meant that I could swap batteries and continue on without having to wait while the entire unit was hanging on a wall charger like the other vacs I tried.
There are several features that I liked right out of the box. One is the large window that shows just how much dirt is in the machine and when it’s time to empty it. I can’t decide whether it looks more like a Mercury space capsule or a Bonneville Land Speed Record holder. Either way the status is clear at a glance. You can also see the rubber flap that covers the inlet when the vacuum is not running, a good thing if you’ve picked up a long sliver that won’t make it all the way inside. In a case like that, the flap won’t close and dirt can fall back out of the opening. Easily fixed, because everything is readily accessible.
As the photo at left shows, I picked up some muddy stuff while cleaning out an aluminum door saddle on a rainy day. It worked, but a wet/dry vac this is not, and I won’t do it again, in deference to the paper filter.
I was curious to see if the vac could pick up heavy sawdust from around the base of the Powermatic through the utility nozzle and extension wand. The answer is yes, it cleaned a 5″ swath through the accumulation although I will usually save that job for a full-fledged shop vac.
Another bit that I like is the way the canister unlocks and rotates to come free. It makes it easy to empty and to clean or replace the filter. I will, however, echo a minor gripe I’ve heard from others: It would have been nice if Milwaukee had included an extra filter.
If I’m around a compressor, I give the insides a blast of air after emptying. This helps to maintain the filter and keeps the cockpit canopy clear.
Where do I find the Compact Vac most useful? I use it in the shop frequently although it’s hardly a shop vac. It is handy around the miter saw and the workbench. If I accidentally suck up some vital screws or other small parts, they can be easily recovered. It’s also good for cleaning small spaces like the electrical panel in Milwaukee’s press release photo at left. Tops on my list, though, is cleaning up after installations in finished areas. I am occasionally asked to install blinds or curtains or kitchen cabinets or hardware. More often than not, the task comes complete with a homeowner keeping a careful eye on the work, so it’s nice to be able to leave a thoroughly clean space. Speaking of homes, if you take this one home, be prepared to have to get another one for work!
The M12™ Compact Vacuum comes as a bare tool (0850-20), meaning without battery or charger. I have not seen the full kit on Milwaukee’s web site, so it must be assumed that you already have the 12v battery and the means to charge it.
-dvl
*Nothing But Heavy Duty
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