Milwaukee 3" Compact Cut Off Tool

Milwaukee’s 3" Compact Cut Off Tool, model 2522-20, quickly caught my eye due to its streamlined design and the promise of effective cutting performance. As part of the M12 Fuel System, this cordless, brushless motor tool aims to provide a versatile solution for cutting through various materials, such as metal, tiles, and plastics. After extensive use, I gathered insights into its strengths and weaknesses, and here's a detailed take on its performance.

At first glance, the compact size of this tool is highly appealing, especially for someone like me who values portability and ease of handling. Weighing only 1.52 lbs and measuring 7.05 inches in length, it fits comfortably in one hand, making it ideal for tight spaces and precision work. However, the size does come with certain limitations, which I discovered during more demanding tasks.

One of the standout features of this tool is its impressive 20,000 RPM speed, which theoretically enables it to slice through materials with ease. In practice, I found that it excels when cutting through softer materials like thin sheet metal, PVC pipes, and small tiles. The diamond tile blade and carbide abrasive blade included in the package are particularly useful for these applications. For instance, when installing a kitchen backsplash, the diamond blade cut through tiles cleanly, making intricate cuts a breeze.

However, when it came to more demanding jobs, such as cutting through thicker materials or more extensive use in a single session, the tool struggled. The 3" blade, while adequate for many tasks, has a limited cutting depth of 3/8", which wasn't sufficient for some of the thicker materials I encountered. This was especially noticeable when attempting to cut through plaster and lath walls. The tool tends to bog down and even trip the thermal overload when pushed beyond its comfort zone.

Battery performance is another critical aspect of any cordless tool. The 3" Compact Cut Off Tool uses M12 batteries, and while the 4.0Ah battery provides a reasonable runtime, it’s far from sufficient for continuous, heavy-duty work. In my experience, using a 4.0Ah battery allowed for decent performance, but heavier cuts quickly drained the power. Switching to a 6.0Ah battery improved the situation, but the tool still struggled with thicker materials, indicating that the issue lies more with the tool's power output than the battery capacity alone.

The tool-free guard adjustment is a handy feature, allowing for quick changes without the need for additional tools. It’s a thoughtful addition that adds to the convenience, especially in a fast-paced work environment. Additionally, the LED light is useful for working in low-light conditions, though I found its placement could sometimes cast shadows that made it harder to see the cutting line clearly.

One feature that truly stood out was the reversible blade rotation. This is particularly useful when trying to control the direction of material removal and sparks, enhancing safety and precision. However, using the tool left-handed, especially with the dust shroud attached, proved to be a bit challenging. The grip and trigger design might not be as ergonomic for left-handed users, which is something to consider if you are a southpaw.

Dust control is an essential aspect of cutting tools, especially when working indoors. The dust shroud included with the tool is a nice touch, but it’s not without its flaws. While it does help to some extent, it doesn't completely mitigate dust, especially when cutting drywall. The high RPM means dust is dispersed rapidly, and the vacuum port placement isn't optimal for catching all the debris. This can lead to a messier workspace than anticipated, even with a vacuum attached.

Ergonomically, the tool is reasonably well-designed. It’s comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver, which is crucial for precision work. However, the lack of adjustable speed is a significant drawback. The tool operates at full speed as soon as the trigger is engaged, which doesn't allow for gradual control. This can lead to less precision and more mistakes, particularly on delicate materials like ceramic tiles.

Despite its compact and lightweight design, the tool does run hot during prolonged use. This is something to be aware of, as it can affect comfort and safety. In addition, the tool’s construction, while robust, does have some areas that feel less durable compared to other Milwaukee products. The plastic components, in particular, seem less sturdy and may wear over time with heavy use.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee 3" Compact Cut Off Tool has a lot to offer, especially for lighter duty, precision work in confined spaces. Its high RPM, reversible blade rotation, and ease of use make it a handy addition to any toolbox for specific tasks. However, it's not without its limitations. The lack of adjustable speed, limited cutting depth, and struggles with thicker or harder materials mean it might not be the best choice for more demanding jobs. Battery life could also be an issue for prolonged use, and the dust control system, while helpful, isn’t perfect.

Would I recommend the 3" Compact Cut Off Tool? It depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a compact, versatile tool for light to medium-duty tasks, it’s a solid choice. However, for more heavy-duty applications or prolonged use, you might want to consider other options with more power and better battery performance. The tool is a great addition for specific use cases but may fall short as an all-purpose solution.