Milwaukee Annular Cutter

When I first laid my hands on the Milwaukee Annular Cutter, I was eager to see how it would perform in various cutting scenarios. The cutter's design and features, particularly its dual alternating tooth geometry and thin wall construction, promised improved cutting efficiency and faster execution. As someone who frequently works with different materials, I was particularly interested in testing its prowess on mild steel and similar metals.

Initial Impressions

The Annular Cutter felt robust in hand, with a solid build quality that Milwaukee tools are generally known for. The 3/4" Weldon shank is a standard feature, making it compatible with most magnetic drill presses, which is a big plus for versatility. The black oxide coating gave it a sleek look and theoretically should offer some level of rust resistance, which is always a bonus in a workshop environment.

Cutting Performance

I started my test on a 1/4" thick mild steel plate, a common material in many of my projects. The cutter's initial performance was impressive. The dual alternating tooth geometry seemed to facilitate smooth cutting, and the thinner wall construction did, indeed, make the process faster compared to some other brands I've used. The chip ejection was efficient, preventing clogging and allowing continuous cutting without frequent interruptions.

However, the cutter's durability came into question sooner than expected. After just one hole, I noticed chipping on the teeth. This was unexpected and disappointing, especially from a brand like Milwaukee. While the cutter continued to function, the chipping undoubtedly affected its efficiency and precision. For a tool designed to cut holes in various materials, I expected a higher level of durability.

Material Compatibility

The Annular Cutter is constructed from high-speed steel with three hardness zones, a feature intended to reduce breakage. This construction should, in theory, make it suitable for a range of materials beyond just mild steel, such as stainless steel and aluminum. In practice, while it initially cut well, the premature wear and tear on the teeth raised concerns about its long-term reliability on tougher materials.

Ease of Use

One of the standout features of this cutter is the centering and ejecting pin, which is compatible with all 2” depth cutters. This made setup and alignment straightforward, allowing for precise hole placement. The cutter's design also ensured that material displacement was minimized, which is crucial when working on projects where maintaining material integrity is important.

Value for Money

Given its performance, the Annular Cutter offers a mixed value proposition. On one hand, it delivers fast, efficient cutting with excellent chip ejection and minimal material displacement. On the other hand, the durability issues significantly detract from its overall value. For those working on smaller, less demanding projects, this cutter might suffice. However, for more intensive use, especially on harder materials, its longevity is questionable.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Annular Cutter has several commendable features that make it a noteworthy tool in certain contexts. Its compatibility with various drill presses, efficient chip ejection, and user-friendly design are definite advantages. However, its durability leaves much to be desired, particularly when compared to some other brands that I’ve had better luck with.

Would I recommend this tool? It depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a cutter for occasional use on softer materials, it could be a viable option. However, for heavy-duty, frequent use, especially on tougher materials, I would hesitate to recommend it due to the durability concerns. Investing in a more robust option might be a better choice for those requiring a reliable, long-term solution.