Milwaukee M18 FUEL 15mm and 21mm Random Orbital Polishers Offer Power, Runtime, and Ergonomics for Professional Detailers
Milwaukee Tool now has two full-size M18 FUEL random orbital polishers in 15mm and 21mm configurations sufficient for both polishing and heavy-correction applications. They consider both polishers a true replacement for corded tools. The M18 FUEL 15mm and 21mm random orbital polishers clearly focus on both power and ergonomics—two characteristics critical for automotive detailers.
Ergonomics really plays a huge role with these tools since detailers can spend hours per day holding a polisher. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 15mm and 21mm random orbital polishers look well-balanced and have a nicely-designed front and rear grip. Milwaukee Tool also claims low vibration and noise.
The backing plate on each tool is designed to stay cool—even with all-day, heavy-duty use. This helps minimize the risk of surface or paint damage due to heat buildup. Milwaukee also turned the battery 90-degrees, giving the tools 2-inches of clearance between it and the work surface. That’s going to help keep you from inadvertently bumping the battery into the vehicle while you polish. It’s great when you can ditch the cord—but no one wants to substitute one problem for another.
Variable Speed w/ 8-Position Dial
Both polishers were designed with a variable speed trigger plus an 8-position speed dial. Between that and the lock-on button, you get a ton of control when using these polishers in a variety of applications, from removing scratches to finishing work.
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 15mm random orbital polisher spins up between 2,650 and 5,100 RPM while the 21mm model operates between 2,400 and 4,500 RPM.
Runtime on the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Random Orbital Polishers
When paired with a High Output XC6.0 M18 RedLithium battery, Milwaukee Tool says you can expect to get up to 53 minutes of polishing or as much as 20 minutes of heavier use when removing scratches. While you can get longer runtime with a larger battery, pairing these tools with the XC6.0 delivers better balance and material clearance than if you used a larger pack.
Price and Availability
Look for the new Milwaukee M18 FUEL random orbit polishers to hit shelves in April 2022. The 5-inch model retails for $529 as a kit while the 6-inch polisher comes in around $559.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 15mm Random Orbital Polisher Specifications
- Model: 2684-20 (2684-22HD kit)
- Orbit diameter: 15mm
- Backing plate size: 5 in.
- Speed: 2,650-5,100 RPM
- Tool length: 17.26 in.
- Weight (w/o battery): 5.16 lbs.
- Warranty: 3-years
- Kit includes: M18 FUEL 15mm random orbital polisher, 5-in. backing plate (49-36-0401), (2) M18 RedLithium High Output XC6.0 battery, M18 & M12 rapid charger, and contractor bag
- Price: $529
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21mm Random Orbital Polisher Specs
- Model: 2685-20 (2685-22HD kit)
- Orbit diameter: 21mm
- Backing plate size: 6 in.
- Speed: 2,400-4,500 RPM
- Tool length: 17.3 in.
- Weight (w/o battery): 5.6 lbs.
- Warranty: 3-years
- Kit includes: M18 FUEL 21mm random orbital polisher, 6-in. backing plate (49-36-0402), (2) M18 RedLithium High Output XC6.0 battery, M18 & M12 rapid charger, and contractor bag
- Price: $559
I am a little confused on Milwaukee’s advertisement for this tool. I may be wrong, but long-throw random orbital sanders are usually considered mild-correction polishers. It seems to me that heavy-correction should be reserved for rotary and forced-rotation orbital sanders. To make matters worse, Milwaukee seems to imply that this random orbital polisher has more efficient correction that Makita’s forced-rotation orbital sander. Im not sure how they can get away with such claim. Even more curious is having a rpm dial. Those rpms are theoretical. Don’t get me wrong, I like the polisher for what it is. A mild-correction cordless… Read more »