Milwaukee's M18 platform now features over 100 power tools. I'm not even sure I can make a list of 100 power tools, let alone cordless ones. Despite the variety, every tool in this impressive line is powered by a RedLithium 18V battery, which was recently added with a 9.0 amp hour model. Milwaukee continues to add products to the line to make work easier or more enjoyable. Even more interesting are products like the M18 Packout radio. They added the Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Fan last year and we finally got a chance to put it to good use. Can the fan impress us like other tools in the M18 series? The answer is…well… Blowin' on the Wind , we had high expectations.
Milwaukee M18 first fan impression
design
I opened the box as eagerly as I would any new toy. I found a stout fan about 14 inches high, 7 inches wide, and 10 inches long. It retains the same design outlines as the rest of the Milwaukee range – signature red with black trim, white lettering and tough body materials.
take me Home
The top of the housing forms a carrying handle. This is similar to the Ryobi hybrid fan, but sits entirely on top of the case. Ridgid hybrid fans use flexible carrying handles (all three companies are owned by TTI). Honestly, I prefer Ridgid's handle, but having it integrated into the case greatly reduces the risk of damage or tearing.
Hanging on
Four keyholes and two hanging holes provide a variety of locations for temporary hanging of Milwaukee M18 fans. You can also direct the airflow by rotating it around 120 degrees at 9 different stops. I took the fan to my workshop, hung it on the wall with a pair of drywall screws in about 10 seconds, and tipped the fan cage toward the workbench to get a better attitude to the work in front of me. It can also be easily hung on a pegboard in our shop.
AC/DC
While the real appeal of this fan is that it has no wires, it does include an AC adapter for when you're near a power source. There's no appreciable difference in performance – and I wouldn't expect such low power consumption – but of course, you're tethered to the wall. This isn't a huge deal, but it's something to consider if you're walking around a job site all day.
The fan is part of a set of cordless tools, so I thought the AC option would be a bonus feature. Still, some have criticized Milwaukee for omitting the extension cord sockets that other manufacturers include on less expensive fans, and I think that's a fair criticism. It's true that you can plug the AC adapter into an extension cord, but if you misplace the adapter, you won't be able to use AC power. Use the extension cord outlet and never lose the adapter.
On the other hand, some users have been outspoken about their desire for a charging fan. While it's a compelling idea, we'll have to get used to the idea of paying more to build it into a tool we actually only use part of the year. I'd rather see Milwaukee drive down the price and stick to charging the radio.
blow away?
On paper, the Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Fan circulates air over 40 feet using three speeds from 1,370 to 2,350 RPM. It is capable of moving up to 284 CFM of air to cool something. Milwaukee tells us that with one of their 5.0 amp hour battery packs, expect to run for up to 17 hours on low. This all sounds great, but what does it actually mean?
The fan is sold as a bare-bones unit, so I first took a battery from my M18 fuel impact driver kit, easily locked it into the fan, and started. Sliding the battery in from the front means the battery gauge is also on the front—a subtle but smart move compared to other jobsite fans.
Flip the switch to full throttle and there's obviously a lot of power available. The three-speed is nice, but I'm a little surprised Milwaukee didn't go for more flexibility between low and high speeds. I would like to see more options for the next generation.
How far the air can travel is another matter. As with all fans in this class, the blade diameter is very small so it doesn't move air as much as a 3 foot diameter blade. Stay within 5 to 10 feet to get the most out of it.
I'm using a 4.0 amp hour battery pack, not the 5.0 that Milwaukee's runtime numbers are based on. By doing some math on the theoretical numbers, my experience agrees with what Milwaukee says.
Admittedly, it's finicky, but one thing I noticed about the M18 Jobsite's fan was the noise it made on the highest setting. Like other fans in this class, it creates some extra "whoosh" on top of the air movement. On the job site, the worst thing it can do is alert others to your source of comfort and bring you some unwanted company. Only users who are used to working in quieter environments like a home woodshop might notice it.
fans of this fan
It's a hot, humid summer in Florida, with relentless heat. I'm very grateful for the strong airflow in my hot garage. I am very happy with the Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Fan. For its size, it's powerful, adaptable, portable, and lasts a full day on a charge. It'll keep you cool on the job site, in the workshop, or anywhere you like a fan.
If you are already on the Milwaukee M18 platform, adding Jobsite Fan will cost $79. If you live in an area where temperatures exceed 80 degrees any time of year, you'll be glad to have it close by.
Milwaukee M18 Construction Site Fan Key Features
- Powerful airflow system: circulates air over 40 feet
- Provides up to 17 hours of runtime on a RedLithium XC5.0 battery
- Adjustable head: 120° adjustable head and 9 stop positions provide optimum control over the direction of the airflow
- Includes AC adapter for extended runtime
- Four keyhole hooks and two hanging holes allow multiple hanging orientations
- Compatible with all M18 red lithium batteries
Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Fan Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 0886-20
- Power supply: Milwaukee RedLithium 18V battery
- Airflow: 284 CFM, 18 MPH
- Speed: 1,370 – 2,350 RPM
- Weight: 5.2 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $79