Milwaukee M18 First Fan Impression
Design
When I eagerly opened the box, I was met with a stout fan that stood about 14 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and 10 inches long. Keeping in line with the rest of the Milwaukee range, it boasted the signature red color with black trim, white lettering, and durable materials.
Take Me Home
The top of the housing cleverly formed a built-in carrying handle, similar to the Ryobi hybrid fan. However, unlike the Ryobi, the handle remained firmly attached to the case, reducing the risk of damage or tearing.
Hanging On
Featuring four keyholes and two hanging holes, the Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Fan offers versatile options for temporary hanging. With the ability to rotate the airflow around 120 degrees at 9 different stops, it provides customizable cooling. I effortlessly hung the fan on my workshop wall using a pair of drywall screws, adjusting the fan cage to better suit my workbench. It can also be conveniently hung on a pegboard in our shop.
AC/DC
While the true appeal of this fan lies in its cordless nature, it does come with an AC adapter for situations when a power source is available. There is no noticeable difference in performance or power consumption between the battery and AC options. However, being tethered to the wall can be a consideration if you are constantly on the move around a job site.
The fan is part of a set of cordless tools, and the inclusion of the AC option was seen as a bonus feature. However, some users have criticized Milwaukee for omitting the extension cord sockets found in less expensive fans from other manufacturers. It’s fair to say that having the option to plug in an extension cord directly would be convenient in case the AC adapter is misplaced.
On the other hand, there have been calls for a charging fan. While the idea is tempting, it may drive up the price of the tool, which may not be ideal considering that fans are typically used only part of the year. It might be better for Milwaukee to focus on driving down the price and investing in charging features for their radio.
Blown Away?
According to the specifications, the Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Fan boasts the ability to circulate air over 40 feet using three different speeds ranging from 1,370 to 2,350 RPM. With a maximum airflow of 284 cubic feet per minute (CFM), it has the power to cool down any workspace. Milwaukee claims that with one of their 5.0 amp hour battery packs, the fan can run for up to 17 hours on the low-speed setting. These numbers sound impressive, but what do they really mean?
To test the fan, I snapped a battery from my M18 fuel impact driver kit into place. The front-loading battery slot not only provides easy access but also allows for the battery gauge to be conveniently visible on the front of the fan—a subtle yet clever design decision compared to other jobsite fans.
Flipping the switch to full throttle revealed the fan’s impressive power. While the three-speed options were good, I couldn’t help but wish for more variety between the low and high speeds. It would be great to see Milwaukee offer more speed options in future iterations.
It’s important to note that due to the small blade diameter, the distance the air can travel is relatively limited compared to fans with larger blades. To experience the maximum cooling effect, it’s recommended to stay within 5 to 10 feet of the fan.
I tested the fan using a 4.0 amp hour battery pack, slightly lower than the 5.0 amp hour pack used for Milwaukee’s runtime calculations. However, based on my calculations, my experience aligns with what Milwaukee claims.
One small quirk I noticed about the M18 Jobsite Fan was the noise it emitted on the highest setting. Like other fans in its class, it produced a slight additional “whoosh” noise on top of the air movement. While this may not be an issue on a bustling job site, it’s worth considering if you prefer a quieter working environment, such as a home woodshop.
Fans of This Fan
Here in hot and humid Florida, with its relentless heat, I’m incredibly grateful for the powerful airflow that this fan provides. The Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Fan has exceeded my expectations. Its compact size, combined with its portability and long-lasting battery life, make it an invaluable tool for staying cool on the job site, in the workshop, or anywhere else you need a reliable fan.
If you’re already using the Milwaukee M18 platform, adding the Jobsite Fan to your collection will set you back just $79. And if you live in an area with temperatures consistently exceeding 80 degrees, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate having this fan by your side.
Milwaukee M18 Construction Site Fan Key Features
- Powerful airflow system that can circulate air over 40 feet
- Provides up to 17 hours of runtime on a RedLithium XC5.0 battery
- 120° adjustable head with 9 stop positions for precise airflow control
- Includes an AC adapter for extended runtime
- Four keyhole hooks and two hanging holes for flexible hanging orientations
- Compatible with all M18 RedLithium 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