u/LFAdvice7984

The answer, of course, is to get both. But assume there are reasons (money/space) where I can only have one.

Most of the work I'd need to do is plastic, some wood, some aluminium and brass cutting - but small scale, like cutting shapes from 2mm thick sheets that are too thick for aviation snips.

I currently have an -old- dremel, which does do the job, but it struggles. It's old and underpowered so not surprising. Even to cut plastic you have to ramp the speed up very high because there's no torque, but that just means it melts instead of cutting/sanding.

Choices are -

M12 Brushless Rotary - Has a ton more torque than basically every other rotary tool on the market. Means it should easily be able to do my jobs, and at lower speeds. For the few times where I need a bigger cut, I wonder if it can handle fitting the next-size-up of discs, like the 2" / 3" ones that I think the die grinder uses.

M12 Die Grinder (right angle head) - Has even more torque, and variable speed control. But the default disks might be a bit oversized for some jobs, so I'd figure out the adapter to run it using dremel-sized burrs and disks when needed. Perhaps using a flexible shaft... though I believe the die grinder has no lock-on button so I'd have to hold the trigger with the flexible shaft.

I'm thinking stick with the rotary, simply because it's overpowered for a rotary (I believe the torque tested channel had it about 50% more torque/power than the next best) and then experiment with whether the larger discs are actually usable for occasional use. It would be pretty uncommon to need them I think.

But figured I would ask, as maybe there are advantages I'm missing. The right-angled head on the die grinder would make it a lot easier to do long accurate cuts etc. It's a shame right-angle rotary tools don't exist..

So I only need a fairly 'low powered' cut off tool. I currently use a dremel for cutting things that are a bit too big for the dremel to cut. It works but it takes ... a while. And burns through like 3 disks at a time.

So the M12 should be more than fine.

But while I'm at it, I'm trying to pick up tools that will come in useful.

Other 12v cut-off tools like the Bosch are advertised as being "angle grinder" and come with a grinding and cutting disk.

But the M12 seems to only come with a cutting disk. And the documentation doesn't mention grinding options.

I know sometimes tools can be designed so that if you do lateral motions that they're not designed for, it can damage the motor or bearings etc. Thought I'd ask.

I was originally going to get the M12 Die Grinder, and use that as both a cut-off tool and a dremel (fitting smaller dremel-sized bits for some use cases, but otherwise just using the regular fittings). But now I'm considering going the two-tool route, as the cut-off tool is significantly cheaper and means I can get a more details-specialised rotary. (Bit worried even using smaller bits that the die grinder will just be overpowered lol).

Im currently considering picking up a die grinder and a small detailed orbit sander.

Bosch I know has the 12v20 die grinder and the 12v77 sander.

Its against the milwaukee m12 detail random orbit sander (75mm) and the m12 die grinder.

I know the milwaukee versions are highly rated/reviewed, and the sander has built in dust collection which would be very handy.

The bosch ones though ive struggled to find reviews for. At least not positive ones. The die grinder seems to be bottom of all the reviews ive seen. Not seen anything on the sander.

Figured id ask the experts!

I know its not necessarily the perfect tool for the job, but putting that aside. Assume i can only have a single tool, and cant carry a separate drill, driver, and impact with me.

The install driver seems good and all, but everyone knows its issues. Its old, lagging behind on features, big, awkward, and has an ... unpopular method of changing gears.

Someone suggested I look at the Surge and I have to say it was intrigued. Small, same weight as the installation driver, has the hex chuck I need. Regular gear controls.

You lose the torque clutch control, which can be an issue. Seems you can still do delicate work if you use the correct settings though. Its not as powerful as a full impact, but its already more powerful than id usually need.

Has anyone replaced their installer with a surge? Or attempted it but gave up cos it wouldnt work?

How does the noise compare under normal use? Even for things where the impact isnt needed, is it louder or the same? (I heard someone say the installer is whiny, while the Surge is a lower pitch, which can make a lot of difference).

Just an idle fancy of mine. Its tempting. Talk me out of it I guess!

Currently listed on a few sites for £299, down from ~£2999... Which I'd assume would mean "doesn't exist, fake seller, etc" but the sites all seem to be at least somewhat legit makita resellers.

Except the lawnmower seems to have never been reviewed by... anyone.

It's really weird.

Makita seems to be the brand with the most fakes out there (it seems). Probably because it seems all the aliexpress tool brands use makita clones.

Im trying to get a decent pair of batteries, 5ah or 6ah at least ideally.

I dont actually care if theyre genuine, as long as theyre good (im sure some third parties make ok packs, as theyd still profit compared to genuine prices) but as there seems to be no way to know im trying to find genuine ones.

But theres a bunch of "genuine" ones that match the branding etc for prices thats seem... not outrageous. Not cheap, but not stupid expensive. But that still makes me suspicious, and I cant see what the "correct" packaging I should be looking for is, as they seem to vary from cardboard boxes to plastic blister packs.

Is there a guide to all the genuine battery options? Or reliable sellers in the UK?

​