Makita compatible mini blower

[Michael Kellough]

I bought this mini blower and it’s fantastic! The genuine Makita version has been out a couple of years but it cost close to $200 so while intrigued I never bit. recently a Milwaukee M18 version has come on the market and it too is close to $200. The fact that both companies think the tool form is worthwhile made me decide look again and found this $40 version. It’s a no-brained if you already have Makita batteries.

Well it isn’t crap. Although I have no idea how long it will last it’s performing spectacularly. I don’t use it in the shop since I don’t want to lay dust into the air but outside where I seldom drag a dust collector the little blow is great at getting dust out of my way and fantastic at blowing it off my tools before they go back in the Systainer. (Don’t bast it into a circular saw blade housing if the rear port is pointing towards your face!)

Technically it’s interesting. A tiny 20mm diameter brushless motor spinning at 140,000 rpm (must be the no-load speed without the fan blade) is really fierce for its size. Much more effective that I expected.

 

[Imemiter]

My 40v version would be Systainer-worthy if it weren't constantly being used!

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Thanks - it's $28 now!

 

[luvmytoolz]

That's awesome, thanks Mike! I'm ordering one of these!

 

[Mike Goetzke]

That's awesome, thanks Mike! I'm ordering one of these!

I was going to get one but worried the reviews don't seem very good???

 

[Imemiter]

I haven't read any reviews. I think if people are expecting these to have the pressure of a nozzle from the air compressor, they're going to be disappointed. And I was too, initially. But the convenience of it being cordless and always ready to go won me over.

 

[smorgasbord]

Project Farm reviewed a bunch of these not that long ago.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Project Farm reviewed a bunch of these not that long ago.

Just scrolled through the video. I’d categorize these as micro-blowers (I guess they’re called “dusters”) compared to the mini-blower above.

It would be interesting to see how the <$30 blower I bought compares to the top rated ~$80 Wolfbox.
The Wolfbox is impressive but 98.6 decibels at arms length!!
Also, use is limited to how long the built in battery lasts.

The only measurement I could add for comparison is if I go to the kitchen and get out the scale to measure air pressure. Maybe later.

Another note, one of the things that initially interested me in the mini-blower using Makita (or other) batteries is that the tool can stand up on the bench. Since I’ve decided I generally wouldn’t want to use it in the shop the ability to stand up isn’t really a valuable feature. The very small size of the micro-blower (that can’t stand up) would allow it to tuck into a Systainer with the tool that will need to be “dusted”.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

That's pretty cool. I definitely see where you are coming from, there is no need to spend $200 on such a non-critical tool.
I recently got a LED floodlight that fits Makita batteries. We've had a few power outages in my area lately and it seemed like a good idea. I was considerably less than the branded ones too.
I don't particularly trust the knock-off batteries, but I can't see the tool being an issue.
Apparently, the potential problem is with the charger?

You can sure tell they come from China though. No American company would use that picture, of the person blowing it into their own face, not even with safety glasses.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I’m leery of both off-brand chargers and especially lithium batteries. I do buy off-brand NiCad batteries.

Also, don’t know which of the off-brand tools have battery protection circuits but you can usually tell how significant the drain on the battery is.

 

[smorgasbord]

I’d categorize these as micro-blowers

Try this video:

 

[luvmytoolz]

Try this video:

I managed about 1.5 mins and my rising stress level just couldn't take it anymore!

It's like a 20 min "But wait, there's more" continuous ad.

 

[Vtshopdog]

Thanks Michael.

Just ordered another brand compatible with my red batteries as I have taken to keeping a cordless leaf blower around for cleaning when doing outdoor projects - sometimes it's overkill or clumsy to use. Didn't know these existed and likely will find lots of use for it. There is a clone of the model I ordered for yellow batteries but I could not find Michael's above tool to fit anything but Makita.

For $35 I'll give it a try and report back, seems like a handy little item to have around, but possible the version I ordered is junk show.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Just looked at YouTube and discovered scads of videos on this category of tool. Guess I’m one of the last people in the world to look into these…

Luvmytoolz… that guy is shrill but I just keep the audio down and scroll through to find the very useful ranking charts he displays. Bought my dash am based on his video.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Try this video:

I don’t understand the aerodynamics going on here. One model had the highest airspeed but the worst air pressure?

Looks like this illustrator is even more confused than me.



Put the motor/fan in the handle where there is no way to get air.