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Going on a second season with the MM/K-Drill combo, I haven't found anything to not like yet. The handle adjustability is a plus and so far seems extremely sturdy. RPMs are plenty for driving the K and though it is maxed does not heat up drilling a dozen holes at a time. Additionally, the K does not catch at the bottom of the hole so from a stability standpoint the combo is also pretty safe. That centering point absolutely prevents drill walking and always gets your hole right where you wanted it.Based on DN's comments I am curious what the criteria might be for "stable" and "safe". Or perhaps it's more auger choice than the driver.Direct drive simplifies the equation. I know, one trick pony, but I've already got a coupla perfectly good drills/drivers for home use and a dedicated tool for ice seemed right. I have mixed a couple buckets of cement though. Did a nice job and made quick work of it.
I am still waffling on getting a Milwaukee Hole Hawg or Super Hawg. They are the true Big Mamas when it comes to drilling.https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Drilling/Right-Angle-DrillsThe Hole Hawg is about $250 but I have seen it for much less. I am sure it is already overkill. But, speaking of overkill, the Super Hawg is even more powerful - designed to cut 6 inch holes in wood all day long on batteries. Same internal gearbox for more torque and lower RPMs.Probably won't pull the trigger this year because I probably don't need it anyways - just the bragging rights.There is one practical side, it is long and slim once you remove the handle so it is easy to pack and transport.
Warning, my MM was shutting down the other day after my sixth hole in 6” of hard clear ice the other day. I am not sure what to think about that? 8” orange Nills.
Make sure the rpm dial is set to max.
I too have had issues with my mud mixer shutting down. Running a 12.0 or 9.0 battery I’m having the same problem. Saturday I drilled 17 holes in a row with my 6” k drill through 11.5” of ice. By the time I got to the 10th hole it cut out the first time. By the time I got to the last hole it cut out 4 different times. Very frustrating. The motor did feel a little warm, but I didn’t expect this at all.
Sorry to hear that, but it is nice to have company. I have decided to dedicate it to my 4.5” auger for now. That is my run and gun bit and the two handles on the mixer are hard to beat.
When it "cuts" out have you checked the battery to see how much charge is remaining?Make sure the speed control dial is "full" speed.If you tried 2 different batteries on the tool when it was cutting out (you mentioned running a 12 and 9) I would surmise it's the tool.Normally when a cordless tool cuts out there's a reason. Overuse, battery issue or tool issue.They have a 5 year warranty and haven't even been out for 5 years, sooooo get it in for repair.I was out Saturday and drilled over 60 8" holes using a 9 amp/hr battery in 12 inches of ice with no problems and 2 bars left on battery.If anything is wrong internally with that tool all the electrical/electronics are replaced as a unit.Good luck.
Seriously the tool is designed for mixing drywall, stucco and concrete with very large mixers bits, not many applications require more torque as well as long run times!
Was the "speed dial" at it's highest?
My son uses mine as well as many passerby's on on the ice that wanted to try it out. Truth be told there's only a couple people on this forum having problems. Try letting the big girl work at her own speed.
Yeah, keep telling yourself that. Below is a direct quote from the K-Drill website:K-Drill StaffOctober 24, 2018"Milwaukee Mud Mixer was tried by several members of our field test staff with similar results by all. Final Results: The heavier Milwaukee Mud Mixer did not have a high enough current load or temp setting to work with the 8 inch K-Drill and would continuously shut down after 2-3 holes. The standard 2703-20 drill far out-performed the Mud Mixer in all of our testing. Until Milwaukee makes some changes to the control circuit in the the Mud Mixer I would be certain it could be returned for a standard 2703-20 or 2803-20 hand drill."Why do people get their panties in a bunch when someone else has a problem with a product that they like?