Hi Guys
I'm new here and this is my first post, so not sure if this is the correct place to put this, but here goes.
I have a lot of 18v power tools (approx 20) from the same manufacturer which all take the same 18v NiCd battery (NiMh and Li-Ion versions also available).
However, I would like to be able to run these power tools via either:
Although you cannot beat the portability of cordless power tools, there has been occasions when I have needed to use several tools at once in close proximity to mains power.
During these times I would've preferred to use 'corded tools' to eliminate 'battery change/charging', but cannot justify having both corded and cordless of the same type of tool.
The best of both worlds would be a kind of 'Hybrid', if that's the correct terminology, which can be used cordless when needed, but which can also be used via the mains supply when mains is available near the work area.
When I originally thought about this a few years back, I naively thought it was an original idea, but I have since found out that many others have appoached this subject with varying degrees of success.
I also discovered that DeWalt had done something similar for their 24v drills, but it never caught on.
Some folk have even created their own 'transformer/adapter/device' from various parts, so it can be done.
There's two ways I see to acheive this and these are as follows:
There's probably many other good plus points, but these are the ones I could think of right now.
What I would like to know is whether this is a viable project.
Transformer In The Battery Compartment:
Is such a transformer available that will fit into an empty battery?
Will the transformer be susceptible to overheating using this method?
I prefer the other method as it would mean for a lighter tool due to the transformer being 'remote'.
Going by the findings of other people who have done similar, it would appear that the 18v tools (reciprocatiing saw, circular saw, jigsaw, hammer drill) require in the region of 8-10 amps when under load.
Maybe someone more qualified could advise otherwise as I've also seen 30 amps mentioned.
Another solution may be to use an industrial 240v/24v transformer (purple power plugs), such as the one below:
VA: 400
Input vac: 230v
Input Current: 1.74a
Output vac: 24v
Output Current: 16a
IP44
Would 24v be too much?
Then it would be just a case of making up a cable with 24v plug on one end an a 'modified' battery pack on the other.
Cheers guys.
I'm new here and this is my first post, so not sure if this is the correct place to put this, but here goes.
I have a lot of 18v power tools (approx 20) from the same manufacturer which all take the same 18v NiCd battery (NiMh and Li-Ion versions also available).
However, I would like to be able to run these power tools via either:
- Modified Battery, Containing 240v/18v Transformer.
- Mains powered 18v transformer
Although you cannot beat the portability of cordless power tools, there has been occasions when I have needed to use several tools at once in close proximity to mains power.
During these times I would've preferred to use 'corded tools' to eliminate 'battery change/charging', but cannot justify having both corded and cordless of the same type of tool.
The best of both worlds would be a kind of 'Hybrid', if that's the correct terminology, which can be used cordless when needed, but which can also be used via the mains supply when mains is available near the work area.
When I originally thought about this a few years back, I naively thought it was an original idea, but I have since found out that many others have appoached this subject with varying degrees of success.
I also discovered that DeWalt had done something similar for their 24v drills, but it never caught on.
Some folk have even created their own 'transformer/adapter/device' from various parts, so it can be done.
There's two ways I see to acheive this and these are as follows:
- Transplant a 240v mains powered transformer into an empty battery, which outputs 18v to power the drill, jigsaw etc.
- Have a 240v mains powered transformer, sited close to power outlet, with 18v power via cable to an empty 'modified' battery (for the electrical connection).
- Abilty to use mains power when in the proximity of mains socket.
- Longer useage times for those with limited number of batteries.
- Extended battery lifespan due to batteries only being charged when 'Going Remote'.
- Less Battery Changes' if working near mains power.
- Less batteries required by user, so keeping the end user cost low.
- Less batteries produced by manufacturer, which would be better for the environment..
- More envirnmentally friendly (less dead batteries going to landfill).
There's probably many other good plus points, but these are the ones I could think of right now.
What I would like to know is whether this is a viable project.
Transformer In The Battery Compartment:
Is such a transformer available that will fit into an empty battery?
Will the transformer be susceptible to overheating using this method?
I prefer the other method as it would mean for a lighter tool due to the transformer being 'remote'.
Going by the findings of other people who have done similar, it would appear that the 18v tools (reciprocatiing saw, circular saw, jigsaw, hammer drill) require in the region of 8-10 amps when under load.
Maybe someone more qualified could advise otherwise as I've also seen 30 amps mentioned.
Another solution may be to use an industrial 240v/24v transformer (purple power plugs), such as the one below:
VA: 400
Input vac: 230v
Input Current: 1.74a
Output vac: 24v
Output Current: 16a
IP44
Would 24v be too much?
Then it would be just a case of making up a cable with 24v plug on one end an a 'modified' battery pack on the other.
Cheers guys.
Last edited: