Summary of HEAVY METAL POWER BANK USES TOOL BATTERIES
Taylor Hay constructed a high-end portable power bank using CNC-cut aluminum panels and a 3D-printed internal frame. The device features a 150-watt inverter, temperature-controlled cooling, multiple USB ports, a 12V accessory port, and an LED display. Uniquely, it utilizes a custom interface to accept 18V Milwaukee cordless tool batteries instead of a proprietary pack, prioritizing build quality over cost savings.
Parts used in the Portable Power Bank:
- CNC-cut aluminum side panels
- 3D printed internal frame
- 150 watt 240 VAC inverter
- Temperature-controlled fan
- Four USB ports (2.1 A each)
- Standard 12 VDC accessory port
- LED display for voltage and current
- 3D printed battery interface
- 18 V Milwaukee cordless tool battery
At one time or another, most of us have seen a gadget for sale and thought we could build something similar for cheaper. Of course, we’re almost always wrong. Not about being able to build it, mind you. But when you add up the cost of the materials, the tool or two you almost inevitably end up buying, and the time spent chasing perfection, you’re lucky if you haven’t doubled the original price.
We’re not sure how much money [Taylor Hay] ended up saving by building his own portable power bank. But we do know it’s a gorgeous piece of hardware that’s certainly built far better than the average consumer gadget. The CNC-cut aluminum side panels look like something pulled out of a tank, and while we know some might balk at the 3D printed internal frame, we’re confident you could use this thing as an impromptu step stool without a problem.
Inside there’s 150 watt 240 VAC inverter, complete with a temperature-controlled fan to keep it cool under load. There are also four USB ports providing 2.1 A each, a standard 12 VDC accessory port, and a LED display that shows battery voltage and current being drawn. Rather than come up with his own battery pack, [Taylor] used a 3D printed interface that accepts an 18 V Milwaukee cordless tool battery. Naturally, the design could be adapted to take another brand’s cells if you were so inclined.
Around these parts, we know that a good project doesn’t have to be cheaper or even more practical than what’s already on the market. There’s an inherent value in building something exactly the way you want it that you simply can’t put a monetary price on.
Source: HEAVY METAL POWER BANK USES TOOL BATTERIES
- How much money did Taylor Hay save?
The article states the author is not sure how much money was saved. - What material are the side panels made of?
The side panels are CNC-cut aluminum. - Does the device have a cooling system?
Yes, it includes a temperature-controlled fan to keep the inverter cool under load. - What type of battery does the project use?
It uses an 18 V Milwaukee cordless tool battery via a custom interface. - Can the design accept other battery brands?
Yes, the design could be adapted to take another brand's cells. - What does the LED display show?
The display shows battery voltage and current being drawn. - How many USB ports are included?
There are four USB ports providing 2.1 A each. - Is the internal frame metal or plastic?
The internal frame is 3D printed. - Why did the builder choose this approach?
The value lies in building something exactly the way one wants it rather than saving money.
