Short version - I need to find a source of Milwaukee 1660 drills wired for
240V or equivilant

Pictures here: http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/corded/1660-6

Longer version:
One of our product lines re-purposes the universal brushed motor and
gearbox from a Milwaukee 1660 power drill. We use around 200 units per
year. One of the versions (probably 50 a year) of this needs the motor to
be wired for 240V. Up until a couple years ago we were able to buy a
version of this drill specified for 240V, since then they've discontinued
this version and we've fed our process by using Milwaukee's factory service
parts and converting the units from 120V to 240V.
More recently, they've discontinued the 240V rated field and armature parts
from their service parts as well.

We've made efforts with several supposedly reputable motor rewind shops to
have the existing 120V rated parts rewound for 240V operation. That
operation has been painful to say the least - $200 to $400 (USD) per unit
for the rewind and the last batch of 20 had a failure rate slightly above
95% after the second time they "fixed" them. (yes, one mostly works)

So, several thoughts.
First, I find it hard to accept that a major tool manufacturer has simply
given up on all the 220-230-240V countries. I'm wondering if I'm just
missing something - different part number, spun off a different division,
etc. Is there anybody "over there" that can shed any light on this?

Second, this drill exists to serve a real need.  Over here this is
typically the tool of plumbers and electricians - low speed, massive torque
and fairly compact - Rated for a 3" hole saw, I've seen it used with a 6"
hole saw - if Milwaukee isn't selling to this market, what are people using
for this purpose? With a little effort, I may be able to start with a
different unit and sidestep my availability issues.

Be happy to entertain recommendations for a different motor rewind shop...

Might consider suggestions for a step down power supply that will accept
240V AC or DC and put out 120V at about 7 amps to run the version I can get=
..

Willing to consider more "out of the box" ideas if anyone has any.


Thanks
-Denny
--=20
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