Milwaukee Compact Cutoff Tool
12 Weeks
Spring 2026
A Tool For Fire Fighters
During this semester long project I was tasked with designing a power tool for a specific user group
I created a low profile compact cutoff tool, specifically designed for quick cuts in narrow space
Immersion
During my research I was able to visit Cincinnati’s historic Ladder 19 Station, where I interviewed Mike and Dean. Both of them are highly knowledgeable about the systems and tools of fire fighting through their decades of experience.
Key Takeaways
Integrated Battery System
Station uses all Milwaukee power tools due to reliable performance and most importantly shared battery system.
Single Use Tools
They have a strong preference to single use tools. Needs to be most effective solution, can’t risk sharing features.
Compact and Light
Fire fighters carry anywhere between 50-115 lbs of gear on them. The truck also carries around 10,000 lbs of weight. Any additional tool should be designed to reduce weight carried.
Identifying a Gap
Ideation
Design Language
Tool Teardown
Took apart an existing compact cut off tool to get an understanding of the internals and overall function of the tool. Additionally I was able to see manufacturing techniques such as the mold and part lines.
Final Direction
Started by laying out internals, then drew an orthographic shell to house them. After that I modeled the sketch in CAD
Renders
