I hope I’m getting through this time; computers are not my strength. I’d rather work with wood anytime.
I’m anticipating a situation where I’ll have limited access to electricity and, although I feel competent with hand tools, I’d like to be able to add some cordless power tools to my inventory. Is there a source of reviews of such tools as routers, saws [circular,jig,compound mitre,etc.] other than the particular manufacturers’ own reviews?
Any suggestions or individual recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Steve
Replies
Go to Amazon .com or epinions and read reviews by people who have already bought and used the tools. You will see the good and bad of most brands
http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/default.asp has some good reviews as does jlconline http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront and if you haven't already, check out Taunton's 2004 Tool Guide. What do you mean by "limited access to electricity"? I haven't totally bought into the cordless revolution. Cordless tools are handy and they certainly are profitable for their manufacturers but I think you'll get a lot more back for your buck with corded tools- less expensive, more powerful, lighter and longer lasting.
Edited 4/11/2004 10:08 pm ET by jc
Edited 4/11/2004 10:08 pm ET by jc
jc; I guess I'm just looking for an excuse to buy more tools. We've bought a house in Mexico and they are notorious for electricity that is sporatic at best, and expensive when its there [I can't imagine it being more expensive than here, but that's what I've been told] I'll have some work to do in the house and I'm preparing myself to be able to work on my "honey-do" list. I'm also looking into Generators. The more I think about it, that might be the way to go. You're feedback helps. Thanks, Steve
By no means will cordless tools ever replace the corded cousins. I still carry my HD77 wormdrive in my truck, and wouldn't trade in for a cordless for any amount of money. The drills though, are a different matter. I don't mind recharging them. For drilling lots and lots of holes, no, a cordless drill won't do it as fast. But for even a decent amount of holes, and if you have to drive screws and holes, or even just screws, the cordless surpasses, I think. I feel like I have much more control with a cordless drill
Young, poor, and eager to learn
When looking for cordless tools, it really depends on what you will be doing. Some tools will drain batteries like crazy, and you still need some electricity to charge them at some point. Personally, I love cordless drills. If you do any screwing, this is a necessity, in my eyes. I personally like to buy very good tools, because I don't want to have to keep replacing them. I'd say probably go 14.4v to 18v. 14.4v has great power/weight ratio. 18v has more power, but are quite heavy for continued use. I've heard very good things about the Panasonic 15.6v. I have the prototype for Makita's 14.4v M-force drill, and a 18v Milwaukee Loc-tor hd. The Milwaukee is part of a kit. Sometimes I have to do some cutting very, very far from power, and it's nice to have a cordless circ saw or sawzall. But like I said, they drain the battery fast.
Young, poor, and eager to learn
I'm OLD, poor and eager; thanks for the feedback. I'm looking into Milwaukee, Porter Cable [$$$] and Bosch. So far I lean toward Bosch. I like the corded power tools I own. I'm also looking into generators. This has opened up a whole new avenue for me. Thanks again, Steve
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