Suggestions please on18/24V combo kits?
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Hi all…I’m new to this forum and would love to hear your thoughts. I’m looking to purchase a new 18V combo kit of some sort and would like some feedback. In the running so far are:
– 18V Makita combo kit: DK1032DL (jig, recip, circ, blower/vac, 1/2″ hammer drill, light and 2 batteries PLUS they are throwing in a small 7″ (I think), sliding 18V mitre saw. All for aprox $950 US.
– Ridgid 18V kit: recip, circ, 1/2″ hammer drill and light. Aprox. $475US
– Bosch 24V kit: recip, circ, 1/2″ hammer drill, light and 10″ compound mitre. $725US
If anybody owns any of these cordless tools I’d appreciate any feedback.
Thanks in advance…Mike
Replies
Bosch...of the ones you have listed so far... but I would consider the Milwaukee 18v kit to be every bit as good. Depends also on which tools are included in the specific kit and what uses you will have for them. Me, I had more need for the Sawzall in the Milwaukee 18v kit that I did for the jigsaw in the 18v Bosch kit. The 24v Bosch stuff has a very good reputation but I did not need quite that much punch in a cordless. The Milwaukee kit is about $450-500 or so.
If you're looking for power and don't mind the weight, the Bosch is a great line of 24V tools. I've had mine for a number of years now, so unfortunately didn't get the exact combo you describe. I also have some makita stuff, and am sure they would be okay, but I have been less impressed with their stuff since they started using Nimh batteries instead of Nicads. I'm sure they would work out for most purposes, though.
Hope this helps. Rich.
Thanks Rich..I went with a Makita 18V set that was on sale..and then a further 15% off so I couldn't resist. It came with 6 tools + 7 1/2" sliding miter saw. The store owner also threw in 2 batteries to sweeten the deal. The Bosch stuff looks VERY nice but couldn't resist this deal. There also seems to be a larger variety of tools in the 18V category so it all made sense to go with it.
Speaking of batteries..I posted a question in the 'tools for homebuilding' section asking about the amp hour rating of batteries. There seems to be some conflicting information on this topic.
Thanks again for the feedback...Mike
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