Re: Cordless Tools
Dave,
I've read all the replies to date. It wasn't until the last responses
were in that the emphasis shifted.
We are all 'creatures of habit' and the perception of 'convenience'
often
sucks us in. Then the marketers and manufacturers MAKE what we claim to
NEED. For example, our refrigerator decided to stop working yesterday .
. . it's 20+ years old so not really a shock. Went out to find a
replacement last night. NOBODY has one in stock *WITHOUT* an ice maker &
water dispenser. They are not only 'special order' items, but are 30
percent MORE because so few of them are made !!
True, if a framer is on a roof - not having a 'tail' on a circular saw
is a nice idea. But over on the 'woodworking forum' there are constant
threads extolling the virtues of the 'Contractors Saw' {table
type}because it can be heaved into the back of a truck and taken to the
job site. Then there are all the framers & roofers who use those
ubiquitous air-powered nail guns . . . that air line is one heavy tail
!!
While some of us are either 'in the Trades', own/run a manufacturing
facility, or otherwise have their livelihood depend on our tools, most
of the 'participants' aren't and CAN'T 'amortize' or otherwise deduct
the cost. Even a half-way decent corded drill should last a lifetime if
not abused. {I have an OLD Rockwell drill that is 'dedicated' to a
'Portalign' device . . . it's about 30 years old and the only thing
noticeable is a patched cord}. I have a couple of other Sears drills
{when they were made of METAL}that are about 25 years old and look brand
new. My 'newest' corded drill is a Ryobi with a clutch. By their very
nature, the cordless tools can be considered 'disposable'. Granted, the
'life cycle' may be years, but the batteries WILL 'die'. At that point,
the cost of new ones may equal OR exceed the cost of a new tool . . .
complete with a pair of batteries.
Do I have cordless tools . . . of course. I have 3 drills and have had a
couple die on me. The first was a Skill Power Screwdriver, but that just
served to give me the 'taste'. Next was a B&D . . . swapped that one
when it died within a year. The replacement works, but the 'tube-type'
batteries have life problems. The 12 volt Ryobi keeps chugging along.
Starting to get a little weak in the batteries {even though I 'run &
swap' them regularly}. So I picked up an 18 volt set {drill & small
circular saw}on a special sale . . . for about the same cost as a couple
of batteries.
I often use both types at the same time. I arranged a 'Power Strip' on
the rafter over my assembly bench / area. I plug in the corded drill
{with the clutch} and use it for the 'power hungry' drilling jobs
{typically pilot holes}. With the cord going vertical, no problem with
the 'tail' getting tangled. The cordless is set-up with the quick change
driver bits for setting the screws. A handy arrangement that works for
me, for what it's worth.
Regards & Good Luck,
Ron Magen
Backyard Boatshop
Date: Wed, 06 Oct 2004 07:31:57 -0400
From: David Ryan <david@...>
Subject: Cordless Tools Sets
FBBB,
Well the batteries on my Makita 12v cordless gave up the ghost. I
thought I'd re-cell them, but couldn't get the cases apart without
destroying them, and from the way their pricing replacements, it seems
clear they'd rather sell me another drill than sell me new batteries.
Our esteemed John Cupp gives the Delta combo set high marks, any other
opinions here in Bolger land?
YIBB,
David
I've read all the replies to date. It wasn't until the last responses
were in that the emphasis shifted.
We are all 'creatures of habit' and the perception of 'convenience'
often
sucks us in. Then the marketers and manufacturers MAKE what we claim to
NEED. For example, our refrigerator decided to stop working yesterday .
. . it's 20+ years old so not really a shock. Went out to find a
replacement last night. NOBODY has one in stock *WITHOUT* an ice maker &
water dispenser. They are not only 'special order' items, but are 30
percent MORE because so few of them are made !!
True, if a framer is on a roof - not having a 'tail' on a circular saw
is a nice idea. But over on the 'woodworking forum' there are constant
threads extolling the virtues of the 'Contractors Saw' {table
type}because it can be heaved into the back of a truck and taken to the
job site. Then there are all the framers & roofers who use those
ubiquitous air-powered nail guns . . . that air line is one heavy tail
!!
While some of us are either 'in the Trades', own/run a manufacturing
facility, or otherwise have their livelihood depend on our tools, most
of the 'participants' aren't and CAN'T 'amortize' or otherwise deduct
the cost. Even a half-way decent corded drill should last a lifetime if
not abused. {I have an OLD Rockwell drill that is 'dedicated' to a
'Portalign' device . . . it's about 30 years old and the only thing
noticeable is a patched cord}. I have a couple of other Sears drills
{when they were made of METAL}that are about 25 years old and look brand
new. My 'newest' corded drill is a Ryobi with a clutch. By their very
nature, the cordless tools can be considered 'disposable'. Granted, the
'life cycle' may be years, but the batteries WILL 'die'. At that point,
the cost of new ones may equal OR exceed the cost of a new tool . . .
complete with a pair of batteries.
Do I have cordless tools . . . of course. I have 3 drills and have had a
couple die on me. The first was a Skill Power Screwdriver, but that just
served to give me the 'taste'. Next was a B&D . . . swapped that one
when it died within a year. The replacement works, but the 'tube-type'
batteries have life problems. The 12 volt Ryobi keeps chugging along.
Starting to get a little weak in the batteries {even though I 'run &
swap' them regularly}. So I picked up an 18 volt set {drill & small
circular saw}on a special sale . . . for about the same cost as a couple
of batteries.
I often use both types at the same time. I arranged a 'Power Strip' on
the rafter over my assembly bench / area. I plug in the corded drill
{with the clutch} and use it for the 'power hungry' drilling jobs
{typically pilot holes}. With the cord going vertical, no problem with
the 'tail' getting tangled. The cordless is set-up with the quick change
driver bits for setting the screws. A handy arrangement that works for
me, for what it's worth.
Regards & Good Luck,
Ron Magen
Backyard Boatshop
Date: Wed, 06 Oct 2004 07:31:57 -0400
From: David Ryan <david@...>
Subject: Cordless Tools Sets
FBBB,
Well the batteries on my Makita 12v cordless gave up the ghost. I
thought I'd re-cell them, but couldn't get the cases apart without
destroying them, and from the way their pricing replacements, it seems
clear they'd rather sell me another drill than sell me new batteries.
Our esteemed John Cupp gives the Delta combo set high marks, any other
opinions here in Bolger land?
YIBB,
David