Power Tools!

[Kingcreek]

Bosch and porter cable and Milwaukee followed closely by dewalt then makita.

[Azrael256]

Does it bother anybody that nearly all of this stuff is made in China?  I've had some good tools from China, but they're the exception in my experience.

[birdman]

I just noticed there is no love for Skil for circular saws. I have a 30 year old worm drive saw from my oil patch days that I look at as the equivalent to my Milwaukee Hole Shooter. They were both THE tool for their uses in the construction industry back in my day. The Hole Shooter still seems to be getting rave reviews. Did Skil quality drop on their pro products?

Actually, I have an old skil circular saw (its 10-12years old IIRC) that is still running strong, but its not built as good as my 20yr old Milwaukee. 
Dunno about recent skil, but the ones I've touch-shopped seemed inferior. 

[birdman]

Does it bother anybody that nearly all of this stuff is made in China?  I've had some good tools from China, but they're the exception in my experience.

Depends WHAT is made in china, and even then, all china production isn't the same, its really up to the mfg and how hard they keep QA oversight on them, and how they pushed costs--you can get some good quality out of PRC mfg, IF you keep your boot on them AND you don't just aim for lowest costs.

[Azrael256]

Fair enough.

I have a sort of reflexive reaction to it.  Tool + China = junk, and I won't even pick it up off the shelf to look.

[birdman]

Fair enough.

I have a sort of reflexive reaction to it.  Tool + China = junk, and I won't even pick it up off the shelf to look.

In most cases, you get what you pay for.  In an area as competitive as tools, with a variety of mfg involved, it is highly likely that more costly tools are built better...once you get to a certain point, domestic or euro mfg becomes cost effective.

[slingshot]

Electric Drills:  Hard to even find a cordless electric drill anymore.  But I keep a corded Makita (they are green and sold by Lowe's) as a backup in my work vehicle all the time.  They are excellent!  Dewalt and Ryobi are very reliable cordless drills.  A small 12 volt Ryobi is my favorite drill... lots of torc, light, and handly.  I keep several cordless electric drills in my work vehicle.  But the Ryobi gets the nod in most cases except for bigger jobs where I need the 18v Dewalt.  It's heavy and wears on you after a while.

Reciprocating Saws:  When I first started using these tools with regularity, I was shopping and a guy (a contractor by all appearances) suggested I get the Black & Decker saws.  He said they all wear out....  well they do.  BUT I wore out three Black & Decker saws on one job and will never buy another one.  Replaced with a Makita and it worked for a couple years and eventually wore out.  I now am using Dewalt reciprocating saws and they seem to be pretty reliable and last.  Note... I use these saws hard.  I have never owned a Millwauke brand saw, but that would be my second choice today.  Lots of difference in quality on the blades... spend some time and buy good ones.  Don't just buy the cheapest or what you see first believing they are all the same.  They aren't by a long shot.

Skil Saw/Circular Saws:  I use an older Porter Cable saw that I am quite fond of.  I need to buy a larger one.  I bought this one for "home" use with a middle sized blade thinking ... just big enough to handle 2x4's.  It is great for small jobs but not continuous use like at a construction site.  I have no experience with cordless skill saws although they are becoming more popular. If I were buying one today, I would get Dewalt brand.

Don't overlook Sears.  They have some good stuff and an excellent store warranty.  Porter Cable used to be a great high quality line but has declined since Black & Decker bought them out.  I believe Porter Cable was to become Black & Decker's better line... not so sure of this, but they have a great name.

Jig Saws:  I would say Bosch.  But honestly, I have a Dremel brand and it's okay.  Don't use it much.

[Balog]

I like my Porter Cable cordless drill a lot, and a friend who's very into woodworking loves their routers.

[Unisaw]

41magsnub, I have the exact same saw and stand.  It is indeed a great tool that I would highly recommend.

[slingshot]

12v Porter Cable was my very first cordless drill.  Loved it.  Dropped it off a step ladder and that killed it.  That is when the Ryobi appeared... quick trip to Home Depot.  That was the only home center in that town.  It has worked out great.

I got a 20v Dewalt cordless recip saw at Christmas time.  Needed one that I could take to job sites where I didn't have to worry about electricity for short term needs.  It doesn't get used much. 

[Azrael256]

Possibly last question: Worm drive or sidewinder?

I got the drill and sawzall (awesome!), but I can't decide which circular saw.  I've only ever used sidewinders.  Is the worm drive $100 better?

[Marnoot]

Possibly last question: Worm drive or sidewinder?

I got the drill and sawzall (awesome!), but I can't decide which circular saw.  I've only ever used sidewinders.  Is the worm drive $100 better?

I don't really see worm-drives as "better" necessarily, just "different" for different use-cases. Worm drive = more power, but also more weight, so it's also a matter of whether the extra power is worth the extra weight for what you're using it for.

[coppertales]

I have several power tools from Craftsman that are over 30 years old and still working just fine.  At my age, lifetime warranty doesn't mean much to me, 69, so I don't look at the high end tools much.   I buy what I need at Harbor Freight.  So far, all of them have worked just fine.....chris3

[birdman]

I don't really see worm-drives as "better" necessarily, just "different" for different use-cases. Worm drive = more power, but also more weight, so it's also a matter of whether the extra power is worth the extra weight for what you're using it for.

Exactly.  Unless you plan on cross cutting hardwood A LOT, non-worm is totally fine.

[Azrael256]

Ok, picked up the sidewinder.  It's a beast by itself.  I can't imagine what I would do with something more powerful.