shotsup 830 Posted November 25, 2018 I have a mish mash of brands. Skill Dewalt Craftsman Mikita Younger son getting into carpentry and wants to build his own set of power tools. Making his Xmas list now and wants to choose one brand Leaning towards Dewalt as he bought a 2 drill set on Black Friday. I always was a Mikita guy growing up but not married to them. Obviously since my current tools are red headed step children What you got Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drobeski 3,061 Posted November 25, 2018 Was a dewalt guy now makita And I know my schit Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shorepatrol 1,735 Posted November 25, 2018 4 times a year using it? Cheap, but get good accessories (blades, bits etc). Contractor. Expensive sh!t. I have rigid battery powered stuff, it's been fine for me. Craigslist for the corded stuff 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vuduchile 1,940 Posted November 25, 2018 I have mostly Dewalt now, with a few specialty tools from Bosch and others. Ive never had any problems with the Dewalts. I really like the drills, and the table and miter saws. Dewalt cordless combo kits are usually priced well around this time of year. Ive also has some Milwaukee stuff in the past and wasnt too happy with it. The Rigid stuff I had was ok I guess. Ive also had a set of cheap Porter Cable nail guns that came with a pancake compressor for about 15 years, and theyre still going strong. My sons and I just completed a little carpentry project this weekend when they got to use some of the power tools for the first time. They did all the math, figured out all the cuts and did most of the work. Much better than spending the weekend playing video games. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MTSkiBum 1,593 Posted November 25, 2018 When I worked construction or in the field DeWalt. DeWalt tools can take day in and day out abuse for years and still work like they are brand new as I have seen first hand. For small around the house projects I use ryobi. Cheaper and work just as good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fireballer 2,367 Posted November 25, 2018 Build the shop around a good table saw if you have room. If your not looking to buy brand new, i would seriously consider an old Craftsman(belt drive and built by Emerson can be had for around $100 on Cragslist) and buy a nice fence. Tables saws are all about the fence and belt drive is a must. As far as other stuff, just pick a brand you like. Ive seen DeWalt, Makita, etc be trash and guys do awesome work with Harbor Freight. Im a big fan of the Forrester Woodworker II blade. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shotsup 830 Posted November 25, 2018 Good deal Vuduchile We spent free time this weekend doing the same. He is making a magazine/newspaper rack for Xmas. Designed himself (measures and cuts) based on something he saw in the store. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tubby_mcgee 686 Posted November 25, 2018 I'm just a homeowner who likes to own every tool I can. Just in case. Table Saw- Rigid Router - Milwaukee Miter Saw - Craftsman (worst of all of my power tools-- Dewalt will be next) 18v Cordless Lithium - Bosch (about 8 tools) 12v Cordless Lithium - Milwaukee (about (8-10 tools) Air Compressor - Dewalt Shop Vacuum - Rigid (next one will be a Dewalt because it has a "bag" attached to side to carry all the attachements. This is better than a slot for each attachment like Rigid has) SDS Hammer Drill - Bosch Belt Sander - Rigid Orbital Sander - Dewalt Most of what I have in cordless, is because I started with one brand and a battery...so...duh....get all tools with same battery.If I started over, it would all be Milwaukee because they have the most selection in both 12v and 18v) I read all kinds of articles and reviews.....and of course...it all varies on who thinks what is best. Not much of a clear cut consensus. I think top sub-elite tier ...is (no order): Milwaukee, Bosch, Hitatchi, Dewalt, Rigid, Makita) I think the top tier is Hilti. Maybe others. I don't think Hilti has a good selection tho. Haven't looked much, but kinda guessing. I think the best selection and price combo of cordless tools for the "normal guy" is Ryobi. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 5,164 Posted November 25, 2018 I've always had Ryobi; I don't think it was a conscious decision but I bought a 5 piece kit early in adulthood because I needed tools, and just built off of that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shotsup 830 Posted November 25, 2018 He bought a Ryobi jig saw because of sale/price. Most likely sticking with Dewalt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 5,164 Posted November 25, 2018 When I worked construction or in the field DeWalt. DeWalt tools can take day in and day out abuse for years and still work like they are brand new as I have seen first hand. For small around the house projects I use ryobi. Cheaper and work just as good. This has always been my perception, although I've never owned DeWalt so can't comment. But they are noticeably more expensive than Ryobi. With my tools, I'm not building an ark or anything, just doing projects around the house. The drill drills (and has for 25 years), the saws saw (everything from reciprocating which I did finally replace, to circular, to compound miter), etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fandandy 3,311 Posted November 25, 2018 This has always been my perception, although I've never owned DeWalt so can't comment. But they are noticeably more expensive than Ryobi. With my tools, I'm not building an ark or anything, just doing projects around the house. The drill drills (and has for 25 years), the saws saw (everything from reciprocating which I did finally replace, to circular, to compound miter), etc. Don't come crying to me when it rains for forty days and forty nights. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 5,164 Posted November 25, 2018 Don't come crying to me when it rains for forty days and forty nights. I live in Phoenix, I'm liking my odds. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NorthernVike 2,079 Posted November 25, 2018 Whatever that Mexican at Home Depot uses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drizzay 644 Posted November 25, 2018 I have all ryobi. I like it because my lawn tools also take the same batteries. I just upgraded the hammer drill, impact driver and 7in circular saw to brushless. I don't use them every day, so durability for me is different than if I was in the trades, but i am very pleased. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Djgb13 2,338 Posted November 25, 2018 Craftsman or dewalt. Cant go wrong with either Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shorepatrol 1,735 Posted November 25, 2018 I think the best selection and price combo of cordless tools for the "normal guy" is Ryobi. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shorepatrol 1,735 Posted November 25, 2018 I live in Phoenix, I'm liking my odds. Good slap. AZ in the hooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuse Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 5,164 Posted November 25, 2018 Good slap. AZ in the hooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuse Also I have mostly Craftsman and Stanley for non-power tools. Probably more Craftsman. Although in my old lazy age I've tended to get Ace tools because the store is closer and much quicker to get in, find the tool, and get out than say a Home Depot or Sears. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drobeski 3,061 Posted November 25, 2018 Craftsman or dewalt. Cant go wrong with eitherthere is nothing worse than craftsman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cdub100 3,366 Posted November 25, 2018 there is nothing worse than craftsman They used to be good. Now not so much Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vuduchile 1,940 Posted November 25, 2018 Craftsman wrenches and sockets used to be good. I have an old set of those but its missing a few pieces so its now inside the house instead of in the garage or my everyday tool box. Ive never had any of their power tools. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vuduchile 1,940 Posted November 25, 2018 Build the shop around a good table saw if you have room. If your not looking to buy brand new, i would seriously consider an old Craftsman(belt drive and built by Emerson can be had for around $100 on Cragslist) and buy a nice fence. Tables saws are all about the fence and belt drive is a must. As far as other stuff, just pick a brand you like. Ive seen DeWalt, Makita, etc be trash and guys do awesome work with Harbor Freight. Im a big fan of the Forrester Woodworker II blade. My Bosch table saw is the sh!t. But its big and heavy and not all that portable, so it pretty much stays in the garage. My Dewalt jobsite table saw is really convenient to load and go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Djgb13 2,338 Posted November 25, 2018 there is nothing worse than craftsman Ive had craftsman for years. Never had a problem with them. Must be the new stuff cause the stuff I have got passed down to me from my dad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vuduchile 1,940 Posted November 25, 2018 Ive never owned any, but Ive known some guys whove sworn by Festool. Its very high end stuff but supposedly last forever. Probably a bit much for a youngster just starting out, but I can see the attraction. Im sure Digbys BIL has the entire line. https://www.festoolproducts.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8feG1dXu3gIVWJ7ACh3TEAavEAAYAiAAEgIzGfD_BwE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Djgb13 2,338 Posted November 25, 2018 Ive never owned any, but Ive known some guys whove sworn by Festool. Its very high end stuff but supposedly last forever. Probably a bit much for a youngster just starting out, but I can see the attraction. Im sure Digbys BIL has the entire line. https://www.festoolproducts.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8feG1dXu3gIVWJ7ACh3TEAavEAAYAiAAEgIzGfD_BwE No he pays people who have tools to go there and fix stuff for him HTH Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vuduchile 1,940 Posted November 25, 2018 No he pays people who have tools to go there and fix stuff for him HTH Of course. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tubby_mcgee 686 Posted November 25, 2018 Short Documentary on which power tools a guy should own: (the drill at the beginning, is a Bosch) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 12,575 Posted November 25, 2018 No he pays people who have tools to go there and fix stuff for him HTH You have a landlord to fix yours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alias Detective 1,178 Posted November 25, 2018 I have mostly Dewalt now, with a few specialty tools from Bosch and others. Ive never had any problems with the Dewalts. I really like the drills, and the table and miter saws. Dewalt cordless combo kits are usually priced well around this time of year. Ive also has some Milwaukee stuff in the past and wasnt too happy with it. The Rigid stuff I had was ok I guess. Ive also had a set of cheap Porter Cable nail guns that came with a pancake compressor for about 15 years, and theyre still going strong. My sons and I just completed a little carpentry project this weekend when they got to use some of the power tools for the first time. They did all the math, figured out all the cuts and did most of the work. Much better than spending the weekend playing video games. Ages of kids? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alias Detective 1,178 Posted November 25, 2018 What happened to Porter Cable? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cloaca du jour 2,064 Posted November 25, 2018 Kobalt. I have their 40v trimmer...blower...polesaw and chainsaw...over 3 years....i havent had a problem. Been great so far. Love not mixing gas anymore Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alias Detective 1,178 Posted November 25, 2018 Whatever that Mexican at Home Depot uses. I asked a buddy what tools he keeps in his toolbox. He said a note with his handymans phone number is ALL that’s in his tool box. I chuckled. A lot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alias Detective 1,178 Posted November 25, 2018 I have a mish mash of brands. Skill Dewalt Craftsman Mikita Younger son getting into carpentry and wants to build his own set of power tools. Making his Xmas list now and wants to choose one brand Leaning towards Dewalt as he bought a 2 drill set on Black Friday. I always was a Mikita guy growing up but not married to them. Obviously since my current tools are red headed step children What you got For real. Grizzly Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cloaca du jour 2,064 Posted November 25, 2018 What happened to Porter Cable? They still have their stuff at Harbor Freight Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Filthy Fernadez 2,696 Posted November 25, 2018 I've used Ryobi for years, and have the lithium ion batteries (2 big, 2 small) to go with them. 2 drills, 1 impact driver, 1 multi tool, 1 sawzall, 1 tire inflator. They aren't used heavily and have always performed adequately. I posted in the Black Friday thread that I bought the Dewalt 20v MAX Brushless drill and multi tool combo for $138 ($148 total). I ordered it Friday morning and it came Saturday afternoon. I plan on adding more DeWalt stuff as deals come up. I love my Rigid circular saw. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alias Detective 1,178 Posted November 25, 2018 I have the Kobalt 80v blower and 40v polesaw. Cheap tools have a purpose and even the cheap power tools seem to last a long time. Not everything in life needs to be a yeti. I’ve gotten to the point where having the right tool for the right job is more important than the brand name. With that said, I use Stihl for all 2 cycle equipment and generally Dewalt or some other medium-end brand battery powered tools. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vuduchile 1,940 Posted November 25, 2018 Ages of kids? 9 and 11. My wife and kids dont believe me when I tell them my friends and I built a three story tree house from scrap lumber when we were their age. And we did it all with hammers, nails and a couple hand saws. That third level wasnt all that stable, and was more of a deck since it had no walls. We only went up there if we were feeling brave and there was no wind. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites