I've used the  Makita drill set and know it's a workhorse for around $240. Is there anything truly  comparable on the less than $240 side? I prefer Dewalt but not familiar with the new stuff...

gonna be hard to beat Mikita. I still have one of those old 9v long battery type drills. Drill works great- not so much for the original batteries. When my old chrome Craftsman "skill" saw bit the dust, I replaced it with a Mikita. Great saw!

There's a used one cragslist kc for $175 I thought about seeing if he would take $125 but it's a gamble I guess...

 

Edited November 20, 20196 yr by BillyJack

$65 off of the new price isn't too much unless it's almost brand new. Makita warranty might be something to look at especially for their batteries.

Guys buy this stuff christmas comes up and start wanting  to unload the things not using anymore. Looks new may make offer tomorrow...

I long ran a production shop. Makita tools were top notch for that use. DeWalt tools were a long way behind. Lamello was the top biscuit joiner, none of the rest were in the same league. Omga has been outstanding as our miter saw of choice. All that said, if price is your gage, none of these are in the running. As a home gamer you don't need durability in the same way as tools that get used all day every day. And more to the point if you are happy with what you've got, you are lucky. 

This isn't for home use. Makita was big but they were not in the 90's . Dewalt own the 90's and Milwaukee got some where in between in 2000..

 

There drills have been holding there own. I used this drill for 6 years at Jacobe furniture only replacing one battery. But I just dont know what compares to them or I need to spend so much..

 

Nobody really used biscuit jointers in the last 30 years. They were around up in the cabinets the somewhere covered in dust..

Edited November 20, 20196 yr by BillyJack

I have a Dewalt 20 volt impact driver, use at home daily and it works well.  Took a Milwaukee 12volt impact driver to work at the shop.  Been great for 2 years, grease got the handle slimy but I removed it and used some epoxy around the grips.  

I have a Dewalt 20v drill/driver and a Makita 18v. I'm not doing any production type work. Both tools have met my needs with zero problems.

I've had a NiCad Dewalt set for years and have no complaints and used it commercially for a few years.  Upgraded to Lithium batteries a few years ago.  I have a 12V Hitachi lithium ion set that I use in the shop which is mostly smaller screws with no complaints.  I was using the drill to twist YO-YO strings which required "pulling/stretching" the strings while they are being wound.  Found the drills are made for pushing only and had to repair that mishap but the drill is still running fine.  Love the smaller/lighter 12V set.

Edited November 21, 20196 yr by HandyDan

I found more batteries for my 12v xrp for $48 on AMAZON . Just trying to decide if the upgrade would be worth it. 

 

The older Dewalts ae by no means in the same bracket as the Makita.. 

 

What to do...

Every time I cheap out, I regret it!

Maybe you are luckier than me?

Got a call from friend and he has a line on some 18 volt Milwaukee drills and impact drivers.  Wanted to know if I liked them.  Sure, they are nice but a bit heavy for me to use after a bit I told him.  (Pins in my wrist and arm don't like heavy things) But they would be good for less repetitive tasks I do, why do you ask?  Great he says I got you a set for Christmas see you in a few weeks.

 

Scratch one item off my wish list this year.

On 11/20/2019 at 4:29 PM, BillyJack said:

Nobody really used biscuit jointers in the last 30 years. They were around up in the cabinets the somewhere covered in dust..

I still use my biscuit joiners a fair amount for casegoods.  Probably over 50 things  I've made lots of things using just them and all are holding up fine.   I do not use them for edge joining, "just for alignment."    

 I think I've stirred this pot before.  So, I'll just add, "Pins first or tails first?  Glue one surface or both?"

Every body in the business has gone to the Domino. Whats a $1000 if your making money....I won't buy one I'm old school and old and will save my $1000 . I still have the biscuit jointer. I can find a lot of other tools to get rid of first.....

I used to own a biscuit jonter. Used it on one project and sold it. Found that my router and slot cutter does the same thing. 

Edited November 26, 20196 yr by Gene Howe

He's got a bosch 1617 I believe he doesn't likr. I think I'll see if he wants a pc 690 kit  and trade..

 

I guess they don't like the plunge base of the Bosch,...