Subject: Best Cordless Drill???

From: "Jamie Barnes" <[email-masked]>
Date: 27 Mar 1997 23:49:24 GMT

I'm new to this newsgroup, so if this has been discussed previously I
apologize. I'm going to buy a cordless drill in the next few weeks. I'm
having a house built so I'm going to use it for obvious things like hanging
mini blinds, shelves, etc. I'm also going to go in after the subfloors are
put down and screw in the floors to prevent squeaks. I'm considering buying
a 12V DeWalt. Partially because two of my buddies also have 12V DeWalts and
I could borrow their battery packs if I ever needed to. I've also looked at
Mikita, Bosch, and a couple of others. Any experiences, positive or
negative, would be appreciated.

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From: [email-masked]
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 00:30:49 GMT

Panasonic is my all time favorite and it's gotten great reviews.

Avoid Milwaukee.  The motor self destructed on mine after minimal use.
They have a good warranty though.

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From: Steve Wallace <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 19:42:36 -0800

Jamie Barnes wrote:
> 
> I'm new to this newsgroup, 

Welcome aboard...hope ya stay.

> so if this has been discussed previously I
> apologize.

Go check http://www.dejanews.com and do a search in rec.woodworking for
'cordless drill'  It has been discussed extensively.

> I'm going to buy a cordless drill in the next few weeks. I'm

I just went down the path you are on.  I have been looking at them for
about three months, and I decided to go with the Panasonic.  The ergonomics
are incredible...the drill feels *perfect* in use.  And the price just 
dropped to $179 from any of the big mail order joints...I bought mine from
Tools On Sale.  Tool Crib has the same price (but I don't do business with
them), and other joints oughta have the same deal.

Your point about battery packs is valid...it is also valid if you are gonna
buy other cordless toys^H^H^H^H tools in the future and wanna share battery
packs betwixt those tools, or you just wanna reduce the number of chargers
on your bench...in that case, the Dewalt or Makita options both seem valid.
I like the DeWalt (it was my second choice), and the new Makita seems nice
as well.  I haven't fondled the new PC drills, but you may wish to.

I personally don't like the Bosch.  I used one for a neiborhood light 
construction project, and it drove me crazy...I noticed that I would wait 
for a DeWalt or Panasonic to become available rather than use the Bosch, 
and if both the Panasonic and a DeWalt were available, I would walk farther 
to pick up the Panasonic than the DeWalt...so that spoke volumes to me. 
YMMV.  

That being the case, I think the DeWalt is a nice tool.  I doubt 
that you would regret buying one.  However, I doubt that you will
ever feel the need to borrow a battery pack from your buddy if you
have two...the DeWalt charger will recharge in an hour (15 min charger
is available...Panasonic has 15 minute charger std), and if you wear
out a bettery in less than an hour, you are prolly working hard enough
to deserve a few moments rest...

Later.
Steve.
-- 
"Buy the best, and only cry once."

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From: Steve Koschmann <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 19:06:36 -0700

> >negative, would be appreciated.
My favorite is the Bosch.  I have the Dewalt 12v and the Dewalt 14.4V
(got a GREAT deal on that one) but I use the Bosch 12 volt the most. 
Seems to fit my hand best and the battery really lasts...

Steve k

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From: L Maleszewski <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 22:23:12 -0500

Jamie,
Although I personally do not care for B&D tools, oops meant to say
DeWalt, it rate highly in a review from Wood magazine.  Regardless of
the voltage, the DeWalt was the winner.  I'll stick with my Makita until
it croaks & read more current reviews, although I'm leaning heavily
toward the Panasonic or Bosch.
Larry

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From: [email-masked] (LEE WARD)
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 97 19:56:00 -0600

Remember if you can borrow your buddies Battery packs-Then they can
borrow yours! Sumpin to ponder eh?
                                    LW

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