[TheForge] electric hand tools

[Ries Niemi]

On Aug 11, 2006, at 9:26 AM, Albin Drzewianowski wrote:

> First off, I want to thank everyone who has provided feedback on their 
> experiences with hand tools (especially 1/2" drills  ).  It has been 
> very helpful.
>
> Now a word about all of the "nostalgic" information supplied.  The 
> quality of 20 year old tools doesn't help the poor guy who has to buy 
> a tool today. I think it is safe to say that almost none of the top 
> performers from 20 years ago are still the "best in field".   Sad to 
> say.
>
> Remember that the question of the day, especially to help the newbies 
> just getting into blacksmithing, is what brand to trust today.
>
> Although I will admit that the historic information is useful when you 
> run across an oldie at a flea market or estate sale.
>
> Regards,
> D-ski
>
> WX: a perfectly gorgeous day in Central MD,  why couldn't it have been 
> like this last week, when I was on vacation    8^(
>
>

Virtually anything made by Bosch is gonna be good. I have never had a 
bad bosch product. I have 6 or 8 bosch grinders, of varying ages, no 
apparent difference in quality.
The Metabo grinders are generally considered to be some of the best 
available, welders who work in the field swear by em.
Fein tools are also very good, and very expensive. They make a limited 
line of equipment, but if you want the best, and they make one, Fein is 
the way to go.
Many Milwuakee tools are still quite good- the sawzalls, the hammer 
drills, the big 4x24 belt sanders.

But really, it depends a lot on what your expectations are, and how you 
use your tools.
We run grinders all the time, in quite tough situations. Mine are all 
Bosch, except for a big 9" Milwaukee, which is a brute, but has enough 
power to spin you around in the air if you arent careful.
In my shop, a Harbor Freight grinder would probably last a week- 
employees dont pamper your tools, things get dropped, cords get cut off 
by accident, sparks fly.

I dont mind spending money on good tools, as it would cost me much more 
to have a couple of guys stand around, at 15 bucks an hour, because I 
saved 50 bucks on a tool, and it broke.

I usually have 2 or 3 of most tools on hand. I have a shelf with 
thousands of dollars of hand power tools on it.

I know other people who REALLY cant afford to have 2 grinders, and who 
dont mind in the least changing from grinding wheel to sanding to wire 
brush.

Everyone is different.

ries


Ries Niemi
Industrial Artist

http://www.RiesNiemi.com