Tools you wish you'd bought sooner...
Discussion
FFX can be competitive on price - but more than most in this sector do a lot of price changing, so keep your eyes peeled - if they are low on stock their prices go up and they are often a lot more than elsewhere...
Personal view - I would probably look at Screwfix - in their summer deals they have sets from dewalt / bosch pro / makita etc. - all of them would work well...
router - think about whether you want:
- a trim router (small and hand-held)
- a 1/4" router - bit bigger, but only a 1/4" collet - so smaller bits
- a full size 1/2" router - can usually also handle a 1/4" collet as well...
trend / bosch / makita / all do good routers - worth buying decent specific cutters rather than a cheap larger set
Personal view - I would probably look at Screwfix - in their summer deals they have sets from dewalt / bosch pro / makita etc. - all of them would work well...
router - think about whether you want:
- a trim router (small and hand-held)
- a 1/4" router - bit bigger, but only a 1/4" collet - so smaller bits
- a full size 1/2" router - can usually also handle a 1/4" collet as well...
trend / bosch / makita / all do good routers - worth buying decent specific cutters rather than a cheap larger set
akirk said:
FFX can be competitive on price - but more than most in this sector do a lot of price changing, so keep your eyes peeled - if they are low on stock their prices go up and they are often a lot more than elsewhere...
Personal view - I would probably look at Screwfix - in their summer deals they have sets from dewalt / bosch pro / makita etc. - all of them would work well...
router - think about whether you want:
- a trim router (small and hand-held)
- a 1/4" router - bit bigger, but only a 1/4" collet - so smaller bits
- a full size 1/2" router - can usually also handle a 1/4" collet as well...
trend / bosch / makita / all do good routers - worth buying decent specific cutters rather than a cheap larger set
The router I need to bull nose 22mm window sill and to cut out laminate worksurface for my rental (tenants ruined the wood, so getting cheapo) which router can do both jobs?Personal view - I would probably look at Screwfix - in their summer deals they have sets from dewalt / bosch pro / makita etc. - all of them would work well...
router - think about whether you want:
- a trim router (small and hand-held)
- a 1/4" router - bit bigger, but only a 1/4" collet - so smaller bits
- a full size 1/2" router - can usually also handle a 1/4" collet as well...
trend / bosch / makita / all do good routers - worth buying decent specific cutters rather than a cheap larger set
Anyone own the Lidl cordless Planer (PHA 12 B2) or Router (POFA 12 A2)? With charger & 2 x 2ah 12v batteries both can be had for £88 all in. A few video reviews online and look half-decent for the price.
Comparing against the (corded) green Bosch planer (PHO 1500) & router (POF 1200) for £126 for both.
Bosch probably the better tools, but a significant saving with Lidl and using only for a first foray into occasional light woodworking.
Wondering if battery-powered is any use for woodworking, especially hardwood. Reduced portability with corded not really a concern with this application.
Comparing against the (corded) green Bosch planer (PHO 1500) & router (POF 1200) for £126 for both.
Bosch probably the better tools, but a significant saving with Lidl and using only for a first foray into occasional light woodworking.
Wondering if battery-powered is any use for woodworking, especially hardwood. Reduced portability with corded not really a concern with this application.
Du1point8 said:
Whats the difference between:
Impact
Hammer
SBS
Combi
I have a cheapo Impact at the moment and wonder if I should be a twin set but as they all have an impact drill is it simply better to get a combi?
Impact driver is for putting in or taking out screws. Much, much better at it than a combi.Impact
Hammer
SBS
Combi
I have a cheapo Impact at the moment and wonder if I should be a twin set but as they all have an impact drill is it simply better to get a combi?
Hammer is a drill feature that speeds up drilling in masonry.
SDS is like a much more aggressive hammer drill - most also let you use it on hammer only mode (so the bit doesn't spin), or drill only mode (bit spins, no hammer action). SDS takes a different bit - you can't use normal drill bits in an SDS drill.
Combi is just a normal drill/driver - it'll drill or put screws in/take them out. Most have hammer action built in, you turn it off for driving screws or drilling anything except masonry.
Du1point8 said:
Whats the difference between:
Impact
Hammer
SBS
Combi
I have a cheapo Impact at the moment and wonder if I should be a twin set but as they all have an impact drill is it simply better to get a combi?
Impact is usually used to describe an impact driver rather than a drill - one that takes hex bits rather than a chuck that tightens.Impact
Hammer
SBS
Combi
I have a cheapo Impact at the moment and wonder if I should be a twin set but as they all have an impact drill is it simply better to get a combi?
Combi is pretty much a regular drill - you can switch the hammer action on or off. Hammer is used for drilling into masonry, but not wood or metal.
SDS is a different fitting and comes on bigger drills designed for more serious masonry applications.
My own view is that drill/driver is better for driving smaller screws as you can feel the torque better and less likely to strip out screws. The speed control seems to be finer and easier to regulate on drill/drivers than it is on impacts too.
Impact driver is miles better for larger screws and for speed. They can also double as good small impact driver for nuts and bolts in garage with the appropriate socket adapter.
Impact driver is miles better for larger screws and for speed. They can also double as good small impact driver for nuts and bolts in garage with the appropriate socket adapter.
Du1point8 said:
The router I need to bull nose 22mm window sill and to cut out laminate worksurface for my rental (tenants ruined the wood, so getting cheapo) which router can do both jobs?
Being pedantic I know, but you mean window board.If you need a router for work tops then you need a 1/2 inch collet router, the screwfix Erauber one at around £90- 100 is a decent router if you’re not using it full on all day every day, cuts worktops with no problem. The only flip side is being 240v but for a DIYer that’s not a problem.
Only buy a £300 or above router if you’re going to be using it a lot, otherwise a cheap basic one will do, albeit you can’t buy spare parts for them.
Fentalogue chic said:
SDS is like a much more aggressive hammer drill - most also let you use it on hammer only mode (so the bit doesn't spin), or drill only mode (bit spins, no hammer action). SDS takes a different bit - you can't use normal drill bits in an SDS drill.
My el cheapo, b&q SDS came with an adaptor to allow ordinary drill bits to be used.blueST said:
My own view is that drill/driver is better for driving smaller screws as you can feel the torque better and less likely to strip out screws. The speed control seems to be finer and easier to regulate on drill/drivers than it is on impacts too.
Impact driver is miles better for larger screws and for speed. They can also double as good small impact driver for nuts and bolts in garage with the appropriate socket adapter.
Most decent impact drivers have sufficient control to be confidently used on even the smallest of fasteners, and most will just spin the fastener out (ala drill driver) without even entering impact mode. Best of both worlds. My Milwaukee impact driver can even be safely used for drilling.Impact driver is miles better for larger screws and for speed. They can also double as good small impact driver for nuts and bolts in garage with the appropriate socket adapter.
normalbloke said:
blueST said:
My own view is that drill/driver is better for driving smaller screws as you can feel the torque better and less likely to strip out screws. The speed control seems to be finer and easier to regulate on drill/drivers than it is on impacts too.
Impact driver is miles better for larger screws and for speed. They can also double as good small impact driver for nuts and bolts in garage with the appropriate socket adapter.
Most decent impact drivers have sufficient control to be confidently used on even the smallest of fasteners, and most will just spin the fastener out (ala drill driver) without even entering impact mode. Best of both worlds. My Milwaukee impact driver can even be safely used for drilling.Impact driver is miles better for larger screws and for speed. They can also double as good small impact driver for nuts and bolts in garage with the appropriate socket adapter.
Slow said:
normalbloke said:
blueST said:
My own view is that drill/driver is better for driving smaller screws as you can feel the torque better and less likely to strip out screws. The speed control seems to be finer and easier to regulate on drill/drivers than it is on impacts too.
Impact driver is miles better for larger screws and for speed. They can also double as good small impact driver for nuts and bolts in garage with the appropriate socket adapter.
Most decent impact drivers have sufficient control to be confidently used on even the smallest of fasteners, and most will just spin the fastener out (ala drill driver) without even entering impact mode. Best of both worlds. My Milwaukee impact driver can even be safely used for drilling.Impact driver is miles better for larger screws and for speed. They can also double as good small impact driver for nuts and bolts in garage with the appropriate socket adapter.
blueST said:
Slow said:
normalbloke said:
blueST said:
My own view is that drill/driver is better for driving smaller screws as you can feel the torque better and less likely to strip out screws. The speed control seems to be finer and easier to regulate on drill/drivers than it is on impacts too.
Impact driver is miles better for larger screws and for speed. They can also double as good small impact driver for nuts and bolts in garage with the appropriate socket adapter.
Most decent impact drivers have sufficient control to be confidently used on even the smallest of fasteners, and most will just spin the fastener out (ala drill driver) without even entering impact mode. Best of both worlds. My Milwaukee impact driver can even be safely used for drilling.Impact driver is miles better for larger screws and for speed. They can also double as good small impact driver for nuts and bolts in garage with the appropriate socket adapter.
ChevronB19 said:
Slightly O/T, but up to 44% off hand tools at Demon Tweeks at the moment.
No idea if the ‘sale’ prices are any good though.
https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/tools-workshop/han...
Well thanks for costing me a load of money. No idea if the ‘sale’ prices are any good though.
https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/tools-workshop/han...
Actually, bought some nice things like colour coded screwdriver bit sets as stocking fillers for friends who appreciate such things etc.
Which of the following are better?
Milwaukee twin set:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/milwaukee-m18-cblpp2a-4...
Dewalt twin set:
https://www.toolstation.com/dewalt-dck276-18v-xr-c...
Milwaukee twin set:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/milwaukee-m18-cblpp2a-4...
Dewalt twin set:
https://www.toolstation.com/dewalt-dck276-18v-xr-c...
Du1point8 said:
Which of the following are better?
Milwaukee twin set:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/milwaukee-m18-cblpp2a-4...
Dewalt twin set:
https://www.toolstation.com/dewalt-dck276-18v-xr-c...
Do you prefer yellow or red ? Which one do you prefer the look of ?Milwaukee twin set:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/milwaukee-m18-cblpp2a-4...
Dewalt twin set:
https://www.toolstation.com/dewalt-dck276-18v-xr-c...
Which religion is better, which brand of car is better ? Very rarely will someone recommend the one they didn't chose themselves.....
Likely someone will be along very soon to recommend a Makita or some other alternative....
(I'm happy with the DeWalt - have never tried anything else though)
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