What company makes the best power tools?

Question

Ok, I saw someone saying that Dewalt is the best. However I didn;t see alot of people backing up this claim. Now I DO know that Dewalt DOES make quality products for sure, but I was kinda wondering if they aren't just kinda riding their name a bit? While they still make good tool perhaps they aren't the GREAT tools they used to be? Bit I digress. Another brand that I thought was supposed to make really good tools is Bosch. But I haven't seen anyone mention them? Are THEY not what they used to be? Or was I mis-informed to begin with? My dad has always used Makita and lower end Dewalt. But he has never been one to "splurge" on getting the absolute BEST either. I havent bought ANY power tools before (never had a resason to in my young life). But I just got my first house and needs alot of work. I KNOW I will need some quality tools to help me through the process. Any advice that anyone can offer would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

According to Consumer Report ratings on reliablility, it really depends on the tool and what it is used for and how heavy duty the jobs are. For example, in this month's issue they rate drills and find that Craftsman is the most reliable, durable and long lasting but for heavy duty use they rate Hitachi better. They find none of the impact drivers to be any better than the heavy duty drills.

We do an awful lot of home improvement projects, everything from wainscotting and molding, to installing tile and stone, to building furniture and building structures. As a result, we have blown through a heck of a lot of different brands of power tools in the process. We do rely on the ratings from Consumer Reports because we have found the same thing, it is no one brand overall that supercedes all others uniformly. We have yet to find a power tool that they have recommended not to be reliable, ready and able to get to work and keep working when we are. We purchased a Craftsman table saw some 20 years ago and we can still buy additions for it to expand its capabilities and it keeps performing as well as CR said it would when we purchased it.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I just came across a site with over 16,000 downloadable woodworking plans at:
http://tinyurl.com/WoodWorkingTedPlans


Here is an honest review


If you want to start a woodworking project, you need all the necessary information, including schematics, blueprints, materials lists, dimensions etc. That is where TedsWoodworking comes in. The plans are clearly drawn and there're step-by-step explainations of how the plan should be done and put together.

There are several other sites whose collection of plans have the dimensions totally wrong without any indication of parts lists, material lists or the tools needed. If you're one of those people who have bought plans like this in the past, TedsWoodworking will change your perception.

In Ted's Woodworking you will get everything you need:
-Diagrams which are detailed with a full set of dimensions
-Step -by-step instructions how to start your project
-The necessary materials for that particular project
-All the woodworking tools you will need

If you are a beginner or have done some woodworking you will find these plans easy-to-follow as the instructions are very clearly written. The woodworking plans are straightforward so they are not complicated at all. Even if you are a total newcomer to woodworking you will simply be able to master all the techniques that are needed and the woodworking skills very quickly by following the concise and clear instructions.

Another thing which is so great about these woodworking plans is that there have been some videos included and there are some to guide you in how to build benches home furniture dog houses bird feeders sheds and much much more.

There is also a lifetime member acess included in the package and you get these extras for no cost to you as they are free with no additional charges at all! This alone is worth the entire price for TedsWoodworking.

Ted Mcgrath is a very dedicated and experienced woodworker who knows what he is talking about when it comes to woodworking and DIY projects s he has been a woodworker for many many years.

Cons
There is only one drawback that we could find and that being with 16,000 woodworking plans you are bound to get some which look a little disorganized but that is understandable as it is very difficult to place all these plans into their proper categories. Secondly, it might take you a little longer to do the downloads on because of the size of them. But the members area include an option to upgrade to the DVD so you can save time on downloading.

Bottom line:
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.Here's the bottom line: If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you SHOULD use, it's something that you would be insane not to.


Check the site: http://tinyurl.com/WoodWorkingTedPlans

Answer 4

It is hard to say who makes the best power tools because no where do I read about Ridgid tools and some of the newer tools or even newer models. Use consumers guide but also read and research tools. I was reading fine homebuilding and they said Skil saw made the best circular saw but for a carpenter it and all of the other brands may be too heavy if you have to carry them. It truly is an excellent circular saw. They recommend some of the lighter tools.

Dont negate the newer tools because they may have improved.

Nothing beats testing tools on your own. This costs a lot so in all reality most people have never tried all of the tools out there because they can afford only one.

There are also commercial tools out there that may be good as well.

Answer 5

Best Power Tools

Answer 6

Dewalt is a good contractor grade tool, but a little pricey, their 9-tool combo kit retailing around $1000. The Ridgid line is comparable with Dewalt, not as expensive, the Ultimate 8 piece combo is about $500.00, and has a lifetime service agreement.
The Makita tool is a good tool, however, when they upgraded their batteries to a lithium ion platform, the old tools are not compatible with the new batteries.
Of course these are only my opinions; I do recommend reading Taunton’s 2008 Tool Guide - a special edition magazine from the Editors of Fine Homebuilding & Fine Woodworking. This a very detailed magazine with reviews of all sorts of tools, including combo kits with ratings from the editors and readers.

Answer 7

What company makes the best power tools? The best place to buy cheap Power Tools online is at Amazon.com who have a massive collection to choose from at amazing prices from a website you can trust.

Here is an enormous range of power tools for the home handyman and the professional.

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Tools/b?ie=UTF8&node=551236&tag=yah-home-20

You will find air compressors, concrete tools, drills,saws,sandblasters and more. Top brands are there too like Ingersoll-Rand, Stens and Hitachi

You know the prices on power tools will always be low but also many items they sell will qualify for free shipping and if you are already a prime member that can be in just 2 days.

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Tools/b?ie=UTF8&node=551236&tag=yah-home-20

You can save substantially by buying power tools online whether corded or cordless at Amazon.com

Answer 8

I don't think one company makes all the best. Personally what I have and like, Milwaukee: super sawzall, corded 1/2 inch hammer drill, circular saw, and a 14.4 Volt cordless drill. Then I have a Dewalt 12" compound miter saw and jig saw. (The only thing I would get different would be a sliding 12" compound miter saw instead of a standard one). Definately Porter Cable for any routers (drywall included). Ridgid and Craftsman make good table saws and radial arm saws. With all that said, it all depends on how much you are going to use them and how much you want to spend. I always felt you couldn't go wrong buying quality tools. Here is a link that has about anything you need with excellent prices--- http://www.7corners.com/index.cfm

Answer 9

DeWalt and Bosch are power tools that seem to be most common on the job sites these days. It probably does depend on the specific tool but most craftsman use a product line consistently because the batteries are interchangeable. I'm partial to DeWalt for what that's worth as a craftsman.

Answer 10

I agree with many of these answers. I have been buying and using woodworking tools since 1973 professionally. Here's a quick list of my fav's.
Jig saw=Bosch
Worm drive 7-1/4 saw=Skill
Miter saw / compound= 10"in Makita
Drills=18 v. Porter Cable
I/2"in Hole Hawg Milwaukee
Routers= Porter Cable
Sawzall= makita
Nail guns=Senco