Replies

1. 
   Creative_Carpentry | Dec 06, 1999 08:03am | #2

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   Steve,
   I have been using the 14.4 system drill and circular saw with no problems. Bought angle drill about 6 months ago and paid for its self on first job I used it. Make sure you have three batteries if you will be working non-stop. otherwise no complaints.
   Bill

2. 
   Guest_ | Dec 06, 1999 06:48pm | #3

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   One of the shops I work in uses 12 volt dewalt cordless drills for everything. Assembly, installations, mixing lacquer, everything.I have never found myself in a situation where one of these guns didn't have enough power.The bigger guns have more power and longer run times, but are also heavier, bigger, and more expensive. I guess it all depends on what you want to use the guns for. As for the angle drill, for things like drawer slides etc., they are indispesible.

3. 
   ToolBear_ | Dec 06, 1999 07:45pm | #4

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   Steve -

   I've got the DeWalt 14.4 3/8 drill and the circ saw and the 18v drill. They worked so well that I usually buy DeWalt tools now - jig saw, framing saw, etc.

   The drill is great. It's been running fine since '97.
   I use the circ saw to mostly cut EMT and feeder cables.

   I would not go 12v. A 14.4 drill for general work does a fine job. The 14.4 saw is a bit small. We use the 18v saw up on the roof doing fascia, starter boards, etc.

   The 18v 1/2 drill has enough torque to turn me around the hole.

   The package deals offer the best prices and Home Depot will beat anyone by 10%, so shop around and save the ads.

   BTW - Fine Homebuilding has an article on batteries in the current issue.

   ToolBear

4. 
   Guest_ | Dec 07, 1999 12:00am | #5

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   Steve;
   We have 2 DeWalt 14.4 Drills. They just keeps on running. After about 4 years of everyday use we had to buy new batteries. Around here a new Lowes opened up and the batteries cost $46.00. Not a bad price.

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 07, 1999 07:59am | #6

   *Steve:I had the 12v Dewalt - liked it a lot. After about 5 years, used it up - think the hi/lo switch may have gone bad. Tried a buddy's 18v - it felt heavy and unbalanced. First thing I did with the 18v was break off a screw in a doorknob - ouch! Very torquey! Replaced my original with a 14.4v Dewalt drill circular saw kit. I love it! Drill battery lasts longer than the 12v and the drill has more torque. As for the battery circular saw, I didn't know what I would use it for - I was skeptical. The salesmen said "try it, you will like it". About a week later I had a large amount of 6 1/2" base to install - too wide to fit upright in my miter saw for the straight part of the backcut/cope. Ended up using the circular saw with a fine blade. About 1/2 way through the job the blade got burned up (abused) on another task. I found myself saying "Gota go the store for another circular saw blade. Can't finish the base job without my little saw!" I'm sold! Only thing bad about the saw is it goes through a battery pretty quick during heavy cutting.Whatever you do, go for the XR batteries.BTW: Anyone tried the new 24v Dewalt cordless tools? Man, they look awesome! Full sized 7 1/4" circular saw, etc! Hey, someone got a spare credit card I can borrow?

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 07, 1999 08:30am | #7

   *Steve I'm using the 14 volt drill and saw. Would recomend them both and that angle drill sounds like a good idea. The drill has great torque and the saw is handy where a larger saw might be cumbersome, also does a neat job on trim. Skip

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 08, 1999 09:23am | #8

   *Two years ago I bought the 18v 1/2' drill, recip and circular saw and snake light from DeWalt. I am really gald that I had the cordless on the first job, a tree house. During most of the time I worked on the tree house it drizzled. The tools performed flawlessly. The drill is a little heavy, I agree. When I don't need as much power I use one of my 12v Panasonics. I rarely use my 3/8 Milwaukee anymore.The charger works really well too. I have been caught with two dead batteries and I can put a short, quick charge on one, get through part of a job, and have the second one fully charged.Tom the Tree Guy

5. 
   Guest_ | Jan 04, 2000 11:57pm | #9

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   I'm Currently debating the purchase of a new cordless drill package. I've owned Skill, Panasonic and Ryobi products and haven't been totally pleased. Other associates of mine have all gone the way of "bigger is better" and have purchased the large voltage systems. I simply want a 12v system. However I can't seem to find a drill with high enough rpms in low range, to suit my standards.
   I have been looking at a package offered in the Tool Crib magazine DW953RFK2 which features a 12 volt drill and angle drill combined. Has anyone purchased this? Any input on this or any other brand suggestions would be appreciated.
   Thanks, Steve

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 05, 1999 09:50pm | #1

   *Steve,I use a Milwaukee 12v cordless. It feels great and the batteries seem to last forever.My opinion,Ed. Williams