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From: band@hao.UUCP (Peter Bandurian)
Newsgroups: net.rec.wood
Subject: hand drills
Message-ID: <1323@hao.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 4-Jan-85 00:33:19 EST
Article-I.D.: hao.1323
Posted: Fri Jan  4 00:33:19 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 5-Jan-85 04:36:26 EST
Distribution: na
Organization: High Altitude Obs./NCAR, Boulder CO
Lines: 39

(is this line still needed?)

I am a beginning woodworker.  I am in the market for a good hand-held
drill.  I currently own a B&D Holgun.  It looks to be about twenty years old,
the bearings are noisy (recent repacking didn't help) and, it is strictly
one speed with no reverse.  It is rate one third of an amp, 1000 rpm.

How does one choose a hand drill?  Looking through what local hardware
stores offer and through the catalogues of Leichtung and Woodworkers Supply
(of N.M.) I see that one can get variable speed drills with maximum no load
speeds from ~500 rpm to ~2800 rpm.  The size (ie, the maximum power capability)
isn't necessarily correlated with the maximum speed.  Presumeably, these
do correlate with the intended use.   Thus, let me ask, what do you look for
in a drill if you intend to (in no particular order)?

	a. Drill hardwood.
	b. Drill softwood.
	c. Drill steel.
	d. Drill aluminum.
	e. Use it as a grinder.
	f. Use it for sanding.
	g. Use for driving screws.

To further complicate matters both Leichtung and Woodworkers Supply indicate
a liking of the B&D professional over the 'well known Japanese imports'.
The only such I know is Makita.  The hardware store people say, 'The B&D pro
is unreliable and a bit fragile.  The Makita is very tough and reliable.
Of course if you want tough and reliable, get a Milwaukee.'  (They carry 
Skil, Porta Cable, Makita, B&D, Milwaukee, and Hitachi.  It's an amazing place.
It's called McGuckins.)  My experiences with B&D have been from so-so to
awful.  I've been frustrated by lousey tools and I want to be sure to get
one that will meet my needs.

Thanks in advance.

			Peter Bandurian
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