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From: jim@ccice5.UUCP (James J. Roche)
Newsgroups: net.rec.wood
Subject: Re: hand drills
Message-ID: <626@ccice5.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 8-Jan-85 11:52:23 EST
Article-I.D.: ccice5.626
Posted: Tue Jan  8 11:52:23 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 9-Jan-85 01:11:35 EST
References: <1323@hao.UUCP>
Distribution: na
Organization: CCI Central Engineering, Rochester, NY
Lines: 63

> (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.

The 1985 Black&Decker Build-it magazine provides some guidelines for purchasing
an electric drill. Their suggestions are somewhat biased towards purchasing
a B&D. They do however offer some suggestions in picking one.

	1) Heavy duty drilling you may want 1/2" drill. Average
		home shop use, a 3/8" drill will do.
	2) Varaible speed is probably something you want.
	3) Reversable drills are good for removing stuck bits and
		backing out screws.
	4) Feel is important.
		"You'll want to pick one that fits your hand comfortably and
		balances well. Most hardware stores display a wide selection
		of drills. Handle them all and pick one that feels right."
	5) Buy the best drill you can afford.

My personal opinion is the Leichtung is a little high priced. My experience is
that Trend-lines usually has good prices. Get a copy of Fine Woodworking and
study the ads. Several ads have prices listed for Makita, B&D, Hitachi, etc.

Some of the larger ads in the January issue with prices include
	Trendlines Inc.
	The Xylophile's Company
	Aviation Industrial Supply
	Seven Corners Ace Hardware
-- 

		Jim "Frontier Engineer" Roche
		Computer Consoles Inc.
		ccice5:jim (CCI Central Engineering systems only)
		{rochester, ritcv, ccivax, rayssd, rlgvax}!ccice5!jim (UUCP)