Tools of Japan
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Andres26tnt
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Bought these long, reduced-shank bits at Amazon-US, for $10.
I love those, great quality, size, tip, and fitment.
Searching for these made me realize the Vessel USA online catalog is largely different than Vessel Japan.. and tons of the products are only on one or the other, not both. For example this SS162150, with the Japanese longer powerdrive shank. They show up on the Japanese online catalog, but not the US online catalog. NTPH2150P1 is the US or "western" shank powerdrive version of that bit, and it is found on the US online catalog and not in the Japanese online catalog. Then I noticed that the "slide case" bit set I have with the US style shanks, that kit isn't even on the Japanese website catalog.
That is great because lots of Vessel bits I have looked over while shopping, I thought to myself, aww I would have wanted that if it had the US style shank on it. Now I see that is actually an option for a lot of it.
Love myself a new Japanese made tool, these small 12 inch yet quite capable bolt cutters exceeded my expectations in quality. For hard wire they are only rated to cut 5mm. They have both adjustments for the jaws, really smooth action. Might get the 18" set too.
twagler
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For a change of pace from the hand tools shown here, here is my Made in Japan power tool, a Heian 16" wood planer that I just purchased. It's not new, definitely on the vintage side, but is a prime example of Japanese craftsmanship and quality. Heian is still in business, but only makes industrial-grade CNC routers costing $500k, not plain old wood planers anymore.
(excuse me if this post doesn't really belong here, but just wanted to show off my new toy)
Take a look at this old-fashioned craftsmanship inside the electrical junction/control box - carefully routed wiring, all tied off with waxed string (I guess zip ties hadn't been invented yet!)
four.cycle
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I remember as a kid my friend's father had a furniture factory and we would take the grey Toyo style Makita tool boxes that new Makita tools came in. Beautiful pressed steel boxes with latches and handle. Basically identical to this T-410 except there would be some little metal brackets inside that held the tool in place.
Andres26tnt
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Yeah they have 4 or 6 different wooden handles for sale. Those are nice but very scratch prone. Mine are damaged from a small drop. I like the grip version in black with texture.I didn’t realize vessel offered real wood handles. Nicely made as one would expect.
Steel_Rain
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Makita still makes many tools in Japan, but I’ve found these are mostly for the Japanese market. That said, in my Makita collection, I have several that are made in Japan:
Steel_Rain
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These also:
four.cycle
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These last few posts made me curious, so I had to go dig these out of the garage.
It would appear that not all Makitas are created equal - or at least not all of them in Japan.
This driver/drill set was purchased by my late girlfriend at a garage sale for five dollars. She wasn't sure if she got a "deal" on it.
I think she did okay - I've been beating on them for about ten years now.
All made (or assembled) in China (PRC)
It would appear that not all Makitas are created equal - or at least not all of them in Japan.
This driver/drill set was purchased by my late girlfriend at a garage sale for five dollars. She wasn't sure if she got a "deal" on it.
I think she did okay - I've been beating on them for about ten years now.
All made (or assembled) in China (PRC)
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Dave455
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Makita make tools in Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Romania and China.
Some tools seem to be predominantly made in one country. E.g. most cordless jigsaws I’ve seen were made in the U.K.
Most tools seem to be offered at different quality levels. The country of origin varies with the quality of the tool you buy. E.g. angle grinders - the cheapest are made in Romania, the most expensive in Japan. Similar with some cordless drills - the cheapest are made in China, the pro grade in the U.K.
I suspect that Romanian production is predominantly for the European market, and elsewhere you get something comparable.
Some tools only exist in one grade, and one country of origin - e.g. all the current palm sanders seem to be made in China, all the angle drills (a pro tool) made in Japan.
America does seem to get different offerings. All the model numbers are different for the U.S. market and there seem to be a far greater proportion of Chinese tools. I have a good deal of Makita, and only one or two tools are made in China.
I don’t know if that’s because Makita are perceived differently in the U.S, so they don’t bother offering their better tools, or if the U.S. retailers only want the cheaper stuff.
In regard to some tools - e.g. impact drivers - there is considerable interest in “Japanese Domestic Market or JDM” tools. In the case of impact drivers this seems to be driven by the vastly wider range of accessories available to the Japanese spec.
Some tools seem to be predominantly made in one country. E.g. most cordless jigsaws I’ve seen were made in the U.K.
Most tools seem to be offered at different quality levels. The country of origin varies with the quality of the tool you buy. E.g. angle grinders - the cheapest are made in Romania, the most expensive in Japan. Similar with some cordless drills - the cheapest are made in China, the pro grade in the U.K.
I suspect that Romanian production is predominantly for the European market, and elsewhere you get something comparable.
Some tools only exist in one grade, and one country of origin - e.g. all the current palm sanders seem to be made in China, all the angle drills (a pro tool) made in Japan.
America does seem to get different offerings. All the model numbers are different for the U.S. market and there seem to be a far greater proportion of Chinese tools. I have a good deal of Makita, and only one or two tools are made in China.
I don’t know if that’s because Makita are perceived differently in the U.S, so they don’t bother offering their better tools, or if the U.S. retailers only want the cheaper stuff.
In regard to some tools - e.g. impact drivers - there is considerable interest in “Japanese Domestic Market or JDM” tools. In the case of impact drivers this seems to be driven by the vastly wider range of accessories available to the Japanese spec.
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Makita has, unless it closed recently, a manufacturing facility in Georgia, the state. They are a global manufacturer, with a global supply chain. Counties have very different rules regarding the requirements for sticking a made in label on a product. Where a tool is “made” seems to be based on volume of the particular item. High efficiency manufacturing for high volume products?
KnurledNut
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Definitely belongs here. Congrats on the find and thank you for sharing!For a change of pace from the hand tools shown here, here is my Made in Japan power tool, a Heian 16" wood planer that I just purchased. It's not new, definitely on the vintage side, but is a prime example of Japanese craftsmanship and quality. Heian is still in business, but only makes industrial-grade CNC routers costing $500k, not plain old wood planers anymore.
(excuse me if this post doesn't really belong here, but just wanted to show off my new toy)
Take a look at this old-fashioned craftsmanship inside the electrical junction/control box - carefully routed wiring, all tied off with waxed string (I guess zip ties hadn't been invented yet!)
danski0224
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Way back when, at this point in time, the blue Makita cordless tools in the USA *were* "made in Japan", and the less expensive white versions were made in China. At least for what I was seeing in the stores.
Probably 20+ years ago for the cordless tools.
Not the same anymore.
I doubt they make anything but 220-240V corded tools in Romania for logistics reasons, but I assume that for the battery powered tools, they're made in all their facilities and exported all over, just depends on which thing a facility specializes in.
Dave455
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That sounds fairly plausible.
Here in the U.K. I’ve never seen a Makita tool made in Brazil, so they obviously end up elsewhere. Perhaps in the U.S. or South America you might get a Brazil made tool wheras in the U.K. and Europe you get a Romanian?
I can say, that whatever the country of origin of my Makita tools I’ve always been completely satisfied, for the price paid.
The “top end” Makita tools that I’ve got really do feel classy. The motors are smooth and quiet, the tools are lovely to use, and even the plastics feel like quality. No regrets regarding the price paid.
Difficult to single any out as they’re all so good, but I’ve got one of these 9564PCV grinders and it’s a beast. Phenomenal power for a 4 1/2 inch grinder, variable speed, and just superb.
I’m also quite attached to this DA3010 angle drill. Again, so smooth and controllable, and the tool has been really well thought through for minimum height.
But I’m totally happy with my cheaper tools.
This Romanian GA4530 grinder was the equivalent of about $60 when I bought it. It’s only just over 700w, so half the power of the big one, but I’ve used it extensively and it just keeps on going. Pretty much a dedicated rust cleaning tool for me.
And these BO455 “Made in China “ palm sanders seem to be equally good value. They seem to “punch above their weight”, and I’ve used this for all sorts of things that a palm sander isn’t really designed for, such as cleaning paint from door frames, and it does it all (subject to using decent abrasives - the biggest variable in my experience)!
KnurledNut
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I had a corded Makita die grinder that I am fairly positive was made in Brazil. I have also had Makita ship auger bits that were made there. I dont know of any current tools.
KnurledNut
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I have an older 9566CV that is made in Japan. Its incredibly smooth and powerful.
These look like they're from another era. I also have one. Really like that they don't go all-in on the over-styled alien design that some others like Milwaukee and Dewalt go for. At least not on all of their tools. After all, do you really need those pieces of rubber on the grip? More often than not it does not help with comfort but just gets greasy and dirty and tends to fall off over time... Single piece durable plastic with an industrial feel is what I always prefer.I’m also quite attached to this DA3010 angle drill. Again, so smooth and controllable, and the tool has been really well thought through for minimum height.
Dave455
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You are so right!
I HATE these rubber overmolds.
Even doing relatively clean work they pick up ****, impossible to clean, and as you say they fail over time.
Even my (very expensive) Festool tools persist in using these things. I think they come about, partly because they’re cheap, and partly because too many tools are “styled” by some guy with green framed spectacles who has never used a power tool in his life!
As to the Makita angle drill, yes, you’re essentially right. But… the plastic on the older Makita tools was a little prone to breakage. I don’t know what the material used on the angle drill is (it’s made in Japan) but it’s much more durable than the old stuff - you could drop it without damage - but it’s relatively easy to clean.
It’s hard to explain why the top end Makita feels so good if you haven’t handled them. There’s little you can pick up from reading the specs. I think it is essentially “feel “ - the feel of the plastic, the solidity of the tool, the feel of the switch, the beautifully smooth variable speed.
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How about Tone?
twagler
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Thanks guys! The Heian planer is for my home shop and has now been picked up and unloaded there. It was purchased from a commercial shop though, so it has a 3-phase, 550v motor (Canadian industrial voltage level), so I've just finished installing a step-up VFD so I can run it off of my 240v single phase power. This kind of VFD, in addition to converting single phase to 3-phase, can also double the input voltage (giving me approx. 485v) which makes it a nice solution to running 3-phase, high voltage motors without needing a transformer. Not quite up to the nameplate 550v level but the motor runs fine for my hobbyist usage.
One thing that I've noticed about this planer, as well as a Japanese milling machine vise that I also own, is that they both have bright red paint on the interior or hidden surfaces (as can be seen on this planer inside the doors, in photo above). Is that a common, Japanese decorative touch? I thought it might just be just red primer, but the green outer surfaces don't show any signs of red primer underneath, so it is definitely a deliberate thing.
Another thing that struck me while examining this planer is how Japan used to be such an industrial powerhouse, the way that China is now. None of this "assembled locally from globally-source components" back in the day when this was made. All the components were made in Japan, including:
1. A Toshiba 3 hp drive motor, (didn't Toshiba make VCRs?)
2. Mitsuboshi drive belts (don't they make cars?)
3. ...and a wide variety of electrical components
I bet these all these components would likely have to come from China now. I contacted Heian Canada to see if they have any information on my old wood planer, and they said that not only does Heian not make planers anymore, but there is also not a single manufacturer in Japan that makes this type of planer anymore - they all come from Taiwan or China now. I think Japan may have lost out in the globalization battle too.
pizza
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@jsackin
i think a lot of the good stuff has been mentioned, but +1 on vessel power grip drivers. i already have PH1, PH2, and PH3, but i might be interested in some other drives systems if you carried them.
also, for fancy adjustable wrenches, maybe lobtex w-zero and top hyper monkey zero:
they are the nicest adjustable wrenches i have tried. i slightly prefer the w-zero, but if you carry just one, maybe the top hyper monkey zero would have the broadest appeal, idk.
i forget who the big OEM is for portable toolboxes, but maybe some trusco toolboxes or slimilar could be cool?
i think a lot of the good stuff has been mentioned, but +1 on vessel power grip drivers. i already have PH1, PH2, and PH3, but i might be interested in some other drives systems if you carried them.
also, for fancy adjustable wrenches, maybe lobtex w-zero and top hyper monkey zero:
they are the nicest adjustable wrenches i have tried. i slightly prefer the w-zero, but if you carry just one, maybe the top hyper monkey zero would have the broadest appeal, idk.
i forget who the big OEM is for portable toolboxes, but maybe some trusco toolboxes or slimilar could be cool?
four.cycle
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Andres26tnt
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@jsackin
i think a lot of the good stuff has been mentioned, but +1 on vessel power grip drivers. i already have PH1, PH2, and PH3, but i might be interested in some other drives systems if you carried them.
also, for fancy adjustable wrenches, maybe lobtex w-zero and top hyper monkey zero:
they are the nicest adjustable wrenches i have tried. i slightly prefer the w-zero, but if you carry just one, maybe the top hyper monkey zero would have the broadest appeal, idk.
i forget who the big OEM is for portable toolboxes, but maybe some trusco toolboxes or slimilar could be cool?
Toyo steel is the OEM for almost all those steel boxes.
BlitzcrankJapan
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I have never been impressed with Tone. Their prices are high, and they are deceptive with their packaging. The most common example of this deception is saying 'JAPAN' all over their packaging, but the tool is made in Taiwan.
A number of years ago they tried to re-enter into Australia and showed up to a lot of motorsport and 4wd events.
Andres26tnt
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I agree somewhat, but most of the pricing is still affordable imo. At least compared to KTC or Koken, KTC in particular just increase their prices
.Yeah I think their pricing falls in the mid range (maybe upper mid) but the quality is impressive. I think they offer some of the best bang for the buck......them and Facom IMHO.I agree somewhat, but most of the pricing is still affordable imo. At least compared to KTC or Koken, KTC in particular just increase their prices
Andres26tnt
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The main line is good bang for the buck for sure. The problem is still deceptive labeling and major price hikes on the lesser known stuff.
Facom I don't agree, it's quite expensive. Tho I will say the quality is top for sure. Everything I own from them ranks with snap-on or whoever you want in quality.
jsackin
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Talked to Vessel and we have sets of their powergrip screwdrivers on the way. They have a phillips/slotted set as well as a torx and metric hex.@jsackin
i think a lot of the good stuff has been mentioned, but +1 on vessel power grip drivers. i already have PH1, PH2, and PH3, but i might be interested in some other drives systems if you carried them.
also, for fancy adjustable wrenches, maybe lobtex w-zero and top hyper monkey zero:
they are the nicest adjustable wrenches i have tried. i slightly prefer the w-zero, but if you carry just one, maybe the top hyper monkey zero would have the broadest appeal, idk.
i forget who the big OEM is for portable toolboxes, but maybe some trusco toolboxes or slimilar could be cool?
We do carry the Top Hyper Monkey Zero adjustables and you are right, they are awesome.
Also visited with the Japanese tool reps that flew in on Monday. Showed them this thread of course. They were the original ones to bring Tru-Craft over many years ago so they have relationships with lots of smaller Japanese manufacturers that go back a long way. Tru-Craft was basically a "Craftsman" business model and looking at some of their tools they do look similar to the old craftsman too, raised panels and what not. Anyway, I explained what we were looking for so hopefully we can find some interesting stuff that hasn't made it to the US market yet. We even talked about possibly importing US tools to Japan so I think it will work out for everyone.
four.cycle
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^ Truecraft was originally a U.S. made product prior to its acquisition by Daido. Nicely made product, what little of it I've seen.
Tha Japan-made Truecraft from the 1970s was actually decent quality stuff - at least on par (if not better) than contemporaneous Craftsman.
True / Truecraft / Truecraft Tool Co., 2425 South Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL / formerly Otto Kaufman Co., acquired by Daido Corp., Japan / http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p6.html#truecraft-tool / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/truecraft-tools-memories-of-first-tools.255703/ / https://ameblo.jp/corgibell/entry-12601727921.html /
older U.S. made Truecraft 1/4" drive socket and bit set
Vessel is a great line but they've just got WAY too many skus. I don't see how anybody could carry that entire line.
Tha Japan-made Truecraft from the 1970s was actually decent quality stuff - at least on par (if not better) than contemporaneous Craftsman.
True / Truecraft / Truecraft Tool Co., 2425 South Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL / formerly Otto Kaufman Co., acquired by Daido Corp., Japan / http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p6.html#truecraft-tool / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/truecraft-tools-memories-of-first-tools.255703/ / https://ameblo.jp/corgibell/entry-12601727921.html /
older U.S. made Truecraft 1/4" drive socket and bit set
Vessel is a great line but they've just got WAY too many skus. I don't see how anybody could carry that entire line.
jsackin
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Always learn something here. Thanks for the info.
JimH74
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Excited to see the vessel power grips!
Tone makes some neat stuff that is competitively priced from Amazon.jp. Yes, they are deceptive about COO, but if you can get past that, and just assume it's made in Taiwan, they do offer some stuff that, IMO, is worth carrying in the US since it's not available here currently.