Need advice

[alex.mikolaschek]

Hello all,
I am new to the tool world. I am 33 i want to get into woodworking, learning how to do my own basic home renovations, etc,
I am going to invest in a nice set of cordless power tool but i am stuck between makita lxt and Milwaukee m18.
Any opinions would be helpful. Merry Christmas!


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[pstnbly]

One vote for red.

 

[rburke65]

Welcome to The Garage Journal Alex. And I would second the vote for the Milwaukee. Good luck.

 

[ddawg16]

I would go Ryobi. Best performance for the money.

Besides an outstanding array of cordless tools, that same battery also works in a lot of lawn tools, like the edger.

My Ryobi tools have built a 2-story garage and a 2-story addition to my house and are still performing well.

 

[wnstwolf]

I have and love the dewalt 18v xrp tools but they are heavy and I wanted a smaller set up for house jobs. I picked up the makita 9.6 kit drill driver and am very impressed with the battery life and performance. I find I reach for it more than the yellow ones. I have had bad luck with red tools battery life. Ymmv

 

[Heavymetalmechanic]

I play for Team Red (Milwaukee), I have been very happy with both the brushed and brushless lines.

What is your budget? The price on the brushed line bundle packs has gone down nicely since the Fuel line came out.

I have also used the Mikita line with work, and have no complaints at all. Both are dependable with excellent customer/warranty service.

My father is very happy with his ryobi tools, but they are pampered and rarely see extended use so I can not comment on them from personal observation. They may be a good choice on the lower end of the budget. I would take DDawgs opinion at face value, I respect his input.

 

[theluke]

I'd go makita.

 

[alex.mikolaschek]

Budget around 500 for a good 4-5 tool set with batteries and charger. Ryobi just seems cheap, but i've heard good things too.
Want to invest in tools that will last me a long time


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[SweetD]

For the non-professional person that is going to be using hand power tools in a home-use environment, in my opinion, Ryobi is the best value for the money.

My credentials are that I work directly and often with the engineers that design and manufacture Ryobi, Rigid, Milwaukee, and DeWalt tools (yes there are two companies represented with the aforemntioned tool brands).

Take it for what it's worth!

Dave

 

[Jtcrep]

My dad uses Mikita Lxt and swears by it. I have Milwaukee M18 and find it performs as well or better than the Makita. On the plus side Milwaukee seems to on sale more often and has a bigger line up. I recommend going with which ever is easier to find near you, you will be happy with either.

 

[Gasgt1]

I have been pleased with my Dewalts and have not used the others much.

One thing to consider as well.
Decent corded tools can be had fairly reasonably (especially used) and will last far longer than battery powered ones.

Battery has it's place but you will be replacing batteries and tools over the years

I am still using corded versions that are 40 years (or more) old.

 

[ddawg16]

Budget around 500 for a good 4-5 tool set with batteries and charger. Ryobi just seems cheap, but i've heard good things too.
Want to invest in tools that will last me a long time


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One of my drills is 14 years old. I use the dog **** out of those tools.

I have the following Ryobi stuff

2 1/2" chuck drills
1 3/8" right angle drill
Sawzall
5 1/4" Circular saw (light...easy to use when trying to cut a stud 20' in the air while standing on a ladder)
Corded DA sander
Corded 3/8" drill
Portable Lights
Table Saw
Compound Miter Saw
Weed Eater (uses the same battery as the cordless tools)

I have gone through 4 NiCad battery packs. I'm now on the Li stuff.

When you consider that the typical NiCad battery is good for between 300-1000 charge cycles and/or about 10 years of life.....I got pretty good use.
The past two years I charged the batteries and average of 1-3 times per day, pretty much 7 days a week. One would be on the charger while I was using the other one.

I've more than gotten my monies worth out of them

 

[Oldb]

I have had good luck with Ryobi, got a Rigid for work and like it also. One of the guys at work has a Milwaukee caulking gun, uses the same battery as his other Milwaukee stuff and based on that alone I would go Milwaukee if I was starting over. It is the most silky smooth way to apply caulk I have ever seen.

B