It's Christmas time, which means...New tools!

Alright, so the holidays are fast approaching an I'm being bugged for things I want. I'm not really one to ask for stuff, but I do need to add some tools to my current assortment.

So therefore...I come to the experts.

First up...

A work bench. I have one currently, which is in dire need of replacement, well not really but I'd like a better one. I could build one, but I don't have the time of late to do so, so I'm looking to just buy one of the ones you just throw together. I've seen this one from HF..have any of you used one such as this? Wood Workbench - 60" Wood Workbench w/ 4 Drawers It would be doing double duty, as a scrap breakdown table, an for my woodworking that I do on the side.

Second..I need a good power saw, again I'm looking at HF as it would be a gift from the family, an I don't want to break their pocket books. Thoughts on this one.. Reciprocating Saw w/ Rotating Handle

They've got another for a little more, but not as good of customer reviews (3 1/2 stars vs the first one at 4 stars).

Third...a new drill, for when my old one goes. Again this is all from HF. First one Cordless Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck, 3/8", 18 Volt

2nd one Cordless Drill/Driver and Flashlight Kit, 3/8", 18 Volt

First is only 19.99, 2nd is 22.99 but I get a flashlight& charger! lol. Any of you used either of these? An if so thoughts? They have another for 19.99 that comes with a charger, bout the only difference I see tween the 2.

Your thoughts an opinions on the above would be quite helpful. I know a lot of you buy from HF hence my coming here to get opinions. Yes I could buy big fancy brand names, but its not my wallet that will be paying for them.

Now I need to go browse some more, as I'm still in need of a angle grinder, a new BFH ( Mine gets used a lot), an some other items I won't pester you all over.



Thanks ahead of time!

Sirscrapalot - Tool time on the Sandbar.

lol...my ism's are contagious!



Sirscrapalot - I came, I corrupted, I win. - Me, or maybe Cory, or some guy on a mountain top somewhere.

I have the work bench. Its a good deal for the money. I wouldn't do breakdowns on it (use a BFH to break things on it) It has a good surface that is flat. The supplied bench dogs are cheap wood pegs. They can easily be replaced with homemade pegs. The top is not 2.5 inch thick. The perimeter has a double thickness. If you look at the bench dog hole in the top you will understand. The vice is not bullet proof. Use a 25% off coupon with the sales ad and you will be happy. I built my copper separation table on this work bench along with many other projects. ie. cut, grind, weld, paint, layout, sand, clamp......

Hrrm..Good Idea Mick. Most likely go with the drill then, as I use it way more then the saw. Just good deal on a saw, and there are times I wish I had one. Heh. I will have to ponder this an see if it's possible.

Foam thanks for your thoughts on the work bench. I wouldn't be bashing anything on it, I'd use my old one for that. The bench would be mainly for computer break downs, hds, ewaste an the like. An double for my wood working on the side.

Sledge..I'm sending you a bag of coal for Christmas.

Thanks all to who've responded so far, I do appreciate it!

Sirscrapalot - Round of beverages for all!

I got this drill last year for Christmas -

Black & Decker Tools | 20V MAX* Lithium Drill/Driver LDX120C

It's lightweight, and works well. It's one of my backup ones, and for now the main one I use until I can find my Makita drill (I think it's hiding with about 100 different bits and my sledge hammers).

Also, I have an LED light on all my drills. It's amazing how much that comes in handy.

Originally Posted by ryanw

Also, I have an LED light on all my drills. It's amazing how much that comes in handy.

Mine is down by the battery. I like it more than the ones up by the bit, shines better to see what I'm looking at. It has a separate trigger for just the light so you can see without having to spin the bit.

I have the rotating handle recip saw. Got it for $19.99. Runs fine but the HF blades are crappy. Buy good blades and the saw will work fine.

I also have their 12 volt LI lightweight drill. Actually two of them. They are our go to tool for computer breakdown. Drilling holes? Don't really know. Usually have it in reverse taking out screws and bolts.

The bench look nice in the store but I would probably reinforce it somehow. Plywood gussets on the back legs and ends would go a long way to making it stiffer.

mrbillbus - not a particularly quotable guy

Originally Posted by mrbillbus

I have the rotating handle recip saw. Got it for $19.99. Runs fine but the HF blades are crappy. Buy good blades and the saw will work fine.

good power but the HF blades dull very fast .....

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

I have to say, I love my Milwaukee Sawzall,,, nuff said. 30 years old and still going strong

Last August I bought a 18 volt battery Milwaukee set. Drill the high speed went out already. Sawzall I can't put much force behind it to cut anything, just have to basically set the saw blade on the item and let the weight of the saw be the only pressure. The light was jacked by my old boss. I use the impact everyday though. Only thing I have not had a problem with. I loved Milwaukee tools until now. My old boss had almost the same set I do (he had the smaller sawzall not the full length one) and his worked great. That's why I went out and bought my own set. First day I used the drill it wouldn't work at all, they exchanged right at the store. Central State Supply, contractors shop here in my town. Had to send in the sawzall once already under warranty because that had stopped altogether and since I got it back its not been able to be used hardly. They told me I would have to pay to get it fixed this time.

have this bench in the garage, my suggestion would be to buy two of them and put em side by side, thats what I have, plenty of room that way, Id think one wouldn't be enough, at least for me

The hf sawzall blades are the worst blades I've ever used.

Yea, I'd replace the blades with good ones. That much I remember from past threads, an the recent one Cory had on them.

Far as daily use, the drill is the winner for that. If it was me doing the buying I'd go big name, but it's not. Going to run Mick's idea by the family an see if they can go together on something like that. I hate asking for stuff, even if it's the holidays. I'm just one of those people. Rather see them spend the money on the youngin's in the family. Trying to tell family that tho is like telling a politician not to lie. The sawzall is one of those things I find myself needing for things here an there through out the year, an I keep putting it off. So I'm ok with a HF one an good blades.

I'm thinking the bench is something I'll be getting myself, after the holidays if the price stays good. I now they do a lot of good sales/coupons. So not to worried over that. I like what I'm hearing about it though. An the reviews seem good on it.

Anyhow, my thanks as always to those who've responded. Your what makes this forum awesome.

An mrbillbus...we're all quoteable, it's just a matter of what they choose to quote.

Sirscrapalot - My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles

Buy American made .....HMmm . I have The HF reciprocating saw , have had it for two years to cut every thing it works great. I honestly don't care about brand name tools , it doesn't have to look pretty as long as it does the job. I refuse to spend $200 for a Milwaukee. I know to you guys im just a kid. But its whatever . Plus I heard the reason brand name tools are so expensive is because they print the Boxes in the USA lol