Makita Power Tool combo....thoughts?

[johnnybogey]

hey guys,

 

Off topic, building my first ever poker table. Haven't really used my Milwaukee drill much but I guess I am looking for an excuse to get something LIGHTER!!! The Milwaukee hammer drill is heavy.

 

So browsing Home Depot, I stumbled on this Makita set. Great reviews on the home depot site.

 

Curious is any members here use this brand / model and hope you can share your thoughts.

 

For the price, seems like a great deal.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-12-Volt-Max-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-LCT209W/202945283

[esketores]

For home use it will be a wondrous buy. Can't go wrong.
I happen to like Bosch.
My cabinet installer likes Dewalt. As does my commercial electrician nephew.
We pretty much use an impact driver for everything from drilling holes to driving screws.
And in our opinion the 18v stuff is way overkill for 90% of the people.
The 12V stuff is smaller and easier to handle. And if your going to be driving screws all day get an extra battery. Otherwise one battery will suffice for most all home projects. And professional work as well.

[prestiege]

decent price, you can always return it if you dont like it. the only thing ive ever used by makita was an angle grinder. my dad still has it, its over 15 years old and still runs like a champ. id just stick with your milwaukee though and spend the 129 on something else since you already have it. even though it might be a little heavy, how many screws you gonna use on the table? 50 if even? thats a 20/24oz beer for every screw you put in

[johnnybogey]

[quote name='esketores' timestamp='1410382368' post='10097277']For home use it will be a wondrous buy. Can't go wrong.
I happen to like Bosch.
My cabinet installer likes Dewalt. As does my commercial electrician nephew.
We pretty much use an impact driver for everything from drilling holes to driving screws.
And in our opinion the 18v stuff is way overkill for 90% of the people.
The 12V stuff is smaller and easier to handle. And if your going to be driving screws all day get an extra battery. Otherwise one battery will suffice for most all home projects. And professional work as well.[/quote]

Thanks esketores.
Heard great things about Bosch as well.

This set will be 100% home use, nothing crazy.

Already comes with two batteries so I think I am set for now.

Thanks again.

[johnnybogey]

[quote name='prestiege' timestamp='1410382484' post='10097299']decent price, you can always return it if you dont like it. the only thing ive ever used by makita was an angle grinder. my dad still has it, its over 15 years old and still runs like a champ. id just stick with your milwaukee though and spend the 129 on something else since you already have it. even though it might be a little heavy, how many screws you gonna use on the table? 50 if even? thats a 20/24oz beer for every screw you put in[/quote]

The Milwaukee batteries are on it's last legs. For this project, it's fine. But for other home projects, etc...would prefer lighter.

Milwaukee works perfectly fine, just have to keep recharging but given the price of this combo, it seems too good to pass on.

[highergr0und]

Makita makes some fine tools. I purchased that set a while back along with the similar setup from Bosch to compare. The Bosch were more powerful and built a little better. For home use where you'll do some general maintenance the Makita will work great. I believe the Bosch set is sold at Lowes still and will run about $30 more.

FYI, I've since moved on to an 18V bosch set. So much power, and the drill and impact driver really aren't that much bigger than their 12V counterparts. Front to back they're about the same, just a little longer in the grip. I upgraded due to a need for speed. If you're doing a few screws, a little time here and there don't matter. If you're doing hundreds, it'll make a difference. My Bosch drill recently survived a fall from about 9 feet onto concrete. Tough tools.

[ButchE]

[quote name='johnnybogey' timestamp='1410378857' post='10096955']
hey guys,

Off topic, building my first ever poker table. Haven't really used my Milwaukee drill much but I guess I am looking for an excuse to get something LIGHTER!!! The Milwaukee hammer drill is heavy.

So browsing Home Depot, I stumbled on this Makita set. Great reviews on the home depot site.

Curious is any members here use this brand / model and hope you can share your thoughts.

For the price, seems like a great deal.

Thanks in advance.

[url="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-12-Volt-Max-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-LCT209W/202945283"]http://www.homedepot...T209W/202945283[/url]
[/quote]
I have this set...plenty of power..they're light,which helps a ton...my 18V DeWalt will kill ya if you have a lot of screws to drive. I have a woodworking shop, and this pair gets a lot of work. buy it and don't look back....also, here's some advice for fasteners: http://www.mcfeelys.com/index.aspx
they are the best..period

[longbal30]

I am a contractor and have the Makita 18V drill/impact set, paid $189 with case. Mainly bought it for the fact that it had the fastest charge time which was 15 minutes. I have to say, I love the kit. Very powerful, very long lasting, and very durable. I have put these things through their paces for sure. The only thing I don't like is the fact that Makita doesn't have all the options for other sister tools like Milwalkee does. I would like them to offer more tools, so I can utilize the same charger and batteries. But for your purpose, you can't go wrong.

[teeitlow]

Contractor here as well.

Nothing wrong with Makita at all, only suggestion I would make is try and get the larger batteries (3ahm, I think a typed that right).
Also Home Depot is your best bet because their return policy is excellent.

Milwaukee also has a impact out that has a variable speed...thats a very good thing in my opinion.

Or you could get what I use...Hilti!!! Best impact of all time, but $$$$.
I dont get any of my Hilti tools through dealers, just direct from Hilti USA.

-D

[FairwaysToHeaven]

drill thats lightweight and used for screws you can go 12v. if you want a drill thats more powerful that you can drill holes with i'd go 18v.

the new lithium ion batteries are much better than old stuff. they give you full power until they are out of juice and simply stop instead of slowly losing speed.

check out the reconditioned stuff at CPO tools. i bought a m18 Fuel milwaukee brushless drill which will last forever. brushless motor technology won't wear out like the motors from few years ago.

http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-reconditioned-bosch-dds181-02-rt-18v-cordless-lithium-ion-compact-tough-1-2-in--drill-driver-with-2-slim-pack-hc-batteries/bshrdds181-02-rt,default,pd.html?start=11&cgid=drills&prefn1=condition&prefv1=recon

just an example from cpo. you can also find coupons online a lot of times.

[Jim Clark]

If you want a combo set, get everything, not just the drills.

[Kingcat990]

I'm a tradesman and use power tools probably more than a general contractor would. I'm an industrial electrician (offshore + on) and have used basically every brand under heavy use. I wouldn't suggest makita or desalt. You'll be better off with a Rigid or a Milwaukee set. Check eBay. I haven't gone through my latest Milwaukee set. Been very rigid. Great stuff. Buy a set that will last many projects and not just your current project.

[RJRJRJ]

Nice set for home use, but the blue colored Makitas are the big dogs.

[GatorNate11]

For home use, these things are really nice. Buddy of mine has a set. I'll tell ya though, I wouldn't trade me Dewalt for the world. It's a little heavier, for sure, but man that thing is a champ.

[Drive4shoPutt4Dough]

I have the older generation of those 2 drills. They have the bigger 18v lithium ion batteries. At the time it was a $300 set (about 6 or 7 yeara ago.)but I was doing doors and windows at the time as my job so that's how I justified the purchase to myself. Easily the best 300 I spent on drills. The hammer drill is still works flawlessly and the regular drill the chuck slips everyonce in awhile because I needed to tap into basalt rock for a fence job I was doing. All in all the best drill you can buy for the money in my opinion. 130 is a steal. Good luck!

[johnnybogey]

Just to update.

I was all set to order when I noticed that they are now all sold out. Just my luck, waited too long to pull the trigger.

Will take a look at some of the others mentioned in this thread. But i am in no rush to buy a set. The makita just looked like a really nice deal.

Thanks for the link to fastners. I opted for regular screws this time since the banquet legs I bought require 21 screws in order to mount. I think the wood screws will be ok.

Will look into those fasteners for my next table build.

Thanks all for sharing your experiences with different tool brands. Much appreciated.

Table almost done. Will post pics soon.

[teejaywhy]

Don't know anything about the quality, but the Home Depot house brand Ridgid offers a lifetime guarantee that includes batteries.

In my past experience, the batteries always go long before the tool although I have yet to try the new lithium-ion units.

[RookieBlue7]

For me, it's Dewalt or Rigid's lithium series. Rigid has a better warranty so that's how I'd go personally

[RJRJRJ]

[quote name='johnnybogey' timestamp='1410962143' post='10131879']
Just to update.

I was all set to order when I noticed that they are now all sold out. Just my luck, waited too long to pull the trigger.

Will take a look at some of the others mentioned in this thread. But i am in no rush to buy a set. The makita just looked like a really nice deal.

Thanks for the link to fastners. I opted for regular screws this time since the banquet legs I bought require 21 screws in order to mount. I think the wood screws will be ok.

Will look into those fasteners for my next table build.

Thanks all for sharing your experiences with different tool brands. Much appreciated.

Table almost done. Will post pics soon.
[/quote]

Just noticed that they have the Makita in a 3 pack if you dont mind paying $25 for a flashlight.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-12-Volt-Max-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Combo-Kit-3-Piece-LCT314W/203231791?N=5yc1vZc2ec

[johnnybogey]

Hey guys.
Had a chance to stop by Home Depot during lunch and browse.

Last night, the Milwaukee battery crapped out in me. Was only able to drill 4 out of 10 cup holder holes using a hole saw. Tried charging and no luck.

So it got me thinking as I look at all the tools.

I don't think I will ever buy those 4/5 piece combo sets that include drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw etc.
reason being, the saws don't get used often and because they are battery powered, won't last. As such, in the future, it will be more difficult to find replacement battery for when I actually need to use it. I say, for tools that don't get used often, corded is the way to go or simply rent.

So I am going to scrap the Milwaukee that I currently have because I read reviews on the Milwaukee replacement battery (old school heavy 18v) and found many negative reviews plus it costs 80.

Going to start off with a drill / impact driver combo battery powered and then added corded "specialty" tools going forward as needed.

While at Home Depot, picked up a ryobi corded drill for 30. This will be hopefully for heavy duty drilling for times when a 12v drill won't cut it.

What do you guys think?

[RJRJRJ]

[quote name='johnnybogey' timestamp='1411159581' post='10149385']
Hey guys.
Had a chance to stop by Home Depot during lunch and browse.

Last night, the Milwaukee battery crapped out in me. Was only able to drill 4 out of 10 cup holder holes using a hole saw. Tried charging and no luck.

So it got me thinking as I look at all the tools.

I don't think I will ever buy those 4/5 piece combo sets that include drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw etc.
reason being, the saws don't get used often and because they are battery powered, won't last. As such, in the future, it will be more difficult to find replacement battery for when I actually need to use it. I say, for tools that don't get used often, corded is the way to go or simply rent.

So I am going to scrap the Milwaukee that I currently have because I read reviews on the Milwaukee replacement battery (old school heavy 18v) and found many negative reviews plus it costs 80.

Going to start off with a drill / impact driver combo battery powered and then added corded "specialty" tools going forward as needed.

While at Home Depot, picked up a ryobi corded drill for 30. This will be hopefully for heavy duty drilling for times when a 12v drill won't cut it.

What do you guys think?
[/quote]

Buy a Ridgid. If you register it with them they warranty it for life and even replace the batteries.
This little set is only $100:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-12-Volt-Hyper-Lithium-Ion-Drill-Driver-and-Impact-Driver-Combo-Kit-R9000SB/205374283?quantity=1&str_nbr=6689

[johnnybogey]

Thanks RJ.

Will check out the rigid series when I get back to Home Depot. Like you and others have mentioned, lifetime warranty including batteries is a huge plus.

Well, I finished the table tonight. Overall, a fun project and already thinking about table number 2.

Pic added. Thanks all for the input. Much appreciated.

[attachment=2426657:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1411234672.451203.jpg]

[esketores]

[quote name='johnnybogey' timestamp='1411234699' post='10153235']
Thanks RJ.

Will check out the rigid series when I get back to Home Depot. Like you and others have mentioned, lifetime warranty including batteries is a huge plus.

Well, I finished the table tonight. Overall, a fun project and already thinking about table number 2.

Pic added. Thanks all for the input. Much appreciated.

[attachment=2426657:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1411234672.451203.jpg]
[/quote]

Real nice.

[teeitlow]

nice table.
For a cord drill go milwaukee HD 1/2". I can run a 2-1/2" forstner bit through tight grain old growth timber all day every day. Low geared like the hole hawg which is designed to run hole saw bits (500rpm+-). All bits have a rpm that they work best at, basically a rpm rating. Large diameter holes are low rpm/heavy tourqe, ask any plumber. Higher rpm bits are your split points and augers, better suited to a cordless drill. Always best to have best tool for the job which is a bit of variety.
-D

[Jim Clark]

[quote name='johnnybogey' timestamp='1411234699' post='10153235']
Thanks RJ.

Will check out the rigid series when I get back to Home Depot. Like you and others have mentioned, lifetime warranty including batteries is a huge plus.

Well, I finished the table tonight. Overall, a fun project and already thinking about table number 2.

Pic added. Thanks all for the input. Much appreciated.

[attachment=2426657:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1411234672.451203.jpg]
[/quote]

Nice looking table...good job.