[Isaac]

Hi,


I'm looking into buying some tools, namely a jigsaw, router and possibly a biscuit/slot maker thingamajig.  I've already got a jigsaw, but it's a nasty and wobbly NRG brand one (which is just hopeless for speaker building purposes).  Actually, I haven't got a circular saw yet, but I'm hoping I could get away with not having one by using a better jigsaw.

Any suggestions as to which brands/models to consider and avoid would really be great.  Budget is tight  


Thanks in advance
Isaac

[Malcolm Fear]

To build speakers, lay out your cutting requirements, take them to Mr Ply & Wood. They cut accurately, straight, square and with no chipping. They only charge about $10 to cut a sheet.
I would buy a drill (that can double as a screwdriver) and forget biscuits at this stage.
A router is a good thing for cutting holes, but you will require a jig.

[EchiDna]

i'd be raiding the trading post for second hand tradesman's tools...

better quality and usually with enough life left to fulfill any casual user's needs.

[JohnR]

FWIW I've missed a couple of real nice used tools on Ebay.

I've also been recommended Builder's Bargain Center for getting sheet cut. I built a few speakers using a borrowed circular saw and a dremel for routing the speaker recesses. I wouldn't recommend it but it can be done.

Any access to tools at Uni?

[TG]

Well, even though your budget is tight the best advice I can offer is to always buy the best quality tools you can possibly afford.

Poorly constructed, cheap tools like most of the very cheap "specials" offered by Mitre10 etc. are a waste of money.  They will break or wear out in no time and are sometimes built to such poor tolerances that they are essentially unusable from the start.  At worst cheap power tools can cause significant injury.  The cheap Chinese tools which have appeared over the last 5 years are particularly bad - little more than toys.

Good quality tools, on the other hand, are a joy to use and will help you build a better project.  They will last a lifetime and become trusted friends.

In the good quality "average" range I'd recommend Makita and Bosch.  Not professional quality, but well made, effective and not ruinously expensive.

Cheers
TG

[Curt]

Dewalt (power miter box), Makaita (drills), Skill (circular saw, jig saw), Milwaukee (screw gun), and  Rockwell (contractors special table saw) are some of my favorites. All good dependable tools that I've used for years.

[EchiDna]

TG- I'd say that Makita and Bosch can easily get into the professional price range in terms of quality and price, it just depends on the model...

As someone who lives in Asia, the toys you are speaking of do exist, but close inspection before purchase can find a gem... case in point: I bought a set of drillbits for about US$3 in a hypermarket here which were hanging on the rack right next to an identically packaged (save the cardboard label) Bosch set. Price difference? Bosch = US$18

Curt - re Dewalt tools...  did you know they are just the high quality black and decker brand? it is unbelievable what a company can achieve when they make a tool with quality in mind and not a price point. All Dewalt tools I've used are great but pricey.

Issac, it would probably be cheaper to find an experienced relative or friend who has the tools you need for a first try/borrow/temporary theft
you can do the biscuit joining thing with a normal router if you have a router table... Also you will need clamps, a very good straight edge if you plan on using the jigsaw for long straight cuts etc...

[TG]

TG- I'd say that Makita and Bosch can easily get into the professional price range in terms of quality and price, it just depends on the model...

Agreed - the lower end models I've found to be a little underpowered, but the more expensive ones are very high quality.  Skil are sometimes pretty good too - most of the well known hardware store brands seem to have a range of 2 or 3 models of increasing price and the more expensive ones are usually OK.

The difference between amateur, semi-pro and pro power tools is mostly about the ability of the tool to work more or less constantly on a full time basis.  A pro hammer drill like a Hilti will work 8 hous a day for years without raising a sweat - a Black & Decker might last for a few years with occasional use.  It's also about ruggedness - the job that a Hilti will sail through may easily burn out the motor on the B&D.

Hand tools are my main gripe regarding the cheap Chinese tools.  I bought several things like hole drilling sets, allen key sets, screwdrivers, screwdriver bits for drills, chisels, files etc. over a few weeks when I was doing some cabinet building and in every case I was immediately sorry - I don't go near them now.

One flat bladed screwdriver set (5 sizes) I bought for $5 was useless - the blades bent the first time I used them.  The set of 20 screwdriver bits ($12) was also useless - one Phillips-head bit was stripped smooth the first time I tried to use it.  The files are exceptionally poorly made, and look like they were hand-made using a cold chisel - they also have no bite.

The metal used in these tools is simply not "tool quality" steel, and they are not tempered.  They seem to use either drop forged mild steel or cast alloy of some sort.  This level of stuff can only be called toys.

Cheers
TG

[Curt]

"Curt - re Dewalt tools... did you know they are just the high quality black and decker brand? it is unbelievable what a company can achieve when they make a tool with quality in mind and not a price point. All Dewalt tools I've used are great but pricey. "

Yes, they went with a new name to loose the B&D brand image for their premimum products, can't say I blame them.  I tried all the brands and some of the Dewalt stuff is very good, even if it's B&D.

The chop boxes were especially good I've had 4-5 of them (all same model), they are tough and hold alignment (even when worked 10 hours a day every day). Today you can get boxes with radial arm movement, several brands offer this nice feature, it can sometimes effect accuracy and unless you need it I wouldn't get that type.

I worked as a cabinet maker and trim carpenter for a few years after the army before going back to college.