Power tool advice

[booger]

18 v drill is about shot and am looking into replacements. Any thoughts on 18v or the ni cad or lithium ion batteries/ advantages, etc?

I look at the combo kits as a circular saw/trim saw would come in handy.

Also a specific ? about craftsman tools and thoughts about them in general as sears has this combo pack on special.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...000P?adCell=W3

Otherwise i am leaning twards this milwaukee drill http://www.toolbarn.com/product/milwaukee/2601-22/

and renting a saw and purchasing at a later time.

Thoughts on these and any other brands appreciated.

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by kcmaxwell

i had an 18v porter-cable hammer drill that kicked ass, i wouldnt own another...

I notice you HAD...just sayin'.

[Earthling]

Ive used Ryobi cordless circular saws and drills for years and like them. They are a bit cheaper in price than the DeWalt and similar brands but are rugged and durable. I have a Milwaukee sawz-all (corded) and a DeWalt cordless sawz-all that I use a whole lot more than I thought I would. Looking at power tools is kind of like looking at toys around X'mas as a kid.

[cdcox]

Originally Posted by Earthling

Ive used Ryobi cordless circular saws and drills for years and like them. They are a bit cheaper in price than the DeWalt and similar brands but are rugged and durable. I have a Milwaukee sawz-all (corded) and a DeWalt cordless sawz-all that I use a whole lot more than I thought I would. Looking at power tools is kind of like looking at toys around X'mas as a kid.

Yep I know that feeling. I want to try my hand at some woodworking. I'm looking at a Bench Dog cast iron router table extension for my Ridgid Table saw, and a Freud FT2200 router to go with it. I've also been scoping cragslist for a good deal on a used 8" jointer -- I can't really justify that purchase yet, but if I find a deal good enough I might pull the trigger.

[booger]

Originally Posted by RedandGold

I have that same Milwaukee drill, and it's great to use around the house. It's lightweight, has plenty of power, and is extremely well-balanced.

The Li-Ion Battery has a good life, and with the 30-minute charger, you'll always have one ready to go on longer projects. The state of charge indicator is a nice bonus as well.

If you go that route, you won't be disappointed.

That's the one i got. Sears had it for 199. Drill, charger, and 2 batts.

I'll eventually pick up the impact driver and maybe the light. You can get tool only versions on the net that fit the same battery. Bare tool i think they list them as. No case or battery just the tool. Haven't used it yet but the charge level indicator on the batteries is cool.

Thanks for all the advice fellas!

[booger]

Originally Posted by KC Fish

Do you happen to have an 18V charger you won't need when you buy your new tools? I'm looking for an 18V charger on the cheap....

My old drill, was a coleman. yes coleman, i thought they only made camping equipment. An xmas gift. Anyway, the battery doesn't hold a charge that well anymore and i know a young buck HS kid who is starting to mess around with that stuff and gave him the drill/charger to give him a good start. Now i have to see if there are any brands of batteries that can interchange when he comes by belly aching about the battery!