Tools that used to be great

   / Tools that used to be great
  • Thread Starter
#61  
Absolutely correct. Same problem with my Hobart Handler 140, 120volt wire feed welder. The gauge of the wire and length of run make a huge difference in weld quality and welder performance. The shortest 10 gauge extension cords possible and as close to the electrical panel too.
I'm having my panel replaced soon since it's an old PFE and will get a few 20amps installed in the garage... the panel is right outside of the garage. Then I'll do my welding in there.
 
   / Tools that used to be great #62  
I finally invested in a drill press vise...I hate pain!
 
   / Tools that used to be great #64  
I'm having my panel replaced soon since it's an old PFE and will get a few 20amps installed in the garage... the panel is right outside of the garage. Then I'll do my welding in there.

Good plan. Machines don't like bad power.
 
   / Tools that used to be great #65  
Mom was the go-to for tools...

One year dad bought her the Craftsman Sabre Saw she wanted to build furniture for us kids...

Another year it was Soldering Gun and the biggest a Chain Saw... all from Sears and 50 years later still in service...
 
   / Tools that used to be great
  • Thread Starter
#66  
Mom was the go-to for tools...

One year dad bought her the Craftsman Sabre Saw she wanted to build furniture for us kids...

Another year it was Soldering Gun and the biggest a Chain Saw... all from Sears and 50 years later still in service...
Isn't sears the best example of tools that used to be great? All my craftsman stuff from my childhood is still running strong.
 
   / Tools that used to be great
  • Thread Starter
#68  
I agree with IT that most tool reviews are uninformed BS. The Journal of Light Construction does a pretty good job I think.

Cordless Rear-Handle Saws | JLC Online
Most if not all reviews are influenced by the advertising budgets of the manufacturers. So there's no critical approach or if it is, it's super lightweight. There are so few profitable equipment publications that they can't risk having advertising dollars pulled over an objective review .

Don't ask how I know this.
 
   / Tools that used to be great #69  
Since my background was aviation electronics/electricity the local electric contractor let me to DIY wire my home.
I exceeded code by a lot.
Used only 12 gauges everywhere, split all kitchen outlets to the extent that I have 12 breakers for kitchen alone (for 6 outlets), LOL wife can plug as many appliances as she wants anywhere.
1/2 the kitchen is wired via my generator transfer panel so we can cook anything during outages.
My shop/garage has a sub panel, again all 12 gauge and 220 for welding. Outlets every 4 ft and at waist height.
Shop lighting is on its own circuit so as to not be in the dark should I blow a breaker.

Just recently I have been switching all my lighting over to LED's.

When U buy spools of wire there is a minor difference between 12 g and 14 g.
Oh, and no aluminum wire ever for me.

GFI's where ever code required them.
 
   / Tools that used to be great #70  
Isn't sears the best example of tools that used to be great? All my craftsman stuff from my childhood is still running strong.

Yep... Craftsman Tools built a huge swath of America...

Dad's machinist friends bought their micrometers and calipers at Sears and work clothes and boots.

Sears Best were tools we dreamed of!

About the only thing I go out of my way to buy at Sears today are Craftsman garden hoses with lifetime warranty....

Things changed when Satisfaction Guaranteed slogan was removed from the doors.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2017 Ford F-550 Ext. Cab Valve Maintenance Truck (A50323)
2017 Ford F-550...
2018 FREIGHTLINER 1085D DUMP TRUCK (A51406)
2018 FREIGHTLINER...
2016 Big Tex 24ft. T/A Flatbed Trailer (A50322)
2016 Big Tex 24ft...
KUBOTA L2350 TRACTOR (A51243)
KUBOTA L2350...
2008 Ford F-250 Reading Service Truck (A50323)
2008 Ford F-250...
2018 CATERPILLAR 299D2 SKID STEER (A51242)
2018 CATERPILLAR...
 
Top