I am aware that lots of people buy their tools for the price, I can't blame them since they really are costly.
I buy my tools like I buy medicines, I ask experts in the field and not ask for brand or models but ask what they want in a tool, then I add what I expect from it. Now with so many expectations, I hardly find what I want and if ever I do I cannot afford them bec the tool is almost perfect, so compromises are made. Like meds if you buy the wrong one, it tends to be poison than cure.
I try to buy the best tool MY money can buy (best btw doesn't mean most expensive) leaning towards safety and function, with durability and build a factor too.
so to make a simple list in order of importance for me when buying tools.
1. function - if it has everything I need and more, but not too many of those I do not need (makes it more expensive)
2. safety features - I look for the best
3. durability - how long I expect it to serve me
4. price - if it is worth buying them for my needs at that amount
5. support - when things go wrong, you know they are there
6. smoothness or internal and external design - I like them quiet and smooth
7. reviews from reliable sources- when item is cannot be physically seen or tried ( but I do notice that people who bought a tool will almost always give a positive review for the item since they own it, so know what is real and read between the lines)
Time and again, I keep saying that a good tool will cost less in the long run than a cheap tool since it often dies prematurely...
click my signature and it will take you there........
Re: How do you buy your tools?
I'm into woodworking now because I am building a boat. And tools for me are a means of creating things, not for the pleasure of owning them (tho there's nothing wrong with that). Since I foresaw (wrongly, if I may cut to the chase) that I will not be doing any woodworking after I finished the boat, started off buying 2nd hand tools that looked good enough. My logic is planned obsolescence: the tools may die after I finished my project.
The flaw in this approach is that I thought I'd only be sacrificing durability, not quality. Now, I have a table saw with a misaligned blade and probably no easy way of fixing it. I also have a Ryobi thicknesser which, so far (crossed fingers) is behaving well. Durability for the length of time I need the tool is also uncertain: my Ryobi driver died after a few weeks. Got me a Makita and it is serving me well.
I realized after a few months into the project that I am enjoying all the sawdust! I've also been called upon by the wife to fix a number of things (doors, buffet table, coffee table...). I now foresee that woodworking (and general handymanning) will be an enjoyable hobby for me for years to come. So I have now resolved to get tools that, aside from doing the job well and efficiently, will also last long.
Re: How do you buy your tools?
My current sets of tools are mostly cheap. Budget is still very tight because of the kids' tuition fees. This coming March another kid will graduate from college and that will significantly relieve me from financial burden.
Having cheap tools doesn't stop one from making projects as long as the passion for his craft still lives. But having high quality tools coupled with the right skills and experience brings you to a different level of craftmanship.
Here is my woodworker's bucket list:
1. A drill press
2. Jointer
3. A Bosch Router
4. Bosch ROS
5. Thicknesser
6. sets of quality chisels
Hope to acquire all of these in a year time.
Re: How do you buy your tools?
Just to pull in a similar thread:
what influences you in buying tools?
Re: How do you buy your tools?
I have to admit I fall under the category of buying tools because of the price, BUT.....
I have been buying tools may it be handheld or the power tools in the market for simple carpentry
works and other DIY job that comes along in the house. Since we were in the poultry business before
DIYtasks never seems to stop from coming day in day out. We have accummulated quiet a number of
tools needed for our daily repairs around the farm and those tools were purchased mainly for the purpose
of serving its basic functions, to finish and accomplish the given tasks faster and easier.
Ever since I starded working with metals and doing light welding DIYs I would buy tools from time to time
selecting the tools needed for such projects. Handheld or power tools that are just moderately priced
and with good features for its quality, functionality,warranties for easy service and most of all durability.
I seldom or if not buy the high end branded tools for the main reason that they'r to expensive for my
thin pockets and also will be a waste knowing that they'll just be used for DIY projects
Right now I'm simply happy and satisfied with what I have, these moderately priced tools have serve me well for the last 8 or 10 years now, no regreats in their acquisitions.
Maybe in the future and when the time comes when I have honed my skills probablly in metal working or woodworking and make a living out of it professionally, I'll consider buying the best of the best power tools in the market for use and maybe for just collection.
CIGWELD Weldskill 250 amp Mig Welder
AHP Alpha-TIG 200X welder
HITRONIC 300 Amp DC Inverter IGBT Welder
YAMATO 300 amp AC Stick Welder
YAMATO 200 amp DC Inverter IGBT Welder
DeWALT Chopsaw
HOBART and ESAB Welding Helmets
cloned STIHLs
MS 044 chainsaw
MS 070 chainsaw
Re: How do you buy your tools?
I buy, the tools, for the main reason of finishing a project. Sometimes, some tools get damaged or even sacrificed. (Chisels, drills, hammers, etc)
But there are still tools that I buy for long term use, I try to make it worth it. Wait till I save a budget for the tool without rushing to buy one... (Ex Power tools, Mechanical tools and wrenches)
I usually, ask advice from people with the knowledge of the tools.. I don't ask salesmen, because they only recommend the tools they get better commission of.
Sometimes, I do meet-up on buying secondhand, to be able to test them.
Re: How do you buy your tools?
one tip I wish to share:
buy tools that you believe you will use now or in the future when prices are low (like on sale or special promo), buying tools when you need them badly often results to higher costs...
click my signature and it will take you there........
Re: How do you buy your tools?
Its so nice to know that we have a master to guide us when purchasing tools.
thanks sir tmber.
CIGWELD Weldskill 250 amp Mig Welder
AHP Alpha-TIG 200X welder
HITRONIC 300 Amp DC Inverter IGBT Welder
YAMATO 300 amp AC Stick Welder
YAMATO 200 amp DC Inverter IGBT Welder
DeWALT Chopsaw
HOBART and ESAB Welding Helmets
cloned STIHLs
MS 044 chainsaw
MS 070 chainsaw
Re: How do you buy your tools?
Its so nice to know that we have a master to guide us when purchasing tools.
thanks sir tmber.
I actually have Jay to thank as he is the shopping guru here. He did teach me how to look for information on tools I wanted. I took it from there.
click my signature and it will take you there........
Re: How do you buy your tools?
I actually have Jay to thank as he is the shopping guru here. He did teach me how to look for information on tools I wanted. I took it from there.
I think I spend more time researching the tools than using them. Probably will have to make it the other way around and follow Master Timber example in maximizing usage.
I love tools ever since I was a kid. That said I would buy the best I can afford for my personal use. None the less this does not apply if I buy the tools for business purposes. Surely I will buy good ones for the commercial auto shop but only this time the ROI is factored in on the equation. For my hobby purposes ROI does not apply.
I can't agree too much on Timber's advise to buy the tools when these are on sale rather than wait till it's needed. If you think you will need it in the near future then hunt for it right away. Amazon is a great place to buy and with Timber taking care of all the hassle in shipping then it's as good as it can get.
Put all the stuff you want in your amazon shopping cart then move it to Saved Items. The site will inform you if there is a price decrease or increase from time to time. Wait for a good price then pull the trigger immediately. More often than not if one is diligent to check then discounts can be had from 60 to 85% of retail depending on the item.
This is how I built my tools arsenal. Expensive tools, yes , but I did not pay retail prices.
Millermatic 180 Autoset Mig Welder
Miller Spoolmate 100 Spool Gun
Victor Firepower 350 Oxy Ace Outfit
3M Speedglas 9002X AD Helmet
Makita LC1230 Dry Cut Saw
Ingersoll Rand Air Tools
Snap On Tools
Metabo Power Tools
Norseman Drill Cutting Tools
Bosch Power Tools
3M PPS
Re: How do you buy your tools?
I actually have Jay to thank as he is the shopping guru here. He did teach me how to look for information on tools I wanted. I took it from there.
Well then if thats how it all started, I too will salute you sir JayL, for being our master in terms of shopping for great and functional tools.;) 8)
CIGWELD Weldskill 250 amp Mig Welder
AHP Alpha-TIG 200X welder
HITRONIC 300 Amp DC Inverter IGBT Welder
YAMATO 300 amp AC Stick Welder
YAMATO 200 amp DC Inverter IGBT Welder
DeWALT Chopsaw
HOBART and ESAB Welding Helmets
cloned STIHLs
MS 044 chainsaw
MS 070 chainsaw
Re: How do you buy your tools?
Well then if thats how it all started, I too will salute you sir JayL, for being our master in terms of shopping for great and functional tools.;)
Timber is a local tools sourcing guru, knows the Binondo area like the palm of his hand. Our meet up was a tool buying experience made in heaven. We had both worlds in our hands. Local and international. What more to ask.
Thanks Rosy.
Millermatic 180 Autoset Mig Welder
Miller Spoolmate 100 Spool Gun
Victor Firepower 350 Oxy Ace Outfit
3M Speedglas 9002X AD Helmet
Makita LC1230 Dry Cut Saw
Ingersoll Rand Air Tools
Snap On Tools
Metabo Power Tools
Norseman Drill Cutting Tools
Bosch Power Tools
3M PPS
Re: How do you buy your tools?
Timber is a local tools sourcing guru, knows the Binondo area like the palm of his hand. Our meet up was a tool buying experience made in heaven. We had both worlds in our hands. Local and international. What more to ask.
Thanks Rosy.
And it has since made all of our wallets a lot lighter..:p
Re: How do you buy your tools?
And it has since made all of our wallets a lot lighter..:p
No Moji, you made your wallet lighter on your own... 😀
click my signature and it will take you there........
Re: How do you buy your tools?
Without you two, no one would influence me in getting a lot of my stuff hehe :p
