Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

Re:Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for dur... by redshirtrob on Wednesday October 07, 2020 @11:10AM (#24709045)

I mostly stick with corded tools. Over the past 17 years I've managed to collect:

- A Milwaukee right angle drill. I don't use it much, but when I need it, it's invaluable

- A Porter Cable circular saw. I get a bit more use out of this. Circular saws are so versatile.

- A hand-held power planer. I used this a lot fitting doors to irregular door jams. I've loaned it out quite a bit too. Like the right angle drill, I don't reach for it often now, but when I need it, I'm damn glad to have it.

- Just purchased a Makita track saw. I'm anticipating a lot of long rip cuts in the next few months. I could do this with a circular saw, but I really like the simplicity of the track saw.

- Power drill. I've had it forever. I rarely reach for it, but it's nice to know it's there.

For battery powered tools I have:

- Power drill. This is a must-have for battery. The convenience is worth having to get a new one every so often. I'm on my second one now. I started with a Craftsman a long time ago. I replaced the batteries once and now I can't get new ones.

- I'm considering a jig saw. I'm not sure. It feels like this would be more convenient w/o a cord, and they're cheap enough that I wouldn't worry about replacing it. Still undecided.

For yard tools, I can totally see going with battery powered as well. I'm considering an edger. I hate dealing with two-stroke engines, and a cord would be a huge PITA. I'll probably get a battery powered one and try to stay in the same brand for leaf blower and chainsaw.

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Re:Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for dur... by whoopdedo on Wednesday October 07, 2020 @12:58PM (#24710205)

A resource I found useful when I wanted an impact wrench was a breakdown of which manufacturers are behind the different brands[1]. I knew not to waste time comparing a Black&Decker to a Porter-Cable since they're most likely the same thing. I also weighed the reputation of the manufacturer by averaging reviews from multiple brands. Getting lost in the illusion of choice is part of what makes online shopping problematic.

[1] https://www.protoolreviews.com/news/power-tool-manufacturers...

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Re:Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for dur... by ranieuwe on Wednesday October 07, 2020 @11:21AM (#24709170)

Just bought a lot of yard tools and picked Ego as my battery platform. Same reasons you outlined: I hate dealing with gas engines, cords are annoying and get you stuck. I can now start a job, pause half way do something else and continue again without dealing with starting engines etc.

The blower is fantastic and quiet at that too. Much more relaxing than a gas one making noise all the time. The edger is phenomenal but probably too much for my needs.

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Re:Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for dur... by redshirtrob on Wednesday October 07, 2020 @02:29PM (#24711159)

Thanks. I borrowed one of their chainsaws from a neighbor back in the spring. It worked flawlessly. That's the brand I was considering so glad to hear another positive review.

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Re:Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for dur... by aidos on Thursday October 08, 2020 @02:12PM (#24721999)

Can’t speak for Ego but I love my Makita battery chainsaw. I was on the fence about it, but now I have it, I’m glad I made the leap. You’re obviously not going to spend all day using it as a professional, but for DIY it’s perfect. Does a good job, not too expensive and requires little maintenance.

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Re:Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for dur... by at_a_remove on Wednesday October 07, 2020 @12:43PM (#24710028)

I have been circling around a battery-powered set of lawn tools (mower is the most important) and Ego keeps coming up. I suppose I should bite the bullet.

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Re:Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for dur... by mindslight on Wednesday October 07, 2020 @12:03PM (#24709555)

I used to have a cordless Craftsman drill/light set that I loved, then the batteries inevitably died. I shrugged off cordless tools for years, but recently went back. With Li-ions, it seems that the battery packs should be easily rebuildable.

I've got too many corded tools, so my decision isn't generally choosing between cordless or corded, but rather deciding whether adding a cordless version will help me. My metric is that cordless tools are useful for short jobs where reducing the setup time helps (eg pick up a driver and use it). Corded tools take less maintenance and are adequate for jobs where you're already setting up a work area... which is most things involving a jigsaw. Not having to manage the cord during long cuts would be nice, but doesn't seem like it would make any task significantly easier. Then again if I didn't already have 2+ jigsaws I'd probably feel different.

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Re:Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for dur... by citrusybread on Wednesday October 07, 2020 @01:19PM (#24710459)

porter-cable quality has declined significantly now. it's not the same company it used to be. just in case anyone else is curious.

power tools have changed dramatically in the last 20 years. what was good then is no good now due to greed. Makita has stayed someone consistent as they only have the same brand, same for Bosch, Hitachi and Metabo (although not going forward), but their individual product lines have drifted. eg Bosch jigsaws are still excellent, their circular saws are whatever, some makita impacts have a design flaw, etc.

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