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[N356]Northern Power And Tool

by Jake Strong, Jak

You don't have to own a construction business to need or want a power tool or two. They make life much easier, that's for sure. Time is money, right? Whether you're an avid DIYer or just do the occasional job around the house, power tools, at least one, should be in your life. And if you're a DIY enthusiast, they are a must.

For most people, the drill is the first power tool that makes its way in their heart. Some graduate to circular saws or jigsaws. So, what makes a good power tool and is cheaper better or worse in the long run?

First, we need to clarify the language a bit. Often you'll hear that “cheaper” isn't better. Like most people, you probably think this has to do with price, but it doesn't. Inexpensive is just fine. What you don't want is cheap quality. Most of the time this means staying away from anything that isn't brand name. Sure, these low-quality tools that are often extremely inexpensive will work today, but most give out quickly. You'll soon realize that it's costing you more money to buy lower-quality, less inexpensive power tools. It just isn't worth the immediate little savings.

When someone is heading to the hardware or online store to buy their first power tool, they can be ahead of the game by remembering one thing: never, ever skimp when buying power tools.

How much is your safety worth? Lower-quality power tools might be less expensive, but they are also less safe. Yes, all power tools aren't created equal in the safety department. I don't know about you, but my safety is worth much more than a few dollars savings. Again, this is another reason why the small discount isn't worth it.

When buying a power tool try to think of the job at hand and what you're likely to do with it. For instance, if you plan on doing just light jobs, you wouldn't need to buy the industrial-strength drill. However, if you're on the worksite, quality, durability, safety and power count.

In the market for some saws? Before you leap, look at portable jigsaws. They are multi-taskers—get more for your power tool dollar. A jigsaw is able to do the job of many other saws, such as scroll saws, bandsaws and circular saws. It's also more versatile. Take a look at any basic workshop or worksite with a knowledgeable person at the helm and you'll find at least one jigsaw.

From drills and saws to sanders and routers, power tools make projects easier to complete. They also help us do things that look more professionally. As with any job, make sure you always wear the proper safety equipment and operate the power tools according to their manuals. Good-quality power tools are affordable and they can be found at prices that will make you very happy.

I hope you enjoy your power tools as much as I enjoy mine. Remember, buy quality tools for durability, safety and long-term savings. Never, ever skimp when buying power tools and you'll be just fine.

Over the years lots of different types and designs of power tools have come and gone. One of the big questions on lots of people's lips is: ?How much better are modern tools, compared to the ones of say 10 years ago.? In the article I'm hopefully going to answer that question, plus maybe a few others along the way.

Firstly lets compare a classic, the Bosch GST 85 jigsaw with its newer cousin the Bosch GST135. I think it's fair to use Bosch as an example here as they designed the first jigsaw way back in 1947, and they are the first choice for tradesmen all over the world. According to Bosch's website, one in every two jigsaws in use world wide is made by Bosch.

Motor wise the 135 has a much more powerful motor at 720watts compared to the 580watt input of the GST85. However that said the 85 has a faster stroke speed of 3100spm.

So, I hear you ask those number are great, but how far has the jigsaw come since the GST85. Well, perhaps one specification will make it a little clearer. The GST135 can cut through 135 mm of wood. The GST85 only 85mm. Perhaps that's how they get there name.

Ok well what about price. Well the GST135 retails for around ?165, its list price is higher, but as a rule about ?165 is what I'd expect to pay. The GST85 used to retail at around the same price if not more. What that tells me is there aimed at the same price range, but in the modern age of ecommerce the price of tools has come down.

In use the Bosch GST135 feels a lot more powerful and responsive. One specification I often hear about the 135 is it has 25% more torque that the GST85. It shows from the moment you turn the tool on. The newer model also offers the added function of dust extraction, and also the new technology of Constant Electronic. Constant Electronic basically is a clever piece of electronic trickery that boost the power output when under heavy loads.

I'd defiantly conclude in the case of jigsaws the Bosch GST135 is a major step forward over is predecessors, not only in specifications, but in use. If you ever get chance to use one I'm sure you'll agree. Wielding one of these bad boys makes you feel like a true workman. Even Brazilian hard wood will yield easily under will of this Bosch power house.

In summary I suppose it is obvious that power tools get better as technology improves. However is it worth replacing your trusty old tools with the newer versions? That's a harder question to answer. I recommend considering how often you use the particular tool and I suppose it depends on what you use them for.

So Johan I hear you ask ?How much better are modern tools, compared to the ones of say 10 years ago??

In short they are vastly better, but don't get rid of your old tools until you require something better.

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Both Jake Strong & Johan Nickson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Jake Strong has sinced written about articles on various topics from Investing and Trading. For high-quality, but dirt cheap, , click the power tools link. You can find other. Jake Strong's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.

Johan Nickson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Shopping and Gardening. Johan Nickson is an expert on Johan Nickson is an expert on Bosch Jigsaws. .. Johan Nickson's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.