Stationary power tools vs hand held tools

It is not my impression that more people are using hand held power tools now than in the past.

I prefer and mainly use stationary power tools today, but it has taken me 33 years in the hobby to build my shop out. I started with portable power tools as this was all I could afford back by then. Today portable power tools are much more available at the big box stores, and I know its hard to believe, but I know many people that have no idea where to get stationary tools. If you’ve never used them, its hard to select from on-line stores.

-- Don't outsmart your common sense

It’s my impression people are using the the best tool in their collection for the job at hand. Stationary, corded or hand held held.

-- Alaskan's for Global warming!

I would never buy a power tool that’s yellow or green. But I like yellow or green M&M’S.
This is a clear example of me in conflict with myself. :)

Good Luck

-- Aj

I would never buy a power tool that’s yellow or green. But I like yellow or green M&M’S.
This is a clear example of me in conflict with myself. :)

Good Luck

- Aj2

Yellow and green dye may be unhealthy.

While there is no conclusive evidence that food dyes are dangerous for most people. Nevertheless, they may cause allergic reactions in some people and hyperactivity in sensitive children. However, most food dyes are found in unhealthy processed foods that should be avoided anyway.

-- Alaskan's for Global warming!

I would never buy a power tool that’s yellow or green. But I like yellow or green M&M’S.
This is a clear example of me in conflict with myself. :)

Good Luck

- Aj2

My yellow (DeWALT) hand tools shown in the link have been solid performers for my usage.

http://forum.toolsinaction.com/search/?q=wingless&search_in=titles

Because I have bought so many of the Ridgid combo packs over the year for my business I have a endless supply of tools and chargers. The guys all decided that they hate ridgid so I had to replace with Milwaukee sets. The only thing wrong is the batteries wore out and since I have found some cheap replacement batteries on line it is like tools for free. The commercial brushless Milwaukee (not the big box store models) hold up the best IMO. We are pretty rough on them using 1” auger and 6’ long bits. The Dewalts we would trash the main bearings quickly and make them wobbly.

It s my impression people are using the the best tool in their collection for the job at hand. Stationary, corded or hand held held.

- AlaskaGuy

I would swap “best tool” for most appropriate tool, for the situation.

-- Think safe, be safe

It s my impression people are using the the best tool in their collection for the job at hand. Stationary, corded or hand held held.

- AlaskaGuy

I would swap “best tool” for most appropriate tool, for the situation.

- therealSteveN

What’s the difference?

-- Rick M, http://thewoodknack.blogspot.com/

To me best tool has to do with what it cost, or name brand. As in, I have 23 Routers, but this is my best one…..

I use whichever tool I think will offer me the most appropriate end result, even if it was a 50 cent tool, I modified to do something.

Thanks for asking though.

-- Think safe, be safe

I use the best tool, or the most appropriate tool for the job at hand.
Which to the average Joe, means the same thing. Unless you’re a grammar cop. If you are a grammar cop, then AG, you’ve very shamefully used the word “best” in a completely inappropriate context.

What the hell do I know though? I swear like a drunken sailor most of the time. That’s what I like about eff bombs. So many different/appropriate contexts.

I’m such a heathen.

-- “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” – Plato

I use the best tool, or the most appropriate tool for the job at hand.
Which to the average Joe, means the same thing. Unless you re a grammar cop. If you are a grammar cop, then AG, you ve very shamefully used the word “best” in a completely inappropriate context.

What the hell do I know though? I swear like a drunken sailor most of the time. That s what I like about eff bombs. So many different/appropriate contexts.

I m such a heathen.

- Tony_S

Well what can I say? I screwed up bit time. The sliver lining in this cloud is the insight into therealSteveN personality. best: of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality. appropriate: suitable or proper in the circumstances. “a measure appropriate to a wartime economy”

-- Alaskan's for Global warming!

Another aspect: size of material has some significance for me. I don’t want to wrestle a 10’ long plank through a bandsaw to cut a lengthwise curve (as one might do in boatbuilding, for example). Here, a portable tool lets the work rest solidly while you maneuver the tool—providing you have a hand held tool that can handle the plank, such as a powerful jig saw. Panel saws are stationary tools, while track saws are hand held. Both do the same job, more or less, when you are dealing with full panels of plywood.

Small material, say a 1’ long stick that needs to be ripped from 1.5” to 1.25”, is going to be awkward and even dangerous to cut with a handheld circular saw, whereas this is an easy job on a TS or bandsaw with a fence.

Of course these are generalizations, and there are in-between situations. Is a powered miter saw a stationary tool or a handheld tool? Neither, obviously, or both, sort of.

An intricate cut in 1/4” material is easier with a scroll saw (which functionally is a stationary tool) than with a hand held jigsaw.

I have both routers and a shaper. For some jobs the shaper excels, but for others (such as rounding edges on a large table or slab) the router works best.

-- I admit to being an adrenaline junky; fortunately, I'm very easily frightened