The $29.95 angle drill continued

robo hippy · 2006-05-08T05:59:24+00:00

If you have followed for a while, I got a cheap Sioux/Milwaukee angle drill clone last fall. I did an abuse test on it to see how good or bad it really was. It wore out in less than 2 months, and I did abuse it. The failure was due to the casing around the drill shaft wearing out, not the bearings as I thought. If there was metal or other support around the shaft, it would have lasted longer. I had a few friends who got them also, and although I haven't heard of any wearing out, there were some problems with the trigger failing. They were under warrenty, were returned, and replaced. The next part of the story is that I next set out to wear out a Milwaukee drill. It was brand new, and I put it to work as soon as the cheap one died. The Milwaukee died on Friday. Bearings I think. This is about a 6 month life span in my shop, which for most other people will mean a year or five. I run 3 inch discs on it, I blow it out regularly, I put in some 8 hour sanding days ( yes, I do put some things off too long and then need to work overtime to catch up). Oh yes, it is the slow speed model. $150 for 6 months vs $30 times 4 (I am figuring 1 1/2 months life) is $120 for the same time span. The cheap one may be the better deal. robo hippy

May 08, 2006 27 Replies

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robo hippy 20 years ago

I buy my sanding paper from Klingspoor, in 12 inch wide strips, and then cut my own discs (slightly larger than the ones you order). If there is sand getting in, then it is minimal. I have had maybe 10 rebuilds on three of the four electric drills that I own, the Milwaukee was brand new. The angle grinders just look too bulky. When I take the next drills in to be repaired, I will ask about double sealed bearings, and see if that makes a difference, or if that is what they have been putting in all along. robo hippy

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nailshooter41 20 years ago

I hope you let us know here. That could be a nice piece of info to keep in the back of your mind until bearing time came up.

Robert

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Derek Hartzell 20 years ago

Couldn't you use a regulator?

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Owen Lowe 20 years ago

Just popped open my M/S to see what kind of bearings are in there... WOW, it never occurred to me there are 3 pairs. One pair for the chuck shaft, one for the intermediate shaft between the chuck shaft and the armature shaft, and the armature which has the last pair. Most are relatively small - maybe 5/8" outside diameter (the chuck shaft pair is larger - maybe 3/4") - and appear to be shielded *only* - not sealed. The difference in replacement cost of sealed vs. shielded would be quite minimal, about 40 or 50 cents more per bearing.

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Owen Lowe 20 years ago

You know, that's really not a bad idea - AAMOF, it's a really good idea. Let's say one commonly uses 5 grits - 120, 180, 220, 320, 400. By having

5 cheap sanders @ $30 each, you're laying out the same cash as for the M/S, gain a lot of convenience and also extend your 1.5 month cheapie tool life by 5 times or more if the failures are a factor of long run times and heat buildup.

I just may have to look into this myself and dedicate my M/S to the drilling tasks it's made for.

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mac davis 20 years ago

See... further proof that great minds think alike, Owen.. *g*

The downside is having several mandrels, but since I go through them pretty quickly, the overall cost would be the same, because each one would be used less per bowl.. *g*

I use 2 sanders right now because it's a hassle changing back and forth from 3" to 2" H&L pads..

Mac

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Owen Lowe 20 years ago

Well, now you've just upped the quantity of cheapie drills needed to 10!

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mac davis 20 years ago

And doubles the size of the shop/shelf/rack required.. *rofl*

The shop would look like a brew pub with funny red tapper handles.. Mac

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