Recent discussions about the Fein multi-master got me thinking: What’s the fuss about ONLY $300?
Yes, I say that in jest – partly, anyway. My real point is that I’ve reached the point in my career where it seems every tool I want to buy costs $300. Let’s look at a few:
$250: Many ladders, decent cart, new cordless drill & batteries, basic roto-hammer, mud mixer, skil saw
$400: Spider box, air compressor, Job box, Porta-band, wire lug crimper, chop saw
$600 (or more!): Milwaukee cart, decent small generator, Demolition hammer, concrete saw, Lil’ Giant ‘tower’, trailer, Baker scaffold
$1200 or more: Wire puller, Chicago bender, pipe threading ‘mule,’ golf cart
Let’s face it: Long gone are the days of the $20 visit to the tool store. Part of this is due to inflation; more is simply because I already own all the $20 tools! Now I’m moving into more specialized or complicated stuff.
Then there’s the deceptive nature of tool prices. Sure, you walk out with the tool …. but then spend even more for the necessary bits, blades, and accessories. My $75 Harbor Freight Roto-hammer is in a case with $400 worth of bits and core drills, as an example. There are easily $100 of blades and accessories with my ‘saws-it-all.’ Hole hog? There’s another $200 in bits. I think you get the drift …
Replies
I'm right there with you. I inventoried my tools and found that I have almost $60k, mostly in small hand tools and such under $20. My tool wish list is also long and growing.
I have turned to buying online either reconditioned or gently used through sites like Ebay and Craigslist. I get the best deals on high end tools on Craigslist. Best find was a like new 3Hp Delta Unisaw for $500. Garage sales are hit or miss but I did pickup an Enerpac 10K PSI pump and cylinder for $5 the other day.
Family always asks around christmas/b-day if there is anything I want or need. All I can think of are tools....but I know they are all out of my gifters' price range so I just ask for clamps. Sure beats a shirt I won't wear or a can of popcorn.
DC
I'll bite ---- what's a "spider box" for $400.?
Probably just a local term, but a "spider box" to me is nothing but a couple of junction boxes housing a GFCI outlet and 1 to 5 additional protected duplex outlets attached to the end of a heavy extension cord.
Generally homegrown out of relatively cheap parts - $50 maybe depending on length of cord / additional outlets.
Jim
This is what it means to me:
View Image
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4D572. Closer to $2K than $400.
Now that is snazzy!
JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
It's great for temporary power on big jobs, where the underground service isn't run yet. Our electrician rents them to us when we need them.
I see those for sale around here new for way less than 1k with 100' of cord. Used for about $300-500 with cord.
Best thing about them is you can keep adding more to the system. The 60 amp is a "though" line , just grab another cord and spider and away ya go.
I own 2 boxes and 150' of cord. Just found this online http://ericson.thomasnet.com/viewitems/power-distribution-centers/-series-oscar-temporary-power-distribution-centers?&forward=1 Life is Good
Edited 10/2/2009 5:58 pm by dovetail97128
Hmm, so the $600 per job that our electrician charges us to rent them isn't the great deal he told us it was?....
Lord no! My sparky made me one up for about that much
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Good thing it's been a while since we've had a job big enough to warrant one....
UL approved ?
Here "Home" made ones will get you a pop from the state E. I. and OSHA.
Life is Good
UL?????I was getting a visit from the work comp safety inspector every six months for a while.He stopped and took pictures while complimenting me on how orderly and safe our electrical supply was compared to many he saw. He wanted the pictures to show in class for others to learn from. Good enough answer?Here in Maine, a Master electrician can inspect his own work.
Puzzles me, but that's the way it is.
I do check them on a few items here and there.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
for him it is...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Now you know why I own 2 of them.... But don't feel bad, one company I worked for had 6 of them on a job, charged the owners $100 a month apiece for them + a cord rental fee, 18 month job.
Life is Good
You have the general idea ... just add steroids!
A 'spider box' is a temporary power center. Fed by a really fat cord, one that usually can deliver 60 amps of 240v, it has breakers as well as GFCI protection for multiple outlets. So, there's no worries about a tripped breaker shutting everyone down.
It may, or may not, have twist-lock receptacles. The top usually forms some sort of rain shield over the plugs. The entire assembly looks like it would make the perfect place to set you boot while you tie the laces.
Mike - thx for the pic!
Edited 10/2/2009 11:05 am ET by renosteinke
>>The entire assembly looks like it would make the perfect place to set you boot while you tie the laces.<<
Well shoot, ya' didn't tell me it was multi purpose.......;^)
Never seen such a beast - do understand it's purpose though.
Don't think I'll be needing one anytime soon -- "Well, Mrs. Smith, the first thing I need to do is wire in a 60A outlet so I can plug in my extension cords."
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
here that's also called a turtle...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
That name's a keeper....
I thought it was a crab
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
let's make it all three....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"