Conference unifix::sailing

re .0:

You should ask this question in the WOODWORKING_AND_TOOLS notes 
conference. There has been extensive discussion of cordless drills. One 
of the Makitas (I don't recall the model number) is excellent. I have a 
Milwaukee 0212 (I think) that is also quite good. 

What is really needed for this application is a 12 v charger for the 
drill's batteries. Unfortunately, I haven't seen one advertised. 
Building a charger shouldn't be difficult, though.

    MAKITAS is the one for the handy dandy boathold man. $139.00
    includes Drill(larger model, do not get the smaller they are useless)
    battery,charger and carrying case. Extra battery $40.00 and well
    worth it. Two batteries eliminates the need to charge on board unless
    you will be doing an excessive amount of screwing.

The Makita drills have 12 volt chargers available--both for the 7.2 volt
and the 9.4 volt models.  They make a wide range of models (and prices) of
cordless drills that are well thought of...

Fred

    
    re: .2
    
        I second that vote.  I have the larger MAKITA drill and it is
        without doubt my favorite tool...  I use it everywhere.  
        If you don't get the extra battery you can only expect about
        15 minutes of continuous (loaded) operation, so the extra 
        battery is a good idea.
    
        Once you get one, you'll wonder how you ever got along without
        it!
    
    /Jim
    

    Makita falls into the same category as velcro and duct tape.  Don't
    know how we ever sailed without one.  Go for the large model and extra
    battery.  I think they sense when you don't have the extra and I swear
    it lasts longer when you have the extra ready to go!  Lechemere had a
    good price on mine when I bought it.  Also recommend the Makita
    cordless saber saw.  Almost as many uses.
    
    Dave

An alternative to cordless (ie, internal Ni-Cad batteries) is to use 
a voltage regulator to reduce the 12 volts from the ship's batteries to 
either the 7.2 v or 9.6 v used by the tool. You can then use the ship's 
batteries to run the tool almost indefinitely. Such a regulator would 
require a big series pass transistor, a variable output IC voltage 
regulator, a couple of resistor, some wire, and a heat sink -- all
available at Radio Shack for much less than the cost of a second battery
pack. 

    My only concern is that it might invalidate the warranty.  Other than
    that, I'd love to have that set up.  I'm surprised Makita doesn't make
    a "plug" that goes where the pack would.
    
    Dave

    Thanx for the input gents.The problem arised when I asked the guy in
    the store for the ..larger Makita.He asked back for the model number.
    Could anyone oblidge with that?By the way I saw one at BJ's last night
    for $129.99 but I don't know if it was the larger.
    

    I have a SEARS 3/8 variable speed, reversable.  I concur, I do not
    know how I did anything without it.
    
    I have had it for almost two years...however it is my second unit.
     This first became a single speed unit after 11 months.  It was
    replaced under warranty.  The warranty on SEARS drills is only 12
    months not the lifetime as their hand tools.
    
    Another handy addition is snap in nut drivers and screwdrivers.
     Saves a lot of time changing the working end.  I found that kit
    at SEARS as well.
    
    

    Mike, The Model No. you want is 6012HD. This is a 9.6V drill.
    Stay away from the newer models. They have redesigned the 
    handle and put a molded indentation on the back of the drill
    between the motor and the battery compartment. This new design 
    tends to make the unit weak. The place I do business had 2
    in for repair both the same problem. They were broken between the
    handle and motor. The 60125HD is on sale at Currier Lumber in 
    Amherst N.H. for $119.00 Battery, Case and charger inclueded.
    Sales tax not included.
    Steve

    I also checked and my Makita is the 6012HD as well.  No experience with
    the others, but I love mine.  The 119 price is good.  I think I paid
    129 including the case and charger.
    
    Dave

re: .10 & .11 
    
    >> Mike, The Model No. you want is 6012HD. 
    
    Without a doubt. I am a workworker and this tool has got to be one of
    the better purchases I've ever made. Even aside from all my stationary
    power tools...some tools, as small as they may be, become the favorite.
    
    I've owned the Makita Model 6012HDW for 3+ years. 
      Comes with :
                    	Metal carrying case
    			Charger (1 hr. for full charge)!
      Features :
     			5 Adjustable clucth settings
                        forward & reverse
                        2 speeds (I think its 600 and 1100 RPMs)    

    Don't even hesitate.
    
    /MArk

    Thank you all.Makita 6012HD it is.Now if Uncle Sam hurry up and send
    me my $ 120.....I don't want to pressure Mike D.for the $105 he owes
    me.
    I hear that he doesn't have any money anyway.
    

    
    
    The Makita is the way to go- they had them on sale at Spag's around
    Xmas for 99.95 ( I bought two- both as gifts- I've had one for several
    years)
    
     Go for the extra battery pack NiCad batteries have a "memory"- if you
    use them to only half discharge and charge them up a few times- they
    will start to think they have only half the capacity- let the battery
    run all the way down and then change the packs out- recharge the dead
    one while you use the fresh one and don't charge up until the batteries
    are dead. You'll find the capicity will be maximum and you always have
    a fresh battery. Until I learned this- I was starting to get disgusted-
    the drill went dead almost right after I started using it.
    
     Disharged the battery overnight and recharged it - and way you go-
    
    If you get one of the other portable tools-you alkready have a "spare
    you can use, since the battery packs are interchangeble as long as they
    are the same voltage.  Get the 12v charger as well- recharge tome on
    one of these packs is about an hour.
    
    
     If you want to go "industrial strength"- try a Milwaukee or a SKIL
    12v Battery portable drill- these are real workhorses (with the
    corresponding $)
      The Sears tools in my estimation are light duty, underpowered-
    good for only light duty (although I have a Sears 3/8" el cheapo
    rechargable I use for light work)
       
    I've only used my 3/8" heavy duty 110v drill once since I got the
    makita- that was when I had to drill about 50 3/4" holes in a
    piece of oak 2x4- the long way!(4")
    
    My only complaint about the Makita is the same that my son and my
    son-in law have on theirs- the chuck key is lousy- pick up a spare 
    that fits better at your local hardware store! (american chuck w/
    japanese key-no fit!)
     
    
      
    
    
     
    
     

    I think the Makita 6012HD is a superb tool!  If you are going to
    do a lot of work on-board you might add the 3000D right angle drill.
    When I installed all my electronics this was a necessity inside
    the joinery.  It's a 7.2 volt unit.  I have 12v chargers for both.
    
    Another Boston source is Toolhauz, several sites, I go to Needham.
     They seem to stock everything (including 12 chargers) that Makita
    makes.
    

     For any of you that haven't got that great tool,I got mine last March
     thru the recomendations of this note, and you are looking for one 
     cheap, I saw them last week at BJ's at Westboro  for $ 114.99 with
     battery, charger,box and one bit.I also found out that they sell extra
     batteries,you have to ask at customer service,for $ 27.29
     Happy sailing