DUTCH DESIGN WEEK 2009
PRAGUE DESIGN DAYS 2009
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2009
GIZMODO GALLERY 2009
EUROBIKE 2009
MAKER FAIRE AFRICA
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR
ISTANBUL DESIGN WEEKEND 2009
BAUHAUS SUMMER SCHOOL 2009
One of the worst parts of graduating from ID school was no longer having access to the shop; it takes us grads years to build up a power tool supply that will sadly never live up to the copious tool room at the good ol' alma mater.
This post is for those of you in the tool-acquiring process. When buying a power tool, we highly recommend these two pieces of advice:
1) Always read the online reviews. Angry contractors who bought bum tools are prolific writers, and you may sometimes learn you don't even need the tool--one reviewer, for example, had this to say about the T-Jak (a device for the lone worker that holds cabinets into place so you can screw them into the wall): "It's no wonder they only sell this thing online and not in stores--if you saw one up close, you'd realize you could build it yourself with standard threaded pipe and a $3 coupler."
2) Go to your local big-box hardware store, look for the empty spaces on the shelves, and find out what was on them. Whatever a big-box retailer cannot keep in stock is usually a best-selling tool, and the big-boxes see traffic from pro contractors and DIY-ers alike. Also, the big-boxes will often have discounts that can't even be had online.
With these tips we recently came across a great bargain and superlative set of tools, Makita's LCT200W kit, which contains an 18-volt impact driver and drill (both cordless), two batteries and a rapid charger--all for a measly US $269. (Note that the same Makita impact driver alone can go for up to $280.) Happy hunting, folks, and if you've got some tool-buying tips of your own, or recommendations for tools you particularly love, please share!
Dutch Design Week
Prague Design Days
1 Hour Design Challenge Winners!
Coroflot Salary Survey Results
Comments
Great post, I had a similar deal from makita a couple years ago. One thing to note though is that the makita you are buying is the chinese version (the one pictured), not the japanese version. There is a huge quality difference between the two.
Yeah, reading reviews are good, but also to know your brands is good as well, some brands like craftsman and Rigid, get other sweet brands tools and just repackage them. Like many of craftsman (sears) tools happen to be Porter cable, and after repackaged sell cheaper. And in the past Rigid has picked up awesome brands like Metabo and repackaged their products for the american market, it's good to research for these reviews, since Metabo has a 3 year warranty usu. on there tools and the repackaging might save you some dollars since it's german made. I wouldn't always go on the big box rule that is stated, just cause again Brands like RYOBI, might be sold out and sure you could save some bucks buying it, the tools are usu. skimped on a bit in there durability. And of course there is always the almightly Festool which rules all but it's like buying an SLR camera each time you want a tool, thought they will be spot on with functionality. Have fun shopping!
Go to Harbour Freight.
18 volt impact 29.99 battery and charger
18 volt drill 14.99 battery and charger
unless you use it like a pro (4 to 5 hours a day 5 days a week) save your self some money. I use mine a couple of times a week. Had them for 3 years.