I'm know it's been asked before, but what hammer drill are you guys using. Looking for something cordless and can take a full day of work. Willing to spend the money on something durable.
Also, thoughts on a small circular saw for putting in x-notches. Really like the 6" diamond tip blades.
I agree on the Bosch - it can drill all day into concrete on 1 battery. But, if you need to drill more than 5 or 6 holes into granite, bring an extra battery.
> I agree on the Bosch - it can drill all day into concrete on 1 battery. But, if you need to drill more than 5 or 6 holes into granite, bring an extra battery.
A lot depends on how big a hole you're drilling, too. I burned through a battery drilling about 20 5/8" holes in asphalt pavement.
The battery-powered drills are super handy for a few holes here and there, but nothing's as good as a generator-powered drill if you're doing a lot of big holes in hard material.
I've got a DeWalt Hammer Drill with a SDS chuck that's works great. It's the DC212. It's light and the batteries don't take long to charge on the vehicle charger. I have four batteries that I rotate and generally always have two still on full charge by the end of the day. I also have a DC411 cut-off tool (Looks like a small grinder) that will cut through a rebar, pipe, or make a fast "x" in concrete or rock. They both run on the same 18V batteries. Plus I several other tools for those batteries around the house like circular saw, recip saw, drills, etc.
Gary
A gasoline-powered Pionjar works just dandy, but I haven't been able to pick it up the last 20-25 years, so I gave it to my son in the Marine Corps. The smart a$$ picked it up, case and all, and put it in his pickup without even a grunt.
I think they still make Wackers, probably not Pionjars ...
I myself have a Bosch 36v which I purchased as a reconditioned tool through CPO Outlets.
It looked new, came with a (thin) hard case, charger and 2 batteries. Get a voltage converter to plug the charger in so you can charge a battery while using the second, while contemplating the irony of using the vehicles 12v power to convert it to 110v ac to convert it back to 12v dc with the battery charger.
You can get several bits which should cover most corners you set, plus you can get bull points, chisels, etc which all hook into the SDS chuck. The "orange" DIY store's longest bits are 16", I have not looked elsewhere. I love mine and have never had a problem setting 16" long #4 rebars with it. You can get smaller dia. bits for setting Mag Nails, PKs, etc. in concrete.
I believe the Bernsen monument countersink will work in it also.
Mine did kinda bog down when setting 8"x1/2" lag bolts in landscape timbers (did not pre-drill) for a chicken coop.
We bought a cordless dremel for cutting x's in concrete. It works great, keeps a pretty decent charge, lightweight and takes up very little space in the truck.
Cy
Same here,
Bosch 36V. Awesome in bedrock.
Make sure to get the manufacturer's drill bits. Stay away from the look alike section. I have experienced major difference in performance.
:beer:
Brent-
Young Jim Frame recommended this Makita 5094D a few years ago for cut crosses using a diamond blade.
http://www.makita.ca/index2.php?event=tool&id=33
I used it today and thank him every time I use it !
I noticed here:
http://www.makita.ca/index2.php?event=newaccessorydetailstemp&id=410&catid=3
that there is no listed Makita continuous rim diamond blades apparently but I have a red one by Makita in the saw and it works like a charm (dry without water).
Cheers,
Derek
another yea for Bosch 36v.
I bought one a few years ago at Lowes at Christmas time.
It came with 2 batteries and Bosch was doing a mail-in gift rebate for a 3rd battery.
Good morning Brent
I have an 18 volt Dewalt hammer drill with a couple of batteries and an 18 volt Ridgid hammer drill with 3 batteries. They are great for a couple holes through concrete but I can wear one out if there are more than 3-4 through old hard concrete. I was on a job in Covington and two corners landed in ancient very hard concrete. The client (friend of mine) just happened to buy a Stihl "quickie saw" outside a shady pawn shop. I used it to cut x-notches and I highly recommend that for curb notches and centerline marks. Very quick and clean and not terribly heavy.